Flights to Athens

Exploring the visual delights of Athens

Athens is overflowing with jaw-dropping attractions that will capture your imagination. It is home to the Acropolis, the Kerameikos and the visually stunning Panathenaic stadium, among others. The bustling metropolis hosts countless architectural delights that attract hordes of tourists. The Acropolis Museum is one of the most prominent architectural icons in Athens. The structure was constructed using glass and steel; it houses thousands of priceless artefacts from the Acropolis monuments. It is a great place to learn about the Greek cultural heritage. The city offers a wide array of dining, shopping and nightlife options. It has something for every visitor.

Best months for Athens

The ideal time to travel to Athens is in spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant, the hotels are cheaper and the attractions are less crowded. On the other hand, summer attracts larger crowds. Despite the heat, the period between June and September is a great time to experience a wide variety of local festivals, including the Lycabettus, Athens or Hellenic, Rockwave and the Athens International Dance festival. If you want to travel between December and February, make an effort to pack an umbrella - precipitation is high during this period.

Before you go

Depending on the time of year, you need to pack appropriate outfits. Temperatures can reach up to 45 degrees Celsius in summer. Also, keep in mind that smaller restaurants and retailer outlets in Athens do not accept credit cards. Despite relatively low crime rates, it is prudent to avoid placing your wallet in the back pocket while in public spaces.

Local Athens advice

Taxis, buses and the Metro provide regular city transfer services from Athens International Airport. Taxis are available outside the main terminal building. Rates vary considerably and it is necessary to request the driver to reset the metre before moving. You can access the Metro rail station by going up one level from the arrivals hall at the airport. A pedestrian bridge links the terminal and the station. The tickets are available from a kiosk and travel time to downtown Athens is roughly 45 minutes. The bus station is located in front of the terminal buildings.

Although you will find accommodation easily without booking in advance for most of the year in cities and mainland towns, the same cannot be said about resorts and islands. Tour companies usually pre-book most of the rooms for the whole season. Non-package guests often stay in budget hotels or apartments.