The city of Athens (English Athens, Greek Αθήνα) is located in the central part of Greece and is the economic, cultural and administrative center of the country. Total area – 412 sq. km. The local population is 650 thousand people (according to unofficial data - 5 million).

Athens is ancient city Greece, which was known 3500 years ago, has a very rich history. It can be safely called the cradle of European civilization. The city got its name in honor of the Goddess of Wisdom - Athena. Athens is a must-visit with an excursion program, regardless of which Greek resort you are vacationing at. Of interest central areas, Old Town, suburbs and port of Piraeus.

People in Athens usually spend their time sightseeing, shopping and having fun in nightclubs, bars and restaurants. Some relax on the beach in the suburbs. The tourist infrastructure in Athens is very well developed - numerous hotels, shops and entertainment venues are abundant here. For lovers active rest You will enjoy sports fields, tennis courts and golf clubs.

Don't forget about shopping. It is better to buy local souvenirs in the areas of Plaka, Ermu and Monastiraki, and products of world brands - in large shopping centers The Mall, Golden Hall and Athens Heart.

The bulk of nightlife establishments are located in the areas of Plaka, Kolonaki, Psirri and Thissone. In local bars and restaurants you can listen to both traditional Greek music and dance to modern rhythms.

Short story

Athens is the cradle of Greek culture. The first settlement appeared in this territory 3,000 BC. By 500 BC. the city became the largest cultural center in the region. This is the birthplace of such outstanding personalities as Plato, Aristotle, Sophocles, Euripides, Aeschylus, Phidias.

But with the rise of the Roman Empire, it gradually began to lose its importance even after the 3rd century AD. turned into a provincial town.

In 1458 it was captured by the Turks and annexed to the Ottoman Empire.

In 1833, Athens was proclaimed the capital of the Kingdom of Greece. In 1896, the first modern Olympic Games were held in the restored Panathinaikos Stadium.

The city did not suffer significant damage during World War II. Since the 70s, tourism began to develop, which peaked at the end of the 90s. Currently, for many, a visit to Greece is accompanied by a trip to Athens.

The city of Athens on the map of Greece and the world

You can buy air tickets as profitably as possible using special search engines that collect data from all airlines.

Airlines flying to Athens:

• Aeroflot,
• Aegean Airlines,
• Air Serbia,
• Alitalia,
• Pegasus,
• Turkish Airlines,
• Lufthansa and others.

IN tourist season additional flights are being launched, both direct and with one transfer. There are a lot of offers from European airlines.

From other cities and islands of Greece, you can get to Athens by plane, bus, train and ferry.

The city of Athens is connected to the airport by public transport, at your service: metro, buses, trains, taxis. If you want to be transported comfortably to your hotel, do so in advance.

If you have international rights, then you can, the airport is the best choice.

Transport

Athens has a developed network of urban public transport, these are: metro, trams, trolleybuses, trains and buses. There are uniform tariffs for all types of transport, which is very convenient.

1. Metro.

I would especially like to note the metro, which, in addition to its direct function, also serves as a guide to the history of the country. At some stations there are various artifacts found during the construction of the subway. The metro has 3 lines in total and covers the main areas of the city.

2. Trams.

Tram routes run from the city center to its southern outskirts, all the way to the sea coast. This is the cheapest way to get to the beaches.

3. Buses.

Buses run not only during the day, but even after midnight, when all other transport is not running. True, this does not apply to all routes.

4. Electric trains.

Electric trains connect the city of Corinth with the airport, passing through the port of Piraeus and the central station of the capital.

5. Taxi.

If you want to move around the city comfortably, you can take a taxi. They all operate on a meter, but at night the payment is twice as high as during the day. For trips out of town, you can pre-order.

6. Car rental.

If you have an international driving license, then it is best to explore Athens on. Stock up on a navigator or map and go on an adventure!

Attractions

Athens has a huge number of ancient attractions:

• Acropolis hill with the Parthenon and ancient temples,
• Lycabettus hill with the Church of St. George on top,
• Tower of the Winds,
• theater of Dionysus,
• Temple of Olympian Zeus,
• Areopagus,
• Attalus standing,
• Odeon of Herodes Atticus,
• Athens Agora,
• temple of Hephaestus,
• Panathinaikos stadium,
• Caesariani monastery,
• the first Athenian cemetery.

In addition, there are a huge number of museums introducing the history, culture and rich heritage of Greece.

View all interesting places You won’t be able to take a vacation in a short time, so you should choose the most interesting ones for you personally.

Resorts and beaches

Don't forget about a beach holiday in Athens. The city itself does not have direct access to the sea, but just a few kilometers away there is a coastline with magnificent beaches. Most hotels are located here. The Greek elite, who have luxurious mansions and villas, also like to relax on the coast.

Climate

The climate in Athens is subtropical. Summers are very hot and dry. May and October are the best time to visit the city for the purpose of... excursion holiday. At this time it is not as hot as in summer and the sights can be seen in comfort.

If you want to combine excursions with a beach holiday, then it is better to go in the summer. The temperature during this period is +26…+30 degrees. The sea warms up to +26 degrees.

In winter, the thermometer is at +10…+12. Snow occurs very rarely and almost always only at night, when it is coldest.

*Weather data provided by Weather 2 Travel.

This truly legendary Greek city is famous throughout the world. The capital of ancient and modern Greece has experienced great ups and no less epic falls throughout its history. Like a phoenix, Athens was reborn after devastating wars, conquests and natural disasters. At the same time, the Greeks managed to preserve part of the city’s historical heritage: today the ruins of the Acropolis and the remains of ancient sculptures coexist with fashionable hotels and modern shopping centers. The features of the most important Greek polis will be discussed in today’s material.

The history of these glorious places goes back almost ten thousand years. The exact date of the founding of the city of Athens is unknown, but according to the widespread version, settlements appeared here in 7 thousand BC. They were located in the southern part of Attica, where there are low mountains covering a valley with settlements on three sides.

The founder of Athens is considered the first ruler in the Athenian kingdom - King Kekropos, who was half man, half snake. According to legend, when choosing a patron of the city, he asked the gods a simple task: to make a useful gift. Poseidon gave him a fountain, but the water in it turned out to be salty and undrinkable. And the goddess Athena gifted the new polis with a tree with unusual fruits - olives. Kekrop chose a gift from the goddess, in whose honor the city of Athens was named.

