Athens
Welcome to Athens
3000 years of history is impossible to ignore in Athens, from your first glimpse of the iconic Acropolis, to ancient remnants scattered throughout the city centre.
Classical Greece played a huge role in shaping the modern world, and it seems like every empire in history had a try at controlling the city. The Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires all left their mark on Athens with countless architectural ruins and cultural traditions.
But there’s more to Athens than its history.
Today, Athens is a modern megalopolis home to over 3 million people. Streets burst with activity from designer fashion stores to open air cinemas, contemporary art galleries to vibrant street food, traditional taverns to fine dining and some of the world’s coolest wine bars with rooftop views. A city that’s built on love and alive with history, art and culture, let us start from the heart as we welcome you to Greece.
We hope you enjoy your stay in beautiful Athens! Below you will find some suggestions to accommodate your stay!
Flights to Athens
At the crossroads of Europe and the Middle East, Athens is a city that is easily accessible from virtually any point of departure. Flights from major airport hubs in London and Dubai come in daily and frequently.
Book your flight here:
EXPEDIA: https://www.expedia.com
SKYSCANNER: https://www.skyscanner.com
If your are flying from Beirut to Athens, Aegean and Mea Airlines operates direct flights.
Athens International Airpot to Athenian Riviera
The Airport is located 33 km (20 miles) southeast of Athens, it is easily accessible via Attiki Odos, a major highway constituting the Athens City Ring Road.
TAXI SERVICE
Using the Athens airport taxi service is probably the best option for groups of three or more people, and especially families. The Athens Airport Taxi service has a flat rate of 38 euro during the day (before midnight) to the city center. There is going to be plenty of room for your bags, and the driver can take you directly to your hotel.
This method provides the least hassle when getting from Athens airport to city center. Catching a taxi from Athens International Airport is very easy. Follow the signs, or simply step outside the arrivals area. There will be a long queue of yellow taxis waiting in line. Walk to the right, and then join the queue for the next available taxi.
PRE BOOKING | TAXI
You can also pre-book your taxi with Welcome Pickups or TaxiBeat application. The driver will meet you at the arrivals' exit.
https://www.welcomepickups.com
https://thebeat.co/gr/
RENT A CAR FROM THE AIRPORT
If you wish to rent a car there are currently five car rental companies operating at the Athens International Airport.
Their offices are located at the Arrivals Level of the Main Terminal Building.
PRE BOOKING
Sixt rent a car:
www.sixt.com
T: (+30) 210 3530576
Hertz rent a car:
www.hertz.com
T: (+30) 210 3534900
Budget rent a car:
www.budget.gr
T: (+30) 210 3530553
Avis rent a car
www.avis.gr
T: (+30) 210 3530578-9
Enterprise rent a car
www.enterprise.com
T: (+30) 210 3533323
ITHAKI RESTAURANT | $$$$
Seaside
Seafood / European Cuisine
T: +30 210 896 3747
A: 28, Apollonos st., Vouliagmeni 16671
HELIOS RESTAURANT | $$$$
Seaside
Latin American Grill
T: +30 21 0890 1188
A: 40 Apollonos, Asteras Vouliagmenis 166 71
BLUEFISH RESTAURANT | $$$
