Athens Holidays guide – from maps and weather to the best attractions and restaurants – here’s what you need to know
Athens is great for...
- Diners: Expect fresh fish and authentic Greek dishes
- History fans: Athens has some of the most fascinating historic sites in Greece
- Sun lovers: The city offers a hot, sunny and dry climate
Introducing Athens
If the thought of exploring Greece’s ancient world makes your skin tingle with anticipation, you’ll struggle to contain your excitement on a holiday to Athens. The historical capital of Europe, Athens’ landmarks and old ruins are known the world over, attracting history buffs and all types of tourists eager to lose themselves in their imagination as they stroll through the remains of a distant world. On top of that, Athens is a mecca for shopaholics with everything from designer clothes and ornate handmade crafts to souvenirs. Follow this with a cool walk in the beautiful gardens and pretty landscapes of Athens.
Getting around in Athens
Athens is home to more than 4 million people and its transport network is efficient enough to cater for locals and tourists in synchrony. The network consists of trams, a metro system, trolleybuses and buses. You can obtain maps and timetables online or at the local tourist offices. Metro and tramway extensions to the Port of Piraeus are scheduled for completion in 2017. You can obtain 24-hour and 3-day tickets allowing you get unlimited travel on public transport in Athens, apart from airport services. Local buses and trolleybuses are available from 5am right through to midnight, though Piraeus buses run through the night. The metro runs until midnight on weekdays, with lines 2 and 3 remaining open till 2am on Fridays and Saturdays. Railway lines link Athens to the airport Piraeus and other key destinations.
You can take a picturesque journey from Athens to Voula and Farilo via the tram. Children under six can travel for free on the bus, with over-65s and under-18s paying half-fare. A special tourist ticket is available that includes a round-trip airport journey. There are many taxi companies operating in and around Athens. The entire public transport system has received significant investment over recent years.