Athens Flights and Travel Guide

Nowhere does ancient like Athens. Often referred to as the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy, its recorded history stretches back 3,000 years. Most famous of all the classical traces to be found throughout Athens is the Parthenon, a temple of the goddess Athena, on the Acropolis.

Athens boasts excellent museums. The National Historical Museum is housed in the old parliament building, the Numismatic Museum covers the history of coinage and the stunning New Acropolis Museum exhibits artifacts related to the "sacred rock".

The city has been modernized greatly over the past few years, a legacy from when the world took cheap flights to Athens for the 2004 Olympic Games. The airport is relatively new and getting around the city - on the metro and electriko - is a breeze. 

Like their Iberian cousins, the Greeks take nightlife seriously. Dinner starts at 10pm or later and a night out ends only at dawn.

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Athens Climate

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When to Fly to Athens

Peak Season:
High summer is peak season, attracting the majority of visitors. The heat builds throughout the summer and, starting about June, most restaurants and clubs have shut down or moved to the shore. During August, most Athenians vacation outside the city and Athens belongs to tourists. If you plan to visit at this time, head out to see the sights in the early morning, rest during the midday heat and sight see some more in the cooler evenings.

Shoulder Season:
Spring and late fall. These are good times to search for cheap flights to Athens. 

Off Season: 
Winter, when the tourist crowds have melted away and hotel rates are cheaper, is also a good time to visit Athens. While the weather is chilly with some rain, there is snow in the mountains. Perfect for skiing. Parnassos is 180km from Athens. It's Greece's largest and most popular resort. Kalavrita is 203km from the city.

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Getting Downtown Athens

Metro Line 3 links Athens International Airport with the southwestern and northeastern suburbs. Athens International Airport is served, 24 hours a day, by all bus lines, except for line X94. Taxis can be hired at the ranks in front of the airport terminals. Fares are charged per km.

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Getting Around Athens

Travellers on cheap flights to Athens will discover that it is, in part, a walker's city. Several major streets have been pedestrianized. A mostly car-free archeological runs around the Acropolis and other sites. Be careful crossing the streets, the traffic can be very busy. The Athens metro system is fantastic and will deliver tourist from sight to sight. Bus and trolley services are extensive and cheap. Tickets cost less than an euro. Before getting into a taxi, make sure your journey will be on the meter.

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Athens Insider Information

• Plaka, Athens's oldest residential quarter, is considered touristy by Athenians, who prefer the Psirri district, but it is the place to look for souvenirs such as "flokati" rugs, religious icons and ceramics. For a more authentic Athenian shopping experience perhaps, visit the 19th-century Central Market near Omonia. Monastiraki Flea market takes place on Sunday mornings. Pack an extra bag on your cheap flights to Athens to take advantage of the bargains.
• Take the funicular railway to the top of Lycabettus. It is Athens' highest hill. The views from the top are beautiful. There is also an open-air theatre at the summit.
• Watch the changing of the guard at the Parliament building, once the Greek royal family's summer residence. The ceremony takes place every hour. The guards, Evzones, wear khaki uniforms with kilts. On Sunday mornings, at 11, the Evzones wear traditional white kilts, red-and-black caps and red clogs with pompoms.
• Mitropolis Square is home to Athens' main cathedral. Beside it is the Little Mitropolis, which is dedicated to St Eleftherios. The little church is open every day bar Friday, between 10am and 4pm.
• The Agora was, in ancient times, the city's main marketplace and its political and cultural heart. Democracy was born here and Socrates and St Paul made public speeches here. These days, the area, with olive trees and coarse grasses, is dotted with toppled-over columns. The Stoa of Attalos houses the Agora Museum, exhibiting artifacts from the site.

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Athens Airports

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