"Athens is a unique capital that cannot be compared to other European cities. Encountering ancient ruins over 2,000 years old in the middle of the city center is an everyday experience for locals.
Athens also offers the perfect setting for a beach holiday – the Athenian Riviera, starting right at the city's edge, boasts a series of beautiful beaches.
Things to do in Athens
Athens is an easy-to-navigate city, as the main attractions are located in the heart of the city and within walking distance of each other. A fit tourist can visit the most famous sights in Athens on foot in one or two days. The attractions aren't limited to ancient temples; for example, the port of Piraeus has its own unique atmosphere and architecture. Read more about the sights here.
The beaches of Athens are just a tram ride away from the city center
Athens might not be known as a beach holiday destination, but that perception quickly changes once you see the crystal-clear waters of the Athenian Riviera. The nearest beaches are easily accessible by tram – so you can effortlessly turn your trip to Athens into a beach holiday, even if you're staying in the heart of the city.
Taking a dip in the cooling sea during the summer months is highly recommended as a refreshing break from the hot city center. And there's no reason not to, as the waters around Athens are remarkably clean.
Athens offers a wide range of beaches, from vast stretches of sand to secluded coves. The beaches closest to the city center are perfect for a quick swim, but if you have more time, it's worth heading further out to the beaches of Varkiza or Vouliagmeni. Read more about the beaches of Athens here.
Athens offers top-notch shopping opportunities
Athens is an excellent city for shopping, both in terms of prices and variety, so it’s a good idea to leave some space in your suitcase. Shops are generally open from Monday to Saturday, around 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. On Sundays, most shops are closed.
The city is full of various shopping districts, but for the casual shopper, it's best to start with Ermou Street, the city's most famous shopping avenue. This long pedestrian street begins just west of Syntagma Square, where you’ll find the best selection of shops. Here you can browse well-known international fashion brands, as well as many others, such as Swarovski and Swatch—the list goes on.
Just a few hundred meters northwest of Syntagma Square, between Omonoia and Stadiou Streets, you'll find Attica City Link, the largest shopping mall in Greece.
For souvenirs, head to the streets of Plaka or Monastiraki's "flea market." The term flea market is in quotes because most of the items aren’t second-hand, despite its official name. The market offers everything you can imagine, and it’s worth a visit even just for the curiosity factor.
How to get to Athens city centre from the airport
Athens International Airport - Eleftherios Venizelos is located some 30 kilometers away from the center of Athens. Besides taxi, you can take a metro or a bus into the city centre, which both are very easy to do in Athens.
Taxi: A taxi from Athens Airport to the center of Athens, Syntagma square, takes from 30 minutes to a little over an hour during rush hours. During the day, the trip costs about 40 euros and at night, 24:00-05:00, about 60 euros.
Metro: The line number 3, direction Aghia Marina, is the fastest way into the city center. The journey takes approx. 40 minutes and costs 10 EUR per person. There are clear indications in the arrival hall (”bus”, “trains”) to the bridge that connects the airport building and the metro/train station. You can buy tickets from a vending machine or ticket counter, where you can pay by credit/debit card. The metro runs every 30 minutes, 7 days a week from 6.30a.m. to 11.30p.m.
Website: OASA.gr
Bus: Use the bus x95 to travel between the Airport and Syntagma Square. The journey takes approximate 1 hour 15 minutes and costs 6 EUR per person. The buses operate 7 days a week and 24 hours. The bus leaves right at the terminal building, opposite of the Novotel Hotel. The bus from the city center to the Athens Airport leaves from Othonos-street at southern side of the Syntagma Square. Next to the bus stop, there is a ticket booth to buy tickets by cash or credit/debit card.
Website: OASA.gr
Weather and the Best Time to Visit Athens
The ideal time to visit Athens is from early May to early June or from early September to early October when the temperatures are much more pleasant than in the peak summer months. During these periods, summer vacations in Central and Southern Europe haven’t yet started, so the streets of Athens are quieter, and there are shorter queues at the attractions compared to the peak season in July and August.
The downside of early summer is the water temperature, which remains relatively cool until the end of May. However, in September, the water is often warmer than in June.
Winter: The weather in Athens from December to February is mild and rainy. The daytime highs range between 5-15°C.
Spring: The rains ease off between March and May, with plenty of sunshine. The average high temperature in March is still around 10-15°C, but by May, temperatures rise above 20°C.
Summer: Sunshine is guaranteed during the summer months from June to August, but the city can turn into an oven. Daytime highs consistently climb above 30°C and can reach over 40°C.
Autumn: September remains warm, and the weather is still suitable for swimming, with daytime highs comfortably above 20°C. By mid-October, the air begins to cool, and the highs drop to around 20°C. In November, daytime temperatures are again around 15°C.
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Text and Photos: Jussi Ryynänen