Athens is rightfully considered the cradle of world civilization. In this regard, this tourist destination is one of the most popular of all that exist on our planet. Every year, millions of tourists from all over the world come here who want to see the many local attractions. The first object that they meet upon arrival in Athens is an airport called Eleftherios Venizelos. It will be discussed in more detail in this article.
general description
Greek Capital International Airport is the state’s largest air harbor. It was put into operation relatively recently - on March 29, 2001. Despite this, for such a short period of time, "Eleftherios Venizelos" took the leading position in terms of passenger traffic in the country. In particular, the average annual value of this indicator is about 16 million people. The country's national airline, Olympic Air, is based in Athens. The airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" at the same time became for her a real home. Every day, its employees serve flights, which follow almost all European destinations (England, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and others). In recent years, due to its innovative programs (various competitions and exhibitions are held here, as well as theatrical and musical performances), it has become a real place of cultural recreation.
Short story
Over the course of more than fifty years, an air harbor called “Hellenicon” has received all aircraft arriving in Athens. The airport was located seven kilometers from the center of the Greek capital in the southern part of the city. "Eleftherios Venizelos" began to be erected in preparation for the Olympic Games in the state. It is located at a distance of 35 kilometers from the city and is named after an outstanding local politician and diplomat. Since 2001, all liners that arrive in the Greek capital land here . Over the past twelve years, the country's main airport has increased significantly. Moreover, many highways were brought to him, and even a subway line was built. As for the "Ellinicon", the local authorities plan to create a museum on its basis.
Terminals
The main and satellite terminals are the two components that make up the main Greek airport. Athens (the city’s air harbor diagram is shown below) is a city where passenger flows are distributed in directions. In the first of the terminals, flights are operated that do not leave the Schengen area. As for the terminal, here planes take off and land from other states (Russia, England, the USA, Singapore, China, and so on). The main and satellite terminals are combined through a tunnel through which you can go from one part to another without any restrictions.
What is the best way to get
Now a few words about how to get there. The airport (Athens boasts very good transport links) is connected to the city by bus routes, express trains, metro, taxi and electric trains. The fare in the subway is 8 euros, and when buying a ticket in both directions, you need to pay 14 euros. The main feature of this type is that after composting the travel pass, they must be used within one and a half hours. The metro in the Greek capital consists of three branches, each of which has many stations. In this regard, people who first came to the city, and also do not speak Greek or English, can experience certain difficulties.
As practice shows, one of the most optimal travel options is the express bus number 95. The cost of the ticket, which can be purchased even from the driver, is 5 euros, and the stops are located at the fourth and fifth exit from the airport. It will take approximately forty minutes to get to the city center.
Be that as it may, the easiest way is to take a taxi. The parking of these cars is located immediately near the second and third exits from the building. The fare from here to the central part of the city is 35 euros. At the same time, it should be noted that from midnight to five hours, the cost rises to the mark of 50 euros, since no other transport runs at that time.
Lounges
Now a few words about waiting for passengers arriving at the airport. Athens (including "Eleftherios Venizelos") is a modern city where all the amenities for tourists are provided. The air harbor has two waiting rooms. The first of them is called "VIP" and has a high level of comfort. The main services provided to clients here are their accommodation in apartments, various games (including billiards, tennis), flight information, a cafeteria with an extensive menu, newspaper delivery and others. As for the usual waiting room, it is provided for passengers who do not want to pay big money for their stay at the airport. The conditions here are the same as in other air harbors - seats (which are often busy) and paid services (medical care, left-luggage offices, canteens).
other services
As for passengers traveling with children, there are children's rooms and entertainment rooms at the airport. It should be noted that their staff speak several languages. Among other things, the Eleftherios Venizelos clients have a conference room for 150 people. It must be booked in advance, and airport staff can provide it with everything they need, from drinking water to computer equipment.
Getting useful information
All data related to flights, their arrival and departure times, and exit numbers are displayed on the airport’s large information board. Athens is a city where you can easily get lost, and most of the tourists who come here for the first time do not have a guide with them. Especially for passengers, several racks are installed on the second floor of the building, on which you can find the necessary background information, including a map of the Greek capital with all the sights of the city.
Shops, kiosks, internet
One of the places where you can buy souvenirs when traveling to Athens is the airport, on the territory of which there are a large number of shops, kiosks, restaurants, cafes and shops. They can also purchase food, clothing, tablets, telephones, computer accessories and more. At the same time, one cannot but focus on the fact that even taking into account duty free (Duty Free) prices here are quite high. As for access to the Internet, there are many areas in the building where you can use free Wi-Fi. All are labeled with the words Wireless Internet Zone.
International recognition
This year, during the meeting of the Council of Airports of Europe, which took place in the German city of Frankfurt, Eleftherios Venizelos Airport was named the best European harbor in the category of facilities that annually serve from 10 to 25 million passengers. He was awarded such a prestigious award for his high achievements in a relatively difficult economic situation and for his active participation in the program of restoration and development of Athens. Thus, we can safely speak not only about the high service provided by the airport, but also about its great contribution to the tourist development of the Greek capital. This recognition was not the first in its history. Last year, Eleftherios Venizelos was awarded for innovative actions and initiatives in environmental matters.