Divine Athens as a business travel destination
As a business travel agent, I, Jetty ter Haar, always have a new destination planned to explore, both for private and business purposes. I therefore particularly enjoy visiting cities that many of our clients travel to themselves. On site, I then try to schedule some inspections right away, which then allows me to advise our clients even better from my own experience. For example, in 2019 I travelled to Athens in Greece, a city that is less well known as a business travel destination than, for example London or Barcelona, but because of its history and favorable climate is certainly interesting to visit and discover!
Travel to Athens
I flew with Aegean Airlines directly from Schiphol Airport to Athens. This flight surprised me positively! Ticket prices are competitive and there are no unexpected extra costs. There is the possibility to book a fare that includes checked baggage as well as a small meal and some drinks. The on-board service is also excellent. By the way, it is also possible to fly directly to Athens with the familiar Dutch airlines KLM and Transavia. KLM flies daily and Transavia 4 times a week.
Arriving at Athens airport, finding a cab is very easy. Cabs in Athens are also very affordable. From the airport to the city center you pay about 25 euros. Cab transportation within the city during the day often does not exceed 5 euros per ride. Just keep in mind that after midnight, fares go up sharply and the amount can be up to twice the daily rate. If you need more freedom during your stay, there are of course several options for rental cars. Also read our blog about car rental which tells more about renting a car without additional financial surprises.
After a drive of about 30 minutes, I arrived at the Radisson Blu Park Hotel Athens. This is a five-star hotel, located about a 30-minute walk, or 15-minute drive from the city center. The hotel was completely renovated in 2019 and the rooms are fully equipped. Highly recommended and definitely the USP of this hotel is: the restaurant on the top floor with beautiful views of the Acropolis. This is a great place to have a business lunch or dinner. Also, this hotel is very suitable for the organization of business meetings. Adjacent to the restaurant is a fine swimming pool which, depending on the weather, is open from April to October. The hotel also has a cozy restaurant on the first floor where breakfast is also served.
Comfortable accommodation during your business trip to Greek Athens
The choice of hotels in Athens is extensive. For example, you can choose to stay in the city center or near the airport. But if you also want to enjoy the surroundings or something more peaceful, there are also plenty of options with more nature. Some hotel suggestions:
Electra Palace Athens*****
Luxurious 5-star hotel located in the Plaka district, opposite the Acropolis, ideal if you want to discover the vibrant life on foot in the evening. A nice touch at this hotel is that they have a rooftop terrace with pool overlooking the Acropolis.
Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens*****
This hotel is located just outside Athens, about a 30-minute drive, on the Athenian Riviera. It is a very spacious complex with gardens located in green surroundings and with beautiful views of the sea. Ideal when you want to combine the city with luxury, tranquility and nature.
Sofitel Athens Airport*****
If you want to stay close to the airport, the Sofitel is highly recommended. This hotel is only a 2-minute walk from the airport. The hotel offers many facilities, including 2 restaurants, a spa and an indoor heated pool overlooking the airport.
Athens in a nutshell
Athens is a huge city of about 5 million people, stretching from the coast on the Gulf of Egina to the surrounding mountains. In Athens, the ancient ruins and impressive temples are not to be missed. The Acropolis towers high above the city and the walk, or say climb, to the top is magnificent. A visit to the Parthenon on the Acropolis is also a must-do, from here the view of the city is impressive!
But not only the Acropolis is worth seeing, the Ancient Agora, Hadrian's Library and the Temple of Olympian Zeus will take you back to the Athens of some 2,500 years ago. In the neighborhoods around the Acropolis, bustling life goes on day and night, including in the old working-class neighborhood of Plaka. Here you will find countless small winding streets, souvenir stores and eateries. In this most picturesque district of Athens, you will forget for a moment that you are in a metropolis of millions. Is there enough to do in Athens? I had a great time in the city for two days and if you like museums you couldn't ask for a better destination. I also recommend getting out of the city for a day to admire all the beauty there.
