Sunny and cool in Athens!
Today is Monday, February 17th, 2020. A sunny day, with temperatures in a seasonal mid to upper 50°s F! A good time of the year to visit Athens, and Greece in general, mostly for tourism and maybe not a vacation, since temperatures are prohibitive for swimming, yet the country is bustling with energy and events, facilities are less strained to respond to unreasonable high numbers, hotels, restaurants and service establishments offer a better service at a better price.
So, be happy, and don't worry! Wear your carefree mood, take a collapsible umbrella along just in case, and wander around in the Athenian neighborhoods. Visit some of the many museums or the several archaeological sites worth paying a visit to, take some pictures to help you cherish the memories and show-off to your friends, enjoy the aroma of a cup of coffee or a refreshing drink in one of the many coffee shops that line the Athenian streets, or better still, taste the delicious and healthy Greek cuisine. Kalimera from Greece!
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Welcome to The Athens Key!
The Athens Key is a travel companion for Athens and all things Greek, in English, designed for the potential visitor to our hometown. We tirelessly look for, and suggest, places, events, services, shops, museum shows, curiosities in Athens, as if a friend from abroad was about to visit for a short stay and was asking for our advise on how to best plan their visit. For decades now and up until recently, during the official ceremony of welcoming a foreign dignitary, the Mayor of Athens would hand them the Golden Key of Athens in a well-staged photo opportunity. It used to be a somewhat exaggerated gesture in recognition of a goodwill visit and signified that the guest would always be welcome back to the city as a friend. So, as citizens of Athens who love our hometown and have nothing to gain from sharing this love, to you who dropped by, we decided to offer you The Athens Key, without the hoopla and the decorum, but from the bottom of our heart!
We should note that we are not supported from, or financially aided by any official or unofficial state or local government, we have no ties or affiliations with any enterprise that could possibly influence our opinion or alter our objectivity. At the same time, we can not and do not claim to have included all that is worth seeing in Athens, nor that our coverage of the subjects is complete. Finally, if you come across a service or a product featured here in an advertisement, please purchase it through one of our links and help us support the website financially. Thank you in advance! Enjoy!
Ion Frantzeskakis, Editor & Publisher
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Athens: A Hot City that is always a Cool Destination!
Insider named Greece the best place to visit in 2020, based on research and their viewers' votes. The country has a lot to offer — rich ancient history, fresh seafood, beautiful views of sunsets, and plenty of activities, like swimming at beaches and skiing down mountains. Stay in its iconic white and blue houses through boutique hotels and Airbnbs. Try some traditional Greek food like baklava or feta cheese. Insider is great journalism about what passionate people actually want to know, from news to food, celebrity to science, politics to sports and all the rest. It’s smart. It’s fearless. It’s fun. They push the boundaries of digital storytelling. Their mission is to inform and inspire.
Athens International Airport, El. Venizelos, (ATH) was named 3rd Best Airport in the World for 2019, following Hamad International, Qatar and Tokyo International, Japan, by AirHelp, an organization that specializes in air traveler rights, and seeks compensation in cases of delays or cancellations. The airports are rated based on on-time performance, service quality, and food and shopping options. AirHelp’s data comes from multiple commercial vendors, along with its own database, plus 40,000 passenger surveys collected in 40 countries during 2018.
Insider named Greece the best place to visit in 2020, based on research and their viewers' votes. The country has a lot to offer — rich ancient history, fresh seafood, beautiful views of sunsets, and plenty of activities, like swimming at beaches and skiing down mountains. Stay in its iconic white and blue houses through boutique hotels and Airbnbs. Try some traditional Greek food like baklava or feta cheese. Insider is great journalism about what passionate people actually want to know, from news to food, celebrity to science, politics to sports and all the rest. It’s smart. It’s fearless. It’s fun. They push the boundaries of digital storytelling. Their mission is to inform and inspire.