Athens reached its apogee of glory in the 5th century BC. Actually from 500 to 300 BC. All of Ancient Greece reached the golden age of development, and its capital became the cradle of culture, economics and politics. However, the political system of the Greek country was such that Athens was not so much the capital of Greece, but acted as an independent state. Polis remained the most important center of ancient times until the rise of the Roman Empire.

In the third century AD, Athens lost its former grandeur and became a provincial town. Then there are long centuries of constant wars and conquests by foreign troops, leading to the looting, destruction and even burning of Athens. New round The history of the city begins only in the 19th century, when the Greeks managed to free themselves from the dictates of the Ottoman Empire.

Since 1833, Athens has been the official capital of Greece. Having achieved independence, the Greek kingdom begins to develop rapidly. King Otto of Bavaria intended to return the country to its former greatness and restore the prestige of the capital. For this purpose, architects were called to Athens, who designed several city streets and public buildings in the neoclassical style (including the University of Athens, National Park, Syntagma Square, etc.). Gradually the city regained its former appearance and in 1896 the first modern Olympic Games were held here in the new stadium.

The 20th century is marked by the beginning of archaeological excavations, which help restore the heritage of ancient Greece. In the 1920s, the Greeks signed an agreement with the Turks on the exchange of populations, as a result of which a wave of immigrants rolled into Athens. Added to this are the treaties on the Balkan Wars that were successful for the Greeks, after the conclusion of which the territory and population of the country, incl. Athens doubles in size.

During World War II, the city fell under German occupation, but after the war it again continued its rapid development. The construction and industrial boom of the mid-20th century, at the beginning of the 21st century, leads to transport and environmental problems. To date, some of them have been successfully resolved, which was greatly facilitated by the 2004 Athens Olympics.

Modern Athens is a dynamic city that combines ancient heritage with the vibrant and vibrant life of 21st century Europe. There are many nightclubs, brand stores, entertainment centers and tourist hotels. But they still rise above it all ancient Acropolis, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Parthenon and the remains of ancient theaters.

Geographical location

Athens is located on mainland Greece, in the south of the Balkan Peninsula. Polis is located on the central plain of Attica, surrounded by mountains and the Saronic Gulf. Over the years of active development and settlement, the city has come close to these natural boundaries. So further expansion of the urban area is practically impossible.

Greece is southeastern Europe, and Athens is one of the southernmost European cities. But you are unlikely to need a map of European countries, but a map of the city of Athens will be useful to any traveler. The city is very large, so getting around without a street map is quite difficult.

Population

Everyone knows what a glorious capital Greece is and what the main attractions of Athens are called. But few people know that the population of the city of Athens accounts for 1/3 of the total population of the country! Just think about it: a third of the state’s residents live in one city.

The permanent population in Athens in 2017 is more than 3.5 million people, while total The inhabitants of Greece for the same year were 10.9 million people. At the same time, migrants and part of the local population registered in other regions also live in the capital city. Their number can be approximately estimated at another 500 thousand people. This is how capacious the Greek capital is.

Climate

Like the rest of the country, Athens is influenced by the Mediterranean climate. It provides a consistently sunny, hot summer and a long autumn, which in fact smoothly turns into spring. Winter frosts are rare in the region.

The area where Athens is located has low humidity, so the summer heat can be tolerated comfortably. Summer temperatures reach +30°C and above. Rainy days are most common in autumn, but precipitation is very rare in summer.

How to get to Athens

The Greek capital can be reached by plane, ferry and land transport.

The city's air harbor is called Eleftherios Venizelos. Upon arrival at Athens airport, it is very easy to go straight to the city center. There is a metro line from the terminal, and numerous buses and commuter trains depart from the airport to the city.

The port of Piraeus is the sea gate to the capital Athens. Foreign ships dock here, as well as an endless stream of local ferries of various capacities. Please note that in winter, ship schedules are often disrupted by the vagaries of the weather.

You can get to Athens by car or bus along numerous highways and routes. The distance, travel time and comfort of the route naturally depend on the starting point of departure.

The best time of year to visit Athens is difficult to determine. Spring and summer have the hottest temperatures and peak season, but the cost of holidays is also higher. In autumn and winter, the demand for holidays is lower, but weather worse. However, if you look hard enough, you can find a hot offer and go on holiday in Greece and Athens at a discount. To do this, look through the calendar of low prices for air tickets and online services for selecting tours and accommodation.

Athens travel guide

Here our material about holidays in Athens comes to the equator, and from dry facts and theory we begin to move on to tourist practice, i.e. walks around the city. Next, we will tell you about the most interesting places in Athens and the unique sights of Greece that have been preserved in the capital city. We will also touch on the nuances and subtleties of Athens tourism and, of course, talk about hotels in Athens.

Sea and beaches in Athens

In the suburbs of the capital there are many coastal villages with well-groomed and equipped coastlines. The following local beaches are the most popular among tourists:

• Voula;
• Asteros;
• Faliron;
• Alimas;
• Akti Vouliagmeni.

Best time for beach holiday in the Greek capital July-August. You can get to the coast by public transport. In most cases, it is more convenient to take tram No. 3, because the lines run along the coastal zone. Bus number 122 runs to Vouliagmeni.

Districts of Athens

The Greek capital city is divided into seven districts, but tourists are advised to settle only in the center of Athens. This is dictated both by the developed infrastructure and proximity of attractions, and by security issues.

Plaka

The most historically significant area of ​​the city, located at the foot of the Acropolis. It is especially atmospheric in Anafiotika, the western part of Plaka. Here, narrow cobbled streets and low white houses traditional for Greek architecture create the impression of truly Ancient Hellas.

The area has a very developed tourist infrastructure: many cafes, taverns, shops, hotels and entertainment. The historical heritage of the area is also rich. Here you can get acquainted with ancient monuments, as well as sights from the times of Byzantine and Turkish rule.

Monastiraki

Another oldest district of the city, very close to the Acropolis.

Monastiraki is actually a large commercial and historical center of the city. Famous landmarks are located here: the Tower of the Winds, the Fethias Mosque, the Library of Hadrian. And what a beautiful panorama opens onto the Acropolis from the local Keramix (ancient cemetery). You won’t find another such view of Ancient Hellas in the entire city.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the local market and the myriad of shops on Ermou Street. Lovers of shopping and sales should definitely stay here.

Thisio

Calm and peaceful area, actually a park area. Here you can take a break from the noisy bustle of the city and enjoy the coolness of the local parks. At the same time, the geographical location of the area allows easy access to the center of Athens, located several hundred meters to the east.

