|
|
 |
 Athens Destination Guides | |
For most visitors the highlight of a visit to
ATHENS
(Athína in modern Greek) is the stunning vestiges of the ancient, Classical Greek city, most famously represented by the
Acropolis
and its surrounding archeological sites. Even on a brief visit, however, it is a shame to see Athens purely as the location of ancient sites and museums. Although the
neighbourhoods
may lack the style and monuments of most European capitals, they are worth at least some exploration. The old nineteenth-century quarter of
Pláka
, in particular, is a delight, with its mix of Turkish, Neoclassical and Greek-island architecture, and an array of intriguing little museums devoted to traditional arts, ceramics and music. Just to its north, the
bazaar
area, around Athinás and Eólou, retains an almost Middle Eastern atmosphere in its life and trade, while the
National Gardens
, elegant
Kolonáki
and the hill of
Lykavitós
offer respite from the maelstrom. Further afield, but still well within the limits of Greater Athens, are the monasteries of
Kessarianí
and
Dhafní
, the latter with Byzantine mosaics the equal of any in Greece.
Arrival And Information :
Athens' new airport -
Eleftherios Venizelos
- at Spáta, some 26km east of the city, opened in March 2001, replacing the far more convenient (if tiny) one south of town at Ellinikó. Its distance from the city, its enormous size and lack (so far) of fast, direct public transport links to the city have not particularly endeared it to travellers. On the plus side, though, it has good facilities: the arrivals hall has ample
money-changing
bureaux, including two American Express offices, plus
cash dispensers
that accept Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus and Plus.
Luggage-storage
facilities are open round the clock, as are cafés, newsstands, a Sbarro food court and other fast-food restaurants. There's also a
business centre
offering internet access, fax, telephone, typing and photocopying services, though at steep prices. More Athens information... |
|
| Athens Hotels Best Quality | | | Hotel Stratos Vassilikos | |  | |  CITY CENTER / ATHENS
The Hotel Stratos Vassilikos was fully reconstructed in 2003 and has re-opened as a luxury, five-star establishment. |
| Metropolitan | |  | | NEAR THE PORT AND CITY CENTER / ATHENS
The Metropolitan is a luxury hotel situated between Athen's city center and the Port of Piraeus. This newly renovated Metropolitan is just 15 minutes from Constitution Square, as well as the port. |
| King George Ii | |  | | LOCATED ON SYNTAGMA SQUARE / ATHENS
The King George II is set in an imposing building, originally built as a small palace annexe and presidential residency, located on Syntagma Square in central Athens. |
|
| Athens Vacation Rentals | | |
| Athens Car Rentals | | |
| Athens Hotels List | | |
|
|
Call toll free..
US and Canada: 1-800-780-5733
Europe: 00-800-11-20-11-40
Use discount code: 89865
