Athens infuses its heritage with modern flair for a cultural clash of civilizations. Reigning over the city atop a rocky throne sits an ancient, architectural wonder. You can spot it wherever you are: milling about markets, sitting in back-street cafés or drifting through bohemian neighbourhoods. You can’t hide from history, but you can tip your hat to the old gods, while worshipping what's new.
Visit Athens: get started
Ready for a history lesson? Visit Athens' top attractions! Learn about Greek culture when you tour the Acropolis of Athens, the Parthenon and the Acropolis museum. Pick the best way to get there with packages that include flights to Athens from Canadian cities and your choice of the best hotels. Athens is also a great gateway to Greek island hopping tours!
Athens travel guide
Destination facts
Language
Greek
What to bring back
Greek coffee, ouzo, olive oil or olive oil beauty products, Stavros Melissinos’ famous handmade leather sandals, or a travel-sized bouzouki.
What to eat
Pastitsio, moussaka, horta or vleeta (boiled greens), saganaki (fried cheese) and sweets like loukomades (fried dough coated in honey).
Fun fact
Greece is a country of myths, including the one behind the naming of its capital city. Local lore claims that the gods Poseidon and Athena competed for the patronage of the city with different gifts and the goddess of wisdom’s olive tree won over the people more than the sea god’s salt-water spring.
Important info
For more information on all necessary travel documents and more, check Air Canada’s Travel Requirements page and the Government of Canada’s Travel and Tourism website.
