The City of Athens and the Athenian Riviera
Located in the heart of the Athens Riviera in the elite neighborhood of Vouliagmeni, The Westin Athens Astir Palace Beach Resort is perched on a private peninsula overlooking the crystalline waters of the Saronic Gulf. The resort’s inimitable location provides a peaceful and scenic environment, while offering limitless possibilities for activity and entertainment right nearby.
Reaching the resort is easy, with the Athens International Airport only 15.5 miles (24 km) away. The cosmopolitan Athens city center is the same distance away, for easy access to a wealth of cultural attractions, such as the historic Acropolis and other treasures. Only a few minutes from the resort is the elegant district of Glyfada, renowned for its high-end shopping. The surrounding area tempts visitors with delightful excursions, from archaeological sites at Cape Sounion to atmospheric landscapes, such as the beaches along the Posidonos coastal road.
As in all of Greece, the local currency is the Euro and the national language is Greek, although English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Tourists traveling with electronics should note that the electric system uses 230 volts; up to 380 may be available upon request. Local shopping hours are generally 9am to 2:30pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, and 9am to 8pm on Tuesday and Thursday (with most shops closed on Sunday).
The new face of Athens
The Doric columns of the Parthenon stunningly complement the modern skyline of the city that lies at the foot of the sacred rock of the Acropolis. The Metro’s state-of the-art technology connects old and new, bridging the gap between the 5th-century-B.C. monuments and the 21st-century center of commerce. The age-old and the brandnew, coexist beautifully in Europe’s oldest capital. Whether traveling on business or pleasure, you will find that Athens offers an unparalleled array of choices ranging from luxurious hotels to state-of-the art conference centers. Many shopping areas where you can find almost everything, from ancient traditional souvenirs to the most famous dress code brands. For a quick trip through the centuries, wander through the ancient neighborhoods in the historical center, and then, a few blocks away, re-emerge into the 21st century as you tour Athens’ commercial district.
Athens has an enviable geographical position, it has ports, beaches, hills, wooded mountains and a mild climate, and it is dry and breezy nearly all year round. This city is both a port and a seaside resort, it is both hilly and mountainous. If you combine these characteristics with 5000 years of history and with the splendid ancient vestiges, among which the Parthenon on top of the Acropolis, in the heart of the centre, you have an exclusive city with a unique charm.
The city has been a popular destination for travellers since antiquity. Over the past decade, the infrastructure and social amenities of Athens have been radically improved, in part due to the city's successful bid to stage the 2004 Olympic Games.
Athens is a city of different aspects. A walk around the famous historic triangle (Plaka, Thission, Psyri) the old neighbourhoods, reveal the coexistence of different eras. Old mansions, well-preserved ones and other worn down by time. Luxurious department stores and small intimate shops, fancy restaurants and traditional taverns. All have their place in this city.
The capital is famous, more than any other European capital, for its nightlife. Athens by night totally changes. The options for entertainment satisfy all tastes. While the numerous theaters all around Athens offer a different type of entertainment. Athens is a divine city.
Did you know?
• Athens enjoys the mildest climate of any other European country.
• The 2004 Olympic Games held in Athens were described as unforgettable, dream Games, by IOC president Jacques Rogge for their return to the birthplace of the Olympics and as a huge success.
• The Olympic Stadium dates back to the 2nd century, was renovated for the 1896 Olympic Games, and updated again for the recent 2004 Summer Olympics held in Athens.
• Plaka is the oldest neighborhood in Athens with several good restaurants and ancient Greek and Roman ruins scattered around.
• Athens is the city with the most glorious history in the world.
• The city of Athens is inhabited since Neolithic age.
• Athens is the city with the sunniest days during the year in contrast to all the other capitals of Europe.
• The 2004 Olympic Games held in Athens were described as unforgettable, dream Games, by IOC president Jacques Rogge for their return to the birthplace of the Olympics and as a huge success.
• The Olympic Stadium dates back to the 2nd century, was renovated for the 1896 Olympic Games, and updated again for the recent 2004 Summer Olympics held in Athens.
• Plaka is the oldest neighborhood in Athens with several good restaurants and ancient Greek and Roman ruins scattered around.
• Athens is the city with the most glorious history in the world.
• The city of Athens is inhabited since Neolithic age.
• Athens is the city with the sunniest days during the year in contrast to all the other capitals of Europe.
For more information, please contact our concierge desk: westin.concierge@starwoodhotels.com