Athens International Airport, El. Venizelos, (ATH) was named 3rd Best Airport in the World for 2019, following Hamad International, Qatar and Tokyo International, Japan, by AirHelp, an organization that specializes in air traveler rights, and seeks compensation in cases of delays or cancellations. The airports are rated based on on-time performance, service quality, and food and shopping options. AirHelp’s data comes from multiple commercial vendors, along with its own database, plus 40,000 passenger surveys collected in 40 countries during 2018.
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Recent years have seen a surge of new art galleries, collectives and nonprofit art organizations. The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, designed by world-renowned architect Renzo Piano, is now fully functional, and has fast become a cultural beacon for the Greek capital. The newest addition to Athens culture is the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation Museum of Modern Art with a monumental art collection including works by Cézanne, van Gogh, Gauguin, Monet, Degas, Rodin, Toulouse-Lautrec, Bonnard, Picasso, Braque, Léger, Miró, Giacometti and Balthus among others, as well as works of prominent Greek artists.
Athens was 7th Best European Destination for 2018, in online polls conducted by the European Best Destinations organization, whose purpose is the promotion of culture and tourism in Europe, and works alongside with the biggest tour operators in Europe covering 355 destinations. |
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center.
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Greece was voted "2019 Destination of the Year" by over 10,000 ASTA travel professionals in the U.S.A. The Greek islands topped the list of the 20 “Best Islands / Favorite Islands in the World”, by the readers of Condé Nast Traveller 21st Annual Readers’ Awards 2018, due to their “extraordinary scenery and people.” To top it off, Greece was voted as the “Best Country in the World” by the readers of the luxury travel magazine. Crete is TUI’s top holiday destination for European travelers this year, and Greece is the second country of choice after Spain, according to the holiday bookings made through the largest leisure, travel and tourism company in the world. According to TUI, vacationers from Europe this year rank Greece’ largest island Crete first in the destination list. Three of the five most popular destinations for Germans are found in Greece: Crete, Rhodes and Kos. Greece is also very popular among Northern Europeans. For Norwegians, Swedes, Danes and Finns, Greece is the number one holiday destination.
Why Do You Travel?
In general, there are are two major factors in a person's decision to travel to a place like Greece. Leisure, or in other words, the need to escape from routine and get some well-needed relaxation, in the form of sunbathing, swimming, partying, eating well, shopping, and in general recharging one's batteries, and tourism, or the need to explore new places, see breath-taking landscapes, delve into history, admire art, visit museums, meet people, try their cuisine and their culture, see as many things as possible in the limited time most of us have, and can afford, during our vacations. The frequency in which we travel, due to the time available, and funds at hand, but also our personalities, determine the weight that each of these two major factors play in our selections.
Much the same as Northern Americans prefer Florida, or Mexico, for leisure, since these are the closest to home places to find warmth, sun and relaxation, Northern Europeans prefer Greece, or Italy for the same. These are mostly the people who may opt for an all-inclusive package, anchor in a major hotel offering all amenities, and have a good time at a mostly fixed price. They know that since the destination is relatively close to their home, they can always come back for a more thorough visit, and see the country more thoroughly.
The further away one visits from, the more expensive the trip generally is, the less chances that the trip may be repeated any time soon, so, the more experiences the traveler wishes to collect from the visit. This is the type of traveler the Athens Key attempts to assist, by offering information and choices, so that he or she may create their own menu of experiences, while in Greece. To plan your travel in Greece on your own, relying on your experience and the advice of friends or trusted sources, including The Athens Key. This way, you will enjoy the absolute independence, make best use of your financial resources and utilize every single day according to your own interests and needs.
Much the same as Northern Americans prefer Florida, or Mexico, for leisure, since these are the closest to home places to find warmth, sun and relaxation, Northern Europeans prefer Greece, or Italy for the same. These are mostly the people who may opt for an all-inclusive package, anchor in a major hotel offering all amenities, and have a good time at a mostly fixed price. They know that since the destination is relatively close to their home, they can always come back for a more thorough visit, and see the country more thoroughly.
