Athens is the capital of Greece and one of the world’s oldest cities. With a history spanning around 4 000 years there are a number of archaeological treasures to explore, including the Acropolis – one of the most important monuments from the ancient world.

With a population of more that 3.5 million it’s also a modern city with on trend cafes and nightclubs and contradicting traditional bars and ouzerias serving the famous Greek aniseed infused alcoholic drink, ouzo.

Traffic in the city can get notoriously congested but the convenient metro system makes navigating the city incredibly easy.

Athens Information

Population: Approx. 3 700 000
Time Zone: UTC +1
Languages: Greek
Currency: Euro €
Currency Exchange: Purchase your euro cash and travellers cheques before you leave Australia

Athens Climate

Athens can be classified as a Subtropical Mediterranean Climate. Summers are typically long and hot with daily temperatures reaching 33°C dropping to around 20°C overnight. Rainfall during the summer is almost non existent with around 2mm falling each month.

Winters are mild with temperatures of around 9°C during the day and 5°C overnight. This is also the cities wettest season with rainfall averages around 58mm each month.

Athens Airport

Name: Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport
Website: www.aia.gr
Partner Airline: Etihad Airways
Car Rental: Mates rates on all car hire with our preferred partners

Around Athens

Home to some of the world’s greatest historical monuments and equally interesting museums, Athens is a fantastic city to immerse yourself in ancient history. The Acropolis, also known as the Sacred Rock of Athens is the ancient Greek city built on a hill in Athens. The birthplace of democracy, the Parthenon, considered the most important construction of classical Greece can be found at this site.

Located at 44 Pattission, the National Archaeological Museum is one of the largest art and artefact collections in the world. You can easily become overwhelmed by the sheer volume of displays but at the very least, make sure you check out the Minoan frescoes and the gold Mask of Agamemnon. Arrive early to beat the crowds.

The Athens Planetarium is one of the best digital planetariums in the world. With three shows each day this is an interesting and educational family activity that won’t break the budget. The Athens Zoo is also a great option for families with the second largest collection of birds in the world.

Surrounding Area

A 45-minute boat ride from Athens harbour (take the metro to Pireaus) will have you arriving at Poros - a small Greek island where the pine forests meet the azure blue sea. Here you will find plenty of places to eat and relax and affordable accommodation if you choose to stay.

Hotel Grande Bretagne Athens
 

5 Star property

The Hotel Grande Bretagne Athens is a prestigious 5 star hotel which has served its clients for over 140 years, and has won recognition worldwide for its dedication to the highest quality service and amenities. With views of the Acropolis and Parthenon, your stay at the Hotel Grande Bretagne Athens puts you in the centre of all of the best historical sites. The 320 rooms combine gorgeous antiques with modern amenities. Enjoy a glass of champagne on the rooftop at the GB Rooftop Garden as you watch the sun set over the Acropolis. For relaxation, indulge in an Ouzo Oil Massage at the GB Spa.

King George Palace Hotel Athens
 

5 Star property

The King George Palace Hotel Athens was created for people who recognize quality and demand excellence in all they do. It combines the grace and stature of a historic landmark with ultra-modern amenities and personal service that puts guests' comfort above all. Every room and suite is individually designed and decorated with hand-crafted armoires and custom upholstery fabrics in raw silk. The “Tudor Hall”, Athens’ most acclaimed gourmet restaurant, overlooks the Acropolis and offers a Greco-French menu by an innovative culinary team. Wireless internet is available throughout the building.

O&B Boutique Hotel Athens
 

4 Star property

Located in the historic centre of Athens, in one of the most upcoming and authentic neighbourhoods of the city, the O&B Boutique Hotel Athens is within a short stroll to the gates of Acropolis. All rooms feature colourful yet elegant furnishings encouraged by a sense of calming sophistication and urban cool. The Ochre and Brown Lounge allures the curiosity and invites you to wine and dine with style. With guest satisfaction being always the priority, the O&B Boutique Hotel Athens continues on a daily basis to upgrade and refresh its ways to offer top quality service.

Athens Gate Hotel
 

3 Star property

Fully renovated in 2007, the Athens Gate Hotel provides you with modern design and amenities, and friendly service. All of the rooms have a view of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the 7th floor rooms have an amazing view of the Acropolis. All 99 rooms have a LCD television with cable, minibar, in-room safe, hair dryer, telephone, wireless high speed internet connection in both the rooms and public areas, and air conditioning. There is a gorgeous rooftop garden bar. The front desk is staffed 24 hours a day, and is happy to help you arrange baby-sitting services. Newspapers are delivered upon request.

Dining

Athenians eat dinner late with many bistros and restaurants not opening until around eight - finding someone open for an eight o’clock breakfast can be a challenge. It’s a good idea to visit the supermarkets to stock up on snacks for the morning, although some cafes will open early serving light pastries and drinks. Aigli located in the picturesque Zappeion Gardens is the perfect place to enjoy your morning coffee.

Head to the central market located between Monastiraki and Omonio Square to immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of traditional Greek life. Butchers, Fishmongers, cheese and spice purveyors offer a visual feast and the olive vendors have dozens of olives for you to try. Arrive early to beat the heat and avoid missing out, they close around midday.

Perhaps a little touristy (but that is after all what you are visiting Greece for), Kalokerinos restaurant, located in the Plaka district is the perfect place to acquaint yourself with all things Greek. From the folk dancing and singing to the traditional Greek cuisine this is the place to go to enjoy fried eggplant, stuffed vine leaves and of course plenty of cheese and lamb. Located a short distance from the Acropolis, be sure to make a reservation at this kitsch Greek kitchen.

For the best baklava in Greece make friends with a friendly Greek person and a willing mother or grandmother is sure to whip you up a batch. If you are without friends than the cafes in the Plaka or Kolonaki areas serve the sticky, sweet pastry en masse, don’t leave Greece without experiencing this delicious Mediterranean sweet.

Shopping

Athens has great shopping, particularly if you’re out to emulate the casual Grecian look – leather sandals, cotton shirts and long flowing dresses. It’s also a great place to pick up jewellery with lots of glass and metal beaded bracelets and necklaces to choose from.

Well heeled shoppers will revel in the Kolonaki neighbourhood, where designer boutiques like Versace and Lagerfield can be found. With plenty of cafes lining the streets it’s also a great place to stop for coffee and people watch.

The Sunday Market and Athens’ Monastiraki flea market is a great place to hunt for something to take back home. Handcrafted copper kitchen items, pottery, wine jugs and handmade shoes can all be found in this treasure cove of Greece. Keep in mind anything over 100 years of age cannot leave the country without a special permit.