Athens Holidays

Enchanting and intriguing, steeped in history yet oh-so-current, Athens makes for a fascinating city trip, whether as a standalone getaway or as the gateway to a Grecian adventure.

Although this city is dominated by the mighty Acropolis that serves as a near-constant reminder of Athens’ enviable history, Athens is very much in the here and now. While its maze-like streets may have existed for aeons, the bars and cafes that are today’s residents rival the cool factor of any other world-class city.

Delving into Athens’s blockbuster archaeology is a must. You’d be mad to miss the gems of the Acropolis, with the soaring Parthenon keeping a watchful eye over the city while the Acropolis Museum holds the surviving treasures from the archaic period to Roman times.

Speak to our Greece experts today about planning the perfect trip to Athens and beyond.

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Athens Hotels

Our recommendations for the best places to stay in Athens

Grecotel Pallas Athena 

An all-white aesthetic acts as a canvas for the modern artwork and graffiti by local artists.

Grecotel Cape Sounio Boutique Resort

A smattering of low-slung villas and bungalows with rustic-chic interiors, the Grecotel’s design...

Perianth Hotel

Art Deco meets neo modernism at this city hotel at the heart of a lively, artistic neighbourhood....

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Get to know Athens and those important practicalities when planning your perfect holiday.

Capital
TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT+2

CURRENCY

Euro

FLYING TIME TO DESTINATION

3¾ hours

RELIGION

Christianity (majority Greek Orthodox)

LANGUAGE

Greek

Where is Athens?
Greece's historic heart and capital is on an inlet of the Aegean Sea and the southern part of the Greek mainland.

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The Acropolis
Visible from almost everywhere in Athens, the Acropolis — gloriously crowned by the Parthenon – may be faded, but it's not hard to imagine the sheer splendour of what once was. The modern museum dedicated to its stories is further down the southern slope, and the treasure trove of exhibits begin with incredible Athenian ruins beneath a glass floor.

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Traces of the past
The intrigue of the Athens’ history goes beyond the Parthenon. Visit the Odeon of Herodes Atticus — an enormous amphitheatre that’s found new life staging concerts and performances and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, where 15 of 104 original Corinthian columns stand stubbornly stoic.

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Plaka
The hillside Athens neighbourhood of Plaka has a village-like feel, with Greek tavernas and Byzantine churches lining cobblestone streets.

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Monastiraki, Thissio & Psirri
Anchored by a central square, the popular neighbourhood of Monastriaki gives way to Psirri to its north, where regeneration has made this a sought-after spot. Then there are the residential vibes of Thissio, from where you can get one of the best views of the Parthenon and take an invigorating hike up the hillside for sweeping city panoramas.

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Filopappou Hill & Koukaki
Southeast of the city, Koukaki vies to be Athens’ most desirable neighbourhood with its indie spirit and café culture. It leads to Filopappou Hill, a popular spot with budding photographs who love a stroll at dusk to get atmospheric shots of the Acropolis and the Saronic Gulf.

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Cape Sounio
Ten miles south of the city, Cape Sounio has beautiful beaches and glittering bays with sensational views of the Temple of Poseidon and a pretty National Park to explore.

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Getting around
Public transport is extensive and reliable, although you might choose to walk through some neighbourhoods and take the opportunity to get to know them better. Transfers are included between the airport and your hotel, keeping things simple.

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Athens Weather

May - Nov

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