General Information of Athens

Updated: 2004-06-29 09:13

Athens is the capital city of Greece. It is situated at the southeastern tip of Greece's mainland.

Basic Facts and Figures

Athens population: 3,192,606 (according to 2001 census)

Language: Greek - usage of the Greek language spans three and a half millennia. The Greek language and alphabet has been essential for the development of many western languages. The first writing sample was found on Crete and is called Linear B

Currency: up to December 2001 Drachma was the currency of Greece and has changed into Euro starting January 2002

Telephone: area code 210, country code 30 210

Weather: weather up-dates are available at http://www.hnms.gr/english/ath2004/index.html

Government & Politics: Greece is a parliamentary democracy, established in 1974, head of state is the president elected by the parliament, more info at http://www.government.gr/

Useful Phone Numbers & Contact Info

Greek National Tourist Organisation (EOT): provides tourist information

Information desk telephone number: +30 210 3310565

Tourist Police: Head office, 77 Dimitrakopoulou Str. Veikou

24-hour information service line: (+30) 171

Police: 100

Embassies and Consulates: http://www.athens-today.gr

Greek local time: (+30) 141

Hospitals, Pharmacies, Doctors on duty: (+30) 1434

Timetables for Ferryboats, Olympic Airlines - Aegean Airlines, National Trains Organisation (OSE), Information on National Coaches Organisation (KTEL): (+30) 1440

Weather Forecast, Air pollution rates: (+30) 1448

Theatres - Cinemas (Thessalonica - Patras): (+30) 1422

Sites of Interest

Athens has a number of museums and sites of cultural interest from its landmark, the Acropolis, to the ancient marketplace, the Agora in central Athens, the ancient marble Panathenaic Stadium, and so on. An extensive list of these and further information can be found at the Map of Athens cultural sites available at http://www.culture.gr/2/21/iv-maps/index.html

Getting to Athens and moving around

Getting to Athens is easy. Athens has a new international airport. There are also regular ferry services to national and international destinations. The central rail hub linking the capital to the rest of Greece and Europe is also situated in Athens. Information on national and international train services is updated daily.

When in Athens, the quickest way to move around central locations is the Athens metro. Connected to the Metro is an underground train linking the port of Piraeus to the northern suburb of Kifissia. Buses and trolleys also cover most of Athens. Taxi companies operate in the greater Athens area.

Drivers can check the Athens traffic conditions with the traffic maps (updated every 15 minutes), before hitting the road.