Seaside
Seafood / Meditteranean Cuisine
T: +30 210 96 71 778
A: Leoforos Poseidonos 4, Vouliagmeni 166 71
KRABO RESTAURANT | $$$
Seaside
Mediterranean restaurant
T: +30 21 0896 3309
A: Thespidos, Vouliagmeni 166 71
LAMBROS TAVERN | $$$
Seaside
Seafood / Traditional Greek Tavern
T: +30 210 896 0144
A: Poseidonos 20, Vouliagmeni
16671
GARBI RESTAURANT | $$$
Seaside
Seafood / Mediterranean Cuisine
T: +30 210 896 3480
A: Iliou 21 Vouliagmeni - Kavouri
, 166 71
SARDELAKI ME THEA | $$$
Seaside
Seafood / Mediterranean Cuisine
T: +30 210 967 0913
A: Leof. Poseidonos 18, Vouliagmeni
166 71
FEEDΕΛ ASADOR | $$$$
Seaside
Seaside
Mediterranean, European Cuisine
T: +30 21 0898 0066
A: 19 Kyprou & Napoleontos Zerva str, Glyfada
BALUX CAFÉ -The House Project | $$$
Seaside
All day Bar - Restaurant
T: +30 21 0898 3577
A: 58 Posidonos Ave., Glyfada 166 74
TRELOS GAIDAROS | $
Seaside
Greek Grill - Souvlaki
T: +30 21 0898 0084
A: 1 Artemidos str. Esperidon Square, Glyfada
SIMUL GASTRONOMIC SITU | $$$$
Athens
Contemporary Greek Cuisine
T: +30 210 722 4737
A: 63 Ipsilantou, Kolonaki, 115 21
DEXAMENI KAFENION | $$
Athens
Traditional Greek Food / Mezes
T: +30 21 0722 4609
A: Dexameni Square, Athens 106 73
CHERCHEZ LA FEMME | $$
Athens
Greek mediterranean Cuisine
T: +30 21 0322 2020
A: Mitropoleos 46, Athens 105 63
TA SERBETIA | $$-$$$
Athens
Traditional Greek desserts
T: +30 21 0324 5862
A: 3 Aischylou, Athens 105 54
RUMORS | $$$
Seaside
All Day Bar
T: +30 21 0896 1200
A: 17 Possidonos Ave., Vouliagmeni 166 71
40FORTY | $$$
Seaside
Day Night Bar Restaurant
T: +30 21 0896 1261
A: Apollonos 40, Vouliagmeni 166 71
NALU | $$$
Seaside
All day bar-restaurant / By the beach
T: +30 210 98 80 990
A: Poseidonos Avenue, Alimos
A FOR ATHENS | $$$
Athens
Cocktails with Acropolis views
T: +30 21 0324 4244
A: Miaouli 2, Athina 105 54
ZURBARAN | $$$
Athens
Cocktail Bar Restaurant
T: +30 210 723 8334
A: Patriarchou Ioakim 38, Athens, 106 75
ASTIR BEACH - NICE & EASY SEASIDE
Sun, sea, haute cuisine, cocktails, all accompanied by beachside colorful sounds.
Under the sun and after the sunset it is a great destination.
A: 40 Apollonos str, Vouliagméni 16671
T: +30 21 0890 1625
VARKIZA BEACH - HOLY SPIRIT BEACH
This famous cocktail bar recently opened their doors in Varkiza. With the sea at your feet, this hotspot is ideal for water sports lovers.With the waves at your feet, this hotspot is ideal for water sports lovers! Organized beach within a multispace of restaurants.
A: Varkiza Bay, 166 72
T: +30 2104511888
NIRIIDES BEACH – ZEN BEACH CLUB
NIRIIDES BEACH – ZEN BEACH CLUB
Nestled in the cove of the Vouliagmeni peninsula, Zen Beach provides a relaxed atmosphere with a fully serviced beach with sunbeds and umbrellas. The Zen Beach restaurant serves good quality seafood and attracts a large crowd every day. Advanced reservations for sunbeds and restaurant bookings highly recommended
.
A: Vakchou, Vouliagmeni 166 71
T: +30 697 815 4415 (sun-bed reservation)
LIMANAKIA - LEFTERIS’ CANTEEN
Limanakia, are a series of beautiful coves with deep blue waters, offering a more rustic swimming experience with no sunbeds or umbrellas. Suitable for adventurers and experienced swimmers, these small hidden inlets are found below the main coastal road in Vouliagmeni, leading to Varkiza. By foot, follow the rocky paths down towards the sea.
