A Trip to Athens
The city
Athens is not only the capital and the largest city of Greece, it is also one of the oldest cities in the world.
Classical Athens was the birthplace of many prominent philosophers such as Socrates, Pericles and Sophocles and a centre for the arts, learning and philosophy.
The heritage of the classical era is still evident in the city and is represented by a number of ancient monuments and works of art.
Athens was the first host city of the modern-day Olympic Games in 1896 and then again in 2004 for the Summer Olympics.
The Climate
Athens enjoys a typical mediterranean climate. Precipitation mainly occurs from mid-October to mid-April and is sparse during the summers. Snowfalls occur almost every year, but without causing any significant disruption. Spring an autumn are ideal seasons for sightseeing, while summers can be particularly hot with maximum high temperatures of around 33.5 C and occasional heatwaves with temperatures rising above 40 C.
Tourism in Athens
Travelers from all over the world see Athens as a popular destination since antiquity. Due to the 2004 Olympic Games the city’s infrastructure and social amenities have improved tremendously over the past decade.
South African citizens can get flights to Athens by visiting BestFlights.co.za
Entertainment
Athens plays host to a variety of romantic, open air garden cinemas an is home to 148 theatrical stages and a great variety of music venues, attracting world-famous artists all year round.
The Athens festival is held in summer (from June to September) at the open air Roman Herodus Atticus Odeon. {This festival, established in 1955, is one of Europe’s major festivals.Since it was established in 1955, the Athens festival became one of Europe’s major festivals.} Offering anything from opera, modern and classical music, dance and theatre, performed by various Greek and foreign artists and groups.
Banks and ATM’S in Athens
In almost every corner of Athens you will find a bank or an ATM machine. The ATM machines can be used 24 hours per day and therefor you will never have a problem to get cash, as long as your bank account is fine. Credit cards are accepted by almost all hotels, restaurants and shops throughout the city.
Shopping
You will find souvenirs, Greek art, old books as well as antiques at the flea market in the tourist areas such as Plaka and Monastiraki. Refreshments can be enjoyed at one of the many cafes or restaurants of Andrianou street while having a view of Acropolis, the ancient Agora. A multitude of jewelers shops can be found in Athens, selling many reproductions of ancient Greek jewels, in modern or traditional designs.