Athens (ATH) Greece - Flights, Hotels, Activities

About Athens

Athens, the capital city of Greece, is one of the oldest cities in the world with a recorded history spanning over 3,400 years. It is known for its ancient landmarks, including the iconic Acropolis, as well as its vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality.

Visitors to Athens can explore historic sites such as the Parthenon, Acropolis Museum, and Ancient Agora. The city also offers a bustling nightlife, charming neighborhoods, and beautiful beaches along the Athenian Riviera.

Athens International Airport (ATH) serves as the primary gateway to the city, connecting it to destinations around the world. Public transportation in Athens includes an extensive metro system, buses, trams, and taxis, making it easy to navigate the city.

Popular Attractions in Athens

Transportation in Athens

Athens offers various transportation options for getting around the city:

Metro: Athens Metro is efficient and connects major landmarks and neighborhoods.
Buses: Public buses cover most areas of the city and are an affordable way to travel.
Trams: Trams provide service along the coastal areas, offering scenic views.
Taxis: Taxis are widely available and can be hailed on the street or booked through apps.
Rental Cars: Car rentals are available for those who prefer to explore at their own pace.
Walking: Many areas in Athens are pedestrian-friendly, allowing visitors to explore on foot.

Cuisine in Athens

Athens offers a diverse culinary scene with a variety of delicious dishes to try:

Souvlaki: Grilled skewers of meat, often served with pita bread and tzatziki.
Moussaka: A traditional Greek dish made with layers of eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce.
Greek Salad: A refreshing salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, and feta cheese.
Pita Gyros: Sliced meat (usually pork or chicken) wrapped in a pita bread with tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki.
Spanakopita: A savory pastry filled with spinach, feta cheese, and herbs.
Baklava: A sweet dessert pastry made with layers of filo, nuts, and honey.

Nightlife in Athens

Athens has a vibrant nightlife scene with something for everyone:

Plaka: This historic neighborhood is home to numerous bars, tavernas, and live music venues.
Gazi: Formerly an industrial area, Gazi is now a hub for nightlife, with clubs, bars, and restaurants.
Psirri: Psirri is known for its hip bars and trendy clubs, popular among locals and tourists alike.
Kolonaki: This upscale area offers elegant cocktail bars and rooftop lounges with stunning views of the city.
Exarchia: Exarchia is known for its alternative scene, with underground bars and live music venues.

Shopping in Athens

Athens offers a wide range of shopping opportunities, from traditional markets to designer boutiques:

Monastiraki Flea Market: This bustling market is a treasure trove of souvenirs, antiques, and handmade crafts.
Ermou Street: Ermou Street is Athens' main shopping street, lined with international brands, department stores, and local shops.
Kolonaki: Kolonaki is known for its high-end boutiques and designer stores, offering luxury fashion and accessories.
Plaka: Plaka is home to charming shops selling traditional Greek products, such as olive oil, honey, and local artwork.
Central Market: The Central Market, or Varvakios Agora, is the place to go for fresh produce, seafood, meat, and spices.

Accommodation in Athens

Athens offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference:

Hotels: From luxury resorts to boutique hotels and budget-friendly options, Athens has a variety of hotels to choose from.
Apartments: Renting an apartment is a great option for families or groups, offering more space and flexibility.
Hostels: Budget travelers can stay in hostels, which offer affordable dormitory-style accommodation and a social atmosphere.
Vacation Rentals: Vacation rentals, such as villas or holiday homes, provide a home-away-from-home experience with amenities like kitchens and private pools.
Boutique Hotels: Boutique hotels offer personalized service, stylish décor, and unique amenities for a memorable stay.

Events in Athens

Athens hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year:

Athens Epidaurus Festival: This annual arts festival features theater, music, and dance performances at ancient and modern venues across Athens and Epidaurus.
Athens Marathon: The Athens Marathon is one of the most historic marathons in the world, following the route taken by the legendary messenger Pheidippides in 490 BC.
Rockwave Festival: Rockwave Festival is a popular music festival held annually in Athens, featuring local and international artists across multiple stages.
Greek Independence Day: Celebrated on March 25th, Greek Independence Day is marked with parades, concerts, and cultural events throughout Athens.
Athens Street Food Festival: This gastronomic event celebrates street food from around the world, with food trucks, live music, and cooking demonstrations.

Tours in Athens

Explore Athens and its surroundings with guided tours and excursions:

Acropolis Guided Tour: Discover the history and mythology of the Acropolis with a knowledgeable guide, including the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and Propylaea.
Food Tour: Sample traditional Greek cuisine on a food tour of Athens, visiting local markets, tavernas, and bakeries.
City Sightseeing Tour: See the highlights of Athens on a hop-on-hop-off bus tour, with stops at major attractions like Syntagma Square, the National Archaeological Museum, and the Panathenaic Stadium.
Day Trip to Delphi: Take a day trip to Delphi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the ruins of the ancient sanctuary of Apollo, home to the Oracle of Delphi and the Temple of Apollo.

Connecting Flights from Athens

Athens International Airport offers connecting flights to various destinations worldwide. Some popular connecting routes include:

Athens to Istanbul (IST): Connecting flights to Istanbul provide access to Europe and Asia.
Athens to Rome (FCO): Flights connecting to Rome offer access to Italy and other European destinations.
Athens to London (LHR): Connecting flights to London provide access to the United Kingdom and beyond.
Athens to Dubai (DXB): Flights connecting to Dubai offer access to the Middle East, Asia, and beyond.
Athens to New York (JFK): Connecting flights to New York provide access to the United States and beyond.

Best Day to Book Flights to Athens

To find the best deals on flights to Athens, it's generally recommended to book your tickets on weekdays, with Tuesday and Wednesday often cited as the best days. Prices tend to be lower mid-week compared to weekends when demand is higher. Additionally, booking your flight well in advance, typically 2-3 months before your planned travel date, can also help you secure better rates. Monitoring airfare trends and setting up price alerts can be beneficial in snagging the best deals.

Day Trips from Athens

Explore the surrounding areas with day trips from Athens:

Cape Sounion: Visit Cape Sounion to see the Temple of Poseidon, perched on a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea.
Corinth: Discover the ancient city of Corinth, known for its archaeological sites and stunning views of the Corinth Canal.
Nafplio: Explore the charming town of Nafplio, with its Venetian architecture, cobblestone streets, and historic fortress.
Meteora: Take a day trip to Meteora to see the impressive rock formations and monasteries built on top of towering cliffs.
Hydra: Visit the picturesque island of Hydra, known for its crystal-clear waters, traditional stone houses, and donkey taxis.