Europe - More time on Santorini or half day in Athens?

My fiance and I are spending part of our August honeymoon in Santorini. We have 5 nights there, and are planning to spend a Sunday night in Athens before our 9am flight Monday morning from Athens to return to the US. Should we spend Sunday afternoon in Athens to do some sightseeing, or will it be too hot/humid and we should just take a late flight in? Also, any recommendations on hotels? I have half a mind to stay very close to the airport, but I feel like it's almost a waste not to at least see somewhere in Athens, since neither of us has been there before. Thanks in advance for any advice!

Athens without a shadow of doubt. Wonderful city.

One of the cradles of civilisation

Take a morning flight to ATH and walk around Plaka/Monasteraki and visit the Acropolis. Gives you an additional different view of Greece.

If you want to avoid getting up very early on Monday morning, you could stay at the airport Sofitel (at the terminal). Leave your luggage there before going downtown and take a taxi back at night after you have eaten in a typical taverna.

Thanks for the advice! My biggest concern is that the weather would not be very conducive for sightseeing in Athens.

I was thinking we would just stay at the airport if we flew in late--I don't know why I didn't think of staying at the airport hotel even if we went into the city. I always feel like it's not the full experience if you stay at the airport!

Athens is one of my least favourite cities. Nevertheless, I'd spend a day (or half day, depending on flight schedules) in the city to sightsee at the Arcopolis and stroll around the Plaka area.

If you do visit the Arcopolis take shoes with good thread, it is very slippery when walking on the badly worn marble. I don't know if things have improved as I was in Athens some years ago and have avoided returning.

If you do visit the Arcopolis take shoes with good thread, it is very slippery when walking on the badly worn marble. I don't know if things have improved as I was in Athens some years ago and have avoided returning.

Good advice. I was there last week and many spots are still as slippery as ice.
Also, the pickpocketing situaton seems to have worsened (especially on the Metro), so be especially vigilant. If your budget allows it, I would recommend skipping the Metro altogether and taking taxis only.

If your budget allows it, I would recommend skipping the Metro altogether and taking taxis only.

I'm sure my fiance wouldn't have it any other way. Public transit on vacation? He thinks not!

Thanks for all the wonderful advice! Will definitely take some good treaded shoes!