Airport layovers can be a drag, disrupting travel plans and leaving passengers restless and bored. While meticulous planning can minimize some delays, extended layovers are sometimes unavoidable. If fate finds you with time to spare at Athens International Airport (ATH), also known as Eleftherios Venizelos Airport, despair not! You’ll discover a surprising array of activities and amenities designed to transform your downtime into an enjoyable experience. This comprehensive guide will illuminate the best things to do at Athens Airport during a layover, catering to various interests and time constraints.
A World of Possibilities Awaits
Athens International Airport is more than just a transit hub; it’s a destination in itself. The airport boasts an impressive selection of shops, restaurants, and services, designed to cater to the diverse needs of international travelers. From indulging in authentic Greek cuisine to immersing yourself in ancient history, there’s something to captivate every visitor. For those with longer layovers, opportunities extend beyond the airport walls, with nearby attractions offering a taste of Greek culture and natural beauty. This article will delve into options both inside and outside the terminal, ensuring your layover is anything but dull.
Escaping the Airport Enclosure
For those with ample time, venturing beyond the airport can be a rewarding experience. Before leaving, ensure you have sufficient time to return, pass through security, and reach your departure gate. A general rule of thumb is to allow at least two hours for re-entry procedures.
1. Encountering Wildlife at Attica Zoological Park
A mere 15-minute taxi ride from the airport lies Attica Zoological Park, a sprawling 49-acre sanctuary teeming with diverse animal life. From majestic lions and lumbering Asian elephants to fascinating reptiles and vibrant birds, the park offers a captivating glimpse into the animal kingdom. Stroll through the park’s meticulously designed habitats, observing animals from around the globe. This is a particularly excellent option for families traveling with children, providing a welcome break from the confines of the airport.
Details:
- Address: Spata 190 04, Greece
- Phone: +30 21 0663 4725
- Transportation: Taxi is the most convenient option.
- Considerations: Factor in travel time, ticket purchase, and sufficient time to explore the park.
2. Embracing the Athenian Riviera
For layovers exceeding five hours, consider escaping to the sun-kissed shores of the Athenian Riviera. This coastal paradise boasts pristine beaches, charming tavernas, and breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. Several beaches are within a short taxi ride from the airport. Artemis Beach, a mere 15 minutes away, offers a tranquil escape. Rafina, 25 minutes away, is a bustling port town with a vibrant atmosphere. Alternatively, Voula Beach and Vouliagmeni Beach, located 25 minutes west of the airport, are renowned for their crystal-clear waters and upscale amenities.
Details (Voula Beach):
- Address: Voula Beach, Voula 166 73, Greece
- Transportation: Taxi is the most efficient mode of transport.
- Considerations: Remember to store your luggage at the airport’s baggage storage facility before heading to the beach.
3. Journey into Athens
If you have ample time and a sense of adventure, consider venturing into the heart of Athens. A taxi or the metro can transport you to the city center, where iconic landmarks like the Acropolis and the Parthenon await. Immerse yourself in the city’s rich history, explore its vibrant neighborhoods, and savor the authentic flavors of Greek cuisine. The metro connects the airport to key points in the city, including the Acropolis, Piraeus port, and the central railway station.
Details:
- Transportation: Metro Line 3 (Blue Line) connects the airport to Syntagma Square in the city center. Taxis are readily available outside the airport terminal.
- Considerations: Plan your route carefully, allowing ample time for travel and sightseeing. Purchase and validate your metro ticket before boarding.
Savoring the Flavors of Greece
No visit to Greece is complete without indulging in its culinary delights. Athens International Airport offers a range of dining options to satisfy your cravings.
4. A Taste of Tradition
For a quick and satisfying meal, head to Eat Greek, a restaurant and café specializing in traditional Greek dishes. Sample mouthwatering gyros, savor homemade sandwiches, and refresh yourself with hot or cold beverages.
5. Culinary Souvenirs
If you’re looking to take a piece of Greece home with you, visit Fournos Theophilos (located in the departures level of the Non-Schengen area) or Kostarelos (located in the departures level of the Schengen area). These specialty shops offer a delectable selection of authentic Greek cheeses, cookies, fine nuts, and other treats.
Relaxation and Comfort Within the Airport
For those who prefer to remain within the airport, there are several options for relaxation and comfort.
6. Luggage Liberation
To enhance your airport experience, consider utilizing the Care4Bag Baggage Storage facility, located in the Arrivals Hall next to Gate 1. Freeing yourself from cumbersome luggage will allow you to explore the airport’s amenities with ease.
Details:
- Location: Arrivals Hall, next to Gate 1
- Operation: 24 hours a day
7. Lounge Access
Escape the hustle and bustle of the airport terminal by retreating to one of Athens International Airport’s lounges. These havens offer comfortable seating, complimentary food and beverages, reliable Wi-Fi, and a tranquil atmosphere. Lounges are located in both Terminal A (Non-Schengen) and Terminal B (Schengen).
Lounges:
- Terminal A (Non-Schengen): Aegean Business Lounge, Swissport Executive Lounge, Skyserv Aristotle Onassis Lounge, Goldair CIP Lounge.
- Terminal B (Schengen): Skyserv Melina Merkouri Lounge, Aegean Business Lounge, Lufthansa Business Lounge, Goldair CIP Lounge.
- Access: Depending on the lounge, access may be granted through airline status, travel rewards credit cards, or the purchase of a day pass.
8. Rest and Rejuvenation at the Sofitel Athens Airport Hotel
For a truly restful layover, consider a stay at the Sofitel Athens Airport Hotel, conveniently located directly across from the terminal. This five-star hotel offers luxurious accommodations, world-class dining, and a rejuvenating spa. Enjoy a comfortable bed, indulge in a delicious meal, and unwind with a spa treatment. The hotel also features screens displaying flight information, ensuring you don’t miss your departure.
Details:
- Address: Athens, International Airport, Spata 19019, Greece
- Phone: +30 21 0354 4000
- Transportation: Directly accessible from the airport terminal via a covered walkway.
Cultural Enrichment
Athens International Airport offers opportunities for cultural enrichment, providing a glimpse into Greece’s rich history and heritage.
9. Archaeological Treasures
Discover a captivating exhibition of archaeological artifacts discovered in Mesogaia, a region of Attica. Located in the Main Terminal Building (departures level, entrance 3), the exhibit showcases 172 artifacts dating from the Neolithic and Early Helladic to the Post-Byzantine periods.
10. Honoring Eleftherios Venizelos
Learn about the life and legacy of Eleftherios Venizelos, the renowned Greek politician for whom the airport is named. A permanent display on the Departures Level of the Main Building highlights his contributions to Greek aviation and his role in shaping the country’s history.
Retail Therapy
Athens International Airport boasts a diverse range of shops, catering to various tastes and needs.
11. Duty-Free Delights
Explore the airport’s duty-free shops, offering a wide selection of perfumes, cosmetics, liquor, and tobacco products at tax-free prices.
12. Souvenirs and Local Products
Browse the specialty stores for unique souvenirs and local products. Hellenic Gourmet offers a wide array of Greek wines, while Apivita sells natural beauty products made with Greek ingredients.
13. Health and Wellness
Visit the airport pharmacy for a selection of medicines and Greek-made health and body products.
