Visiting Athens when It’s HOT!

When It’s Hot in Athens: A Detailed Guide

Visiting Athens and the Acropolis – the birthplace of democracy and ancient arts – is on many travelers’ bucket lists. This year, Athens is hotter than ever. The June 2024 temperatures are hitting record highs between 30°C and 40°C, and the number of tourists has skyrocketed thanks to new direct flights from places like Costa Rica and Canada.

So, how do you make the most of Athens in this sizzling season? Here are some cool tips from our recent trip!

Arrival in Athens

When you land at Athens International Airport, remember that it’s about a one-hour drive to the city center. Yellow taxis are lined up right outside the arrivals area – they’re well air-conditioned and safe. The fare to the city center is a fixed €40. Alternatively, you can take the metro or bus, but after a long flight, a comfortable taxi ride might be worth it. Many taxi drivers in Athens speak good english and are often eager to share interesting stories and travel tips with their passengers. Feel free to ask taxi drivers for recommendations on the best restaurants or hidden gems to help you avoid the biggest tourist traps.

First Impressions

The first thing you’ll notice in Athens are the green streets lined with orange trees, bearing lovely yellow fruit. But don’t be fooled – those are bitter oranges. During WWII, a clever Greek boy tricked Nazi soldiers into buying these bitter fruits, which at the end unfortunately led to him getting captured and whipped. The Nazis left, but the bitter orange trees remain, still tricking unsuspecting tourists. The peel, however, makes excellent marmalade, which you should definitely buy as a souvenir.

Navigating the City

Athens is easy to navigate with its efficient metro system and Uber taxis. A taxi ride within the city center costs between €6-10, and it’s worth it to avoid the heat in a nice, cool car. The metro is clean, reliable, and well-connected to major attractions.

The Acropolis and Its Wonders

The biggest tourist attraction is, of course, the Acropolis, perched on a hill in the middle of town. There are a 2 ticket offices on both side of the hill where you can buy timed tickets. The best times to visit are at 8 AM when the gates open, to avoid the cruise ship crowds, or in the evening between 6-8 PM. Tickets cost €20 for adults, but it’s a good idea to buy them in advance.

Start your day at the new Acropolis Museum, located next to the Acropolis hill. The museum houses most of the statues and artifacts from the Acropolis and is spread over three floors. The basement even has an archaeological excavation area. Visiting the museum first gives you a historical context before you explore the Acropolis itself. Tickets to the museum cost €10 per person.

When visiting the Acropolis, don’t forget your camera and a bottle of water. The hill area includes the Theatre of Dionysus, the Temple of Nike, the Parthenon, and the Erechtheion with its famous Caryatids. Plus, you’ll get stunning views of Athens.

Exploring Plaka and Monastiraki

After the Acropolis, take a walk through Plaka, Athens’ oldest neighborhood. Plaka is a labyrinth of narrow streets filled with local restaurants, souvenir shops, and art galleries. It’s a delightful place to get lost and soak up the atmosphere.

Continue your stroll to Abyssinia square, home to an antique market where you can find unique treasures. Near The Mitropoleos square, the recently opened Maria Callas Museum offers a glimpse into the life of the world-famous opera singer and a taste of modern Greek culture.

Witness the Changing of the Guard

A short walk from Monastiraki, you can witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Hellenic Parliament. This occurs every hour and is quite the spectacle. The guards, known as Evzones, wear traditional uniforms with pom-pom-topped shoes and perform a highly choreographed routine.

If the sun gets too hot, step into the National Garden, a large park next to the Parliament. The park, with its towering trees, offers a cooler climate and an escape from the sun, perfect for a leisurely walk or a picnic.

Dining in Athens

Athens boasts a plethora of outdoor dining areas. Local dishes to try include moussaka, stuffed tomatoes, grilled seafood, or gyros – all best enjoyed with a Greek salad. For dessert, you can’t miss the Italian ice cream available every few steps. It’s a dream for traveling youngsters and adults alike!

Food prices in tourist areas are somewhat high for the Mediterranean region. Appetizers and salads cost around 10 euros, while main courses range from 15 to 20 euros. A beer or glass of wine is 4 to 5 euros, cocktails are between 7 and 9 euros, and fresh orange juice is 5 euros.

Escaping to the Islands

The best thing about hot Athens is that you don’t have to stay in the capital. Escape to the nearby Greek islands via a well-connected and affordable ferry system via Piraeus port of Athens.

For a quick getaway, I recommend the Saronic Islands, about an hour’s ferry ride from Athens. Aegina is a perfect example of a traditional island with fishing villages, lovely beaches, hotels, and restaurants.

To get there, take a taxi to Piraeus port of Athens and head to gate E8. The harbor is huge, so be sure to tell your driver the exact gate. Once there, find the Saronic Ferries ticket kiosk. You can also buy tickets online at www.sf.gr and print them at the kiosk. Ferries are comfortable with air-conditioned seating and onboard cafes. Tickets to Aegina cost about €12 one way.

Exploring Aegina

In Aegina, rent a car or scooter to explore the island and its beaches. There’s no public transport and Uber doesn’t work, so a rental vehicle is the best option.

If you’re a foodie like me, check out the local fish market near the Aegina Town harbor where fishermen sell their morning catches. Fresh tuna can be yours for less than €10 per kilo. The harbor area also boasts a street of seafood restaurants, and nearby shops offer handmade crafts, jewelry, pistachios, and sweets.

A Peaceful Retreat: Perdika

For a peaceful retreat, visit the village of Perdika on the opposite side of island. It’s also frequented by multi-million-dollar yachts, with visitors seeking a more private escape from the tourist crowds.

This peaceful spot boasts a Mediterranean harbor and a variety of local dining options. The harbor is lined with numerous seafood restaurants, pizzerias, and a few local shops offering handmade gourmet foods. You can savor freshly grilled fish or octopus prepared right before your eyes, and enjoy a delightful dessert from the local gelato bar.

The Hidden Beach of Moni Island

From Perdika, take a small boat to the beautiful island of Moni, known for its friendly peacocks and goats. Small wooden boats are going every 30 minutes from Perdika harbor to Mony island and the ticket is only 6€ per person for a round trip.

The waters at Moni are clear and sandy, and there’s a beach bar for food and drinks. You can also rent SUP boards for €15 per hour. For more privacy, follow the locals and explore the island’s secluded coves and small beaches.

Final Tips

Spend a couple of days seeing the important antique sites in Athens, then head to the Greek islands for a real taste of Greece and a break from the city heat. The ferry system is easy to use and can take you to more remote islands like Santorini or Crete. Greek islands welcome you with traditional white-blue houses, fewer tourists, beautiful beaches, and great dining options.

Remember, while Athens has its charms, the real Greek beauty is best experienced on the islands. Happy travels!

Mel & Lizzy.