The further away one visits from, the more expensive the trip generally is, the less chances that the trip may be repeated any time soon, so, the more experiences the traveler wishes to collect from the visit. This is the type of traveler the Athens Key attempts to assist, by offering information and choices, so that he or she may create their own menu of experiences, while in Greece. To plan your travel in Greece on your own, relying on your experience and the advice of friends or trusted sources, including The Athens Key. This way, you will enjoy the absolute independence, make best use of your financial resources and utilize every single day according to your own interests and needs.
Accommodation in Athens and throughout Greece
Check out and book your accommodation in Athens, all over Greece, and, in fact, all over the world, by using the most reliable search and booking engine of Booking.com. Another reputable affiliate of ours, KAYAK searches and compares hundreds of travel sites to show you the information you need to find the right flights, hotels, rental cars and vacation packages.
Check out and book your accommodation in Athens, all over Greece, and, in fact, all over the world, by using the most reliable search and booking engine of Booking.com. Another reputable affiliate of ours, KAYAK searches and compares hundreds of travel sites to show you the information you need to find the right flights, hotels, rental cars and vacation packages.
Car Rentals in Greece
For the best prices and availability in Greece among the most reputable car rental companies worldwide, including car rental and pre-booked taxi services, visit this page.
For the best prices and availability in Greece among the most reputable car rental companies worldwide, including car rental and pre-booked taxi services, visit this page.
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Cruises to the Eastern Mediterranean
Choose among several schedules, destinations, dates and offers among the luxurious and reliable cruises to leisurely explore the Mediterranean Sea! Find your passion and follow your dreams on a Mediterranean Cruise by Princess Cruises. Cruising the Med with MSC Cruises means being at arm's reach of the best in culture, tradition and monuments that have for centuries enriched its shores. Destinations within Greece Browse through select places you are able to visit on an excursion from Athens, accessible by land, sea or air. Some ports of call are popular with most cruises to the Eastern Mediterranean and certainly accessible by the sailing boat or motor-yacht you may charter! Crete, Corfu, Heraklion, Mykonos, Rhodes or Santorini by sea, or Corinth, Delphi, Epidavros, Olympia or Marathon by land, a multitude of destinations await your selection! Eating Greek - The Mediterranean Diet
Greece is the birthplace of the Mediterranean Diet, the balanced diet that keeps you healthy and gives you a long life. A delicious cuisine, which comes as a combination of indigenous, ancient practices and recipes, along with hundreds of Mediterranean influences resulting in a delicious, tasty, hearty and healthy menu of choices. Check out our pages for Athenian Bakeries, Olives & Olive Oil, Ouzo, Tsipouro & Meze Appetizers, Farmers' Markets, Juice Bars, Greek, but also International Cuisine, Bistros, Pastry Shops, Street Food, etc., and bon appetit! |
Hadrian's Arch, Athens.
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Excursions & Tours from Athens
There are several tours and excursions, for a few hours or for a couple of days, organized or not, that one can take using Athens as a base of operations.. There are also tours such as Classical Tours, including Corinth, Epidavros, Mycenae, Olympia, or Delphi. A Four Day Island Tour to Mykonos and Santorini from Athens, at 20% off is available from Keytours. Finally, at GetYourGuide, they’re on a journey to transform ordinary trips into extraordinary ones. They are your guide, bringing you personal experiences. Wherever your travels take you, they’ll show you unique and unmissable things to do in your destination. iVenture Card combines the best attractions, tours and experiences into one pre-paid attractions pass to save you time and money. Athens Unlimited Attractions or Athens Museum Pass, there are several plans to chose from!
