The current airport layout consists of two terminals. The three-level Main Terminal is connected to the Satellite Terminal by underground and aboveground walkways that are equipped with moving sidewalks. The terminals offer lounges, baggage services, banking facilities, a business center and free wireless Internet access. Passengers traveling with children will find a complimentary, supervised play area on the second floor of the main terminal. There are specially designed restrooms and nurseries for changing and feeding younger children. The airport has services available for unaccompanied minors. It also has a pharmacy, fully equipped first aid stations and 24-hour medical services. The airport has over 7,100 parking spaces dispersed among its short-term and long-term parking lots. A valet parking service is available as well as a consolidated rental car facility.
Attractions
The National Garden
There are gardens and then, there are drop-dead gorgeous home-to-the-gods gardens. The National Garden of the Athens falls under the latter. This massive plot of land is not just a home for pretty plants and flowers. This is where stories of Greek goddesses and passion come to life. Taking a stroll around the National Garden is like taking a tour in the ancient mythical tales of beauty, lust and the power of nature.
The Agora
Back in its day, which is around the 6th century BC, the Agora was a place to gather and assemble. This was one of the largest centers during its time and within its walls lies about twenty ancient monuments such as the Temple of Ares, the Alter of Zues and several others. See where ancient Greeks first conjured the ideas of democracy after hearing their leaders speak. For any political history buff, the ancient Agora is a must-see.
The Parthenon
There isn't a Greek restaurant in the world that doesn't have a picture of the famous Parthenon somewhere. Its popularity may not be due to its link with ancient Greece history so much as it is probably due to the formidable and jaw-dropping presence of the place. The Parthenon sits high above the entire city of Athens as if it were lording over the land from high. In some ways, it is. From most parts of the city, the Parthenon looks like a dreamy and mystical land that is beautiful and magical. From up close, it doesn't lose one bit of majesty or mythical beauty.
The Acropolis
The word 'acropolis' is an improper noun that translates into "highest peak of the city." It was this particular acropolis that made the word famous and kept the word current for centuries. The Acropolis of Athens was once the city's citadel and is second only to the Parthenon in historical relevance. The structure has been well preserved and restored throughout its life and now stands as a proud example of early man's strength and architectural capabilities.
Theatre of Dionysus
Greece is the birthplace of theatre. The performing arts were and still are considered next to godliness and this theatre is where it all started. The name of the theatre is in honor of the god of theatre, Dionysus. Back in this theatre's day, the plays lasted three or four days and the playwright's were either loved for their work or strongly hated for their shortcomings. For it was here that the world first met great characters like Medea, Clytemnestra and Electra.
Getting around
Airplane
When traveling to Greece, visitors may arrive to the Athens International Airport, which features numerous updates after the city hosted the Olympics. In fact, the airport is one of the most beautiful and well-organized airports in Europe and offers several public transportation options into the city such as taxi service and the Metro.
Regional Coach
The coach system will take visitors from Athens to other Greek cities. The country has upgraded their bus line, and travelers will discover that coach trips are secure and pleasurable. In some cases, visitors may take a bus supplied by the railroad company. Vacationers should ask personnel at the train and bus station for information regarding transit lines.
Boat
Athens features the port of Piraeus, which is the city's marine access. Numerous ferries transport travelers to and from the port while cruise ships are also a common fixture in the harbor. When travelers choose a ferry service, they will find that the vessels are located near the Metro for convenient transfers.
When cruise passengers choose to depart their ship for a shore excursion, they will typically arrive by port shuttle bus. Small ferries are docked closer to the terminal, and a short walk will take visitors to the Piraeus Metro station.
Metro
The Athens Metro system restoration was completed in 2001. Several stations are worth a stop as they feature ancient artifacts on display for the enjoyment of the passengers. Visitors should show the utmost respect for the subway system since the country used numerous resources for its development. Therefore, guests should never leave litter behind, nor should they eat or drink while riding the subway.
