In drama and philosophy, art and architecture, Athens is second to none. Known for being one of the oldest cities in the world, Athens is the capital and the largest city of Greece. Every year close to 3.5 million tourists flock around this place every year making it one of the most popular tourist hubs in the world.
This powerful city-state used to be the center for various forms of art, philosophy, the home of Plato’s Academy and so much more. Ancient Rome had a significant cultural and political impact on the European continent and is known for being the birthplace of democracy. The city is a very large cosmopolitan metropolis and a center for various economic, industrial, political, and cultural life in Greece.
The city of Athens will by no means let you go through monotony. Every moment spent in the city will show you something new at every turn. Being the largest city of Greece, Athens is known for its ancient heritage and is also a consignee of two world heritage sites. If you are visiting Athens in February, we have a complete guide to popular events, delicacies, tips, and everything you would want to know before your trip.
Athens in February: What makes it special?
Athens in February is a blend of cold and warm temperatures, where the weather is slightly cool at the beginning of the month. By late February, the temperatures begin to rise and the Carnival season, otherwise called ‘Apokreas’, begins to descend.
Now when you are on a tour, you definitely wouldn’t want a chaotic atmosphere, would you? Athens Is a very popular destination to explore with numerous people visiting every year. But you can see a significant drop in the number of people visiting In February due to the cold and frigid weather conditions at this time. Since a lot of people choose to visit during the warmer months, this is a perfect time to visit this wonderful city of Greece. Other perks also include cheaper flights, cheaper hotel rates, more daylight hours making it the best time to visit.
Athens in February: Weather
If you love the cold and the hot at the same time, this is the best place to be at. The weather in the initial few weeks of February is quite cold in Athens but is considerably warmer in comparison to other parts of Europe. The average temperature is about 10 to 13°C with lows reaching 7°C at night. Towards the end of the month, the sun is quite out there making wildflowers bloom around the Agora.
Athens in February: Things to do
With so many things to do in Athens, one can always go sightseeing, enjoy quality time in the National Garden or venture through those archeological museums. etc. Here is a list of a few of the many things for you to do on your visit this February.
1
The Acropolis
Even if you are in Athens for a short span of time, you shouldn’t miss out on climbing up the the Acropolis in the city. This is one of the most well-known attractions of Athens and is a symbol of the Greek capital city. If you want to beat the mass crowd, make sure you get there at the earliest. You can always opt for a guided tour to admire the history of this famous architecture.
February Timings
Open daily from 8 AM – 6 PM
Athens, 105 58
Greece
Getting There ›
2
The Kotsanas Museum
The Kotsanas Museum is a Venetian building from the 15th century, which houses an exceptional selection of unique inventions done by the Ancient Greeks back in the era. On your visit, you can discover that the technology used before the end of the ancient world is very similar to the beginning of our modern technology.
February Timings
Open daily from 10 AM to 3 PM
Pindarou 6, Athina 106 71
Greece
Getting There ›
3
Temple of Olympian Zeus
Temple of Olympian Zeus is a famous archeological site of Olympia, Greece, and was built in order to honor the chief of the gods. The temple has a magnificent golden and chryselephantine statue of Zeus, which is known as one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World. The pediments present at the temple are the best surviving examples of early classical Greek sculpture.
February Timings
Open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM (last entry at 4:40 PM)
Athens 105 57
Greece
Getting There ›
4
National Archaeological Museum
Known as one of the largest museums present in Greece, the National Archaeological Museum houses a few of the greatest collections of antiquities in the world. Established in the year 1829, this museum was built to house and protect the antiquities from across Greece. There are about 11,000 exhibits present and is sure a sight to witness.
February Timings
Tuesday: 1 PM to 8 PM
Wednesday to Monday: 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM
28is Oktovriou 44, Athina 106 82,
Greece
Getting There ›
5
Ancient Agora of Athens
The Ancient Agora of Athens is a prominent site of the Greek capital and is situated northwest of the Acropolis, between the two neighborhoods, Thission and Monastiraki. The place is a large space with ancient ruins and beautiful greenery. In history, the Agora was known for having a lot of political gatherings and juries, a center of Athens in antiquity.
February Timings
Daily 8 AM to 8 PM
Adrianou 24, Athina 105 55
Greece,
Getting There ›
6
Athens Street Food Tour
A paradise of street food, Athens is the perfect place to explore vast food culture, something that you can’t afford to miss. The street food scene in Greece is evolving every day. Get set to experience a unique tasting of the exotic Greek Cuisines as you walk through the neighborhoods of the city. You can indulge in a private Athens Street food tour and what other way to enjoy and explore Athens than eating your way through it?
February Timings
Monday to Saturday at 1:30 PM and 6 PM, Sunday at 12 PM and 6 PM
Pl. Monastirakiou 6, Athina 105 55,
Greece
Getting There ›
7
Go on a Cruise Trip to nearby islands
Want to escape all the hustle and bustle of Athens? Go on a full-day cruise trip tour through the historic landmarks of Aegina, the leafy island of Poros, and experience the beautiful beaches. You can also enjoy delicious Greek food and experience live entertainment aboard in a state-of-the-art boat and indulge in various optional activities and more.
