Travel
West London to Greece: Destination Guide
Considering a Grecian holiday? If you’re looking to travel from West London to Greece, our travel guide outlines everything you need to know for that perfect, majestic getaway.
Spring is just around the corner! And with that, we can look forward to longer, brighter and warmer days. Plenty of holidays are coming up over the next few months, from the Easter school holidays to the May half-term and the much-anticipated coronation.
London is a melting pot of cuisines and cultures, and you may be surprised to learn that West London has some of the best Greek restaurants in the city. Whether you’re looking for a cosy taverna serving mezze and souvlaki or a sophisticated take on seafood and fresh salads, neighbourhoods such as Notting Hill and Kensington have a huge variety to choose from.
If you’re keen to book an Easter getaway or combine a historic visit to the coronation with a European holiday, Greece could be the perfect destination to consider. Located on the stunning Mediterranean coast, Greece has almost everything you could want – so much in fact, that it can be hard to know exactly where to go!
From the ancient and historic capital of Athens to elegant islands such as Mykonos and Santorini, family-friendly spots like Crete and Rhodes and lesser-known hideaways like Naxos, wherever you go you can be certain of delicious food, fascinating history and breathtaking sunsets over the ocean.
How to get to Greece from West London
The great thing about Greece is that there are direct flights from many London airports, including Heathrow. The simplest way to reach the airport is to catch the Piccadilly Line from Earl’s Court or the Gatwick Express from Victoria.
Starting from around £70 to Athens, and around £100 to Mykonos, Rhodes and Zakynthos, flights to the capital and any of the other islands take 4 hours at most. Wake up in buzzing London and by the time evening comes, you’ll be sipping Greek wine by the pool.
Travelling from a West London property
First things first, ensure you have everything you might need to be packed for your trip! Luckily, our apartments are a stone’s throw from the best shopping in the city, whether you want to browse Harrods for a sun hat or head to Oxford Street for a swimsuit.
If you have an early or late flight, double-check the schedules for public transport. For a stress-free way to start your trip, you can book an airport transfer with Nestor so you’ll be at your gate in plenty of time.
Similarly, if you’re in a rush or have a flight at an awkward time, we offer an easy-to-use QR code so that you can order a quick breakfast before you leave. Our properties are ideal for a central stay in London if you’re heading on a spring break, within walking distance to the best attractions and restaurants, while still having quick airport access.
We have a collection of diverse properties ready to welcome you, from comfortable and chic stays in Kensington at The Carlyle to stylish Kensington studios at The Knaresborough to unique hotel rooms in the boutique Warwick hotel in London Victoria.
What to do in Greece
Get your historical fix in Athens
For history buffs, there is arguably no better place than Athens. The Greek capital is brimming with ancient ruins, temples, churches and legendary sights. This makes it a perfect start to any Greek holiday, so take a few days to immerse yourself in the country’s history.
One of the city’s most famous sights is the Acropolis, which also contains the stunning Parthenon and Temple of Athena, which can take up to half a day to explore. Afterwards, head to the jaw-dropping Panathenaic Stadium, a resurrected version of the original Olympic Games stadium which was built in the 2nd Century. Make sure not to miss the birthplace of performance, the Theatre of Dionysus, which was the first-ever theatre in the world.
At the end of a long day, head up the beautiful Mount Lycabettus by cable car (or on foot if you still have the energy!) for endless sunset views over the city, before strolling through the pretty Psiri neighbourhood, where the Greek state was founded, which is now home to the best bars and restaurants in the city.
Soak up the sun in Crete or Mykonos
Greece has so many islands to choose from, but if you’ve never been before, sticking with well-known ones means you can’t go wrong and will have a great selection of accommodation, food and sightseeing options to choose from.
Crete is the biggest Greek island, complete with impossibly blue waters and sandy beaches. The size and large population here mean it has come out on top as a family-friendly destination. The island has so many beaches to choose from, you could visit one every day.
Try Elanfonisi for fewer tourists and pretty pink-tinged sand, Vaï is home to plentiful resorts but has plenty of space for everyone, and for soft sand that’s close to civilisation, Pahia Ammos lies in front of the local town of Paleohora.
Mykonos is one of the most famous Greek islands and can be expensive, but for a special occasion or to splash out it’s ideal. Although sun loungers and beachside drinks can be pricey, spending the day on the sand is also a great way to save a little money and there is a multitude to choose from.
For diving, surfing, snorkelling and more, Kalafatis is an excellent choice, while Ornos is the most family-friendly, being closest to Mykonos town with tonnes of restaurants and bars. For ultimate peace, take a short boat ride to Rhenia Beach, which has soft white sand and very few visitors.
Sample authentic Greek cooking
No matter where in Greece you’re headed, you’ll discover some of the freshest, tastiest food in the world. Greek cuisine reflects its coastal location and includes fresh seafood, salads, citrus fruits and locally made cheeses, not to mention a plethora of crisp wines.
A mezze is a spread of many different small Greek dishes, so make sure to order one that includes dishes like taramasalata, tzatziki, dolmades (rice-stuffed vine leaves) and calamari.
While exploring the streets of Athens, street food is the way to go. Opt for spanakopita (flaky pastry filled with feta and spinach), gyros – warm pitta filled with salad, grilled meat and tzatziki, and falafel wraps.
On the Greek islands, fresh salad, line-caught fish and moussaka are the most common meals. Moussaka is a delicious dish of lamb, tomatoes and aubergine layered with cheese.
By the sea, grilled mullet, calamari, octopus and whitebait served with a large Greek salad of leaves, feta, olives and tomatoes is healthy and delicious. For dessert, try a delectably sweet and flaky baklava paired with a glass of white wine or a shot of traditional aniseed-flavoured Ouzo.
Have a browse and book a Nestor property for your upcoming adventure!