Greece
Athens, Greece: City of History and Commerce
Athens covers about 165 square miles in a basin surrounded by mountains, with the Saronic Gulf to the southwest. Central districts like Plaka and Monastiraki lie below the Acropolis, with the city’s main seaport Piraeus located nearby on the gulf.
Fast facts
- Country
- Greece
- Region
- Attica
- Population
- Approx. 3.1 million (urban area)
- Climate
- Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and mild winters
- Known for
- Ancient ruins, archaeological sites, museums, historic neighborhoods
Athens is Greece’s largest city and key center for commerce, education, and government.
Its urban area spreads across a wide basin ringed by mountains, with the Saronic Gulf shaping its southwestern edge.
Visitors often spend 2 to 4 days here, starting or ending trips to the Greek islands. Popular times to visit are June through August, with the Athens Marathon each November finishing at the Panathenaic Stadium in the city center.
Acropolis and Plaka
The Acropolis hill anchors central Athens, with Plaka’s streets directly below offering historic buildings and narrow lanes to walk.
Athens Airport
Eleftherios Venizelos Airport lies 33 km east of downtown, the main entry point for flights to the city and wider region.
Athens Marathon
Held each November, the race follows the classic Marathon-to-Athens route, concluding in the Panathenaic Stadium.
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The neighbourhoods, landmarks and places that make Athens Athens. Tap a pin for a quick note on each one.
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