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Athens, the capital of the country, was already the beating heart of ancient Greece. The two emblematic monuments of the destination remain: the citadel of the Acropolis on its hill and the column temple of the Parthenon overlooking it. On this site are concentrated many points of interest: the temple of Athena Nikê, the Agora, the Erechtheion, the temple of Hephaestus, the Propylæae, the theatre of Dionysus, the Olympiion... The visit of the recent and splendid Acropolis Museum adds to the evocation of ancient Athens. On the way down from the Acropolis, enjoy the flowery alleys of Anafiotika and another highly touristic district: Plaka, with taverns, shops, souvenirs and museums (Jewish, Greek folk art, Frissiras). Popular and lively, discover Monastiraki, its flea market and its terraces where you can laze. For the lively evenings, head for the Psiri district and its many cafés. You will still have to visit the halls of the municipal market, attend the changing of the guard in front of the Parliament, visit other major museums (Benaki, Cycladic Art Museum, Byzantine Museum...), then climb to the top of the Lycabet for its view of Athens! The modern city also deserves to be discovered. On Sundays, go for a walk in the bazaar of Place Avissynias to browse between fleas and antiques, before sitting on the terrace to drink and snack. And every day of the week it's shopping in Ermou. For souvenirs, join the huge Vassilopoulos store in Plaka. And take the time to take a breath and read your favorite tourist guide.

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What to visit Athens?

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When to go to Athens?

If you have the opportunity to choose, the best times to travel to Athens are spring and autumn. The ideal conditions are in place between Easter and the end of June. The weather is mild, tourists are still few, while transport is already organized for the summer season. Unfortunately, in the city centre, hotel prices reach their maximum. The same from the end of August to mid-October, when the heat subsides and the climate returns to mild. In addition, the cultural season is resuming and activities are multiplying. In winter, the capital is also very pleasant with a dry and mild climate and a beautiful brightness. In July and August the city empties of its premises, which go on holiday on the islands. It is not like on the islands in the high tourist season. On the contrary, hotel prices generally fall during this period. To enjoy a great popular celebration, opt for a trip to Easter (see the Orthodox calendar). It is a great popular and warm celebration for about ten days. Prices increase by 9% due to religious tax. There is also the feast of the Epiphany, on January 6, where houses are blessed, on Pure Monday, the first day of Lent, an opportunity to gather with friends around traditional dishes. On that day, the young people will fly their kites on the beaches. Easter (Pascha) with Holy Week is certainly the most important holiday and one of the most important moments in Greece. Firecrackers and fireworks mark the end of the celebration. The faithful return home with a candle lit by the Jerusalem flame and mark the top of their front door with a black cross. Your tour guide will teach you even more about local customs and traditions

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Weather all year round

Greece is the sun destination par excellence. In Athens, even in winter, temperatures rarely fall below 10°C. Athenians will tell you that the microclimate of Attica is the mildest in the country. The omnipresent luminosity dresses the capital and enlivens its colours. In July and August, the heat is hot (25/34°C). It is milder from March to June (11/27°C), then from September to mid-November (15/23°C). Downside: some winds and sand rains from the Sahara.

Jan.: 6°C; 13°C

Feb.: 7°C; 14°C

Mar.: 8°C; 16°C

Apr.: 11°C; 20°C

May: 16°C; 25°C

June: 20°C; 30°C

July: 23°C; 33°C

Aug.: 23°C; 33°C

Sept.: 19°C; 29°C

Oct.: 15°C; 24°C

Nov.: 12°C; 19°C

Dec.: 8°C; 15°C

Budget

The currency of this European Union country is the euro. All credit cards are accepted at ATMs but not at all institutions. It is essential to get information before consuming so as not to have any unpleasant surprises. An identity card may be required as well as a signature of the transaction ticket, in addition to the code. Overall, life is a little cheaper in Greece than in France, but more so in Athens than in the rest of the country.

Procedures

For European Union nationals, an identity card or passport is sufficient. For unaccompanied minors, an exit permit is required. A visa is not required for Canadian nationals if their stay is less than three months. For Swiss citizens, it is necessary to present a valid identity card or passport. Required documents if you come by car: pink three-part national driving licence and of course the insurance certificate of your vehicle.

Health

Greece does not present any major health risks. In Athens the water is drinkable and the hygiene is quite correct. In summer, protect yourself from the sun and hydrate. No vaccinations are recommended before leaving. You will also need to protect yourself from mosquito bites, provide repellent creams and mosquito repellents for the rooms

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Athens is one of the very popular tourist destinations offered by tour operators. Weekend or weekday packages are numerous and sometimes affordable, combining flight, hotel, half board, guided tours with a guide. The assurance of not missing anything! Regular promotions between seasons.

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Athens is a destination that lends itself to individual travel. You have very affordable air-only flights with several low-cost airlines. On site, no worries about finding accommodation or moving from one point to another, except to take into account traffic jams. In summer, you will suffer like everyone else from the heat and the tourist inflow. So if you want to organize your own trip, avoid the most tourist periods.

In Athens, taxis are yellow and drivers are not necessarily friendly. Buses are slow. It is possible to rent motorcycles or scooters but driving in Athens is not an easy task. Bicycles can be rented in the city centre, but pedalling is not very pleasant in Athens: it is hot, traffic is dense, cycle paths are rare and the hills are steep. The city centre is often pedestrian. However, the recent metro is efficient

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