See which amazing locales around the globe are ideal for a girls-only vacation. Give yourself time on either side of a mainland or island adventure to see the city in depth. Prices start from 110. June through August, meanwhile, bring stifling heat and hordes of tourists, so sightseeing can be a bit uncomfortable and quite a headache at this time. Ferries There are 3 ports around Athens. So when you plan to visit, factor in more than a 24-hour stay that crams in an Athens highlights list based on a handful of ancient sites. For those who want to book without using a travel agency this is the best way to do it. In summer Athens temperature can rise up to 42C (107 F), but usually it would be from 29C (84F) to 36C (97F). If you click through or buy something via one of them, I may receive a small commission. Athens is considered to be the hottest city in Europe. Its even busy on Sunday afternoons, where locals congregate for coffee and a chilled hangout. The layers of myth and legend, history and culture, antiquity and knowledge are intertwined with todays entrepreneurial, cultural and artistic renaissance, transforming Athens and the rest of the country. Great article. READ MORE: The Little-Known Greek Island of Kea. However, the taxi drivers in Athens can be a force to be reckoned with if you are just a margin outside of the boundaries they deem the city centre. READ MORE How to See Modern Athens The Misunderstood Metropolis Today. Part of the well established Selina hostel franchise, the Athens site has a bar and a rooftop terrace with more expansive elevated views of the city. Say goodbye to wrinkly clothing with these functional garment bags. Pickpockets regularly target tourists on public transportation and in high-traffic areas, so it's best to leave valuables in your hotel safe and to stay alert at all times. Syntagma Square This square was built in ancient times and remains at the center of political and social activity in modern Athens. Visit the Athens Riviera and see the coastal region of Athens less than 30 minutes from the centre. Prices start from 80. Becki has appeared live on Sky News and CNN and has contributed to high profile media including National Geographic, Time.com, Guardian online, New York Times, Grazia and Buzzfeed. Weather during these spring and fall months is agreeable and sunshine is pretty much a guarantee. Its where modern-day life as we know it started seen as the cradle of civilisation, the birthplace of philosophy and where democracy ignited. Any Athens travel guide will direct history buffs to The National Archaeological Museum of Athens. Yet, to visit Athens is to see a reinvented city beyond its ancient and troubled past. The CDCs Order requiring proof of vaccination for non-citizen nonimmigrants to travel to the United States is still in effect. It's like being in a huge butcher shop. Apart from international flights, it also serves internal flights to the Greek islands all year round. Soak up the energy. COVID-19 UPDATES The following do not require a visa to enter Greece: Citizens of the Schengen Area member states. Ramp up the speed and cover more ground in Athens leisurely by Segway. So I turned to global food experts, Culinary Backstreets, for a tour around Athens much-loved food spots. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. Get a Quote. Once you've flagged one down, the driver may ask you your destination first before deciding if it suits him or not. Day 8 Santorini. Meanwhile, you can find our dedicated travel guides about Athens below. And when the sun goes down, Athens continues its gritty vibe with a bustling nightlife you might not have expected. Athenian history is still present outside of the city centre fringes. Aegean is a little more expensive than the budget airlines you love to hate, but you pay for comfort and an overall (much) better service. DAYS 16. Wide awake at 5:30am, our bodies still adjusting to the eight-hour time difference between Greece and Australia, we used the early morning stillness to prepare for a self-guided walking tour of central Athens. I compiled this Athens travel blog with on-the-ground knowledge from two years living in the Greek capital. Andros is the closest island to Athens from Rafina port, which is located an hour out of the city center. Combo ticket for seven sites, with skip the line access. Explore our travel services & make the most out of your ATHENS holidays! While its sometimes necessary to travel via Europes budget airlines, Ive also flown to and from the UK and domestically in Greece with its national carrier, Aegean Airlines. This time there would be no disgruntled tour guide. However, if