A few useful tips if you are passing through Athens

For many people, Athens is all one big city. Actually, Athens and Piraeus are cities in the great municipality of Attiki. If you want to go to the port, you go to Piraeus, which is on the west coast of Attiki, or Rafina, which is another, smaller port on the east coast. Don't be afraid of finding your destination, taxi drivers just need to know which island you are going to and they will take you to the right dock!

Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos":

The new airport opened in March 2001. It is in Spata, which is about 30 km northeast of Athens. The airport offers many services like car hire, money exchange, international press, souvenirs (last minute!) and snack bar. There is a good bus connection (frequent and cheap!) to Piraeus (E96) and the centre of Athens. Otherwise hop on a taxi, especially if you do not know how to find your exact destination!

For more information on the airport & how to get to and from it, check this Website: www.athensairport-2001.gr

Piraeus:

If you arrive in Athens Airport and want to travel to one of the islands, take the bus or taxi to Piraeus (it will take about 60 minutes if there is not too much traffic), which is where you will find most of the boats to the islands. If you have a lot of luggage, I recommend taking a taxi. Taxi drivers just need to know which island you are going to and they will take you to the right dock! (Read our taxi tips first!)

Rafina:

Second most important port with connections to many islands, although now closer to the new airport in Spata.

Overnight in Athens: Finding a hotel in Athens that is good, comfortable and fairly cheap is not easy. We would recommend staying

- in Plaka in the centre of Athens so you can visit some of the most important monuments such as the Acropolis on foot;

- in Glyfada if you'd like to be between the airport and the centre AND near the beach, and

- in Piraeus if you want to be close to the port.

Tip:
Many of the boats to the islands leave very early in the morning. It is a good idea sticking to the information in travel guides if you need to stay in Athens upon arrival in Greece. On your way back ask on the islands, wherever you're staying they will surely be able to recommend a good place and possibly even make a reservation for you.

Metro:

There are new very modern subway lines that will comfortably take you through the centre of Athens and connect you with Piraeus. From Omonia Square or Syntagma you can even walk directly to the Acropolis.

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