Athens, Greece Guide

Know Before You Go...®

Why Athens, Greece?

  • Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world.
  • It is the birthplace of democracy.
  • The Acropolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • The Parthenon is one of the most recognizable monuments in the world.
  • Athens is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Acropolis and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

Athens, Greece Weather/Climate

Average Temperatures

January
54° F
° F
February
55° F
° F
March
59° F
° F
April
66° F
° F
May
75° F
° F
June
84° F
° F
July
90° F
° F
August
88° F
° F
September
82° F
° F
October
72° F
° F
November
64° F
° F
December
57° F
° F

Average Rainfall

January
2.5 inches
February
2.1 inches
March
2 inches
April
1.2 inches
May
0.9 inches
June
0.5 inches
July
0.2 inches
August
0.2 inches
September
0.5 inches
October
2.2 inches
November
2.5 inches
December
3.1 inches

Transportation on Athens, Greece

Getting to Athens, Greece and getting around. Our transportation tips will help make your trip smoother. More good sand advice.

Entry Documents

  • Valid Passport: Ensure it’s valid for at least 3 months beyond departure.
  • Visa: Check Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs for visa requirements based on nationality.
  • Proof of Accommodation: Have confirmation of hotel or lodging.
  • Proof of Funds: Be ready to show you can cover your stay (bank statements or sponsorship letter).
  • Return Ticket: Show onward travel plans.
  • Travel Insurance: Recommended for health coverage.
  • Arrival Form: Complete if required.
  • COVID-19 Documents: Check latest travel advisories and COVID-19 requirements from reliable sources.

Departure Tax

No specific departure tax in Europe for American citizens; European countries typically include departure taxes in airline ticket prices, applying to all passengers, to fund airport services. Best to check with airline or airport website for any updates.

Driving

  • Non-EU/EEA tourists may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
  • Ensure all occupants, including passengers in the back seat, wear seat belts.
  • Children under 12 or less than 150 cm in height must use an appropriate child safety seat.
  • Adhere to speed limits: Urban areas: 50 km/h; Open roads: 90 km/h; Rural highways: 110 km/h; Motorways: 130 km/h
  • Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited unless you have a hands-free system.
  • Overtake on the left, and keep to the right unless overtaking on multi-lane roads.
  • Roundabouts: Yield to traffic already in the roundabout and use your indicator when exiting.
  • Many highways have tolls; pay attention to toll booths and consider electronic toll devices available with some rental cars.
  • In case of an emergency, call 112 and familiarize yourself with emergency service numbers.

Know Before You Go...® - Athens, Greece Travel Tips

Before making their way to Athens, Greece , vacationers like to know a little bit of helpful information to make them feel more at home during their stay. Take a look at our travel tips to make your time in villas in Athens, Greece even more relaxing.

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Population: 20193,153,340 (according to World Population Review)
Size: 2020Unknown.
Electric Current: 220/240
Official Language: The official language spoken in Athens is Greek, which is also the most widely spoken language in the country. However, due to its history and influence, English is also widely spoken and understood as a secondary language in Athens.
Currency: In Athens, the official currency is the Euro (EUR). Most businesses accept major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. However, it is always recommended to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases and for establishments that do not accept credit cards. ATMs are widely available throughout the city and can be used to withdraw Euros. It is advisable to inform your bank prior to your trip to Athens to avoid any issues with using your cards abroad. When paying with cash, it is important to note that smaller denominations are preferred, as many businesses may not have enough change for larger bills. It is also common for prices to be rounded up or down to the nearest Euro. Tipping in Athens is not mandatory, but it is a common practice to leave a small amount (around 10%) for good service in restaurants and for taxi drivers. However, it is not expected for other services such as hotels or tour guides. If you plan on exchanging currency, it is best to d
Tipping and Taxes: In Athens, tipping and taxes are an important aspect of the local culture and economy. Here are some key points to keep in mind when it comes to tipping and taxes in this city: 1. Tipping is not mandatory: Unlike some other countries, tipping is not mandatory in Athens. However, it is customary to leave a small tip if you are satisfied with the service. This is usually around 10% of the total bill. 2. Tipping at restaurants: In most restaurants, a service charge is already included in the bill. However, it is still common to leave a small tip for the server. If you are dining at a more upscale restaurant, a tip of 10-15% is more appropriate. 3. Tipping at cafes and bars: Tipping is not expected at cafes and bars in Athens, but it is appreciated. You can leave a small tip of 5-10% for good service. 4. Tipping at hotels: It is customary to leave a small tip for hotel staff, such as housekeeping, bellhops, and concierge. This can range from 1-2 euros per day for housekeeping a
Dress Code: The dress code in Athens is typically casual and comfortable, with a mix of traditional and modern styles.
Topography: Athens is a hilly and mountainous city located in the Attica region of Greece, with the Acropolis being its most prominent landmark.
Telephone: +30 Athens

Athens, Greece Weddings and Honeymoons

In Greece, the marriage process is straightforward, but it requires a few essential documents. Couples must apply for a marriage license at the local municipal office (Dimarchio) in the area where one of the parties resides. Required documents include:

Valid passports or national ID cards for both parties.

  • Birth certificates for both parties, with an official translation into Greek if not in the language.
  • Proof of marital status: If divorced, a final divorce decree; if widowed, the death certificate of the spouse.
  • Proof of residence: Typically, one of the parties must have resided in Greece for at least 40 days prior to the application.
  • Certificate of no impediment (from your home country) or an affidavit confirming both parties are legally eligible to marry.

The marriage license generally costs around €50 to €100. For weddings conducted outside the municipal office (at a venue or another location), additional officiant fees ranging from €200 to €400 may apply, depending on the location and the complexity of the ceremony. It is advisable to apply for the marriage license at least 15 days before the wedding date.