you wish to factor in neighbourhood exploration, beaches, or need to escape the exhaustion in the summer months, the Athens transport system provides quick and easy access. Read reviews about our services. Your guide helped me to organize and optimize time since we shot on more then 30 locations. The fine for not wearing a mask in areas where it is required or not maintaining required social distancing is. Best Time To Visit Athens For Different Kinds Of Travellers Discover up close the famous antiquities often highlighted in high school history classes. The 40-mile stretch of scenic coastline along the Saronic Gulf, known as the Athens Riviera, is just 25 minutes away from the citys centre. Itinerary. A colourful caf and bistro by day and a bustling club bar by night, this place draws in the crowds from laid-back socialites to the party crowd. Switch from the pedestrianised areas of Thissio with its caf culture, the bustling Monastiraki and its flea market, upmarket and trendy Kolonaki and Psiri, edgy and anarchist Exarcheia and the residential, nightlife pumping Gizi. Ive worked with Athens Insiders on many occasions from orientation walks to an afternoon filled with wine tasting, alongside a tailor-made neighbourhood tour around Kolonaki and Exarchia. You also can hit the beach and enjoy some coastal time close by in Attica the broader region surrounding Athens. (5 reviews) This was a great place to stay in Oia. It connects a city of over three million people! close [X] Take a whirlwind vacation through Europe, visiting Greece!.Start in Athens (the cradle of civilization and home of democracy) and after that, travel to Santorini (recognizable for its whitewashed, cube-shaped buildings adorned with blue accents, steep cliffs and tangerine sunsets that light up the sky and sea). Thanks also for enjoying my hostel review! You can download the app on the website, making finding and contacting your driver easier. Or, pay extra to savor modern Mediterranean fare at the two Michelin star-awarded Funky Gourmetor enjoy a mealwith a view of the Acropolis at GB Roof Garden. Note: You can also use these tickets on the metro, buses, trolley-buses, trams and Suburban railway (excluding airport journeys which are subject to a separate charge). If you're abroad and you need emergency . I will be keeping the article up-to-date with all new Greece travel measures throughout 2022. Travel to Athens, Greece: Since Athens is the capital of Greece and the largest of all the cities in the country, there are many different ways to reach this place all year round, whether you are travelling from another location in Greece or even from abroad! The archaeological sites of Athens are undoubtedly the main draw of the city. Athens is quickly moving towards becoming one of Europes most exciting, alternative and contemporary cities. Located near Greece's southern tip, Athens is full of all the. Flat fare taxis are available for 38 at Exit #3 on the arrivals level. The International Airport is located in the region of Spata, 30 km from the city centre. We can take care of all your travel needs in Greece, whether it is a hotel reservation, rent a car, a ferry ticket, an air ticket to the Greek islands or just a transfer from Athens Airport to your hotel, a half-day private tour in Athens or a several . Kea is a beautiful Athenian hideaway. Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. If you decide to travel to Greece: Read the Department of State's COVID-19 page before planning any international travel, and read the Embassy COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 information. The best way to get around Athens is on foot and by metro; most of the city's major attractions are located within walking distance or a short metro ride of one another. While Omonia retains a gritty edge, its become a hub for hotels, since the square is at the end of Athinas street which leads straight to Monastiraki. Moreover, Athens is a transportation hub for the entire country, as in many cases you need to reach Athens first so as to reach your final destination. Book a ride with a local with Welcome Pickups for 40. 6. Its a city that has been continuously occupied, destroyed, rebuilt and reinvented. This is How to Travel to Athens A City Guide for Greeces Capital. Traveling Greece: How Much Does It Really Cost? The other picture of Athens its gritty, street art covered streets full of vendors, small businesses and galleries. Book a tour Two-hour alternative Athens tour. Greece needs travellers. 