We'll be in Athens in early July. What is the best time to visit the acropolis for least crowds and best light for photography. First thing when it opens or late in the afternoon? I'd go twice but it doesn't look like the ticket allows you to re-enter. Also, different sites and guidebooks have different opening hours. One says 8:30- 19:30 except doesn't open till 11:00 on Mondays. Is that correct? If we went at the end of the day how long should we allow, would getting there at 17:30 be enough time?
Also, we'll be there close to the full moon (July 7) but I only see references to the full moon in August when it's open late. Is it correct that this occurs only in August, not July?
Thanks. Any other tips for Athens?
Athens - What is the best time to visit the acropolis
Recent Activity
View all Europe activity »
- 1 Accommodation in Lauterbrunnen
- 2 Am I in an unsafe Parisian neighborhood?
- 3
A bit of Scotland, wing mirror casualty, 7 days in London, and a Fodors GTG
- 4 Tour company in Toledo
- 5
3 Weeks w/ 6 year old in UK (The Trip)
- 6 Travel with 13 Month Old
- 7 France Cities for a 14 Day Winter Trip?
- 8 What is the best travel/tour agency to use for escorted trips abroad?
- 9 The Adventure Begins.. Sarge56 in Italy
- 10 Piazza della Liberta -Florence
- 11 Venice Hotel near Cruise Terminal
- 12 Berne or Montreux, I can't decide
- 13 Should We Do Segovia With only 2 1/2 Days in Madrid?
- 14 Venice at Christmas?
- 15 Cuenca or Toledo
- 16 Hot Air Balloon crash in Cappadocia kills two, injures twenty-three
- 17 First Timer - Itinerary Help - Europe tour for 22 days
- 18 1st, 6th or 7th in Paris
- 19 How to get from Nice to Cinque Terre by train
- 20 Bruges B&Bs
- 21 Best area to visit in Switzerland during October first or second week
- 22 What is the best food in France?
- 23 San Remo Italy to Paris
- 24 Trenitalia
- 25 Cell Phone for Italy travel


Hi,
I know nothing about photography, but the sun sets very late in the summer in Greece. Therefore full moon or not, if the Parthenon closes at 19:30, it could still be light out and not the full moon affect you might be seeking. You might be able to get a good full moon shot from afar. Two hours is a nice amount of time. I would not want less time if this is your first visit.
Good luck,
Yipper
We went to see the Parthenon yesterday at 5:00pm and the crowds were minimal and the heat was subsiding. Be cafeful on the slipperly marble at the top.
Laurie
Early morning is usually better for crowds and weather. But I thought the best photo ops were in late afternoon/early evening.