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Athens Events

Independence Day

Military parades and other patriotic events mark this day.

Date: 25 March 2023 - 25 March 2023
Cost:

Free.


Easter

The Greek Orthodox celebrates Easter or Pascha and the week leading to it with religious ceremonies and family gatherings. Food is vital – dyed eggs, grilled lamb and traditional Tsoureki (Easter Bread) are commonly served.

Date: 16 April 2023 - 16 April 2023
Cost:

Free.


Labour Day

Many European countries, including Greece, celebrate Labour Day.

Date: 01 May 2023 - 01 May 2023

Athens & Epidaurus Festival

Every June to October, this festival offers an exciting programme of music, theatre, dance and visual arts.

Date: 01 June 2023 - 15 October 2023
(Date to be confirmed)
Venue: Various.
Website: https://aefestival.gr/?lang=en
Cost:

Various.


Rockwave Festival

This music festival takes place in Malakasa, about 30km north of Athens. Genres include rock, pop, alternative and metal.

Date: 01 July 2023 - 09 July 2023
Venue: Terra Vibe.
Website: http://www.rockwavefestival.gr
Cost:

Various.


Oxi Day Parade

Oxi or Ohi Day commemorates the rejection by Greek prime minister Ioannis to Italian Mussolini for free passage to invade Greece on 28 October 1940. Today, it is marked with a series of patriotic events.

Date: 28 October 2023 - 28 October 2023
Venue: Main thoroughfares of Athens.
Cost:

Free.


Athens Marathon

Inspired by the Greek soldier Pheidippides who ran from Marathon to Athens and brought news during the Battle of Marathon in 490 BCE, this race is a must-do among sports enthusiasts.

Date: 11 November 2023 - 12 November 2023
Website: http://www.athensauthenticmarathon.gr
Cost:

Free to spectate.


17 November

This day commemorates the student uprising that brought about the eventual fall of the military junta, which controlled Greece from 1967 to 1974. Nowadays, crowds gather at Athens Polytechnic to lay flowers.

Date: 17 November 2023 - 17 November 2023
Venue: Athens Polytechnic.
Cost:

Free


Apokries (Carnival)

Greeks celebrate Apokries (Carnival) with street parties, fancy-dress parades and plenty of food.

Date: 01 February 2024 - 29 February 2024
(Date to be confirmed)
Cost:

Free.


A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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Hilton Hotel

The refurbished Hilton Hotel is modern, smart and popular with business travellers. It has 517 rooms (guest rooms, accessible rooms, executive rooms and suites) all with wooden floors, minimalist furniture and balconies. A small supplement is payable for rooms with Acropolis views. The impressive facilities include four restaurants, three bars, an outdoor pool, a luxurious spa with an indoor pool, plus a business centre.

Electra Palace

In Plaka, the Electra Palace’s yellow neo-classical facade opens into a spacious marble lobby. The 122 rooms and suites all have wooden floors, Persian rugs, thick curtains and cotton duvets – the best ones offer a glimpse of the Acropolis. Up top, there’s a rooftop pool with wooden deck and sun beds, plus a small spa (pool, sauna, massage and gym) in the basement.

Hotel Hermes

Perfectly located between Syntagma and Plaka, Hermes is noted for its extremely friendly and helpful staff. The 45 rooms all have wooden floors and white marble bathrooms, and some but not all have balconies. A plentiful buffet breakfast is served daily and the lounge does all-day free tea and coffee. Wi-Fi throughout. Syntagma Metro station is a 2 minute walk away.

Hera Hotel

Smack at the foot of the Acropolis and around the corner from the New Acropolis Museum, this classic hotel with a neoclassical façade is perfectly located for sightseeing. The rooms and suites are elegantly furnished, and the rooftop garden and restaurant gives unparalleled Acropolis views.

New Hotel

Fun and a little offbeat, this hotel is the artistic creation of Brazilian designers Humberto and Fernando Campana. The 79 rooms and suites have recycled furniture, bamboo wood floors, and slick bathrooms stocked with Kiehl's products. The all-day bar-restaurant does an excellent breakfast and the New Sense spa offers health and beauty treatments.

Hotel Grande Bretagne

The Hotel Grande Bretagne is the city's oldest and most prestigious hotel, having opened in 1874 and hosted royalty, heads of state, film stars and rock gods. As you’d expect, the sophisticated rooms feature antiques and marble bathrooms, and suites include 24-hour butler service; there are 3 restaurants, one on the rooftop with an Acropolis view, plus a rooftop pool.