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Cheap Flights to Athens |
Greece's capital & the birthplace of western civilisation has been a city for 3,500 years. It flourished in the Classical period, producing thinkers such as Socrates, Plato & Aristotle. Athens hosted with great success the 2004 Olympic Games. Athens is rightfully considered to be the cradle of western civilisation. It is the birthplace of democracy and home of the world's greatest philosophers and artists, many of whom set the foundations of modern society. The Greek capital is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe - it was first settled during the neolithic period more than 5,000 years ago. Archaeological finds prove that a Bronze Age fortification and a palace were built on the Acropolis Hill as early as 1400 BC. Athens took its name from the goddess Athena. According to Greek mythology, there was a contest between Athena, the goddess of wisdom, and Poseidon, the god of the sea, over who would become the guardian of the city. Each deity granted the citizens a gift: Poseidon opened a well on the Acropolis, while Athena made an olive tree grow on the rocky soil of the hill. The citizens considered the gift of Athena more precious and dedicated their city to her, thus gaining wealth and wisdom. Things to do in Athens - Shopping (The downtown area of Athens is a paradise for shoppers) - Eating (The Greeks use dining in the evening as a principal source of entertainment) - Sightseeing - Scuba diving in the beautiful water of Greece - Swimming - discover the many organised beaches of Athens (Glyfada, Sounio, Schinias, Rafina) - Enjoy the lively nightlife in one of the many night clubs of Athens located in the center of the city and along the seaside - Take a cruise to the greek islands Places to visit in Athens - Acropolis - National Historical Museum - Ancient market - Olympic village, stadium and other installations - Athens National Archaeological Museum - Monastiraki (Flea market), Plaka and Psyrri (areas full of traditional restaurants) - Temple of Olympian Zeus - Keramikos - Panathenian stadium - Syntagma square - Ermou street - Parliament house - National Library – Academy - Lycabetus hill - Piraeus (the main port for Athens) - Sounio - Odeon of Herodus Atticus - Museum of the Ancient Agora (Stoa of Attalos) - Theatre of Herodes Atticus (Roman amphitheater built in AD 160) Useful telephone numbers in Athens - Greek Tourist Organisation: 210 3310565 - Train information: 2105297777 - Urban Transport Information: 8836076-80 - Police: 210 770-5711 - Tourism Police: 171 - Telephone directory: 131 - International telephone directory: 162 - International telephone operator: 161 - Information in English, French, German 169 - First aid emergency: 166 - Hospitals/clinics on duty: 106 - Pharmacies Athens area: 107 - SOS Doctors: 1016 - Athens radio taxis: 210 921-7942, 643-3400 - Piraeus radio taxis: 210 418-2333, 210 420-0042 - Domestic bus schedules: 210 512-4910 - Rural bus schedules: 210 821-0872 - Urban bus schedules: 185 - Domestic ship schedules: 1440 - Domestic train schedules: 1440 - International airline schedules: 210 969-4466 - International airport El. Venizelos: 210 353-0000 - International train departures: 1440 - Greek Railway: 210 3624402-6, 5297777 |
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