ATHENS
Area: Cities
Country: Greece


Location:
In the SE of mainland Greece. The port of Piraeus is 6 miles SW; Rafina 20 miles E. Airport 16 miles NE.

Telephone code from UK:
30 210

Website:
http://www.vacation.net.gr/p/athens.html

Position:
Surrounding mountains form a bowl containing the city, which straggles W to the sea.

Description:
Modern, largely concrete and expanding rapidly in all directions, Athens is a city as famous for its ancient ruins as it is for terrible traffic congestion and horrific air pollution. Two hills dominate _ the Acropolis and Lycabettus. Syntagma Square, overlooked by the Parliament building, is the centre for tourists as well as business; everything traditionally visited in the city is within º ml W of here, and is most conveniently reached by foot. Around the foot of the Acropolis lies the Ottoman-influenced Plaka region, a picturesque and mainly pedestrianised area with some residential streets but largely souvenir shops, restaurants, tavernas and markets. Neighbouring Psiri and Thisio, while not quite as picturesque, are more popular with the locals, with cool cafes and incredible views of the Acropolis. Omonia Square, NW of Syntagma, is the centre of the red-light district; it is also a centre for drug addicts, pickpockets and beggars living in the underground station. Large parks include Green Park, Lycabettus and the National Gardens _ although stray cats and dogs can be a problem. Because of the heat, spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit. However, Athens definitely looks better before the long summer drought.

Suitability:
For all ages and all budgets; particularly for those with an interest in cultural history _ and with strong legs. People with respiratory problems should be very wary, even on the outskirts.

Accommodation:
All types of hotels, from 5-star international to backstreet pensions.

Shopping:
Everything _ huge meat, fish and fruit markets; antiques; flea market in Monastiraki (Plaka); jewellery, ceramics, leather goods, department stores (including M&S, BHS); delicatessens; book shops. Gold is a good buy.

Entertainments:
Daytime: a wealth of ancient sites, such as the Acropolis, the Agora and the temple of Olympian Zeus. A plethora of world-class museums; many (such as the Acropolis Museum, the Agora Museum, the Kanellopoulos Museum and the renowned National Archaeological Museum) house finds dating from the city's classical past. Benaki Museum for ancient and modern Greek art; the Byzantine Museum. Parliament buildings with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (guarded by soldiers in local pom-pom costume). Sweeping views from the top of Lycabettus Hill. Two parks (Kifissia Park and the National Garden and Zappeion Park) offer respite from the city's chaos. Attica Zoological Park. Hellenic Cosmos, a virtual-reality presentation on ancient Greece. Nightlife: nightclubs, discos, bars, Greek dancing and singing, cinemas (mostly English-language films, subtitled), theatres (mostly Greek), rock concerts, opera, ballet, son et lumiere at the Acropolis nightly, from April to October.

Eating:
Traditional Greek food _ souvlaki, slow-cooked lamb, tomatoes with everything; French, Italian, Chinese, Indian, Thai and Vietnamese restaurants. Fast food, of the ubiquitous international chain variety. Street barrows selling grilled corn on the cob, sesame bread rings and chestnuts.

Public-transport:
A comprehensive, relatively cheap system of public transport serves the city, but suffers from overcrowding, especially at rush hours. A reliable and regular metro service. Extensive network of buses and trolleys buses; tickets are available from kiosks or booths at bus stations. Trains _ tickets at stations. Airport bus approximately every 20 minutes; the journey should take 45 minutes, but allow up to 1» hours in peak traffic times. Taxis: flag them down and shout destination, and hope they'll take you; there are often other passengers, but the price is not split. Taxi rank at Syntagma Square.

Local-excursions:
Full day: Aegina Island from Piraeus Port (35 minutes by hydrofoil) has local tavernas and beaches. Coastal resorts of Athens are Glyfada, Voula and Vouliagmeni, all at least 10 miles from the city centre. Half day: Cape Sounion, the Temple of Poseidon, incredible sunsets; Mount Parnitha National Park for walking trails.