Athens is a dynamic city, rich in culture and technological innovations. The city presents a unique combination of the abundance of ancient history and the energy of the modern world, and offers an unforgettable Mediterranean experience to all its visitors. The ideal climate, the great hospitality, the rich transportation network, the unique combination between business and pleasure, the fully renovated meeting infrastructure, as well as the great variety of cultural and entertainment options can be a few of the city’s advantages.
Athens has a proud tradition of hosting cultural and scientific events. Please visit the Athens tourism website to learn more about Athens: www.breathtakingathens.com.
For additional info on travel, accommodation and culture, please visit:
http://www.thisisathens.org/ and http://www.cityofathens.gr/en/
For current cultural events in Athens, please visit: http://www-en.elculture.gr/
Virtual Athens - http://www.greecevirtual.gr/el/attiki/athens
Virtual Acropolis - www.parthenonfrieze.gr/#/view/eastfrieze/block1
Time: EET = GMT + 2
Currency: Greece is a full member of the European Union since 1981, and its currency is the Euro (€). All major credit cards are widely accepted.
Temperature in April: The average temperature in April varies from 18 to 32 degrees (Celsius).
Phone: Country code for Greece is +30.
Mobiles: You can buy a mobile pay-as-you-go card for 5€ or more at any kiosk. You have to provide some personal information (ID or passport number).
Language: The native language of the population is Modern Greek. English is widely spoken as a second language by the majority of Greeks, while French and German is also spoken by many.
Smoking: Smoking is forbidden in all closed public areas and means of transport. However, many bars and taverns do not forbid smoking. In hotels you can ask for smoking rooms.
Signs: Signs are usually in Greek and English. If it is only in Greek, the following tips will be useful.
H, Y, EI, OI (η, υ, oι)are all pronounced “i” (ee)
AI (αι) is pronounced “e” (eh)
Ω (ω) is pronounced “o”
P (ρ)= “r”
The rest is easy: Σ (σ, ς) = “s”, Γ (γ)= “gh”, Δ (δ) = “th” (like that), Θ (θ)=”th” (like think), Λ = "L", Ξ (ξ) = “ks”, Φ (φ) = “f” and Ψ (ψ) = “ps”.