Thisio also has many cultural options. In this area you can:

• look at the ruins of the Agora complex;
• take a walk along the pedestrian street named after Apostle Paul;
• go to Pnyx Hill;
• visit the Athens Conservatory, Observatory and Dora Stratou Theater.

And don’t forget about the local shops, shops, cafes and taverns.

Syntagma

The name of the area was given by the historical square, which is called the heart of Athens. It is from here that excursions to historical Plaka and Monastiraki, as well as just walks around the city, begin.

Near Syntagma is the National History Museum, which is the former parliament building. And on the square itself there is a modern parliament, which is a kind of landmark of these places. Tourists can examine the facade and some rooms of the building, as well as follow the solemn ritual of the changing of the guard.

Syntagma is also famous for its National Park, where you can enjoy the silence and views of nature.

Safety in Athens

We have already answered the questions about when is the best time to go to Athens and where is the best place to live in the capital. Now let's talk about how to behave in this huge Greek polis.

General rules

The capital of Greece is crowded, and this circumstance sometimes plays into the hands of scammers and robbers. To avoid getting into an unpleasant situation, try to always keep an eye on your belongings and follow these small tips:

1. Keep bags at the front, not at the back or side;
2. Don't put valuables in your back pockets;
3. Don’t walk around the city with backpacks (it’s easier to steal from your back);
4. Do not wedge yourself into crowds of protesters and demonstrators so as not to be detained by the police.
5. When on public transport, be prepared and keep your bag in sight.

Which areas are best not to go to?

Like any large metropolis, Athens is fraught with dangerous neighborhoods and their unreliable inhabitants. There are many beggars, homeless people and thieves on the distant streets of the city. In particular, the area around Omonia Square, especially Sotheklos Street, is notorious for Athens. At night, the port streets of Piraeus, the vicinity of the Larissa railway station and Karassaki Square are dangerous for tourists.

Neighborhoods of Athens

In addition to exploring the capital itself, you can also go on a trip to the suburbs. The capital's surroundings are distinguished by both natural pearls and their own historical attractions. So, here you can see the Averof floating museum, conquer Mount Parnitha, visit the zoological park or take a trip sea ​​cruise to the island of Aegina or Hydra.

And if the distance of 70 km does not scare you, then you should go to Cape Sounion and explore the Temple of Poseidon. Even the ruins of a building produce strong impression, and what was here in antiquity is comparable only to the Parthenon.

How to get around the city

It must be said that the transport system of Athens is well developed, but it does not always save you from debilitating traffic jams.

A single ticket is valid for buses, trolleybuses, trams, metro and trains within the city limits. For 1.4 euros you can make a 90-minute trip with transfers to any mode of transport. Also on sale are daily tickets for 4.5 €, and a 5-day ticket costs 9 €.

Trams

The total length of tram lines in Athens is 27 km. A long line runs along the coast, and in the center there is a branch to the Syntagma area. There are 3 routes in the city:

• No. 3 Neo-Falira - Voula;
• No. 4 Syntagma – Neo-Falira;
• No. 5 Syntagma – Voula.

The rails are laid along separate streets, so Athens trams are not afraid of citywide traffic jams.

Buses

By bus you can travel not only around the Greek capital, but also around its suburbs. The bus fleet consists of 1,800 vehicles, and the number of routes reaches 300.

As an important note, we note that in Greece all stops are made only upon request. You need to carefully monitor the road in order to have time to press the “stop” button and get off at your stop. If you are waiting for a bus on the street, then you should wave your hand to get the driver to stop.

Metro

Another type of transport with which you do not risk getting stuck in traffic jams. The metro connects all major transport hubs: the port, railway station and airport. There are 3 branches in total in the city:

• No. 1 Piraeus – Kifissia (green);
• No. 2 Antoupoli – Elliniko (red);
• No. 3 Agia Marina – Airport (blue).

Please note that there are no turnstiles in the Greek metro. But the ticket must be validated and kept for the entire trip, because... Controllers work on the routes.

Taxi

Official taxis are yellow cars with checkered lines and the Ταξί sign. Cars may be of different brands, but they are all equipped with meters, which are used to pay for the trip. The main tariffs are as follows:

• In the city 0.7 € per km;
• Suburban 1.2€ per km;
• Boarding + 1.2 € to the trip amount;
• Phone call + 2 € to the trip amount.

At night, rates double. Be careful when traveling, because... There are often drivers who want to “earn extra money” from tourists by increasing their road bill.

Rent a Car

There are many rental agencies in the city, but we would recommend renting a car only for out-of-town trips. Athens has heavy traffic, frequent traffic jams and parking problems, so a rented car can only become an extra burden. Outside the city, a personal car, on the contrary, has an advantage over the confusing public transport schedule.

Sights of Athens

The Greek capital is incredibly rich in unique monuments and cultural recreation facilities.

Museums

There are more than 250 exhibitions with various exhibits in the city. But the most interesting museums are:

• Acropolis;
• Agora;
• Archaeological Museum;
• Ship "Averof";
• Museum of Cycladic Art.

During high season, museum exhibitions are open to the public every day.

Tourist streets

Churches and temples

There are also countless religious buildings in the city. Ancient culture has been preserved to this day: the Acropolis and its numerous temples. There are also many in Athens Orthodox churches: Cathedral of the Annunciation Holy Mother of God, Monastery of Daphne, Temple of St. George. There are also Muslim monuments in the city. A striking example is the Tsisdaraki mosque.

Excursions

From Athens you can go on an excursion to any corner of Greece. If you do not want to leave the capital for a long time, then an excellent option would be Boat trip to neighboring islands.

Recreation and entertainment

There is plenty to do in Athens besides cultural recreation.

Shopping, shops, souvenirs

There are several dozen shops on Ermu Street, incl. brand boutiques H&M, Zara, Benetton and much more. Here you can buy quality items from European manufacturers.

It is better to buy souvenirs and gifts in small shops and local markets. Products will be an original gift self made from ceramics or textiles. Prices in Athens are high, but don't forget that Greeks are always willing to bargain.

Cuisine and restaurants

The capital's restaurants offer tourists local cuisine and popular dishes from other countries of the world. There are a lot of cafes and taverns in the city, but if you only want the best cuisine with gourmet dishes, we recommend visiting Petrino, Lalloudes, Garbi and To Kofenio.

Clubs and nightlife

At night, life in the capital never ceases to be in full swing. For regulars of dance floors and fiery parties, there are the best nightclubs in the city:

• Villa Mercedes
• Baronda;
• Venue;

Most establishments maintain a dress code (evening wear). Entrance to the parties is paid, and on average is about 10 euros per person.