1. Today we were continuing to explore the ancient city of Athens. Read more about. Athens is a walkable city with the main sights in a close circuit. There is no way you can miss climbing the scared elevated rock of the Acropolis, with its stunning modern museum and the surrounding archaeological areas. The dome is 25 meters in diameter with a 360-degree view, and the hall hosts 280 seats. The essential guide to the capital city of Athens, Greece. The hotel is located north of the center, one block behind Omonia Square an area that always had a notorious reputation years ago, but has since cleaned up (the square is now a fountain feature). A comprehensive Greek tourism resource for further information on travel in Athens and throughout Greece to help plan your trips in and around the country. Day 6 Mykonos. However, theres a lot to learn about the Greek street art scene and being introduced to the critical artworks on a street art tour, with one of the artists, is the best way to learn the stories behind the movement in the city. It is home to many celebrated ancient monuments including the imposing Acropolis, the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, the Royal Palace, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Olympic Stadium, and Hadrian's Gate - the symbolic entrance to the city. #4 inBest Honeymoon Destinations in Europe. - Ferry employees will be on a 24-hour strike, according to an announcement by the Pan-Hellenic Seamen's Federation, known as . Greece's financial troubles are not over, but the city keeps humming along, and is attracting the young and ambitious. Athens also has the highest recorded temperature in Europe at 48C (118F) in July 1977. This art-boutique hotel in the very centre of the city (close to the Monastiraki and Acropolis metro stations) is awash with bold colour, glamorous design features from the flooring patterns to the decor, funky furniture and rooms that each come with their distinct artistic flairs like wall paintings of smurfs, spiderman, forests and volcanos. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to handpicked partners, including tours, gear and booking sites. Leading Culture and Adventure Travel Blog by Becki Enright. Turn right out of the hotel and its a short walk to the edgy Exarchia neighborhood. The Best Time to Visit Athens for Good Weather: Athens is blazing hot (and busy) in July and August, when afternoon temperatures can rise to 40C. Selina Athens Theatrou is a colourful and slick hostel located a little north of Psiri and a short walk from the former silk factory turned artistically revived neighbourhood of Metaxourgeio. Looking at the world with a different angle to change perceptions of misunderstood places, for the best in travel. Standard prices from $ 82 Book now Global Pass Be free to explore Greece and up to 30 other countries by train. It also has a rooftop bar with views of the Acropolis, perfect for sunset. The Temple of Olympian Zeus is not the only impressive temple in Athens. Gate 1 Travel has fantastic Greece vacation packages including escorted tours and multi-city journeys. When dining out in Athens, keep in mind that most Athenians do not sit down to dinner until later in the evening, typically around 9 or 10 p.m. To satisfy your seafood craving in the city center, check out Efcharis and Trata Fish Tavern. Do you like Find the best powder, panoramic vistas and alpine ski experiences in the Treasure State. Follow in the footsteps of Socrates and his various political and philosophical cohorts at the Agora, the heart of ancient Athens' civic life and the birthplace of democracy. Its a checklist of what to see and do and how to get around. There are two main bus stations in Athens: Kifissos KTEL Station and Liossion KTEL Station. And while some unsightly tagging graffiti dons some spaces, the most detailed designs and messages are found mainly within the Exarchia, Monastiraki and Psirri neighbourhoods. Its one of the cleanest, efficient and easy to use metros Ive ever used. COVID-19 tests are widely available at many major hospitals, pharmacies, and laboratories in Greece, as well as the. And go early. ), Zip-lock bags (keeps things from leaking or exploding), 1 pair of stretchy jeans (they wash and dry easily), 1 pair of leggings (if its cold, they can go under your jeans, otherwise with a dress or shirt), 1 dry shampoo spray & talc powder (keeps long hair grease-free in between washes), Feminine hygiene products (you can opt to buy there too, but I prefer not to count on it, and most people have their preferred products). Prices start from 50 for a double room. Modern-day Athens is built upon the boom of creative enterprise, more so after the Crisis. Don't forget to get informed about the local transportation options you have, in