Athens Hotels

As a cradle of civilization, with the Acropolis as the most flagrant reminder, Athens has a surplus of attractions for travellers that date back thousands of years. In stark contrast to the vibe of antiquity however, Athens is one of the most cosmopolitan in Europe, with a potent economy and a populace that is at once festive and cerebral.

Attractions

The Acropolis of Athens is one of the most indelible landmarks in the world. With a history that dates back over 2,500 years, it's almost impossible to overstate the importance of the site, not just to Greece, but to human civilization as a whole. Home to a number of ancient monuments that include the Parthenon, Theatre of Dionysus and Temple of Athena, the Acropolis is one of the foremost links to the past left on Earth.

Syntagma Square, otherwise known as Constitution Square, is the political heart of Greece. Home to many legendary demonstrations, particularly in the last century, many important landmarks flank the urban plaza, most prominently the Parliament and National Gardens.

The National Archaeological Museum of Athens is simply put, one of the great museums of the world. With access to one of the best deposits of artefacts from prehistory and antiquity, the permanent collection is extraordinary.

On the flipside of the coin, the New Acropolis Museum, whose collection of classical sculpture no less superlative, features a controversial design and display approach. A new breed of museum indeed, with exceptional views of the Acropolis.

The summit of Mount Lycabettus is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Athens, where avid photographers take advantage of a superior panoramic view of the city. The hill also hosts many special events throughout the year in a large, open-air theatre.

Events

Besides the Olympic Games, Athens is a popular city on the festival circuit. The Hellenic or Athens Festival runs from June to September and celebrates the best in national and international culture. With opera, ballet and traditional performances, often on sites around the Acropolis, the Festival provides a great excuse to travel to Athens.

The Rockwave Festival is a decidedly more raucous event, held every July since 1996. The rock concert tour runs over several days around Athens and draws some big international acts.

Mount Lycabettus hosts the International Jazz & Blues Festival every June, with terrific outdoor performances by major international talents.

Climate

Athens has a dry Mediterranean climate, with occasional snow in winter and oppressive heat and humidity in summer, when smog is a major factor. Spring and fall are the best seasons to walk around the city and sightsee.

• Winter (December to February) 6-14°C

• Spring (March to May) 8-25°C

• Summer (June to September) 19-32°C

• Fall (October to November) 11-23°C