Young tourists in Athens will find it no less interesting than adults. Moreover, if the family stays in a hotel with game room, animators and children's menu.

In the city, children will be entertained by visiting the water park, planetarium, zoo and various attractions. The children also like to explore the ruins of ancient buildings. But here you need to carefully monitor the child so that the child does not harm either the ruins or himself.

Popular hotels in Athens

There are more than 2,000 hotels, inns and apartments of various classes in the Greek capital. It is hardly possible to select the best housing from this list. We can only note those hotels to which tourists express more trust and warm regard. These are establishments such as:

Holidays in Athens are varied and exciting; no tourist will be bored here. We cannot ignore the disadvantages of the metropolis: crowded, ecological problems, traffic congestion and street hooliganism. But if you take into account the recommendations listed in the material and carefully plan your vacation, the trip will leave only pleasant impressions in your memory. Happy travels and unforgettable adventures!

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Classmates

Ancient Greek Athens is a majestic and revered city. It had a huge number of inhabitants. The area was distinguished by beautiful architecture. Athens is also the center of the arts and culture of the Greeks. The main city of Attica is located not on the seashore, as was customary since ancient times, but several kilometers from the body of water. The settlement was founded around a large hill, on the top of which in a picturesque area stood a fortress of unprecedented beauty - the Acropolis.

Basics

Legend has it that the city was named after the warrior maiden Athena. She was the goddess of wisdom, patronized arts and crafts, all kinds of sciences, but at the same time she was a great supporter of battles and fights.
The city was founded so long ago that history hides the true date from contemporaries. There is evidence that Athens existed during the Mycenaean era and even long before it. Athens was glorified by Plato and his associates in their teachings.
Athens, like other cities in Greece, was a polis. This city-state reached its peak in the 9th century BC. During this period, Athens was no longer ruled by kings, but by tyrants. But residents did not see anything wrong with the definition of this name. Translated from Greek “Tyranos” means ruler. However, at first everything was ideal, but over the years the rulers began to take away the most valuable things from people. The population was periodically plundered. Since then, the word “tyrant” has become almost a dirty word. By him was meant a cruel ruler.
Residents tolerated tyrants because they enjoyed the patronage of the nobility and the highest council of elders (Areopagus).
First population
It is believed that at first Athens was inhabited by certain Pelasgians, and the first king, according to mythology, was Cecrops. This time is dated 2-3 millennia BC. Later, the Ionians arrived in Athens. By the way, according to legend, the majestic Athena gave the residents of the city an olive tree long after the moment when the policy began to flourish. So she won honor and recognition. After all, the olive is a symbol of wealth and life. The goddess out-competed Poseidon, who wanted to give water to the inhabitants of Athens in order to win their honor and respect and become a recognized ruler. Olive meant more.
Mines flourished in the city, where slaves mined silver, tin and a number of other minerals. Iron deposits were also found not far from the city. Without thinking twice, the Athenians set up enterprises for the extraction of useful metal.
Athens was famous for its ceramic dishes, olive oil, various types of honey, and wines. Marble was mined and processed in Athens. All this contributed to the enormous flourishing of trade and crafts. Athens prospered and gained bonuses economically. Whole families flocked here to found and build their homes. So the city grew more and more.

The reign of Draco is noteworthy. From his name the concept of “Draconian laws” came into modern times. This cruel ruler established very dangerous orders. According to them, residents were punished with death even for the most minor offenses. For example, someone could be deprived of their life for stealing an onion.
In ancient times, property inequality reigned in Athens. But in the 6th century BC. this was put to an end. This is all due to the growing clashes between the nobility and ordinary poor residents. The bloody unrest was suppressed by the election of an archon, who eventually, thanks to his intelligence, restored general order. Solon abolished the draconian orders and began to build a wonderful society, carrying out reforms in the main areas of life of the Athenians.

Estates of Athens

According to historians, Solon developed a number of laws according to which residents received freedom in terms of inheriting property. The benefits were enjoyed by ordinary hard workers - artisans and traders. Citizens were divided into 4 estates, which depended on their financial situation. All people, regardless of their position in society, received equal rights. Any, even not very important, policy issues were decided by the opinion of the majority and only after general discussions.
Solon always defended only upper layer- an aristocracy, in whose ranks there were nobility and wealthy peasants. Under him, only the rich held government positions. However, at the same time, the poor classes could also decide their destinies. So, in the 500s BC, certain commoners Aristogeiton and Harmodius killed the ruling tyrant, who committed complete arbitrariness and did not give a normal life to people.
Despite this, the nobility always found an opportunity to unite and lead people the way they needed. They rigged votes at people's meetings, made large bribes, and used the services of demagogues (dubious people's leaders).
The flourishing concerned external relations. Athens owned the port of Piraeus. It was the center of trade in the Mediterranean. The policy began to dominate the Maritime Union, which included at least 200 policies. Athens owned a common treasury, which greatly increased the authority of the Athenians.

Great War

In the 400s. BC. Athens was attacked by the Spartans. This epic is called the Peloponnesian War. It lasted about 30 years. In the history of Athens and Ancient Greece these were some of the most significant and bloody battles. As a result, the maritime union of Athens could no longer be called a community, and in the city, as a result of a coup, a group of rulers numbering 30 tyrants took power. The People's Assembly was a fiasco.
Athens capitulated to Sparta. The protracted war weakened not only this largest city in Greece, but also most of the policies. During the same period, a major external enemy appeared on the arena - Macedonia. The ruler of this country was systematically approaching Athens. As a result, the city-policies decided to unite. This is how the union was created:

• 1. Thebes.
• 2. Magar.
• 3. Corinth.
• 4. Athens.

The Greek coalition battle was defeated. After all, the Athenian nobility, in the majority, curried favor with Macedonia. Thus began the Hellenistic era in Greece. During this period, the Macedonians took over. They gave freedom to the population only formally. However, the Athenians survived, thanks to their ancient history. For example, the Roman Lucius pardoned Athens only because it has such a rich history. The inhabitants were given freedom.

Decline

Athens began to gradually decline by the 3rd century BC. The Peloponnesian War completely ruined Greece. Scientists claim that as a result, Hellenism collapsed. On the one hand there are internecine wars, on the other – the advancing Romans. Already at the beginning of our era, the city was not only captured, but also catastrophically plundered by Silla’s warriors. This Roman brought to Athens huge army, and there was not a single chance left for the victory of the inhabitants of the besieged city.

