We chose to fly into Athens to avoid Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport at all costs. Paris has lost much of its charm for us lately, and its airport remains one of the worst we’ve experienced. Barcelona was once our preferred alternative, but it too is declining. So Athens it was — and we couldn’t have been happier. Having fallen in love with the city last September, we were excited to return.

We landed mid-morning and planned to take the metro to our apartment near the Plaka. As we walked through the airport with our bags, a sharp pain suddenly hit my foot.

“My foot is really hurting,” I told AP. “I’m struggling to walk.”

He glanced up from checking the train schedule. “Hmm.” Then, without warning, he snapped into action: “Quick! Run! If we don’t hurry we’ll miss the train and have to wait forever!”

And off he went at a jog. Despite the pain, I had no choice but to hobble-run after him with my heavy pack — across the sky bridge, down multiple flights of stairs, and leaping onto the train just as the doors closed.

An hour later we arrived at the Acropolis metro stop. Our apartment was only 200 metres away, and the moment we stepped inside we knew we had chosen perfectly. It was spacious, comfortable, and beautifully located — close enough to the Plaka and Acropolis for convenience, yet tucked away enough to be peaceful.

Our days in Athens were wonderfully relaxed. Mornings started with excellent coffee at Vanilla (Erechthiou 2), which had become our regular spot. Evenings were spent at Sfika (Str. Kontouli 15), our favourite taverna serving authentic, delicious Greek food.

The weather was ideal — clear blue skies and mild temperatures. On our second day we visited the Acropolis. Unlike our previous summer visit when it was packed with tourists, this time on a bright winter day there were only a handful of people. It felt magical wandering the ancient site in relative peace, admiring the Parthenon and enjoying the sweeping views over Athens.

The rest of our time was spent strolling through historic neighbourhoods, enjoying long lunches and dinners, and simply savouring the joy of being back in a city we truly love.

All too soon it was time to head to the airport for our EasyJet flight to Bordeaux. That evening we checked into the Mercure Hotel opposite the station and had a wonderful dinner at Bouillon Saint-Jean — classic French food in a beautiful old-world setting.