Few European capitals pack as much history into a long weekend as Athens. The Acropolis presides over a sun-baked city where rooftop bars, street food and world-class museums sit within walking distance of temples that are thousands of years old. It is an easy short-haul trip from the UK and a natural launchpad for the Greek islands, whether you want a culture-packed city break or a night before catching a ferry.
Best time to fly to Athens
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are the sweet spots: warm sightseeing weather and thinner crowds at the ancient sites. July and August are reliably hot, often in the mid-30s Celsius, and the busiest and priciest months. Winter is mild but changeable, around 10–15°C, and the quietest time for fares — the When to book chart above shows how prices move through the year.
Airlines and routes
Plenty of carriers fly direct from the UK to Athens. British Airways and Aegean Airlines operate from London Heathrow, easyJet flies from Gatwick, Luton, Bristol, Manchester and Edinburgh, and Ryanair and Wizz Air serve Stansted and Luton. Aegean and easyJet also fly direct from Manchester, with seasonal services from Jet2 and TUI from several regional airports. Flight time is roughly 3 hours 45 minutes from London and about 4 hours from Manchester. Connecting routes via Frankfurt, Amsterdam or Paris with Lufthansa, KLM and Air France are worth comparing when direct fares are high or you are flying from a smaller airport.
Things to do in Athens
The centre is compact and walkable, with most highlights clustered around the historic core.
- The Acropolis and Parthenon: the iconic hilltop citadel and its 5th-century-BC temple, best visited early or late to avoid the heat and crowds.
- Acropolis Museum: a striking modern gallery of original sculptures and friezes, with views up to the rock itself.
- Plaka and Anafiotika: the old town's lanes of neoclassical houses, tavernas and island-style cottages below the Acropolis.
- Ancient Agora: the civic heart of classical Athens, home to the wonderfully preserved Temple of Hephaestus.
- Mount Lycabettus: the city's highest hill, reached on foot or by funicular, for panoramic sunset views.
At Athens International Airport (ATH)
Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" lies about 33km east of the centre, roughly 45 minutes to an hour by road. Metro Line 3 runs directly to Syntagma and Monastiraki in around 40 minutes, and the 24-hour X95 express bus also serves Syntagma. Taxis charge a fixed daytime tariff into the centre, with a higher rate at night. The suburban railway links the airport to the port of Piraeus for island ferries.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Athens
- Book in the right window: for most of the year, six to ten weeks ahead tends to be the sweet spot; for peak July and August, aim for four to six months out.
- Fly midweek and off-peak: Tuesday and Wednesday departures, and early-morning or late-evening flights, are usually cheaper than Friday and Sunday.
- Stay flexible: shifting your dates by a day or two, or travelling in shoulder season, can cut the fare noticeably — use the price charts on this page to spot the dips.
- Compare carriers: weigh budget airlines against British Airways and Aegean once bags and seat selection are added, and check nearby departure airports.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders do not need a visa for Greece for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years and be valid for at least three months after your planned departure date. The EU's ETIAS travel authorisation is expected to be introduced, so check the latest entry rules before you book. The currency is the euro. Bring a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) for access to state healthcare, but take out travel insurance as well.