Roman rule lasted until the 3rd century. At the same time, Athens did not lose its high position in Greece until the German Heruli warriors came and destroyed everything almost to the ground. Only cultural values ​​and some institutions, for example, schools, have been preserved. By the way, this time gave the world the most famous Roman emperor Julian, who just studied at one of the Athenian schools. However, he closed these educational institutions.
The center of Hellenism “went” to Macedonia, Athens quickly fell into decline. Unfortunately, the rich city became more like a periphery, a small village. Population in 500 new era was only 20 thousand people.
The further history of Athens is far from rosy, but rather sad. The city was besieged and robbed many times. The Acropolis, which was an unsurpassed palace, lost its grandeur. In the mid-15th century, the Turks entered Athens. And they, in turn, had to defend the city from the Venetian raid. During that period, the significant architectural monument Parthenon suffered greatly. He practically fell under fire from Venetian guns.
Revival of the capital
Athens became the capital of the state at the beginning of the 19th century. Then the city was more like a provincial village, but free from the Ottoman yoke. King Otto, who ruled in those years, ordered the revival of the once beautiful city. Intensive construction began. The design of the architect Leo von Klenze was taken as a basis.
Even more quarters appeared at the beginning of the 20th century. Refugees from the territories of Asia Minor came to the city. The Second World War brought new troubles to Athens. The city was occupied by the Nazis. But with the victory over the fascists, prosperity and a new revival came to Athens.
Now Athens is the largest metropolis in Greece - the capital Olympic Games. They have been held here again since the end of the 19th century. The thousand-year glory of this city is not forgotten even now. Even in the 20th century, the city was still shaken by political upheavals, but cultural activity did not stop. In 1981, Greece joined the European Union, which gave the country and, of course, its capital, enormous investment privileges.
So, Athens to this day remains the cherished dream of those tourists who have not yet had a chance to visit the capital of Greece. Majestic architecture, cultures, traditions, wonderful history. All this is preserved in numerous museums of antiquity.

Church of Our Lady of Apparitions

The Sanctuary of Hera can be reached either from Mycenae along the new national highway, or from Argos via Neo Ireo or Chonika. In the center of the village there is a Byzantine temple dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, built in 1144. It is considered one of the best preserved temples of the Komnenos dynasty. It belonged to the monastery complex, which was located on the site of the modern village

Marrying a Greek: does it make sense and what to prepare for?

Good, decent, loving. Every woman dreams of finding such a husband. Is it possible to find him among the Greeks? By marrying any man, no matter what his nationality, a girl hopes to live happily ever after. But often you have to put up with some of your spouse’s characteristics or shortcomings. And he, in turn, has to give in. This is present in all cultures. The peculiarities of Greek life have a strong influence on family life. It takes some getting used to.

Foreigners through the eyes of the Greeks

The last six years, according to official statistics, Greece is one of the first places in the world according to the ranking of the most popular tourist destinations. Since time immemorial, the Greeks have been famous for their hospitality and cordial attitude towards guests. Today, the chefs of many leading taverns and restaurants can determine from which country the visitor is from just by choosing a dish. First of all, the Greeks are interested in Russian-speaking tourists. In addition to large feasts and nightly gatherings, they leave very generous tips in taverns from 20 to 50 euros. In addition, the majority of Russians are fellow believers of the Orthodox Greeks, which also has a beneficial effect on their relationships.

Pella - Macedonian capital

There is no exact date in the sources for the transfer of the capital of Ancient Macedonia from Aig to Pella, nor is there a name of who did it. However, most likely this happened in the 5th century. BC e. during the reign of King Archelaus. The name of the new Macedonian capital is traditionally traced to the word πέλλα (Ancient Macedonian “stone”).

Meteora, St. Stephen's Convent

When you approach Kalambaka, having left the town of Trikala, and look at the Meteora rocks, from a distance of 16 km, you see on the first rock on your right, the monastery of St. Stephen, which has been majestically rising for centuries in this place. You can get to the monastery by two roads, the first leads from the village of Kastraki, and the second from the south-eastern side of Kalambaki.

Athens is the capital of Greece, its largest city, attracting many tourists from all over the world. It has already become a tradition to start getting acquainted with Greece from Athens. And there are many reasons for this.

This is the oldest city in the country, which has experienced and seen a lot: luxury and poverty, prosperity and decline, grandeur and insignificance. Despite such changes, the entire civilized world symbolizes modern Athens with freedom and democracy.

The name of the capital of Greece comes from the name of the goddess of wisdom, Athena. Legend has it that the Phoenician Kekrops founded a city on a huge rock in Attica, and the goddess of wisdom Athena and the god of the sea Poseidon fought for the right to patronize him. In order to resolve this dispute, the gods from Olympus offered Athena and Poseidon to give gifts to the city. Poseidon struck the rock with his trident and gave him water, and Athena grew an olive tree by hitting the rock with her spear. The gods considered Athena's gift more valuable, so the city was given to the goddess of wisdom.

Athens combines history and modernity, European appearance and ancient harmony. Artists and businessmen, young and old, married and single, fall in love with this romantic city. Athens blows people away with its stunning pace of life. And in numerous theaters, restaurants, shops and hotels you can always take a break from such a rhythm.

Climate and weather

The climate in Athens, as throughout Greece, is Mediterranean. But there is also a difference - low air humidity. You will never feel the sweltering heat in Athens, although the average temperature during the holiday season reaches +30 °C. average temperature in winter - +5 °C, almost without snow, but with frequent rain.

Nature

In addition to its excellent climate, Athens can boast of its rich nature. The Greek capital is located along the shore of the Aegean Sea, and is surrounded on three sides by mountains. There are 12 hills throughout the entire area of ​​Athens, the most significant of which are the Acropolis and Loukavittos. The most important natural attractions of Athens are olive groves, a variety of flowers, numerous vineyards and, of course, luxurious beaches. Despite such a beautiful appearance, the city still has environmental problems.

Attractions

When traveling around Athens, you cannot help but visit the symbol of the Greek capital - the Acropolis with its main temple, the Parthenon, the temple of the Virgin Athena. The old city is very popular among tourists, in particular the Place de la Concorde, where the Parliament building, a luxurious royal park and the ruins of the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian's Arch are located. Thanks to a period of prosperity Byzantine Empire A huge number of churches appeared in Athens: the Church of the Holy Apostles, the Church of St. Theodores, Kapnikarea, Panagia Gorgoepikoos, the Church of St. George. Keramikos is the most important monument of ancient Athens, where the ashes of famous Athenians are kept. Also of interest to tourists are the Tower of Fans, the Lantern of Diogenes and, of course, the Arch of Hadrian. All this is just a small list of what is worth visiting in Athens.

