"...where on the Aegean shore a city stands,
built nobly, pure the air and light the soil,
Athens, the eye of Greece, Mother of Arts
and Eloquence, native to famous wits
or hospitable, in her sweet recess,
city or suburban, studious walks and shades."
                           John Milton - Paradise Lost

Athens with its warm and pleasant Mediterranean climate is close to most European countries and so easy to reach! Take advantage of the city's cultural wealth and visit some of the most interesting museums in Europe or stroll through the wonderful ancient sites of the city. Walk through Athens' municipal markets with fresh produce and enjoy the wide selection of typical Greek tavernas and gourmet restaurants of the city.

From June to September the city offers the Athens Summer Festival with performances staged at the atmospheric open air Herodes Atticus Odeon located under the Acropolis.

In the winter, the Megaron (the Athens Concert Hall), with its exquisite sound quality, is a must for people who love Concert, Opera and Theatrical Performances.

If a relaxing weekend of Greek sunshine is what you need, Athens and its southern suburbs offer incredible choices of beaches and resorts. For an island experience, take a ferry or hydrofoil over sparkling waters to the nearby island of Aegina, which grows some of the best pistachios in the world and boasts the beautiful and well-preserved 5^th century BC Temple of Aphaia.