order to organize your transfer to your hotel or any other place in town! Hotel prices are sourced from a sample of U.S. News Best Hotels . Find the top spots for couples planning elopements and destination weddings. Some of the more traditional dishes include moussaka (lamb and eggplant in bechamel sauce), souvlaki(skewered and grilled lamb, pork or goat wrapped in pita and commonly topped with lettuce, tomato and a yogurt-based sauce called tzatziki) andbaklava(crushed nuts and honey in phyllo dough). Alexandros Hotel is located on a quieter side street right next to all the action of Mavilli Square. Our team of experienced travel specialists can organize your unforgettable vacation in Greece! For those limited on time to spend cruising to the larger islands hours away, you can visit the three Saronic Islands of Hydra, Poros and Egina in a one day tour. Select to Compare. Since it's enclosed, the spring and summer months can get hot. Find the best duffel bag for your travel style. Dine all day and drink all night. The historical Athens attractions are a must, but the character of the city and how it has evolved is also notable. . From Athens to the Aegean Sea, with charming villages and olive groves in between, a trip to Greece with Trafalgar will connect you to the soul of the country. Approximately 2 hours outside Athen's heart, you can visit Sounio and the Temple of Poseidon, a true architectural masterpiece and one of the best places in Greece to enjoy a sunset from was built around 444-440 BC. Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Athens has three metro lines connecting you to the citys far reaches, including the airport at one end and the coastal areas and port of Piraeus (for island ferry connections) at the other. Being slightly removed from the centre has its upsides prices from 40. Even the least discerning food enthusiasts will quickly love Greek cuisine. Wherever and whenever you dine, be sure to sample authentic Greek cuisine. HISTORICAL MUSEUM OF CRETE / HERAKLION 22 / 8 / 18 - 30 / 11 / 22 . The sweeping canvas starts with Filopappou Hill before reaching the Acropolis and Lycabettus Hill, accompanied by a great range of continental morning treats or dinner or a glass of wine to watch the citys ancient hilltops glow at sundown. The Agreement abolished controls at the common internal land, air and sea borders and allows for movement by nationals of its member states without a visa for short-term . -Updated October 14, 2022, Diversity Visa 2024: Open from October 5 to November 8, 2022, Greek authorities reported 54,649 COVID-19 and 4,975,067 cumulative cases according to the National Public Health Organization (. Best Things to do in Athens Athens. What the remaining rules mean if you're in Athens: Starting 1 May 2022 and until 31 August 2022 show of vaccination/immunity certificate will NOT be required for access in ALL outdoor and indoor spaces. Public demonstrations occur annually on May 1, November 17 and December 6. More recently, economic turmoil blighted Greece and its capital. Greece Travel information. The flight from Athens to an island is short and lasts from 40-60 minutes. One of the best times to visit Athensis in the spring when temperatures are mild and flowers are in bloom around must-visit sights like the Parthenon. You can choose between the metro, inter-city buses, trolley-buses and trams and the overground suburban railway network (TrainOSE). If you're traveling to Athens on business, it is best to bring conservative attire: a dark-colored suit or a dress that covers the knees. 3. KTEL (suburban) buses connect suburban places and towns around Greece. New! Athens Backpackers is also highly rated, with dorms and private rooms and a prime Akropolis view rooftop bar. The bus stop is right outside the arrivals hall follow the signs. There are buses from Athens to almost all towns around the country. Your email address will not be published. Our Greece experts share some itinerary ideas here Dropdown content. Having the time to dig a little deeper uncovers a whole new side. England. Athens Tours Greece is a specialist in Athens tours, Greece tours and shore excursions. Book online your transfer from the airport to your hotel. Be Taxi-Smart. Top 5 Things to See and Do in Athens 1. Depart after breakfast. Most trains depart from Larissis Train Station, close to the center of Athens. Travel with us and unlock the infinite possibilities thanks to our exclusive Trafalgar Highlights. READ MORE Visiting the Athens Riviera Swap the City for the Saronic Gulf. Ive probably engaged in walking tours in nearly every city Ive visited, alongside my general wanderings once