Nutrition

In the Greek capital you will find a huge number of taverns, cafes and restaurants. Their highest concentration is in the areas of Plaka and Psirri - the city center. Here you can find absolutely everything: oriental exoticism and European sophistication, small eateries and luxurious restaurants serving traditional Greek cuisine.

If you are a little hungry during city tours, you simply don’t have time for long meetings in a restaurant, but you prefer tasty and healthy food, then welcome to Gregory’s and Everest, the main Greek fast food chains.

In the evening, after long walks around the city, after swimming and sunbathing, you really want to sit in a nice establishment with a cozy atmosphere, delicious cuisine and a generous menu... A glass of excellent wine, traditional Greek dishes, excellent music - all this can be combined in one establishment, the Filistron restaurant, which is located next to the entrance to the city park. And the main feature of the establishment is a gorgeous view of the Acropolis! Here you will be offered a huge selection of national cuisine. The establishment is so popular that sometimes a table is booked here a month in advance! Therefore, we recommend that you visit it on a regular weekday.

There is one peculiarity in Greek alcoholic drinks. They often contain anise, which can cause allergic reactions or simply discomfort.

Accommodation

The most demanding travelers will be delighted to be greeted by the NJV Athens Plaza (Grecotel), located in the city center, with a magnificent view of the Acropolis. The Grande Bretagne Hotel has stood on the same square for 130 years, adding a touch of antiquity to the establishment, but the service here is modern and first-class. Not far from the Temple of Zeus is the luxurious five-star Royal Olympic Hotel. The leader among four-star hotels is the Titania Hotel, located in the city center between Syntagma and Omonia squares.

Entertainment and relaxation

Your holiday in Athens will be filled with unforgettable contrast. It’s quite easy to choose a tour to Athens depending on the interests of the tourist. For family vacation For children, there are playgrounds and water slides on the beach with shallow seas.

Fans of active recreation will also be pleasantly surprised by the wide range of entertainment: diving and water jumps, volleyball and tennis fields.

The most popular among tourists are the largest amusement park in Greece, Allou Fun Park, and one of the largest in the world, the Athens Planetarium. The park is divided into two large areas: for adults and children. The park is open from 10:00 to 24:00. In the planetarium you can watch 3D films about the distant future, about space travel and even about the ancient Greek past! Planetarium opening hours: 9:30-16:30. The entrance ticket for children is 5-6 €, for adults – 4-8 €.

Purchases

Among fans of Greek shopping, the most popular places in Athens are the Monastiraki area and the Ermous pedestrian street in the Syntagma Square area. This is where you can visit the largest number of different retail outlets.

Here is a small list of the most famous stores:

• Hellenic Folk Art Gallery - folk art gallery,
• Stavros Melissinos - luxury designer shoe store,
• Eleftheroudakis is a unique six-story bookstore, located between Omonia and Syntagma squares,
• The mall is the largest shopping center in Athens, located at Neratziotissa metro station.

And you don’t have to worry about small gifts for friends, because souvenir sellers are always located exactly where the tourists are!

Transport

The fare system in Athens is differentiated depending on your route, its length and the type of public transport. The cost of one trip on the metro and bus costs 1 €, on the tram - ---0.6 €. A 24-hour pass costs €3, and a weekly pass costs €10.

An interesting fact remains that movement to or from the airport automatically increases the cost of your trip several times. So a one-time ticket on the metro will already cost 6 €, on the bus - 3.2 €, and the taxi driver will automatically add 3.2 € to the established tariff.

The main features of transport in Athens include the following: city buses stop only at the request of passengers, the daily rate per kilometer of a taxi ride (0.34 €) doubles at night, you will pay a small surcharge for calling a taxi by phone and heavy luggage .

Connection

Internet services in Greece, and especially in Athens, are excellent. It’s easy enough to find an Internet cafe or hotspot here. One hour of access worldwide network in an internet cafe you will pay from 1.5 to 4 €. But don't rush to pay for using it valuable resource! After all, many hotels provide free access to their guests, so be sure to inquire. And Syntagma Square already has a free Wi-Fi hotspot.

Those who want to stay “always in touch” can purchase a Greek SIM card. SIM cards are sold at the office of the telecom operator, in shopping centers and supermarkets. The cost of the service package can vary from 3 to 20 € depending on tariff plan. Top-up cards are also easy to buy at any store. Q-Telecom is considered the most profitable operator due to its interesting tariffs, high coverage and various promotions and special offers.

You can also easily use a regular telephone connection. There are telephone booths throughout the city, most of which work with prepaid cards (these can be purchased at newsstands). This card contains a certain limit of negotiations with anywhere in the world; its cost ranges from 4 to 20 €. And in bars and hotels you can find coin-operated machines. Their main feature is that they can accept incoming calls.

Safety

Athens can confidently be called a safe city. But still, in some moments it’s worth keeping your ears open. Firstly, the political life of Greece in Lately especially tense due to the crisis. The city often hosts strikes, rallies and demonstrations. Therefore, be especially attentive and careful in the capital so as not to get into an unpleasant situation in a foreign city and country. Secondly, there are not entirely favorable areas in Athens, which tourists are not recommended to visit after sunset. These areas include Omonia Square, Larissis train station and its surroundings, Sophocles, Liossion, Metaxourgio and Filis streets. Some of these streets are home to legal brothels in Greece. In addition, these areas earned their criminal reputation due to drug trafficking.

Business climate

Athens is the center of business activity in Greece. And there are two reasons for this: geographical and historical. World practice confirms that in most countries the capital is the leading link in business. And history reminds us that from ancient times the Athenians were traders, which remains true to this day. Athenians prefer small family businesses to huge corporations. The business “heart of Athens” is the lower part of Omonia Square. The stock exchange is located on Sophocles Street.

Real estate

Recently, television screens and newspaper pages have been filled with information about the crisis in Greece. Due to this, many believe that investing in Greek real estate is dangerous and short-sighted. It is impossible not to agree that there is a grain of wisdom in such reasoning. But contrary to all the laws of economics, the demand for real estate in Athens is growing rapidly! Because of this liquidity, many business people choose to invest in Greek real estate. This sector of the Greek economy provides a 100% guarantee of winnings if the purchased housing is rented out. Even purchasing real estate exclusively for yourself will be profitable here.

