| Sit
right on air arrival for good coastline view. Airport is small and only
10 gates when I last visited in 1994; great for changing planes but only
one runway. $10 taxi to city. Can hire a taxi for $25 a hour for sightseeing.
Did so for 3 hours to hit the various city squares and it was enough. Acropolis
is the big site and needs half an hour. Best view of the city and Acropolis
is from a mountain on the other side of the city. Also see the original
olympic stadium. La Plaka is a walk-around district good for lunch, a flea
market and nightlife. Port area is a half hour from city center and its
stores are discounted. Sidetrips would be a 1.5 hour drive to Sounoun on
the Greek coast or take a day to ferry to islands. District near the airport
is pretty. Plenty of cafes in center city with locals taking coffee breaks
during siesta. Crowded and congested for cars especially in center city.
Get a telecard -- 100 units for $6. Needed for calls from airport phones.
Not a lot of English on signs or menus though names of businesses are often
using English sounding names. Recommended hotel: 3 star Herodian for $60
a night with breakfast (room was booked for me by a local) near the Acropolis.
Prices not as cheap overall as i had hoped. Clothing sales in Europe in
February and Athens prices were what I was quoted in Italy in September.
Overall, Athens is more EEC than Middle East and was a pleasant surprise. |