Athens (ATH), Athens

When we travelled to Cyprus at the end of February last year we couldn't get a direct flight on the days we had chosen but had to change in Athens. We decided to put in a stopover on the way back home and visit the Greek capital, we had already been there in the 1970s but thought that after thirty odd years our memory could do with some brushing up. We took a taxi to our hotel and looked attentively out of the window while moving from the outskirts to the centre. Athens proper isn't a very big city, it has only 750 000 inhabitants, but one can't notice where the city begins and ends, what ... more

This review is based on my journey as a volunteer at the 2004 Olympic games held in Athens. As this was the place where the games all began, it is an important highlight in any Greek's (especially those from Athens) agenda. The events I have described in this review are purely as I saw them. As of this date, this was the only time I have visited such an historical place so as you can imagine it was an exciting time and to be there when it was to happen..........well read on......... My olympic journey began when I got off the plane from the miserable dark damp london to the sunny heights of ... more

The new airport brings greek aviation into the 21st century. Due to the traffic situation in athens travel time to the airport should be assesed by the day and time of day. The airport can be reached by the new motorway if you are in north or west of athens and by a back road ( now being converted into a motorway)if you are in the south or east of the city. Other than by private cars and coaches, the airport can be reached by taxi or bus. Taxi costs in greece are low and the cost to the airport will average at about 20-25Euro from athens center, should the taxi cost too much more than this you ... more

Please ignore the very negative opinions here, as they are most probably about the old airport, which was atrocious. The new airport provides an efficient, spacious and airy (important in Greece - the Greeks do like the odd ciggie) place to arrive or depart. There's a hell of lot of stainless steel in there, giving a clean, if soulless feel. Check-in times are usually fine, although all my flights there were business, so I'm not the best to comment. Economy queues looked nothing like the ones you see at LGW or LHR though. Staff were helpful. There is plenty of space in the departure lounges in ... more

The Athens airport is absolutely horrific, however if you're going to Athens it is difficult to avoid. Let me set the scene: a huge, cavernous building full of smoke and smokers (I am a smoker myself, and still found it unbearably smokey). It is also quite dirty and run-down. And buy your souvenirs and gifts far away from the airport -- they're outrageously expensive! As well, there seem to be two airports in Athens: make very sure you specify exactly which one to any taxi drivers, or they will take you to the more accessible, but generally useless, other one (this happened to me), from which ... more