Obviously, real estate in Athens is much more diverse than on the islands. Here you can buy houses, villas and apartments in residential complexes. The estimated cost of housing in the city is from 1000 to 1500 € per square meter, and a luxury suburb sets prices up to 10,000 € for the same square meter.

In Athens, you will have to pay 350-500 € per month to rent a three-room apartment. And the resort area of ​​the capital will add another 70-80% to this cost during the season.

When relaxing alone, be vigilant when accepting an invitation to drink from outsiders. It is possible that you will be taken to a bar or pub where you will have to pay the bill, no matter what. This is a common rule in such pubs, and even the police will not be able to help you. Today in Athens, almost all such “cunning” establishments are closed, except for two - Pub Love and New York Pub, located in Plaka.

Athens is the cradle of our civilization, the birthplace of philosophers and democracy, a repository of destroyed columns and armless statues, ancient jugs and coins. Here ancient traditions and modernity are harmoniously intertwined. History lovers and those who want to soak up the warm sea in Athens will be greeted warmly and hospitably - in Greek.

Athens (Αθήνα) is a legendary city named after the wise warrior goddess - Pallas Athena. It stands on the plain of Attica, near the Saronikos Gulf, between three mountain ranges: Parnitha, Penteli and Hymetta. The Acropolis and Lycabetus hills rise above the city.

In ancient times, Athens was the center ancient Greek civilization. Today's capital of Greece is a huge metropolis, the center of world history, a symbol of the Olympic idea. Athens is a center of science, culture, art, and developed trade. Lively rhythm modern life exists here parallel to greatness ancient monuments and the mysteries of ancient legends.

The myth of the patroness of the city

One of the ancient Greek myths tells. Once upon a time, the king of Attica was Kekrops (half man, half snake). He had to choose a patron of the city. The wise son of the goddess Gaia decided that he should be the one who brings the most useful and valuable gift to the city. Poseidon, the brother of Zeus, immediately appeared before the people and thrust his trident into the rock of the Acropolis. At the site of the impact, a huge fountain shot up into the sky, but the water in it was sea salt. Then Pallas Athena appeared, who grew a wonderful olive tree on a stone and presented it to the people. The king and his people rejoiced, and wise Athena became the patroness of the city.

Highlights of the history of Athens

The area on which Athens stands has been inhabited since the Neolithic. The exact date of the city's birth is unknown. From ancient times to the Middle Ages, Athens dominated Hellas; the foundations of world democracy arose and developed here. In the Middle Ages, the city experienced decline, became part of Byzantium, and was under oppression Ottoman Empire. In 1833, Athens received the status of capital of the new kingdom of Greece. A beautiful city was built near the ancient ruins. The traditions of the Olympic Games have been revived. By the end of the 20th century, Athens had become a beautiful and distinctive metropolis, worthy of the title of a modern capital.

Routes for 2 days in Athens

Philopappou Hill

Monument to Philopappos

Areopagus

Olympion

Roman Agora

Syntagma Square

Syntagma metro station

National Archaeological Museum

Panathinaikos

Lycabetus

You can only get a full impression of Greece and ancient culture by visiting Athens. I suggest a one day route. You will see the most interesting and significant places of the Greek capital.

Philopappou Hill

Below is the prison of Socrates (Η Φυλακή του Σωκράτη). It is believed that Socrates was imprisoned in it for “corrupting the youth of Athens with his radical statements.” He was sentenced to death and was forced to take poison.

At the entrance to the park from Dionysio Areopagitou Street there is a small church of Agios Demetrius.

From Arokintu Street, on the west side of the hill, we see the Dora Strato Theater (θέατρο Δόρα Στράτου). It hosts Greek folk dance performances in the summer.

How to get there: go to the Singrou-Fix station (Greek: ΣΤ.ΣΥΓΓΡΟΥ-ΦΙΞ), red metro line; walk along Drakou street; then follow the path up the hill.

Acropolis

The symbol of Athens, the heart of Hellas - Athens Acropolis(Ακρόπολη Αθηνών). The Hellenic capital, and indeed the entire Greek civilization, began from this sacred hill. The architectural complex of the Acropolis attracts all guests of the Greek capital. Beautiful ancient temples, founded under Pericles, stand in ruins here. This is where our path lies.

2. Hecatompedon

4. Statue of Athena Promachos

7. Eleusinion
8. Bravronion
9. Chalcotheca
10. Pandroseion
11. Arreforion
12. Athens altar
13. Sanctuary of Zeus Polyaeus
14. Sanctuary of Pandion
15. Odeon of Herodes Atticus
16. Stoa of Eumenes

19. Odeon of Pericles
20. Temenos of Dionysus
21. Sanctuary of Aglavra

The archaeological zone of Acropolis is entered from the southern slope: here you can see the ruins of the huge ancient Theater of Dionysus (Θέατρο του Διονύσου) with surviving rows of spectator seats and a stage. Ritual festivals - Dionysia - took place on this site; the pathetic masterpieces of Sophocles, Euripides, and Aristophanes were played out. The passage between the stone rows of seats has now become part of the tourist trail surrounding the Acropolis.

Another “theatrical” monument of the Acropolis was intended for musical performances - the Odeon of Herodes Atticus (Ωδείο Ηρώδου του Αττικού). Its ruins, rebuilt, now host the annual Athens Festival of the World's Best Troupes.

Between the two ancient theaters there is the standing of Eumenes (Στοά Ευμένους) - a covered two-story colonnade built in the 2nd century. BC. Standing served the theater audience for walks.

Behind the colonnade are the ruins of a temple, dedicated to god medicine to Asclepius. Asklepieion (Ἀσκληπιεῖον; Asklepieion) was built after the terrible Athenian cholera epidemic (5th century BC).

We will go to the flat top of the Acropolis through the Propylaea (Προπύλαια) - the monumental front passage to the Acropolis, built by Mnesicles (5th century BC). In antiquity, the building was adjacent to the pavilions of the Pinakothek and Hadrian's Library.

To the right of the entrance stands the reconstructed Temple of Nike Apteros (Ναός Αθηνάς Νίκης), also called the Temple of Athena Nike, built to commemorate the triumph of the ancient Greek army over the Persians in the 5th century. BC. Inside there was a statue of a wingless goddess so that she could never leave Athens.

Next to the Parthenon, in the sacred part of the Acropolis, stands the Erechtheion (Ἐρέχθειον) - a temple dedicated to Athena, Poseidon and King Erechtheus, built on the site of the mythological competition between Athena and Poseidon. It is said that on its northern portico there are marks left by the trident of the god of the seas himself. The columns of the temple are made in the form of sculptures of young women (caryatids).