Top 10 sights to see:
- Acropolis: THE highlight of the city, literally and figuratively. From many places in the city you have a beautiful view of this temple. On a rocky plateau in the middle of the metropolis, the Athenians built temples 2,500 years ago whose beauty still fascinates. It was wonderful to walk around here under the Greek sun and take in the impressions of Greek antiquities.
- The Acropolis Museum: The art treasures of the Acropolis are beautifully displayed in the museum.
- The National Archaeological Museum: More than 5,000 years of Greek art in the city's largest museum.
- The district of Plaka: The tourist center of the city. Among the remains of antiquity and restored mansions from the 19e century I found it lovely to stroll along the many souvenir stores and terraces here. You can enjoy Greek food here in 1 of the many cozy taverns.
- Syntagma Square: Historic facades, office buildings of more recent date and stylish luxury hotels give Athens' "Constitution Square" many faces.
- Kidathinéon and Adrianou: The heart of the old city where you can store, eat and drink.
- Anafiotika: A hint of the 19e century still blows through this quiet neighborhood at the foot of the Acropolis.
- Museum Street of Athens: Athens has museums to suit everyone's interests.
- Piraeus port city of Athens: From Athens you are within half an hour in the port of Piraeus where, when the weather is good, it is great to relax on the promenade. Also, this is the departure point of boats to almost all Greek islands.
- More from Vouliagmeni: Located in the heart of the Athenian Riviera, is a hidden treasure of the province of Attica. Located in an idyllic spot, the brackish waters are continuously replenished by the sea and the underground thermal springs offer a natural and unique thermal spa experience.
Tips for doing business in Greece
When doing business in Greece, it is advisable to consider the local culture and customs. Here are some do's & don'ts, tips and tricks:
Personal contact
One introduces oneself with one's personal name, position/role. In formal affairs, one uses the form of address Kyrie (sir) or Kiria (ma'am). Greeks favor personal relationships; they prefer face-to-face contact rather than contact by e-mail or telephone. Asking about personal matters such as family is highly valued.
Take your time
In terms of time, Greeks are flexible. It is convenient to agree on a time limit for a meeting agenda with the topics to be discussed. It is common to schedule appointments shortly in advance. Greeks are not very punctual but they do expect punctuality from the visitor. Usually Greeks confirm an appointment in the 24 hours before. Above all, take your time, also to build a relationship of trust.
Choose lunch and dinner
Most Greeks do not eat breakfast, or hardly at all. A cup of coffee or tea suffices as breakfast. Lunch (between noon and 3 p.m.) and dinner (between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m.) are more important. These meals are preferably consumed in the family atmosphere, although business is regularly conducted at the dinner table. Greeks are true fish eaters, although a meat dish is also regularly on the menu. In addition, most restaurants offer plenty of vegetarian options.
Do not be alarmed by discussions
Greeks love discussions. A heated discussion is a sign of interest. It is a bad sign if Greeks remain silent or do not elaborate on their opinions. During a discussion, a Greek does not easily change his or her mind. Greeks can therefore communicate expressively when defending ideas and positions.
Conversation topics
As a foreigner, it is wise to avoid topics such as politics and religion and not criticize Greek culture.
Don't give an expensive gift
Greeks do not often give promotional gifts to business partners, unless a personal connection has been established or at an official ceremony. Try to sense what is an appropriate gift: do not give expensive gifts or inexpensive presents with the company logo.
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Tips & Tricks
- Combine a visit to Athens with Piraeus and/or Vouliagmeni. You can see the main sights in central Athens in 1 or 2 days. Therefore, a trip to one of these 2 coastal towns is a welcome change.
- Dine or have a drink at St Astra restaurant in the Radisson Blu hotel. The value for money is very good and the view of the Acropolis is magnificent.
- Dine at one of the typical Greek taverns in the Plaka district and enjoy delicious fish and Greek dishes. Afterwards, enjoy a stroll through the cozy streets.
Travel Well!
Jetty Ter Haar
Manager of Operations Rotterdam
Sources consulted:
- ANWB Extra travel guide Athens
- Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland
- Booking.com
