Temple of Poseidon at Sounio. Built in the 5th century BC and dedicated to Poseidon — one of the great monuments of the Golden Age of Athens. The temple sits above the beach on a mountain with breathtaking views and a magical sunset. Combine it with a dip nearby, coffee at Cape Sounio Resort, or a bite at Taverna Syrtaki.

Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center. A cultural complex in the bay of Faliro overlooking the sea — home to the Greek National Library, the National Opera House, and a large park where concerts and film screenings often take place (364 Syngrou Avenue, snfcc.org).

You don't have to get on a ferry to the islands to enjoy the sea — some of the best beaches are on the southern coast, an easy hop from your hotel.

• Astir Beach — a long, serviced sandy beach in Vouliagmeni. Try Nice'n'Easy for lunch.
• Krabo — Mykonian vibes in a small cove; full-service sunbeds and Mediterranean lunch under the pergola (reserve ahead!).
• Beach House Project — a small beach with a bar near Island Club, about 5 min from Vouliagmeni.
• Aegeon Beach Hotel at Sounion — high-quality sea with the Temple of Poseidon overhead.
• Grand Resort Lagonissi — a full beach experience with restaurant and bar.
• Wilder options toward Sounion: Niriides, Limanakia, Skalakia Agias Marinas — bring everything you need.
• Vouliagmeni Lake — a rare geological formation next to the sea, saltwater fed by underground currents through the mountain.

A local favourite in early summer — open-air cinemas around Vouliagmeni: Akti (Thisseos & Aiolou, Vouliagmeni), Ria (8 Afroditis, Varkiza), Galazia Akti (110 Galazia Aktis, Lagonisi).

Since you're staying near the coast, this is a great chance to taste some local seafood. Below are our favourites for Greek (traditional or with a twist) and international food near the hotels and wedding venue.

Enjoy some suburban shopping by the sea in Glyfada — the "Miami" of Athens. The vibrant Metaxa street is a foolproof market offering everything from high-end boutiques to organic delicatessens; look for Soho-Soho, Enny di Monaco, Zilly, and Eponymo Via Kyprou. When you're done, head for lunch, coffee, or ice cream to one of the many spots on Konstantinoupoleos street.

The Acropolis is Greece's architectural and historic landmark. You can take a guided tour or wander alone — in June it's best to visit early or late in the day to avoid the heat and sun.

Don't miss the Acropolis Museum, one of the best in the world — a sanctuary for artefacts found in and around the Acropolis, reconstructing how the Parthenon sculptures once looked to ancient Athenians. Stop for coffee or lunch at the Museum Café (15 Dionysiou Areopagitou). theacropolismuseum.gr

Take a walking tour of the historic city centre. From Monastiraki Square, visit the Ancient Agora and its beautifully preserved Temple of Hephaestus and the impressive Stoa of Attalos. Wander into Plaka — narrow streets, neoclassical buildings, small cafés, tavernas, and ancient ruins in every corner (make a stop for coffee at the beloved Yasemi café). Then climb Lycabettus for the panoramic view, and walk to the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Panathenaic Stadium (Kallimarmaro), home of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 and the only stadium in the world built entirely out of marble (open 8:00 am – 7:00 pm, last ticket at 6:30 pm).

The central neighbourhood of Kolonaki is one of the oldest districts in Athens — a must if you love to shop or just want to sit and people-watch with a frappé. Art galleries, luxury brands and hip boutiques zig-zag off Patriarhou Ioakim, Skoufa, and Kanari streets.

On Voukourestiou street, just off Kolonaki and the Grande Bretagne hotel, you'll find designer boutiques, jewellery and watch shops, plus plenty of coffee and food spots — with the Attica shopping mall at the end.

The Greek Islands. Late May / early June is a perfect time to combine Athens with a visit to one (or many!) of the islands. There are more than 200 to choose from — this Condé Nast Traveller guide can help. If you only have a few extra days, Spetses, Hydra, Egina, and Kea (Tzia) are close to Athens and perfect even for a one-night stay. Try to plan ahead — summer gets busy.