The entrance ticket to the Acropolis is €12. It is valid for 4 days, as a bonus you get free entry to the Theater of Dionysus, the Roman Agora, the Ancient Greek Agora, the Temple of Zeus, the Library of Hadrian and Ceramics, the cemetery of ancient Athens. For children and teenagers under 18 years old - admission is free.

How to get there: go to Acropolis station, red metro line. Can be reached from Monastiraki and Thissio stations.

Near the western slope of the Acropolis there is a low rocky hill Pnyx (Πνὐξ) - a place of crowded meetings of the ancient Hellenes. On the plateau of this semicircular hill with a stone platform-tribune, starting from 507 BC. e., Athenian citizens gathered and held ecclesias. This is the first democratic government in the history of mankind. During excavations of the 20th century, a sanctuary and altar of Zeus were found on the Pnyx.

Let's continue our walk through the most cozy area of ​​Plaka (Πλάκα). Narrow streets, taverns and atmospheric cafes, colorful residents. The houses are 2-3 hundred years old, but they are built on ancient foundations.

Let's take a look at the oldest street in Athens - Adriana.

Ermou (Οδός Ερμού) is a busy pedestrian street in Athens leading to Syntagma Square. You can buy some clothes there in between times. But I advise you not to waste your time, as you won’t find anything exclusive or inexpensive.
By the way, boutiques of luxury brands are located at the beginning of the street, and then there are stores of affordable brands (Zara, Marks & Spencer, etc.).

Syntagma metro station (Σταθμός Συντάγματος) looks like a small archaeological museum. As soon as you step out of the subway car, unique discoveries appear in front of you, covered in glass. Among them are ancient burials and a fragment of an ancient Athenian water supply system. The artifacts were found when the metro was being laid in 2004.

You can see ancient exhibits at Akropolis and Monastiraki stations, but Syntagma is more interesting.

Archaeological Museum

From the Panathenaic Stadium we will go along Anapafseos Street, at the end of which is the First Athens Cemetery (Πρώτο Νεκροταφείο Αθηνών), founded in 1837. This is an open-air museum, the burial place of the local elite. Every tomb is a work of art. The mausoleum of the famous archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann and his family is impressive.

One was built on the territory of the cemetery Catholic Church and two Orthodox.

It's time for dinner. Let's take a look at the Funky Gourmet restaurant. The prices here, of course, are not affordable, and the place is not romantic, but the food is to die for!

Address: 13 Paramithias Street. Metro station - Metaxourgio (red line).

Lycabetus

Faliron

Athens beaches stretch for many kilometers along the city and its surroundings. The most crowded is Faliron, a free recreation area with a sandy shore. Faliron is not suitable for a family holiday: the coast and water here are not clean.

Lutsa

In the eastern part of the city there is a sandy beach called Lutsa. It is preferred by Athenian youth: for a large number of 24-hour entertainment venues, taverns and surf clubs.

Alimos

Alimos Beach on the southern outskirts of the city is considered one of the most visited. There is a clean sandy beach and excellent infrastructure, by Athens standards: there are many cafes and taverns, showers, umbrellas and sun loungers, and children's entertainment.

Votsalakia Kampos

The most well-equipped beaches include Votsalakia Kampos - a fully equipped recreation complex, with a court, volleyball courts, and an outdoor swimming pool. The beach here is sandy with pebble areas.

Glyfada Bay

An excellent place for a family holiday is Glyfada Bay, located in the suburbs, 16 km from the capital’s center. This is a wide, long strip of golden sand among picturesque mountainous and wooded areas. Everything is installed on the sandy paid beaches of Glyfada necessary equipment and attractions, water sports activities are offered, restaurants and clubs are open, and lifeguards are on duty. The beaches of Glyfada are awarded the Blue Flag.

Beaches of Voula

The beaches of Voula, which is located 18 km south of Athens, are famous for their cleanest sandy bottom. A cozy, well-equipped coastal area is surrounded by a pine grove. There is a sports and training center for all ages.

Resort area of ​​Vulyameni

The Vouliameni resort area includes two sandy beaches on the sea coast (Kavuri and Attiki-Akti), the elite resort of Asteria-Volimenis with a complex of beaches, and the Vouliameni thermal lake, on the shores of which there is a cozy relaxation spot.

Kokkino-Limanaki Beach

Connoisseurs of pristine natural beauty choose Kokkino-Limanaki beach near the port of Rafina. There is an amazing turquoise sea, pure golden sand and picturesque red rock cliffs.

Akti Varkiza Beach

And 27 km to the east is Varkiza Bay. There is a beautiful free Akti-Varkiza beach with sports fields, a children's area, attractions and many eateries. There is a yacht club next to the beach.

In the outskirts of the capital, there are sandy beaches of Porto Rafti with famous fish taverns and Chinas - a favorite place for surfing fans; beach areas of the town of Wavrona and the famous resort at Cape Sounion - near the ruins ancient temple Poseidon.

Transport in Athens

Public transport runs in the city: buses, trams, trolleybuses, metro and commuter trains. Quickly and conveniently get to your desired point by metro. There is a single ticket for all types of transport.

The cost of a single journey for 70 minutes. — €1.20;
ticket for 24 hours – €4.

Buy tickets at the box office, from vending machines at metro stations and tram stops. Be sure to validate your ticket.

How to get from the airport to the center of Athens

Athenian international Airport"Eleftherios Venizelos" is located 27 km from the center. You can get from the airport to the center by public transport: metro, express bus or taxi.

Metro

The easiest and most convenient way is to take the metro. To get to the Aerodromio metro station (blue line), you need to leave the arrivals hall through the second exit, cross the road and then follow the signs - TO TRAINS (to trains).

Buy your metro ticket from a machine or ticket office. Cost – €8; round trip – €14. The ride is about 40 minutes. The interval is about 30 minutes.

See the Athens metro map.

By bus

There are express buses from the airport to the center: No. X95 goes from Syntagma Square every 20 minutes; No. X96 - from the port of Piraeus; X93 - Kifissia districts; X97 - from Daphne.

The cost of a bus ticket is €5. Tickets can be purchased from the driver or at the metro ticket office.

Taxi

An alternative to public transport is a taxi. It will take you directly to your desired location without transfers. A trip to Athens will cost from €35 and will take a maximum of 40 minutes.

Book a tour in Athens:

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