I have my bearings. Day 7 Santorini. Walking tours with local experts always give me a good sense of navigation and knowledge beyond the guidebooks. Becki Enright is a British Travel Press Award-winning writer whose work focuses on changing perceptions about misunderstood aspects of destinations. How to Get to Athens Getting There and Away, Athens Airport to Athens City Centre Transport, Things To Do in Athens Sightseeing Guide. See below for an overview of its studio room offering prices from 20. To learn more about entry and exit requirements for Greece, visit the U.S. State Department's website. Its about local knowledge and pride, of people happy to show you their city so that you can get the most out of a stay here. We all heard about it and watched it happen; we wondered if it was ok to visit and if our holiday investment was worth it. But August, in particular, is a time where everyone who can makes sure to leave the city. Worked on a small video project about Athens. Required fields are marked *. Travel to Athens is about understanding how misunderstood Greeces capital is. For more than 20 years travelers to Greece have been using Matt's informative and entertaining guides, a fun way to plan your trip to Greece and the Greek islands with hundreds of articles, photos and links to travel agents in Athens, hotels, restaurant reviews, ferry info and lots more When coming from Athens International Airport (ATH), located just 23 miles southeast, you can ride the metro's Line 3 or one of four EXPRESS airport buses. Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center. Youll only scratch the surface on a single visit to the city. Book a tour Two-hour guided tour of the Acropolis, with skip the line entry. Although it's rude to have your elbows on the table, it's polite to keep both hands above the table and not in your lap. Shells of old hotels have been artistically restyled. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. In particular, I follow the #igers_Athens hashtag for some alternative finds and urban insights. Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? Greece is a fighter, and Athens is at the helm. Her writing combines storytelling with insight into the social, historical, political and economic factors that shape the country or place in relation to tourism. Lastly explore Heraklion (is Crete's Island capital city, an area with . The Athens Metro get you to the very centre for 10. Athens isnt just about being locked into a busy metropolis either. Compared to some European capitals, rent in Athens is . They teem with life in sea view restaurants, coastal walks, and their beaches. Best day trips from Athens! Though chilly, Athens' winters are relatively mild, thanks in part to Greece's Mediterranean location. In fact, renting a car is little more than a nuisance, as traffic is heavy and parking hard to find. This is also the best time to visit Athens Greece beaches and festivals. See All Your Recommended Films & Videos In Our Video Library . Don't worry about your jacket taking up too much space in your bag with these packable options. Its also only a five-minute walk to the metro station prices start from 70. Andros is the second largest island in the Cyclades, after Naxos. All restaurant and bar bills include a 16 percent service fee, so tipping is not necessary, although it is customary to round up to the nearest currency note when paying with cash. Greeka? Keep in mind that Athenians generally don't sit down to dinner until 9 or 10 p.m. The Athens Gate Hotel is easy to pass by from the outside, shrouded by the traffic of bustling Syngrou Road, but the appeal lies in the concealed panoramic views of some of the citys most-loved ancient sites. The U.S. Embassy in Athens cannot intervene in the mandatory isolation procedures or request an exception on behalf of the traveler. A taxi to and from the airport to the centre of Athens is 35. People cite initial disappointment in finding a city whose grittiness and edginess doesnt meet the expectation of a city entirely coated in gleaming, classical Greek architecture. The busiest is the port of Piraeus, which serves ferries to the majority of the Greek islands, Crete, and a few ports in Peloponnese. Life moves more slowly, as if the entire city is reveling in blissful retirement from its glory days as a political and cultural powerhouse. Emergency services - 112 Hellenic police - 100 Athens tourism police - 1571 Domestic violence hotline - 15900 After living there for two years, I pulled together this Athens travel guide to encourage more in-depth travel. Most islands offer trips to see some of their smaller gems, such as