Gia Sas & Welcome to Athens!

According to legend, Athena conquered this city after defeating Poseidon in a battle. Athena’s victory was celebrated by constructing a temple for her on the Acropolis, the site of the early settlement of Attica. After falling into general malaise and disrepair, and plagued by traffic and pollution, Athens has bounced back since the recent 2004 Olympic Games, which prompted a flurry of development and the building of some new Athens hotels. The best way to enjoy the Athenian atmosphere is on foot; this way you can avoid getting stuck in a vehicle in chaotic traffic.

Most of the great classical buildings in Athens, such as the Parthenon, Erechtheion and Hephaisteion, were built during the height of Athens' glory years, in the fifth century BC. It was not just the construction of classical buildings that indicated the success of Athens. This period and this city also witnessed the birth of democracy, the foundations of Western philosophy were conceived by Socrates, and inspired drama flourished.

Many people come to Athens for a brief look at the classical buildings, before heading off to one of the tempting Greek Islands. However, there is a lot to see and do in Athens and definitely more than enough to keep an intrepid traveller occupied in Athens, especially one willing to dig a little under the surface. The Plaka district, with its cafes, restaurants and tavernas, is especially pleasant, offering a glimpse of a traditional, village-like atmosphere. The city is diverse within itself too, with various tours in Athens you can enjoy. Plus, numerous museums and public places have been renovated or given face-lifts recently, making Athens a city to enjoy once again!

There are many interesting places to stay in Athens and you can use our Athens map to help you choose one of the hotels in Athens based on its location. Athens is divided into various districts, but the one of major interest to visitors is Syntagma (Constitution Square). Syntagma is located at the centre of the city, and almost all the major sights of Athens are located close by. Although, inevitably, perhaps, this part of the city is now heavily commercialised, it is also one of the most pleasant places in Athens to wander around. Interesting architecture, friendly and busy tavernas, good value Athens hotels and the requisite souvenir shops all stand side by side on the narrow, winding streets and alleyways.

Another major tourist area, located nearby to Syntagma, is the area around the Acropolis and Lykavitts Hill. The area below the hill is quite interesting to visit, as it recreates the atmosphere of a Greek village. This area, known as Anafitika, also houses a number of the better museums, especially specialist museums, in Athens and all of Greece.

Visitors to Athens can embark on a gastronomic adventure, alternating between the city’s up-market restaurants and buying koulouri and souvlaki from a street vendor for a quick snack. Greek cuisine mainly consists of olive oil, fish and lamb cooked with fragrant herbs and spices.

It is a pleasure to shop in Athens. A wide range of items from all over Greece are available here and make great souvenirs. Gold and silver jewellery, leather goods, local culinary delights, handicrafts, flokati rugs of fluffy sheep wool, onyx, alabaster, furs, art items, pottery and marble make great buys.

The modern city of Athens was born in 1834, as it was re-instated as the capital of Greece, a newly independent country. After the Greek-Turkish war, Greek refugees caused a population explosion. Rapid expansion and construction, along with the Mediterranean climate, have created a city that suffers badly from urban sprawl, traffic and choking pollution. However, the 2004 Olympic Games provided an incentive for the authorities to clean up some of the worse aspects of Athens. The major projects developed during this time were the extension of the Athens metro system, upgrading of museums and Athens hotels, building of the new Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport, the revitalization of the Piraeus port area and building of new sports venues.

Athens attracts visitors with its relaxed lifestyle and vibrant street life. Here, people have time for evening strolls, endless coffees and love to dine out till late in the night enjoying the nightlife of Athens, long after the rest of Europe has retired for the night. Although Athenians lament and debate about their city’s shortcomings, they wouldn’t like to live anywhere else. Before travelling to Athens be sure to check the latest Athens Weather with our Athens Weather Forecast!

This Athens Hotel Booking Service is locally owned by Opta Travel. For the most up-to-date and personalised information, you can't go past a local Athenian. Whether you'd like to know where to find the most unique Athens hotels and accommodation, a good Athens tour, a proper traditional Greek meal or just some detailed transportation information, we are happy to help.