Cheap flights to Athens

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

March to May are pleasant and mild months, even if you have to pack a sweater for chill March winds. Temperatures rise in June and July, reaching their peak in August. This is when Athenians vacation, but it could be a good time to take cheap flights to Athens and enjoy a less crowded city – if you can survive the heat.A strong northerly wind, the meltemi, occasionally blows through Athens giving some relief from the stifling heat — more than 37 degrees Celsius (98 degrees Fahrenheit). September and October are cooler months, with some light rain. Most rain falls November through February. Temperatures during these months fall to about 10 degrees (50F).

Getting around Athens

Athens’ metro system is so easy to use that it has decreased the city’s traffic and pollution. The buses and trolleys are also cheap and efficient, but they are usually more crowded and can be confusing. Avoid travelling anywhere during rush hour, especially on public transportation. 

It can be difficult to hail a taxi, so call ahead for one instead. You’ll find that taxis are cheap, although occasionally drivers will try to overcharge a clueless foreigner. One trick to catching a cab is calling out your destination to a cab already in use. The driver will stop and let you get in if he’s going the same way. You’ll still have to pay a full fare, though. 

It’s also easy to set out on foot. Most of the major Athens’ sights are located in the same general area. And the ones that aren’t are easy to get to by public transportation. With all the easy transportation options, it’s not worth it to rent a car. Driving through the city is difficult to manage and parking spots are rare and expensive.  

What is good to know if travelling to Athens?

• 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.

Athens airport overview

Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH), otherwise known as Athens International, is a two-terminal airport, gateway to a country rich with history and tourism options. It is just 12 miles (20km) east of Athens’ city centre, the perfect destination for travellers who want to discover popular ancient Greek sites such as the Acropolis and Plaka, or for those using the city as a stop-off point before exploring the islands of Greece.

There’s plenty to do at Athens Airport, which offers a range of world-class shopping opportunities as well as a host of local souvenirs and mementos. The airport has won two awards for best airport in Southern Europe and is an important link between Europe and Asia.

Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport is a major hub for Greece’s national carrier Olympic Air as well as Aegean Airlines. With austerity measures being the catchphrase across Greece and much of Europe it’s good to know that there are many low-cost carriers and budget airlines that offer cheap flights to Athens International Airport, including Blue1, easyJet, Fly Hellas, Aer Lingus and IZair.

Athens International Airport is well-connected to central Athens by rail and road networks and is the perfect start to a fun vacation in Greece. This Greek airport has also been awarded two Green Building Awards for energy efficiency and awareness, so travellers wanting to reduce their carbon footprint can sleep easy knowing Athens International Airport is doing its bit.