Itinerary Summary
The trip opens in Athens with three days of shopping: the Sunday Monastiraki flea market for antiques, leather sandals and evil-eye jewellery, Ermou Street for high-street brands, and the gold distric…
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Athens arrival and a first browse through Plaka
14:00
2.5h
Metro from the airport to Plaka
Take Metro Line 3 into the centre and walk into Plaka to check in, keeping luggage close on the crowded train. A three-day ticket covers the airport run and all city transport.
📍 Athens International Airport to Syntagma
17:00
1.5h
Souvenir and craft browsing in Plaka
Browse the souvenir shops for evil-eye charms, olive-wood bowls and leather sandals, comparing prices before buying. Ask for a receipt with the shop's tax number if you plan a tax-free claim.
📍 Plaka, Athens
💡 Pro Tip: Athens metro runs from the airport to Syntagma in about 40 minutes, and the station lifts make luggage easy. Greece is UTC+2 (UTC+3 from late March to late October) and entry rules depend on your passport, so check the Greece visa section. Shops in Plaka stay open until late; keep receipts for tax-free refunds on purchases above the minimum spend.
Days 2-5 are member-only
Members get the complete day-by-day plan with timing, transport and on-the-ground tips.
Budget Breakdown
AccommodationUS$44035%
Central mid-range hotels, 4 nights
Food & DiningUS$25020%
Taverna and café meals
Remaining cost categories are member-only
Members see the full breakdown for flights, hotels, food, tickets and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Monastiraki flea market in Athens open for antiques and leather?+
Sunday is the main flea market day, when the streets around Monastiraki and Avyssinias Square fill with antiques, leather sandals and second-hand goods. Weekday trading is smaller and more tourist-focused. Arrive in the morning for the best choice, and bargain politely on antiques.
Can non-EU visitors claim a tax refund on shopping in Greece?+
Greece offers VAT refunds to non-EU residents on qualifying purchases, but there is a minimum spend per shop and paperwork requirements. Carry your passport when buying, request the refund forms, and get customs validation at your last EU departure point before checking bags. Confirm current rules before you shop.
What is the best time to shop in Athens and Mykonos without heavy crowds?+
April to June and September to October keep every shop open while avoiding the July-August crush in Mykonos' Little Venice lanes. Greek sale periods usually fall in midwinter and midsummer. Weekday mornings in Athens are calmer than Saturday afternoons on Ermou Street.
What budget should I plan for a 5-day Athens and Mykonos shopping trip?+
The comfort budget is about $1,050-1,500 (roughly €910-1,300) per person excluding international flights and shopping itself. That covers hotels, the high-speed ferry or flight to Mykonos and meals. Set a separate spending limit, since luxury boutiques and gold jewellery sit outside this figure.
Attractions in This Guide
Guide at a Glance
- Duration: 5 days
- Budget: Comfort · approx. $1,050–1,500 (≈ €910–1,300), excl. int'l flights & shopping
- Difficulty: easy
- Best for: Shopping
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