Athens
Athens is the capital of Greece of and among the most interesting places in the world, with a history spanning 3000 years. Athens is the ideal destination for a city break as it has amazing places to visit and explore, including the world-famous Acropolis with the Temple of Parthenon, the New Acropolis Museum, the Theatre of Herodes Atticus, the Ancient Agora, the Roman Agora, and others.
A large part of the town’s historic center has been converted into a 3-kilometer pedestrian zone (the largest in Europe), leading to the major archaeological sites. Syntagma and Omonia are the main central squares of the town.
Other areas like Plaka and Monastiraki, a characteristic area of "old" Athens with narrow streets and small buildings where the city’s traditional bazaar is held, are close by. Close to them is the Psyrri area, a traditional neighborhood that, during the past few years, has evolved into one of the most important "centers" of the town’s nightlife, with scores of bars, tavernas, ouzeris, clubs, etc.
In Athens and the wider Attica area, you will find accommodations of a high standard, modern means of transportation, and a wide choice of opportunities for shopping, dining, nightlife, good service, and also all the hospitality of the inhabitants.
After a full day walking around Athens, do not miss a drink at night in one of the many hot spots. Located in a central spot in Greece, the city is also very convenient for day trips to historical attractions on the mainland and nearby islands in the Aegean Sea. If you wish to explore Greece, choose Athens as your first holiday destination.
►The main regions of Athens are Acropolis, Glyfada, Kolonaki, Monastiraki, Omonia, Plaka, Syntagma, Thissio
How To Get There
The International Airport of Athens is located in the region of Spata, about 30km from the city center. There are many domestic and international flights, and there is always transportation to Port Piraeus, Port Rafina, and the city center.
There are three ports around Athens. The busiest is the port of Piraeus, which serves ferries to the majority of the Greek islands, Crete, and a few ports in the Peloponnese. The port of Rafina, on the northeastern side of Athens, is the closest to the airport and serves ferries to the Cyclades islands and southern Evia. The port of Lavrion is located close to Cape Sounion and serves ferries to Kea and Lemnos all year round and to a few islands of the Cyclades in summer.
When you book your transport from Athens, you are assured that a driver will be there to greet you at the port or airport and assist you in getting to your destination. Depending on the number of people, VIP cars, minibuses, coaches, and taxis can all be scheduled for your transport.
How To Get Around
The majority of visitors use the metro as the easiest way to get around Athens, but there are also alternatives to other public transportation. Here are the best ways to travel around Athens:
Bus - The bus and trolley network in Athens is extensive and covers almost every corner of the city. With over 300 bus lines and 22 trolley lines, you can easily reach popular tourist attractions, residential areas, and business districts. The buses and trolleys are equipped with air conditioning, making your journey comfortable even during hot summer days. To use the bus or trolley, you can purchase a ticket from kiosks or vending machines located at major bus stops. It is important to validate your ticket upon boarding to avoid fines. The buses and trolleys operate from early morning until midnight, with some night routes available for those who wish to explore the city after hours.
►View for details & timetables here
Metro Subway - In Athens, the metro is the simplest and fastest way to get about. It links several of Athens' districts with the city's most visited attractions. Additionally, it runs on the Blue Line (Line 3) connecting the city center, the port of Piraeus, and the Athens International Airport. Throughout the day, routes are run frequently—roughly every four minutes. On weekdays, the metro runs until midnight, with the exception of Fridays and Saturdays, when it ends at roughly 1:00.
►View for details for metro & timetables here
Suburban Railway (Proastiakos) - Travelers wishing travel to Athens from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport or the port of Piraeus can do so using the suburban train (and vice versa). Additionally, it runs between Corinth Kiato and the Kiato district of Athens. Daily itineraries depart virtually every hour.
►View for railway details & timetables here
Trams - The southern (coastal) suburbs of Athens are connected to the city center via the tram system. You may see the metropolis while traveling in the pleasant, contemporary carriages. Keep in mind that the tram travels slower than the metro.
The tram runs on two routes: Piraeus (Agia Triada) - Voula and Athens (Syntagma) - Neo Faliro (Pikrodafni).
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