The City
Athens is a coastal city backed by mountains to the north and east. It boasts with sunshine all year around, making it the perfect tourist destination. One of the most important civilizations of the ancient world flourished in Athens. This city has a magnificent history filled with gods, wise men, great athletes and architecture, it is also the birthplace of democracy. Today its great nightlife is famous throughout Europe.
Tourism
Airport
Coordinates: 37°56’11”N 23°56’40”E
Athens International Airport is located between the towns of Markopoulo, Koropi, Spata and Loutsa, 20km east of central Athens. This airport is one of the busiest 25 European airports.
Airlines
The following airlines have regular flights to Athens International Airport:
- Egypt Air (from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban)
- Emirates (from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban)
- Qatar Airways (from Johannesburg and Cape Town)
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban)
- Iberia (from Johannesburg and Durban)
- Air France (from Johannesburg and Cape Town)
- South African Airways (SAA) (from Johannesburg and Cape Town)
- Lufthansa (form Cape Town)
What to see
- Anafiotika
- Benaki Museums
- City of Athens Museum
- National Archaeological Museum
- Numismatic Museum
- Olympic Stadium
- The Parthenon
- Xippas Gallary
Events
- Greek Dance Festival – Traditional dance festival with costumes and ancient routines.
- Rockwave Festival – Europe's most popular live rock music event
- International Street Theatre Festival – Streets and squares with puppet shows, dancing and theatre shows.
- Athens Fashion Week – With Greek an international designers.
- Green Design Festival - A cultural event of architects, designers and street artists
Accommodation
Search over 140 hotels in Athens, Greece
General Information
Greece is seven hours ahead of U.S Eastern Standard Time and the currency used is the Euro. Use public transport to find your ways about Athens; it is cheap and fast. The Metro and tram system is very reliable and there is a hop-on-hop-off tour bus, allowing you carefree sightseeing. Hiring your own car is not the ideal way to see all the sights and you will probably be stuck in traffic most of the time. It is essential that you carefully schedule your sightseeing times as most museums and sights close at 3 p.m. during the low season. The sun is extremely harsh during the summer and tourists must apply sunscreen and wear a sunhat. Respect the Greek orthodox etiquette and dress fittingly when visiting churches and monasteries.
Weather
Greece has 300 days of sunshine per year and summer can get sweltering hot. It is best to avoid the height of summer, August, when most of the attractions and restaurants close. Winters in Greece are mild and cool.
