Athens

With clear skies and mild temperatures throughout the year, Athens goes all out with cultural events and outdoor festivals. Taking place almost every day from June to September — and occurring with less frequency in the winter months — concerts, street fairs, theater, and festivals of all kinds celebrate everything this city has to offer...

A promise is a promise and so here it is, the great Athens guide with Lisa's top addresses for food, shopping, drinks and adventure.

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Smarter travellers make happier travellers! We’ve compiled essential and practical info on what to know and expect when you arrive in Athens. Useful tips such as major public holidays and times to avoid domestic travel. Find all your FAQ’s answered. We encourage you to get in touch with any questions you have about visiting Athens.

Despite the troubled economic times in Greece, the tourism industry continues to grow, attracting more investment into the sector, which is great news for visitors to Athens. There is a hotel boom occurring right now, an increase in restaurant openings and street food is also having a moment.

The beaches in Athens feature crystal clear waters and sand-fringed shorelines that are easily accessible to the public from the city centre. Greater Athens features the longest coastline of any European capital, with Athens’ beaches consistently awarded Blue Flag status for their high standards in water quality and cleanliness.

Athens is the center of Ancient Greek civilization and the birthplace of democracy. To travelers, Athens is most famous for its archaeological ruins, especially the Acropolis complex (which includes the Parthenon), the Ancient and Roman Agoras, Hadrian’s Library, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Panathenaic Olympic Stadium. Athens is also known for its excellent museums, restaurants, and cultural events, but one of the best things to do in Athens is to just wander the streets and squares, enjoying the vibrant scene.

You booked your flight tickets, your accommodation and now you are thinking of how to prepare best for your trip to Athens. Greece is a very easy-going country and its people very welcoming and warm. Still though, it is good to have some insider’s tips before you embark on your journey. Here are the top 10 things to know before traveling to Athens - but not all, because what is a journey without the sense of wonder and adventure?

For the Ancient Greeks and especially the Athenians, the history and geography of the city are attributed to mythical events; local myths had the power of real stories, and they used them to explain or to emphasize events that occurred and they could not explain. These myths live along with the landmarks of Athens and they were not only in use as a source of inspiration but also as a reference point for unity and self-confidence of the ancient Athenians. Here are 5 myths that you should know before visiting Athens, for a better understanding of its history and heritage.

Athens was the birthplace of democracy and the beating heart of Ancient Greece. It is aptly named Athena, the goddess of war and wisdom. Athens has had one of the most storied pasts in the known world having been conquered by the Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Turks, etc. In modern times, it’s changed hands numerous times through various Western powers before arriving to what it is now, the capital of Greece.

Athens and its surrounding areas have plenty of public parks and natural habitats, even though the bustling urban life often overshadows outdoors activities. The city’s temperate Mediterranean, coupled with the gentle mountainous and peninsular terrains, complement its tucked-away natural treasures. Take a break from the metropolis’ pandemonium to enjoy the soothing benefits of fresh air, sunlight, and physical activity in these unbeatable natural havens in and around Athens.

Please check for travel restrictions before booking and travelling to an accommodation. Travel may be permitted only for certain purposes and in particular, touristic travel may not be allowed...

The Euro is the official currency of the European Union in circulation since 1998, about 23 years. In addition, 38 other countries use this money, see the FAQ for more details. The euro is abbreviated by the currency code EUR by ISO:4217 standard, and sign € it's a symbol.

Taking a few moments in an airport lounge can be just what you need to collect yourself before a flight, especially now as many passenger terminals get crowded again. The good news is that resurgent flyer numbers have also prompted airport lounges to reopen en masse. Luckily, some of the best travel rewards credit cards confer lounge access among their many benefits.