Best Time to Visit

Greece is a tourist destination beloved worldwide, and summer is the most crowded season of all, especially in July and August. Spring is, perhaps, the best season to travel to Greece, as the main cities such as Athens are not so crowded and the prices are a little lower. June and September are the best months to visit Athens when the beaches around the capital are full of entertainment. If you love hiking, don't miss Athens in autumn.

Passport & Visa

Citizens of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries do not need a visa to enter Greece, only a valid ID. Many other countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Australia, and New Zealand, benefit from visa-free entry for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Visitors from visa-exempt countries must hold a valid passport and, starting in late 2025, will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorisation online before travelling. For those requiring a visa, such as travellers from some Middle-East, African or Asian nations, a Schengen visa must be obtained prior to arrival. All travellers should ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay.

• Web:

  https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-policy_en

Athens International Airport (ATH)

Athens International Airport is located at Spata, 33 kilometres, 20 miles, southeast of Athens. A taxi ride to the city-centre will cost a flat rate of €40 between 5am and midnight, and €55 between midnight and 5am. The fixed fares include the basic fare, plus extra luggage charges and road tolls. The Metro's Line 3, Blue Line, Nikaia–Airport is another option to go to the centre. The journey to Syntagma takes around half an hour. Airport buses are available to Syntagma: X95, Piraeus port: X96, Kifissou Avenue: X93 and Elliniko: X97. The travel time to Syntagma and the other areas in town takes around 1 hour and around 1.5 hours to Piraeus port.

• Web:

  www.aia.gr

• E-mail:

  airport_info@aia.gr

• Address:

  Attiki Odos, Spata, Greece

• Phone:

  +30 210 353 0000

Public Transport

In Athens, the metro stations are kept spotlessly clean. At the Syntagma and Acropolis stations you will find a large collection of antiquities on display. There is a tram from the centre, Syntagma, running along the coast to Glyfada, 50 minutes, and Voula, 60 minutes. Buses, trolley buses and the metro run until around midnight. The tram runs between 5:30am and 1am, and until 2:30am on Friday and Saturday. Airport buses all run 24/7. The airport bus tickets are not valid for other public transport services, but only for a single journey. Ferries out to the island leave from the harbour in Piraeus or from Rafina.

• Web:

  www.athenstransport.com/english

• E-mail:

  contact@athenstransport.com

Taxi

There are lots of taxis, but it is normal to share one with other tourists, so don't be surprised if the driver picks up additional passengers along the road who are going in the same direction. The drivers have taximetres and fixed prices. Uber and another app called Freenow also work in Athens.

• Web:

  www.athenstaxiquality.com

Electricity

Greece uses the Type F electrical plug with two round pins, same as in many countries in Continental Europe. The standard voltage is 230 volts, but some hotels have special plugs for 110 or 120-volt shavers.