Holidays to Athens

Athens, Greece

Athens, the capital of Greece, is one of the oldest cities in the world. Its recorded history goes back over 3,000 years and was once the commercial, cultural, and political centre of Ancient Greece. Today it is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city combining a fascinating history with a modern, dynamic culture.

Tourist Attractions in Athens

Athens was the birthplace of Western Democracy, and of Socrates, Sophocles, Pericles, and many other writers and philosophers of the ancient world. The Acropolis in Athens is undoubtedly the city's most famous historical and cultural site. This 'sacred rock' is home to the Parthenon, a 5th century temple dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena.

Once you've been to the Acropolis of Athens, there are plenty of other sites and attractions to see and do, during your holidays. Other highlights include the ancient Agora, a commercial and cultural centre of ancient Greece, Syntagma Square (Constitution Square) with its well-preserved Parliament (the Old Palace), and the neoclassical Stathatos Mansion. Behind the Parliament lies the National Garden with its ancient ruins, Botanical Museum and small zoo. For panoramic views of Athens, you can climb Lycabettus Hill, linked to the myth of Athena, and visit St. George's church.

You might also like to visit the Olympic Stadium in Athens, Greece. The Stadium is part of the Olympic Sports Complex which was built for the 2004 Summer Olympics and hosted the 2007 UEFA Champions League Final. It was designed by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava and is situated at Marousi in the north east of the city.

Travel to Athens

Cheap travel to Athens is readily available and you will find what you need by browsing our website. With flights from London to Athens taking under four hours it makes the perfect travel destination for a city break, combining culture and sightseeing with a vibrant nightlife and beautiful weather. Direct flights to Athens are available from many regional UK airports, and if you fancy doing a bit of Greek island hopping the capital is a good place to catch flights or ferries out to the islands.

Greek Food

Holidays in Athens, Greece, are the perfect occasion to sample authentic Greek food. Typical Greek dishes include mezedes (meze or appetizers) such as tzatziki (cucumber with yoghurt), tyropita (feta or halloumi cheese wrapped in filo pastry) and dolmades (rice, currants, and pine kernels wrapped in vine leaves). Other examples of Greek cuisine include spanakopita (spinach pie), moussaka, and kolokythoanthoi (courgette flowers stuffed with rice or cheese and herbs).

Feta and Halloumi cheese, and olives, are a staple ingredient in Greek recipes, while seafood features regularly in cuisine on the islands. Honey is another favourite ingredient and you'll find excellent pastry and bread shops throughout Athens. Favourite drinks include ouzo, metaxa, and a variety of wines including retsina.

Hotels in Athens

If you're looking for a hotel in Athens, you'll be spoilt for choice. Athens hotels range from budget options to luxury five star hotels, so whatever type of hotel you’re looking for you're sure to find it here. Fleetway Travel can arrange the best hotel for your requirements so just give us a call on 0871 472 8880 or book online for a bargain holiday in the centre of Greece.

Athens Weather

The weather in Athens varies dramatically throughout the year. In August, temperatures reach highs of over 33°C but in January they fall as low as 5°C. The best time to travel to Athens is in May when temperatures are around 26°C, or September when they hover at about 29°C. At these times of year you can get great discounts on flights to Athens, and hotels in Athens can be cheaper too.

Here are some of our favourite hotels:

• 3* Venus Beach
• 3* Poseidon Beach
• 5* Pantheon

Athens holidays from the following airports :

• Cheap holidays to Athens from Stansted
• Cheap holidays to Athens from Luton
• Cheap holidays to Athens from Birmingham
• Cheap holidays to Athens from Gatwick
• Cheap holidays to Athens from Coventry
• Cheap holidays to Athens from East Midlands
• Cheap holidays to Athens from Glasgow
• Cheap holidays to Athens from Edinburgh