One of Athens’ highlights is the Athens International Airport (AIA) “Eleftherios Venizelos”. Since its opening in 2001, AIA has seen an annual growth of 7% and has been placed on the list of the fastest growing airports in the world. It is located 33 km southeast of Athens and is easily accessible via a six-lane motorway (the Athens City Ring Road). Access to Athens and the port of Piraeus is provided by express airport bus connections on a 24-hour basis, while a direct Metro line connects the airport with the city centre (Syntagma square) in 40 minutes.
The numerous awards granted to the Athens International Airport include: Ermis Gold Award for “Branded Entertainment & Content” in the category Use or Integration of Printed Content, Ermis Silver Award for “Direct” in the category Direct Marketing / Business to Business , “Top European Excellence” in efficiency by the Air Transport Research Society (ATRS), “Airport of the Year” award in the 10-30 million passengers category in the context of the “Air Transport News 2015” awards ceremony, Silver prize in the category “Branding/ Public Relations & People Strategy” for its significant contribution to the successful campaign “I Am an Aθenian” that promotes destination Athens etc.
Each year, more and more travelers are choosing Athens for their leisure and business travel all year round. There are several reasons; Athens offers a variety of things to see and do, and most of the times, under favourable weather conditions.
Athens’ transportation network is user-friendly; there are numerous museums and archeological sites and hundreds of restaurants to satisfy every taste.
Surrounded by a lining of stunning seas and mountains, Athens is filled with gems just waiting to be discovered.
Located at the crossroads of three continents, the capital of Greece with an overall population of close to four million has often been the hub of many cultures. Characterized by a culture and people that are welcoming and hospitable, every visitor just feels at home.
Athens is an ideal congress destination, combining state-of-the-art infrastructure, excellent congress facilities and easy access from all over the world with world-class cultural attractions, modern amenities, diverse entertainment and natural beauty.
Known throughout history as a cultural centre, Athens today has evolved into an even more vibrant and dynamic city of arts and culture.
Athens gives its visitors the possibility to combine the sea, the mountains and explore several archaeological sites and monuments as well as museums located in the different areas of the city. Some of the most important museums of Athens are the Acropolis Museum, with priceless works of art from the Acropolis and the National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST) which began its operation in 2000 (permanent home of the Museum is the former Fix brewery on Syngrou Ave., the reconstruction of which was completed in February 2014). One should also visit the Benaki Museum, which has one of the largest and most significant art collections in Athens, the Byzantine and Christian Museum, which houses artifacts from the 3rd to the 20th century, the national Archaeological Museum, the Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art, the Natural History Museum and many other.
It is worth noting that in Athens the food scene has also a wealthy heritage. The Greek cuisine has become one of the most popular in the world as it has been proven to provide a flavorful, healthy and balanced diet. Greek dishes based on Mediterranean ingredients, such as olive oil and fresh fish have brought Greek gastronomy to the forefront of healthy dining! In recent years the Greek cuisine has experienced a gourmet revolution and changed its setting into one that can compete with other European capitals. Rooftop bar restaurants can compete with some of the most renowned, where you can combine exceptional tastes with view of the Acropolis or of whole Athens.
Things to do during your stay
Visit the Acropolis
Witness the iconic majesty of the ancient Acropolis, and explore its magical, historic surroundings. The new Acropolis museum is one of The World’s finest cultural landmarks, and is easily reachable by taking the Metro train.
Explore Plaka
Stroll through narrow streets and enjoy traditional Hellenic flavours in locals taverns: a glass of ouzo (the local anise-flavored spirit) with some mouth-watering mezés (traditional Greek appetizers and finger-food).
Enjoy Kolonaki
Enjoy a ‘frappe’ iced coffee in Kolonaki Square. Or shop at world-renowned fashion outlets around the streets of Kolonaki.
Scale Lycabettus Hill
Once you’re in Kolonaki, you can take the teleferique (an inclined, funicular railway) to the top of the Lycabettus Hill. See Athens in its full and witness a panoramic sunset.
Check Out Athens Museums
Choose from many historic and modern museums. The National Archaeological Museum, the Benaki Museum showcases the best examples of Modern Greek art; or pay a visit to the Byzantine and Christian Museum, which features over 25,000 artefacts organized into collections dating from the 3rd to the 20th century, and the new Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre.
Get Out & About in Gazi
The neighbourhood of Gazi is emerging as a renowned artistic stronghold in Athens. Full of interesting graffiti, narrow streets and quirky restaurants!
St. Irene and Karytsi squares
The Athens-by-night landscape is enriched with small bars, artistic venues and modern bistros at St. Irene and Karytsi squares, one of the most favourite spots of the Athenians.
Escape to Glyfada & Kifissia
Take a trip to Glyfada & Kifissia, two neighborhoods that really embody the modern Athenian ethos. Hop on the tram to Glyfada for a stroll along the coast, or do some shopping and taste delicious seafood specialties. Or head to the suburb of Kifissia for splendid retail therapy or fantastic restaurants.
Moving around in Athens
Metro, Buses, Tram, Trains, Trolley Buses and expansive highways allow for easy and quick transportation at a very low cost. It takes a maximum of 40 minutes and 8 € to get from the airport to the city centre, where most hotels are located. What is more, most hotels are within walking distance from a metro station within the city centre, which means that it will take you 3 to 5 minutes to move around in the city. Tickets start from 1,40 € and they can be used on all forms of public transport within one and a half hour period of time. A day travel card costs 4,50 €.
Taxis are also relatively inexpensive, compared to prices in most European capitals.
