Flight to Athens (ATH)

Flying to Athens: tips and information for your trip

Athens is one tourist destination that is not to be missed with its wealth of major historical monuments and literary and culinary traditions.

From ancient ruins and world-class museums to trendy boutiques and vibrant nightclubs, you’ll never get enough of Athens. Don’t miss the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Ancient Agora, the Temple of Olympian Zeus … but be sure to visit the Plaka District as well – it’s the best place for a taste of authentic Greek culture.

If you’re looking to combine your city break with a beach break, then head to Glyfada beach, located 16 kilometres south of Athens, or to Varkiza. Both locations are easily accessible by bus and tram, and in no time you’ll be enjoying a refreshing swim, basking in the sun and discovering a range of trendy cafes, cosy restaurants and lively bars.

Whether hanging out with your other half, your family or friends, you are going to fall in love with Athens.

What to do in Athens?

1. The Acropolis and its monuments are probably the most iconic attraction in the city. It forms the most extraordinary architectural and artistic masterpiece, bequeathed by ancient Greece to the rest of the world.
   
   
2. The National Garden: with its 7,000 trees, 40,000 bushes, 6 lakes, a library and other plants, this is a great place to stroll away from the madding crowds. Aside from being a verdant oasis in the metropolis, it encapsulates Athens’s history.
   
   
3. The Agora is an archaeological site close to the Acropolis. The word Agora refers to a “gathering place”, where people can meet. However, some historical background knowledge is needed for visitors to get a full grasp of the place. A must for the significance of its history rather than for the splendour of its buildings.
   
   
4. The National Archaeological Museum: this is the largest museum in Greece with probably the world’s finest collection of Greek antiquities. It houses sculptures, pottery, jewellery and artefacts unearthed throughout Greece.
   
   
5. Athens Central Market: it is the bustling heart of the city, where you can stop off to buy meat, vegetables or fish at competitive prices. It opens every day (except on Sunday) from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
   
   
6. The Temple of Poseidon: if you still haven’t had your fill of mythology, then the Temple of Poseidon will quench your cravings. Located on a hill overlooking the sea, it is also the perfect spot to watch the sunset. There is a beach and you can take a swim if you want to freshen up.
   
   
7. Lycabettus Hill is the highest point (277 m) in the centre of Athens, which means tourists can get a wonderful panorama on the city. If you’re feeling sporty, climb up; otherwise just take the cable car.

Practical information for your trip

• Brussels Airlines flies to and from Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport, which is 30 km from the city centre. The easiest and cheapest way to get from the airport to the city is via the shuttle bus, rail or metro. Although taxis are also available.
• Currency: Euro. Cards are widely accepted and ATMs are available throughout the city.
• Telephone calls and Wi-Fi: +30. There are also a number of free Wi-Fi spots around the city.
• Electric sockets: Type C and F. Greece operates on a 230 V supply voltage and 50 Hz.
• Travel Information: Greece is an EU member and has signed the Schengen agreement. Therefore, many travellers will only need a passport or appropriate ID card to enter the country and don’t require a visa for stays of less than 90 days.

Dos and Don’ts

• Make sure you have enough cash in your wallet, as cash has always been king in Greece. However, you won’t have too much trouble finding an ATM or stores that accept cards.
• The metro system in Athens is simple and comprehensive.
• Watch out for pickpockets, as they have a real talent for stealing valuable goods from tourists.
• The antiquities that turned up when the metro was being excavated are an unexpected bonus for users of the Athens metro. They are now on display completely free of charge within metro stations in central Athens. The largest collection is at Syntagma station, but you can also see artefacts at Panepistimio station as well as part of an ancient Athens drainage system and kilns at Evangelismos.
• Don’t forget to get your Athens City Pass to get the most out of your trip.

Local phrases & essential vocabulary

Kalimera is the usual greeting in the morning, if you’re greeting someone in the afternoon or evening, say kalispera. Goodnight is kalinikta, do be careful though, as kalinikta is only used as a goodbye, never as a greeting. Going for drinks with friends? The Greeks don’t say cheers but yamas! Want to go out? Say Pame gia café. It literally means “Let’s go for a coffee” but it’s generally used to go out for drinks, not specifically coffee. If a special Greek lady or gentleman has caught your eye, this is the way to ask them out for a drink.

Cultural events

• Art-Athina: This is an international contemporary art fair with a reputation for being one of the oldest in Europe.
• The Athens & Epidaurus Festival puts on several plays, dances and music in the Odeon of Herodes Atticus (Acropolis). You can take a seat in a wonderful amphitheatre to enjoy a play or listen to music.
• Summer Nostos Festival lasts a week and offers free outdoor entertainment to locals and tourists, such as sport, dance, music and workshops.

When to go to Athens?

The best times to visit Athens are from March to May and from September to November. During these periods, you’ll find that the weather is neither too hot nor too cold, and water temperatures perfect for swimming.

Athens has a Mediterranean climate. This means long, hot summers and mild winters with some rain. In short, whatever time of year you visit, you can always count on great weather, and don’t forget your sunscreen and sunglasses!

What to eat and drink

The Greeks love to cook and seldom eat alone! That’s why, in Athens, you can sample many mouth-watering Greek specialties. Some of the best-known delicacies are:

• Tzatziki, a mixture of yoghurt, cucumber and garlic
• Mavromatika (beans)
• Moussaka
• Psarosoupa, which is a fish soup
• Fava, creamy starter to spread on your bread
• Horiatiki Salata, Greek salad, red tomatoes, refreshing cucumbers, shallots and olives