There are several tours and excursions, for a few hours or for a couple of days, organized or not, that one can take using Athens as a base of operations.. There are also tours such as Classical Tours, including Corinth, Epidavros, Mycenae, Olympia, or Delphi. A Four Day Island Tour to Mykonos and Santorini from Athens, at 20% off is available from Keytours. Finally, at GetYourGuide, they’re on a journey to transform ordinary trips into extraordinary ones. They are your guide, bringing you personal experiences. Wherever your travels take you, they’ll show you unique and unmissable things to do in your destination. iVenture Card combines the best attractions, tours and experiences into one pre-paid attractions pass to save you time and money. Athens Unlimited Attractions or Athens Museum Pass, there are several plans to chose from!
Ferries to the Greek Islands
To easily book ferry tickets online to the islands of the Greek Archipelago, such as Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu, Crete, Rhodes, Patmos or Hydra, visit our page Sea Transportation.
To easily book ferry tickets online to the islands of the Greek Archipelago, such as Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu, Crete, Rhodes, Patmos or Hydra, visit our page Sea Transportation.
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Flights to Greece and within Greece
You may wish to search for and book a flight to Greece via the Greek national carrier Aegean Airlines, or within Greece via Aegean Airlines or Olympic Air, an Aegean Airlines subsidiary. For international flights from and to anywhere in the world, anytime, but also for hotels, rental cars and vacation packages, go to KAYAK now! Alternatively, try Cheapflights. Their extensive range of partners, great deals and travel content should make them the natural starting point for your travel research. Last, but not least, momondo is an inspirational global travel search site, comparing billions of cheap flights. They serve travelers across 35 markets globally, and offer a bold and diverse travel universe. |
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Sailing & Yachting
Can one charter a motor-sailer, a motor yacht or a sailing boat, barefoot or with a skipper, to cruise the magnificent Aegean Archipelago or the green islands of the Ionian sea? Need we say yes? Visit our page Sailing & Yachting in Greece!
Can one charter a motor-sailer, a motor yacht or a sailing boat, barefoot or with a skipper, to cruise the magnificent Aegean Archipelago or the green islands of the Ionian sea? Need we say yes? Visit our page Sailing & Yachting in Greece!
Tickets to Major Athens Attractions
For skipping the lines and getting your admission tickets to the Acropolis of Athens, but also the Acropolis Museum, the Museum of Cycladic Art, the Benaki Museum, and several other attractions and activities in throughout Greece, visit Tiqets, an innovative ticketing platform that is revolutionizing the way visitors discover, buy and use tickets for museums, shows and attractions and thus makes culture more accessible.
For skipping the lines and getting your admission tickets to the Acropolis of Athens, but also the Acropolis Museum, the Museum of Cycladic Art, the Benaki Museum, and several other attractions and activities in throughout Greece, visit Tiqets, an innovative ticketing platform that is revolutionizing the way visitors discover, buy and use tickets for museums, shows and attractions and thus makes culture more accessible.
The Temple of Hephaestos, Athens.
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The Gate of Athena Archegetis, entrance to the Roman Agora of Athens.
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Among Our Pages
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Within the Resources of The Athens Key, take a look in the Basic Architectural Terminology as well as the 3 Orders of Architecture for better following the descriptions of the ancient temples but also the Byzantine churches.
Check our Brief History of Athens, and the Greek Pantheon pages. They may remind you of key-facts that may be useful in better utilizing information that can be found throughout our website and during a potential visit to Athens. Read a short biography of the great romantic poet and grecophile Lord Byron. For a page full of travel resources, including links to flights to Greece or within Greece, hotel, villa and home rentals, cruises, yachting and sailing, car rentals, tours and excursions, visit this page, and you are half-way to Greece already! For a selection of bags, suitcases and travel accessories, check Luggage, featuring some of the very best luggage products from the world's largest manufacturers, at the best prices. |
The Rider from Delphi, National Archaeological Museum, Athens.
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In our constant quest to improve and enhance the effectiveness of the Athens Key we keep making additions and navigational changes here, within the technical limitations of the platform, and our own abilities. We hope you'll find the changes practical and effective, but, if not so, we would love to hear your input and suggestions!
The last remaining flower shop, on the protective wall of the Greek Parliament, on Vas. Amalias Avenue, Syntagma Square, in Athens.
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