this full-day sailing cruise around the Small Cyclades from Paros. For the most part, dress is casual; however, take into account your surroundings. Also, several domestic terrorist incidents have taken place in Athens in the last few years outside area embassies and by Syntagma Square. Dave Red Athens is a new urban design hotel, with industrial style and retro trims. U.S. Citizens with emergencies, please call +30-210-721-2951, Outside of Office Hours, contact: +30 210 721 2951. The summertime Rockwave Festival is the biggest rock festival in Greece . The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of participating countries* to travel to the United States without a visa for stays of 90 days or less, when they meet all requirements. Travel Athens: Inspiration and Further Information. Andros island, Cyclades. With more Tavernas, historical kitchens and food stores than you can even keep up with, its hard to know where to sample the best Greek food in Athens. You can also book day trips, multi-trip stops and sightseeing experiences. Cruise or explore with our Santorini Vacations and Mykonos Travel options. With its classical past, hang-loose present, and edgy future, Greece offers something for every traveler. Useful contact information is detailed below for your reference. To Time and to Silence. One of the biggest challenges for visitors is the language barrier. Natalie, Anthia and Alex are an outstanding and dedicated team of people who love their city, and I cant recommend them enough. Ambassador Tsuniss Remarks at Microsoft Hellas 30th Anniversary Event, AMB Tsuniss Remarks at HAI F-16 Viper Delivery Ceremony, Ambassador Tsuniss Remarks at The Economist Thessaloniki Metropolitan Summit, Ambassador Tsuniss Remarks at 26th Annual Economist Government Roundtable, Ambassador Pyatts Farewell Interview with Fanis Papathanasiou, Anchor/Senior Diplomatic Editor ERT, Greek Public TV, OUTLAW REGIME: A Chronicle of Irans Destructive Activities, Secretary Pompeos Meeting with Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias, Deputy Chief of Mission Burgers Remarks at Reception in Honor of Young Presidents Organization, Southern California, Information for U.S. citizens who have tested positive for COVID-19, Deputy Chief of Mission Burgers Remarks at Trade Mission to Skopje with AmCham, Message to U.S. Citizens: U.S. Passport Fee Increase December 27, 2021, Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day October 10, 2022, Inclusivity Lounge: A Gender Equality and Sustainable Economy Hub at Thessaloniki International Fair, Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerrys Statement at the Temple of Poseidon, Sounion, Greece, Message to U.S. Citizens: Consular Section Closures on October 26 and October 28, 2022, Public Transportation Strike Alert U. S. Mission Greece, Health AlertWorldwide Monkeypox in Multiple Countries, Check the CDC website for additional information and, Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers, Information for U.S. Citizens Who Test Positive in Greece, National Public Health Organization of Greece, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Destination Greece Health First: COVID-19 Travel FAQ for Tourists in Greece. If you dont have enough time to travel around neighbouring small towns and villages from Athens, such as Delphi or Nafplio, but want a taste of the stunning coastline and historical monuments not far from the capital, consider a trip to the 440 BC hilltop Temple of Poseidon. Since the euro to U.S. dollar exchange rate fluctuates often, be sure tocheckwhat the current exchange rateisbefore you go. Tour ends in the morning, if you would like to spend more time in Athens we recommend booking more time after the tour ends. If you are looking for travel inspiration, visitgreece.gr has everything you need to know. While many central Athens restaurants have seafood on the menu, some of the best seafood-focused eateries are located in Piraeus by the Mikrolimano fishing harbor. The Greek Ministry of Health has developed system for COVID-19 vaccination information and appointments, available on the Greek government webpage at, Greece has created a process for individuals who completed some or all prior COVID-19 vaccination doses abroad to. People cite initial disappointment in finding a city whose grittiness and edginess doesn't meet the expectation of a city entirely coated in gleaming, classical Greek architecture. For more information seeRequirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers on CDCs website. The Urban Room at Dave Red (the bed is as comfy as it looks).
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