Train
Travelers can take Greece's rail line, Trainose, to other cities within the country. However, the system only features two train lines with one traveling south to Pelopponese while the other route journey's north to Thessaloniki. The train continues to the north, and visitors can depart for other amazing Greek cities.
Taxi
The taxi service in Athens is affordable and a recommended way for visitors to traverse the city. Drivers will help travelers with their heavy bags and are at the airport for convenient guest transportation.
Taxi fraud is becoming rare, but guests should make sure their vehicle includes a meter and that the rate is accurate. Often, taxi drivers handle the roadways aggressively, and visitors should be prepared for a wild ride.
Walking
When travelers visit Athens, they should consider walking around the city as officials have recently added sidewalks for pedestrians. Visitors can walk to sites such as the New Acropolis Museum, Herodion Theatre and Ermou Street.
Where to shop
Ermou Street
Clothes are one of the bargains to be had in Greece and Ermou Street has the greatest concentrations of retailers to be found, mingled with upscale home furnishing shops. The shopping is mostly upscale, with a stronghold of designer labels at one end of the street and more moderately priced brands at the other. The street has been built to cater to pedestrians and street musicians and make for pleasant shopping, though be warned that crowds can be massive on Fridays and Saturdays.
Kolonaki
Like Ermou Street, the Kolonaki district is a high-end shopping destination in central Athens. Stylish clothes and accessories shops can be found here, featuring international brands as well as Greece's best-known designers. The area is also known for home décor and furniture, antique shops, and art galleries.
Stadiou Street
Jewelry stores abound throughout Greece and visitors to the country can find a greater selection of styles and often better prices than at home. Central Athens' Stadiou Street is where to shop for luxury pieces from international names, with special emphasis on Greek designers such as Bulgari, Ilias Lalaounis and Kessaris.
Patission Street
Also known as Odos Patission, this is one of Athens' main thoroughfares and a major landing point for anyone interested in affordable rather than luxury clothing and accessories. The choice of shops is nearly endless on this long and busy street, though the combination of crowds, traffic and noise can be exhausting as well as exilerating.
The Plaka
Near the Acropolis is the Plaka, the oldest section of Athens and a prime spot for souvenirs and gifts. Numerous jewelry stores jostle with cafes and small shops selling traditional and handcrafted items and museum reproductions.
The National Welfare Organization and The Center of Hellenic Tradition
The rather dull names of these venues, each of which has two locations in Athens, often leads visitors to overlook them, a tragedy as both offer fine examples of hand-crafted Greek items at fair prices. Woodcarvings, ceramics and prints are specialties at the Center of Hellenic Tradition, while silk embroidery and rugs hand-loomed by village women are specialties of the National Welfare Organization.
Monastiraki Flea Market
Within walking distance of the Plaka, the Monastiraki flea market is one of Athens most lively and crowded spots on Sundays. Items similar to those sold in the Plaka can be found here, along with handmade sandals, skillful reproductions of icons, new and used books, antiques and second hand goods ripe for repurposing. It's a market Athenians attend in droves, which makes the scene even more fun.
The design plans
The design plans for the airport provide for the ability to upgrade the facilities as needed to accommodate increases in passenger traffic. This transcontinental gateway to Greece is the hub for Olympic and Aegean Airlines and serves more than 14 million passengers each year. The airport is capable of servicing all next generation aircraft including the Airbus 380.The airport has a permanent exhibit honoring Venizelos. In an effort to make travelling through the terminals aesthetically pleasing, the airport frequently hosts cultural events and rotating displays of paintings and photographs. The Museum of the Acropolis also sponsors an exhibit in the Main Terminal.The airport has a permanent exhibit honoring Venizelos. In an effort to make travelling through the terminals aesthetically pleasing, the airport frequently hosts cultural events and rotating displays of paintings and photographs. The Museum of the Acropolis also sponsors an exhibit in the Main Terminal.