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Ideal duration: 2 days
Best Time: Apr - Jun, Sep, Oct Read More
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Athens is the capital, as well as the largest city of Greece. With its history of about 7000 years, it is one of the world's oldest cities and an amalgamation of historic and modern world that can be seen throughout. It is the birthplace of democracy, arts, science, and Western civilization and is known for its history, nightlife, and shopping.
The Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is Athen’s most treasured and famous landmark. The numerous historical attractions like the Parthenon, Acropolis, and Ancient Agora make it a fascinating place to visit. Even today, Athens bursts with culture and color, retaining its vibrance.
The areas like Plaka, Monastiraki, Thissio, and Kolonaki are home to many beautiful neoclassical buildings, trendy cafes, shops, and quiet streets. There are diverse options for shopping, ranging from colorful bazaars to suburban malls. Its importance on the global map makes it a prime destination for nightlife. Also, Athens is full of galleries and museums due to its history.
Athens is where the main international airport of the country is located. It also connects the nearby Cycladic and other islands to the mainland by regular ferries. So, every tourist visiting Greece always lands in Athens. With an efficient transport system, exploring Athens is not a hassle at all. Athens is an excellent starting point for exploring the Greek islands. Popular ferry ports like Piraeus can take you to various island destinations.
Getting Around: Getting around in Athens is easy as most of the attractions are located within a 3 km radius in the center and can be explored on foot.
Athens has an efficient public transportation system, including buses, trams, and a metro network. Taxis are also available.
All internal public transportation except to and fro the airport costs around EUR 1.20 for 90 minutes(single journey).
The historic centre of Athens comprises of 3kms of pedestrian area, leading to archaeological sites, can be explored on bike or foot.
Reaching the City Centre From the Airport: Take a metro on line 3 to Syntagma Square, costing EUR 9 one way or EUR 16 both ways. It takes about 40 minutes.
Catch bus no. X95 to Syntagma Square for EUR 5.50, one way. Tickets can be bought from the booth on exits 4 and 5 outside the arrival halls. It takes about 60 minutes.
The subway train to Larissis Station from the airport, with a transfer at Doukissis Plakentias station, takes around 45 minutes.
Reaching the Port from the Airport: Take bus no. Χ96 to Piraeus port, taking about 90 minutes. One way tickets costs about EUR 5.50.
E-Ticket Time Slots for Acropolis: E-tickets can only be bought by choosing a desired time slot of 1 hour. You can enter the site 15 minutes before and leave after 15 minutes of the desired time slot giving you about 1.5 hours to explore.
Athena's Combined Ticket: This ticket allows one time exploration of 7 pre-decided archaeological sites and monuments in Athens(including Acropolis) for EUR 30. it is valid for 5 days.
Athens Card: It is a five day skip the line card offering entry to Acropolis and other 6 sites.
It comes in three categories offering a time-constraint free riding facility of Athens Hop-on and Hop-off buses and free Public transportation depending upon the card.
The cost starts at around EUR 69.9 per adult.
Athens City Pass: It offers admission to, Acropolis and 6 major sites and a two day free hop-on Hop-off facility.
The pass costs around EUR 28 for one day and comes in a variety of 24-hr, 48-hr and 72-hr pass.
Stay: The best areas to stay for an easy exploration of the city are Syntagma Square and Monastiraki Square.
Luggage Storage Facilities: There are several luggage storage facilities available at the airport, the port, Athens downtown, Monastiraki and Syntagma metro stations. Charges starts from EUR 5 per bag per day.
Athens is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, offering a diverse range of options for those seeking an exciting evening out. The city comes alive after sunset, with various neighborhoods providing unique experiences for both drinking and dancing enthusiasts.
There are several ferries that operate between the islands from Athen port, also known as Piraeus port. Here's an overview of major routes and starting fares for some popular destinations:
1. Piraeus to Mykonos:
The journey takes approximately 2 to 5 hours, depending on the type of ferry.
Starting fares for economy class tickets typically range from €20 to €50.
2. Piraeus to Santorini:
Ferries from Piraeus to Santorini take around 4 to 8 hours.
Starting fares for economy class tickets generally range from €30 to €70.
3. Piraeus to Crete (Heraklion):
The journey duration is approximately 6 to 9 hours.
Starting fares for economy class tickets vary from €30 to €60.
4. Piraeus to Rhodes:
The ferry journey takes around 12 to 16 hours.
Starting fares for economy class tickets typically range from €40 to €80.
5. Piraeus to Paros and Naxos:
These two islands are often part of the same ferry route from Piraeus.
The journey duration is approximately 2 to 4 hours.
Starting fares for economy class tickets generally range from €15 to €40.
It's important to note that ferry schedules and fares can vary based on the season, the type of ferry (speed ferry vs. traditional ferry), and the specific ferry company. It's advisable to check the latest schedules and prices online or at the port for the most accurate information. Know more about island hopping from Athens here.
Public Transportation Tickets and Cards:
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Navigating Athens can be an enriching experience, given its historical richness and vibrant culture. Here's a detailed guide on the various modes of transportation available, transportation cards, and starting costs:
1. Metro: Athens boasts a well-developed metro system, with three lines (Line 1, 2, and 3) covering key areas. The metro is efficient, modern, and connects major attractions. A single ticket for one journey within the city costs €1.20. There are also daily, weekly, and monthly passes available for unlimited rides.
2. Bus: The extensive bus network in Athens is a cost-effective way to explore the city, especially reaching destinations not covered by the metro. A standard bus ticket also costs €1.20, and like the metro, various passes are available for frequent travelers.
3. Tram: Athens Tram covers the coastal areas, providing a scenic route and connecting important points such as Syntagma Square and the southern suburbs. A single tram ticket costs €1.20, and there are passes for multiple journeys.
4. Taxis: Taxis are readily available and can be a convenient option for those wanting door-to-door service or traveling in a group. The initial fare is around €3.50, with additional charges based on distance.
Transportation Cards and Passes:
1. ATH.ENA Card: This smart card is a convenient option for those planning to use public transportation extensively. It covers all modes and can be charged with a desired amount.
2. Monthly Passes: Monthly passes for metro, bus, and tram are available for locals and frequent visitors, offering unlimited rides within a specific time frame.
3. Integrated Tickets: Integrated tickets allow seamless travel between different modes of transportation within a specific time-period.
NOTE: Purchase tickets and cards at kiosks, metro stations, or even on the bus (exact change is usually required).
Dhawal Pagay
6 years ago