THE PERFECT year-round destination for a city break, Greece’s vibrant Acropolis-topped capital is so much more than a jumping-off point for exploring the rest of the country.
Easily reached from three UK regional airports, this stunning Jet2CityBreaks destination is a thrilling community of different neighbourhoods, each waiting to be explored.
From historic areas dating back to the 6th century BC to sophisticated districts where chic restaurants and boutiques rub shoulders with vintage shops, hip bars and funky street art, Athens is a real charmer.
There’s even a gorgeous stretch of coastline dubbed the Athenian Riviera – with a lovely beach and water sports – that’s just a 30-minute metro ride from the Acropolis.
Book your Athens city break with Jet2CityBreaks and you can expect centrally located accommodation, whatever your style and budget.
Along with the peace of mind and customer support Jet2holidays is famed for, you’ll also enjoy a raft of perks, including a 22kg baggage allowance and 10kg of hand luggage.
See the ancient sights
Crowned by its marble-pillared Parthenon and treasures in the Acropolis museum, Athens is crammed with ancient sites.
Step back in time, wandering the beautifully conserved 161 AD Odeon of Herodes Atticus amphitheatre or stroll through the gardens of the city’s Ancient Agora.
Best explored on a leisurely guided tour, the vast Kerameikos cemetery with its monumental tombs dating back to the 9th century BC is well worth a visit.
And when the sun sets, whizz to the top of Mount Lycabettus aboard the funicular to enjoy spectacular views over the city where democracy was invented back in the 6th century BC.
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6Discover trendy neighbourhoods
From Pangrati’s hip art galleries and lively squares to Psiri’s spice bazaars and live music bars, each of Athens’ 22 neighbourhoods has its own colourful character.
For high-end dining, chic hotels and glitzy designer wear, it has to be well-heeled Kolonaki; but if budget eats, vintage boutiques and street art are more your bag, make a beeline for boho Exarchia.
Home to the gem-packed Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum, Koukaki’s orange blossom-scented streets are lined with cafes serving great-value local food.
And at night, hit multicultural Ambelokipi’s Mavili Square, which is home to some of the city’s coolest bars.
Go for gold
Fancy the ultimate workout in this legendary city, home to the modern Olympic Games?
On a two-hour Olympic training tour, you’ll find out how Ancient Greek athletes exercised, and then have a go at some of those sports yourself in the city’s 19th-century gymnasium.
The ultimate thrill, however, is sprinting around the tracks of the magnificent Panathenaic Stadium, site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.
Alternatively, take a free shuttle from Syntagma Square and get your fitness fix in the lush and lovely grounds of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center.
Here you can hire a bike and pootle along landscaped trails or rent a canoe and paddle along the foundation’s leafy canal.
Sizzle on sultry beaches
Only 25 minutes by metro from central Syntagma Square, the beach-lined Athenian Riviera is one of the city’s best kept secrets.
This strip of glittering coastline stretches southeast from yachtie hangout Palaio Faliro to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion.
A popular summer playground for celebrities ranging from Meryl Streep to Leonardo DiCaprio, it is the perfect place to kick back after a long day of sightseeing.
Apart from balmy sheltered waters and blissful silk-sand beaches, highlights include the ritzy town Glyfada, home of pop stars and renowned for its superyacht harbour and chic restaurants.
Don’t miss Lake Vouliagmeni, where Greeks have flocked for centuries to swim in mineral-rich hot spring waters that are said to cure every ailment. It’s also fantastic for snorkelling and exploring the underwater cave.
For great prices and a huge range of flights and accommodation, discover Athens with Jet2CityBreaks. With regular, direct flights from London Stansted, Birmingham and Manchester, plus Abta and Atol protection, you can secure your Jet2CityBreak to Athens today with just a £60pp* deposit.
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Or, this summer, discover a great selection of holidays right across Greece with Jet2holidays. With up to 19 Greek destinations to discover and flights from 11 UK airports, Jet2holidays has the perfect getaway whatever your budget or interests.
Named the UK’s best airline in Tripadvisor’s prestigious Travellers’ Choice Awards, family-friendly Jet2holidays also offers free travel for infants and thousands of free seats for older children.*
Four must-not-miss day trips from Athens
- Lap up fab views and ancient sights on a hike to the summit of Mount Penteli, northeast of the capital.
- Linger over historical artefacts and spectacular temples on a guided tour of the sacred site at Delphi.
- Love the boho vibe and laidback lifestyle of traffic-free Hydra, one of the Saronic Islands that’s just over an hour’s ferry ride from Piraeus port.
- On a tour of the site of the Battle of Marathon, learn all about the epic conflict between the Athenians and the Persians.
Book your perfect city break in Greece now at
jet2holidays.com/city-breaks
*Terms and conditions apply and subject to availability. See jet2holidays.com for details.
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