A: Leoforos Poseidonos, Vouliagmeni 166 71
LAGONISI BEACH - TAHITI BEACH BAR
icturesque coves and clean water are the characteristics of Lagonisi. In a relaxing region of Athens the coastline in from of Lagonisi area is sandy and family friendly with crystal clear waters! The coastal road continues through beautiful beaches such as Legrena and Thimari - more quiet and secluded but one can tell those are the cleanest in Attica.
A: Leof. Athinon Souniou 205, 190 10
T: +30 22910 25219
CAPE SOUNIO BEACH
The Cape of Sounio is at the tip of the Attica peninsula, jutting out into the Aegean Sea. A swim here is not only about as far from Athens as you can get without a boat, but you’ll also get to take in the incredible Temple of Poseidon crowning the cape. Channel your inner sea god(ess), and it’s easy to see why the Ancient Greeks chose this spot to honour the ocean deity.
A: 67 km Athens-Sounio, Sounio 195 00
T : +30 2292 069700 (Grecotel Cape Sounio)
ACROPOLIS MUSEUM
Rising up from the centre of Athens is the Acropolis, a giant chunk of rock topped with the Parthenon and several other archaeological sites, including the Roman Agora and Hadrian’s Library. Dedicated to its patron the goddess of Athena, the ancient Acropolis is where philosophers once questioned the universe, democracy and freedom of speech were born, and temples were built to honour the gods. The Acropolis can be seen from almost anywhere in the centre of Athens, but if you want truly spectacular views of this ancient wonder, we recommend hopping from hillside by day to rooftop bar by night.
The 5th-century B.C. temple complex on Athens’ hilltop can be visited from 8am -8pm Tue-Sun (Mon 11am-7pm)
ACROPOLIS MUSEUM
In walking distance from Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum is consistently rated as one of the best museums in the world. Devoted to the Parthenon and its surrounding temples, it is brilliantly perched above Athens like a luminous box, housing more than 3,000 artefacts. Located in the central neighbourhood of Makrigianni, the museum is framed by olive trees and propped up by concrete pillars, revealing the site’s archaeological excavation below.
PANATHENAIC STADIUM - KALLIMARMARO
You can also visit the Panathenaic Stadium (Kallimarmaro), which was excavated in 1869 and hosted the very first modern Olympic Games of 1896. Another interesting experience is to watching the change of guard at Parliament Square, every Sunday morning at 11am.
ODEON OF HERODES ATTICUS
This large amphitheatre was built in AD 161 by wealthy Roman Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife Regilla. It was excavated in 1857–58 and completely restored from 1950–61. The Athens & Epidaurus Festival holds drama, music and dance performances here in summer. When you're visiting the Acropolis site, the path leads west from the top of the Stoa of Eumenes, and you can peer down into the odeon from above.
CITY CENTER | PLAKA AREA | MOUNT LYCABETTUS
CITY CENTER
Dedicate a day to strolling down the historic triangle of Plaka, Psirri and Thisio where neoclassical monuments, old mansions, boutique shops and traditional taverns are located. Witness the iconic changing of the guard at Syntagma Square, or go for a stroll in the beautiful National Gardens. Climb your way through Anafiotika, the charming Cycladic and spend the day in the vibrant square of Monastiraki before having dinner in the colourful neighbourhood of Psyrri.
PLAKA AREA
Plaka is one of the oldest yet trendiest neighbourhoods in central Athens full of narrow alleys, shopping boutiques, restaurants, and colourful townhouses. This historic little gem, which was once the central heart of the small city of Athens, is now an area where visitors and locals enjoy wandering around, picking up local souvenirs, enjoying brunch or having a coffee on the stairs of a little ouzeri.
MOUNT LYCABETTUS
This is the tallest peak in the city, and Ella’s favourite place to enjoy 360° views of the city. If you’re on foot, it can take anywhere between 30-90 minutes to get to the top depending on your fitness levels, or it is a very easy drive or cable car ride up! Take a pair of binoculars and a tourist map of Athens so you can pick out what you’re looking at. The best times to go up are in the cool of the morning, or in the evening to enjoy the sunset.
