Athens: Trendy City-Break Destination

The City of Athens is gaining popularity this season as tourists from traditional and emerging markets are increasing and staying longer, according to the fourth part of a survey carried out at Athens International Airport (AIA) by the Region of Attica in May. More specifically, the survey revealed that 55% of foreign travellers that arrived in May at AIA had chosen Athens-Attica as their final destination. Furthermore, the average overnight stay in the Greek capital in May was 6.5 days. The arrivals increase was from the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy and Russia.

According to respondents of the survey, ancient Greek culture and Greek cuisine were the top 2 factors in attracting visitors, as well as the combination of vacationing in the capital city with day cruises and going to the beach, readily accessible in the Athens-Attica region.

According to Jane Foster’s guide in The Telegraph, the Archaeological Promenade - a 2.5-mile long, pedestrian-only - links all of the city’s major archaeological sites, has made the city centre "infinitely more walkable." She continues: "But visitors don’t come here just for the ancient monuments. Despite the current economic crises, contemporary

Athens boasts one of the most happening nightlife scenes in Europe, from the urban-chic bars around grungy Monastiraki (at the foot of the Acropolis), to the sophisticated lounge-bars and fusion-food eateries of up-market Kolonaki. And somewhat surprisingly, new bars and eateries keep opening, even in times of strife."