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Athens—Antiquity at its Best!

Updated: Aug 14, 2022

Are you enthralled with the ancient past? Are you a history buff? Are you fascinated by different cultures and art? Then look no more—ATHENS, GREECE is a place you want to visit!


The Acropolis of Athens, Greece.
The Acropolis is a "must see" when visiting Athens, Greece. Image courtesy of Canva

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Where Is Athens, Greece Located?


Greece is a country located in southeast Europe. It shares land borders with Albania to the northwest, North Macedonia and Bulgaria to the north, and Turkey to the northeast.


Athens, Greece's largest and capital city, is located in the southern part of the country. It encompasses a large part of the Attica region and is built around a number of hills.


Athens is served by the Athens International Airport (ATH), located near the town of Spata, about 22 miles east of the center of Athens.


What Makes Athens Spectacular?


Athens is antiquity at its best! It is home to a number of archeological sites, museums, and quaint streets and shops.


Perhaps the most popular place to visit in Athens is the Acropolis—an ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop above the city of Athens and contains the remains of several ancient buildings of great architectural and historic significance. It was Pericles (c. 495-429 B.C.) in the fifth century B.C. who coordinated the construction of the site's most important present remains.


"The antiquity found in Athens is fascinating to say the least."

What else should be on your "to-do" list when you visit Athens? You will want to dine at a rooftop restaurant and take in the view of Athens. At some rooftop restaurants, you will be able to get 360° views over Athens!


Finally, be sure to visit Plaka—a neighborhood in Athens that is one of the best spots to go shopping. There is a modern section and an older, quaint section of Plaka.


What Are the Weather and Climate Like?


Athens holds the highest temperature ever recorded in Europe, at 118.4 °F! This temperature was recorded on July 10, 1977. The dominant feature of Athens' climate is an alternation between prolonged hot and dry summers and mild winters with moderate rainfall.


The hottest months to visit Athens on average are July & August, with the average high being around 90 °F. The coldest month to visit Athens on average is January, with the average low being around 44.6 °F.


Precipitation is not abundant in Athens. The wettest month on average to visit Athens is in December, with the accumulation being 2.44” of rainfall.


Is It Safe to Visit?


It is always a good idea to perform a "background check" before you visit another country to determine if it is safe to do so. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted travel around the world, and it has left a large footprint that is visible for all to see.


Feel free to visit our COVID-19 Resources page which contains a useful tool that will allow you to do a "background check" on the country you desire to visit. Simply enter the name of the country within the search bar and useful links will automatically populate providing you access to COVID-19 warnings and other travel guidance.


Why Should I Visit?


Are you looking for a vacation that exposes you to a completely different culture? Are you awestruck when observing ancient architectural sites of historic significance? Do you want memories that you are able to savor for many years to come? Then, by all means, consider a vacation to Athens, Greece! If you want a simple guide to help you plan your first visit to Athens, Greece, click here!


Would you like a creative way to visit Athens, Greece? You will benefit from the services of a Credit Card Miles & Points Consultant. They may be able to assist you in developing a plan that will allow you to travel at a fraction of the cost compared to the traditional way of paying for a vacation. You can also learn here how to fly and stay in Athens, Greece for $100!


Learn how you can book an Award Ticket from the United States to Athens, Greece through American Airlines' AAdvantage® program at an amazing redemption! See the following post: American AAdvantage Miles—How to Book an Award Ticket.


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