Athens, the city with the most glorious history in the world, a city worshipped by gods and people, a magical city. The enchanting capital of Greece was always considered a birthplace for civilization. It is the city where democracy was born as well as most of the wise men of ancient times. The most important civilization of the ancient world flourished in Athens and relives through some of the world's most formidable edifices.
Athens is the historical capital of Europe, with a long history, dating from the first settlement in the Neolithic age. In the 5th Century BC (the “Golden Age of Pericles”) – the culmination of Athens “long” fascinating history – the city’s values and civilization acquired a universal significance. Over the years, a multitude of conquerors overtook Athens, and erected unique, splendid monuments - a rare historical palimpsest. In 1834, it became the capital of the modern Greek state and in two centuries it become an attractive modern metropolis with unrivalled charm.
Athens is recognized as a global city because of its geo-strategic location and its importance in shipping, finance, commerce, media, entertainment, arts, international trade, culture, education and tourism. It is one of the biggest economic centers in southeastern Europe, with a large financial sector, and its port Piraeus is the largest passenger port in Europe and the second largest in the world.
The heritage of the classical era is still evident in the city, represented by ancient monuments and works of art, the most famous of all being the Parthenon, considered a key landmark of early Western civilization. The city also retains Roman and Byzantine monuments, as well as a smaller number of Ottoman monuments.
GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION WEATHER & POPULATION
Athens is situated in the prefecture of Attica and extends to the peninsula that reaches up to Central Greece. It is surrounded by mountains Ymmytos, Pendeli and Parnitha, north and east, and the Saronic gulf south and west. It is located just a few kilometers from the port of Piraeus, the central commercial port of the capital, and the shores of southern Attica.
The urban area of Athens (Greater Athens and Greater Piraeus) extends beyond its administrative municipal city limits, with a population of 3,090,508 (in 2011) over an area of 412 km2 (159 sq mi). According to Eurostat in 2004, Athens was the 7th most populous LUZ in the European Union (the 5th most populous capital city of the EU), with a population of 4,013,368. Athens is also the southernmost capital on the European mainland.
Athens has a warm temperate Mediterranean climate. The sun is shining over Athens all year round. The climate is one of the best in Europe, with mild winters and very hot summers, ideal for tourism.
MEETING FACILITIES & ACCOMONDATION
Athens is an ideal congress destination, combining state-of-the-art infrastructure, excellent conference facilities and easy access from all over the world with world-class cultural attractions, modern amenities, diverse entertainment and natural beauty.
Each year, more and more travelers are choosing Athens for their leisure and business travel all year round. Athens offers a variety of things to see and do, and most of the times, under favorable weather conditions. Athens is considered one of Europe's safest capitals, its transportation network is user-friendly, and there are numerous museums and archeological sites and hundreds of restaurants to satisfy every taste.
Athens offers an eextensive selection of hotels in all price categories. Total number of beds available exceeds 58 000, with 6 350 rooms in 29 five stars hotels, 6 915 rooms in 64 four stars hotels and 5 851 rooms in 87 three stars hotels. Delegates will have the opportunity to enjoy luxurious comfort at reasonable rate.
Athens is one of the most important conferential destinations in Europe and among the first 20 worldwide, with a notable upward trend. All state, tourism and city authorities are optimistic about Athens’ distinction in congress tourism. The city may host successfully small, medium and even large scale conventions, in terms of attendance. At the same time, the greater Athens area offers a lot of interesting attractions to keep the participants in town.
The city’s hotels are fully equipped for conferences and incentives; they excel in quality of service, since they specialize in covering the needs of a well organized event.
ENTERTAINMENT & NIGHTLIFE
The capital is famous, more than any other European capital, for its nightlife. Athens by night is totally different. The options for entertainment satisfy all tastes. The famous "bouzoukia" are the leaders in the Athenian entertainment. Athens is a unique city, thus offering its visitors many options like theaters and exhibitions to museums, historic and architectural tours and cruises.
SIGHTSEEING
Athens is a user-friendly city do dual language signage (Greek & English) and the easy to use and manageable transportation system.
Please find below a short list of of the top tourist attractions in Athens:
- National Garden
- New Acropolis Museum
- Mount Lycabettus
- National Archaeological Museum
- Syntagma Square
- Temple of Olympian Zeus
- Erechtheum
- Ancient Agora
- Plaka
- Parthenon, Acropolis
- Byzantine Museum
- Panathenaic Stadium & Olympic Stadium
USEFUL INFORMATION
Athens Weather:
Athens is an ideal year-round destination with comfortable and favourable climate conditions for travel and sightseeing. Rainfall is minimal and the summers (June through August) are dry and hot with temperatures ranging, on average, from 78° to 94°F or 20° to 34°C. The Mediterranean climate makes for mild winters and even milder autumns in low-lying areas, with the coldest temperatures reported in January at a very temperate 41° to 55° F or 5°to 13°C.
Language:
Most Athenians speak English and those in the hospitality industry are likely to speak French and German too. Signage, menus and transportation signs are written in Greek and English.
Currency:
Euro €
Shopping Hours:
Major outlets Monday-Friday. 9:00-21:00; small shops Monday, Wednesday 9:00 to 15:30; Friday, 9:00 to 20:30; Saturday 9:00 to 15:30.
The airport:
The new award winning Athens International Airport, Eleftherios Venizelos, serves 83 international destinations. Its close proximity to the city centre, 30 minutes by car and 40 minutes by train, makes Athens easily accessible.
Transportation:
Network includes new buses, pollution-free trolleys, tram and a revamped electric railway system that connects to the metro lines. Taxis are inexpensive by European standards. High-speed catamarans get you to nearby islands in a couple of hours or less.
MEETING DESTINATION ATHENS
- TRADE CENTER of GREECE
- DYNAMIC CITY RUNNING MEGA EVENTS, FESTIVALS, CONCERTS
- APPROXIMATELY A POPULATION OF 5 MILLION
- ONE OF THE OLDEST CITIES IN THE WORLD
- THE CRADLE OF WESTERN CIVILISATION
- HOME TO ACROPOLIS
- FIRST MODERN OLYMPIC GAMES IN 1896
ONE OF THE TOP MEETING DESINATIONS
- 17.5 MILLION VISITORS A YEAR
- THE ATHENS METRO SERVES 938,000 PASSENGERS A DAY
- 40 CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION CENTERS
- 40.000 ROOMS IN MORE THAN 400 HOTELS
- 80 CONFERENCES OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS AND ASSOCIATIONS ARE HELD IN ATHENS PER YEAR
- WELL-BALANCED PRICE AND EXCELLENT QUALITY FOR THE MEETINGS FACILITILES AND FOR THE DELEGATES
- FIRST EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE IN EUROPE IN 1985
- FIRST MODERN OLYMPIC GAMES IN 1896
- OLYMPIC GAMES IN 2004
- ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS CUISINE AND NIGHTLIFE