The site of the 2004 Olympic Games, Athens is a fascinating city that blends awe-inspiring ancient architecture with a newly enhanced infrastructure that caters to visitors. Those who vacation in Athens will find a vibrant city that, while more than 7,000 years old, excites 21st-century visitors with its offerings.
Greece’s capital, on the Greek mainland’s southern peninsula, boasts two renowned historical attractions that are must-sees on any Athens travel itinerary: the Acropolis and the National Archeological Museum. The world-famous hilltop Acropolis attests to Athens’ place of prominence in the ancient world and its importance in Western history. The monuments of the Acropolis include the Parthenon, the Erechtheion and the temple of Athena Nike. At the National Archeological Museum, visitors will find more than 20,000 Greek artifacts that chronicle the country’s history from prehistory to late antiquity. In addition to absorbing as much of the city’s history as possible, Athens vacation packages should also include indulging in delectable food and wine, sunning on the city’s beaches, and shopping in its markets.
U.S. citizens traveling to Greece require a valid passport. No visa is required for stays of up to three months (that period begins when entering any of the Schengen countries). Direct flights into Athens International Airport are available from several major U.S. gateways, including New York, Atlanta and Philadelphia. While rental cars are available, many Athens visitors choose to rely on taxis and public transportation, including the city’s newly enhanced subway system. Greece’s Mediterranean climate boasts many sunny days and little rain. In Athens, average temperatures range from about 51°F in January to 82°F in July. Currency is the Euro. For more information on an Athens vacation, log on to www.visitgreece.gr, the Greece National Tourism Organisation’s website.