ANAFIOTIKA
Ιs a scenic tiny neighborhood of Athens, part of the old historical neighborhood called Plaka. Unique in every respect is the Cycladic neighborhood od Anafiotika, which was built by craftsmen and workers from the island of Anafi when they arrived in Athens after the liberation. The tiny whitewashed houses among the rocks, the gardens with the flowers, the narrow alleys and the mazy planning is similar only to the one found in Cycladic islands.
STROLL THE ATHENS RIVIERA MARINAS
Some of the top marinas to check out include Flisvos and Glyfada. Also around Piraeus check out Microlimano, Pasalimani and Marina Zea.
TEMPLE OF POSEIDON | SOUNIO
The Temple of Poseidon at Sounio, it is one of the most significant sanctuaries of the ancient world and beautiful spot to view the sunset (or sunrise).
LAKE VOULIAGMENI
Whether visiting during the spring or wanting to experience something different, a trip to Vouliagmeni lake is another option. Located 20 kilometers away from the center, the lake enjoys a temperature of 24° C thanks to underground hot springs. Its water, full of minerals and salt is believed to cure many ailments and skin issues. Besides, the Vouliagmeni lake also hosts a series of events such as theatre performances and jazz concerts.
STAVROS NIARCHOS FOUNDATION - CULTURAL CENTER
The massive and impressive Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) designed by famous Italian architect Renzo Piano – is the latest addition to the capital’s burgeoning art and culture scene. From February 2017, it is the new, state-of-the-art home for the Greek National Opera and the National Library of Greece, with a two-million-books capacity. The 170,000-sq-metre green park is in full use, while temporary art exhibitions are scheduled to take over its gallery space and free public events gather Athenians to enjoy music, readings and more.
General Contacts
SILKENTILE
Wedding Planning Team
T: +30 210 36 47 630 | info@silkentile.com
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
Emergency: 100
Tourist Police: 171
Hospital on Duty: 106
Airport Police
T: +30 2103536919
Athens International Airport
T: +30 2103530000
TAXI SERVICE
Book a Taxi from Athens International Airport
Welcome Pickups
www.welcomepickups.com
Taxi Beat
Mobile Application
Android | iOs
Radio Taxi Ikaros
W: www.radiotaxiikaros.gr | T: +30 210 5152800
Radio Taxi Kosmos
W: www.18300.gr | T: +30 210 4118300
Radio Taxi Glyfadas
W: www.radiotaxiglyfadas.gr | T: +30 210 9605600
ATHENS PUBLIC TRANSPORT
OASA
Mobile Application
Android | iOs
Timetable | Useful Information
W: www.athenstransport.com
ISLAND HOPPING
Ferry Hopper
W: www.ferryhopper.com/el/
Viva
Tickets for Ferries / Flights
W: www.viva.gr
Android | iOs
TOURS IN ATHENS
Timeless Athens Tours
W: www.athenstours.gr
Clio Muse Athens Tours
W: www.cliomusetours.com
HAIR & NAIL SALONS
HAIR SALON
Vouliagmeni Area
Brush Hair Salon
www.brush.gr | +30 213 040 1627
Zografos Coiffure
+30 210 8960674
Varkiza Area
Gino Hair & More
www.gino.gr | +30 210 897 9611
Glyfada Area
Aveda - Teo Hair Design
www.teo.gr/glyfada.html | +30 21 0894 1166
Konstantinos Hadjis
+30 210 89 800 40
N&J Hair Style & More
www.njbeautyline.gr | +30 21 0960 1762
NAIL SALON
Glyfada Area
Manis & Pedis
www.manispedis.gr | +30 210 8940640
Cure Nailworks
Facebook | +30 21 0894 8400
Akra Nail Spa
facebook | +30 21 0898 3221
Vouliagmeni Area
Seaside Beuty Nails & More
facebook | +30 210 896 4120