Driving into central Athens? You probably already know that street parking around Victoria Square is — to put it mildly — a sport for locals only. The good news: there is a clean, well-run private parking garage just steps from our front door, and that is the option we recommend to every guest who arrives by car.
This guide tells you exactly where to go, what to expect to pay, what fits and what doesn't, and what your alternatives are if you turn up in something larger than a regular car.
Where it is
The garage is on the same block as the apartment building. Once you're on Ioulianou street, you're basically there.
- Address: a private garage 1 minute on foot from Ioulianou 50, Athens 104 34.
- Best route in: enter the city via Patission (28is Oktovriou) or Acharnon, then turn into Ioulianou. The garage entrance is clearly marked with a barrier.
Pricing
The published rate is around €13 per 24 hours. The exact price can vary slightly with the length of your stay and the season — this is an independent, family-run business and we cannot negotiate on your behalf.
What you get for that price:
- Indoor, covered parking — protected from sun, rain and the very real danger of a scratched bumper on a narrow Athens lane.
- Attended garage with a manned booth and a controlled barrier.
- 24-hour access — drive in or out whenever you need to.
- Walking distance to the apartment, so you don't need to plan your day around the car.
💡 Tip: If you're staying for several nights, ask the attendant on arrival about a multi-day rate — they sometimes offer a small discount that isn't advertised.
Important — vans don't fit
The garage uses an elevator to move cars between levels, which means there are firm limits on vehicle height and length. Most regular cars (sedans, hatchbacks, compact SUVs) are completely fine. Vans, large pickups, motorhomes and tall roof boxes will not fit.
If you're still in the rental booking stage and you plan to stay near Ioulianou, our honest recommendation is simple: avoid renting a van. Most central Athens garages have similar size limits, and you'll spend half your trip looking for somewhere to leave it.
When to use it
For overnight stays, the garage is by far the easiest option. For short stops (loading or unloading luggage, an airport pickup, a quick errand), keep these in mind:
- Arrival day: pull up to the garage first, leave the car, then walk to the apartment — Ioulianou is a one-way narrow street and double-parking with luggage is stressful.
- Day trips (Sounio, Delphi, Meteora, the Peloponnese): leave the car in the garage the night before, pick it up in the morning, drive out before rush hour (07:00–09:30 are the worst).
- Returning the rental: most companies have a depot near the airport — give yourself extra time, central-Athens traffic is unpredictable.
What about street parking?
Honest answer: don't. Around Victoria Square the streets are narrow, parking is permit-only for residents in many spots, and the few legal pay-and-display zones fill up early. You will spend more in time and stress than the €13/day garage costs.
If you absolutely have to park briefly on the street to drop off bags, hazard lights on, do it quickly, and never block a doorway or a garage entrance — Athens is strict about it.
Don't need a car at all?
Most guests don't. Ioulianou 50 is a 3-minute walk from Victoria metro station (Line 1, green) and 7 minutes from Larissa Station with the suburban airport line and Metro Line 2. From either you can be at the Acropolis, Plaka, Monastiraki or the airport without ever seeing a steering wheel.
Frequently asked
Can I book the parking space in advance?
Generally not in writing — the garage operates on a first-come, first-served basis. In practice they almost always have space, and we have never had a guest turned away. If you're arriving very late, message us a few hours ahead and we can give them a heads-up.
Do I pay the apartment or the garage?
You pay the garage directly, in cash or by card. It is a separate, independent business — we recommend it because it's the closest, safest and best-run option in the area, but we don't handle the payment.
Is it safe to leave luggage in the car overnight?
The garage is enclosed and supervised, so yes — safer than most underground garages we know of in central Athens. That said, valuables (laptops, cameras, passports) should always come up to the apartment with you.
Are electric chargers available?
Not on-site at the moment. There are public chargers within a 5-minute drive — ask us when you arrive and we'll point you to the closest one with available kW.
What if I have a really small budget?
If €13/day genuinely doesn't work for you, the metro is your friend — Victoria station is 3 minutes away. You could also drop the rental at the airport on day 1 and pick it up only on the morning of a day-trip.
Ready to park?
Tap below to open the garage location in Google Maps. Once you're close, the entrance barrier is hard to miss — and the attendant will help you slot in.