Green Travel Guide to Athens

Filmed and Produced by Green Traveller

Foreword by Emy Anagnostopoulou,
Director, GNTO UK & Ireland Office

When travellers come to choose their holiday they know that Greece has everything they are looking for. It is a safe destination, with great weather, amazing landscapes, warm hospitality and a fascinating history and culture.

Greece is a country of beautiful contradictions and Athens is the perfect example of that as it is the ideal all year round City Break destination that combines an urban vibe with ancient history and outdoors activities. Being a cultural hub with an abundance of museums, galleries and theatres, a vibrant nightlife, high end gastronomy and stunning beaches make Athens a friendly, safe and diverse destination for all travellers.

For the culture enthusiasts, Athens is home to some amazing museums ranging from the award winning Acropolis Museum and newly opened Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation to quirkier ones like the Benaki Toy Museum. Adventure seekers can explore the city’s hidden corners on a bike, hike the breath-taking slopes of Mount Parnitha or go canoeing in Lake Vouliagmeni.

With many undiscovered neighbourhoods waiting to be discovered, Athens is sure to captivate the most discerning of travellers whether interested in culture, gastronomy, history or even a sea and sun holiday in one of the numerous beaches of the Athens Riviera.

For more information go to: visitgreece.gr

Photos: Richard Hammond and Clare Hargreaves

What our writer discovered in Athens

New and alternative attractions in Athens

Stay, Eat, See & Do

Our writer's pick of places across Athens and beyond
by Clare Hargreaves

Google Map Key:
Click on the coloured icons for more information about each listing
Green = Places to stay
Blue = Places to eat
Yellow = Attractions
Purple = Activities

Click on the square brackets to reveal expanded map

How to travel to Athens from the UK

It is possibly to reach Athens without flying (it takes about 48 hours from London): there are several routes, e.g. take the train via Paris and high speed TGV to Milan and then to Bari and then ferry across the Adriatic; train via Munich and Belgrade; or train to Venice and then ferry to Athens. Of course it's much quicker to fly, but the overland journey can be fascinating, relaxing and fun. For more information, see seat61.com/greece

If you choose to fly, there are direct flights to Athens from many UK airports, such as: London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Luton and Manchester. The flight time is about three hours 45 minutes.

To compare transport carbon emissions: Transport Carbon Emissions Data