February Timings
Daily at 8 AM only
28is Oktovriou 42-44, Athina 106 82
Greece
Getting There ›
8
Take A Day Trip to Delphi
Dive into the myths and monuments of classical Greece by opting for a day trip to Delphi from Athens. The archeological site of Delphi is UNESCO-listed and is known as the ‘Center of the World’ in ancient Greece. You will stand in awe by witnessing the Temple of Apollo, you can discover the Archeological Museum and also visit the handicrafts towns of Archaova and Levadia on your way back to Athens.
Athanasiou Diakou, Athina 117 43
Greece
Getting There ›
Athens in February: Events to look out for
Apokries Carnival
February 8-13, 2024
This is a big celebration that occurs before the period of lent. A lot of Greeks are seen wandering through the streets, eating, singing, drinking, partying in festive outfits when the festivities begin. During the Carnival, you will witness parades with satirical floats. The city will be surrounded by street parades, exotic Greek cuisines, homemade sweets, music and so much more. You can also enjoy the live concerts that will take place in squares and indoor halls.
EXPOTROF – The Greek Fine Food Exhibition
February 3-5, 2024
This is an exhibition done to promote quality Greek products for professionals in the premium food and beverage industry as well as for fine food lovers like you.
Where: Mediterranean Exhibition Center, Paiania, Greece.
Athens International Dance Festival
February 16- 18, 2024
Held annually since 2003, the dance festival has hosted renowned dance companies from Europe and America. The competition will be held on a Saturday and Sunday and is classified into categories – couple, teams, solo dancer, in almost all dance styles. Professional and even amateur dancers take part in this grand festival.
Athens International Jewellery Show
February 23-26, 2024
The 36th international edition for jewelery, watches, precious stones, machinary & equipment is here! While the primary emphasis of this event is to promote Greek-made jewelery, traders also visit to learn about all the modern materials and techniques that are on the market
Where: Metropolitan Exhibition Center - Hall 1, Athens
Athens in February: Essentials
LanguageGreek
Time zoneGMT+2
Country Code+30
Socket Type C & F
CurrencyEuro (€)
Athens accommodation In Februry
There are plenty of places to stay during your visit to Athens. Here are a few of the well-known spaces you could reside that suits your requirement.
- 4-star hotels: City Center Athenes Rooms, Athens Art Hotel, Candia Hotel, Athens Utopia Ermou, Herodion Hotel
- 3-star hotels: Arion Athens Hotel, Athens Odeon Hotel, Golden City Hotel, Chic-Athens HiTech Hotel, Herodion Hotel
- 2-star hotels: Athens Backpackers, Small Funny World.
- Hostels: Iconic Athens Hostel, Pagrati Youth Hostel, Crafoord Place Hostel
Athens packing list for February
The beginning of the month is slightly cool; hence we recommend you to carry a few cardigans to keep you warm. Although the later part of the month gets hot, it is wise to get warm clothes and a raincoat just to be on the safer side.
Getting around Athens in February
- You can move around the city in the Metro as it is the quickest option.
- You can also opt for a the suburban railway. This train provides a direct connection between the Piraeus Port and the Athens International Airport.
- Another option would be to take a trolleybus, whose network is quite extensive to move around from one destination to another.
Athens in February: Seasonal delicacies
Baklava is a dessert that contains nuts and butter with sugar. It is baked and sweet syrup is poured over the flaky item, where it absorbs the syrup by the crispy layers of phyllo. Take a bite of it and its exquisite flavor and the flaky crust will blow your mind.
Where to eat: Maiandros Restaurant
A traditional, falafel-like Greek dish, it is a very popular Cretan meze and is found in a lot of Greek restaurants. Your palette is going to be satisfied with its texture, salty, feta cheese, and a pinch of fresh mint. It is hard and crispy on the outside and extremely creamy on the inside.
Where to eat: Filema Restaurant
This is a style of coffee that is had in Greece. It is served in a traditional long-handled copper pot, otherwise known as briki in Greek. The coffee comes in three different tastes – Vari Glyko (strong), Metrios (medium sweetness), and Sketos (no sugar).
Where to drink: Mokka
Almonds are an important ingredient in Greek culinary. A gluten-free almond cookie that is eaten perfectly with a cup of warm Greek coffee. This food may be served differently in various parts of Greece, yet almonds are the dominating ingredient in this dish.
This is a dish that symbolizes new beginnings and is hence offered during engagements and weddings.
Where to eat: Mitropolitikon
These are stuffed grape leaves and are another popular Greek cuisine. They are tiny dolmades made of stuffed grape leaves. Within the leaf consists of the meat of ground lamb or beef along with rice stuffing. This dish is commonly served as an appetizer in many restaurants along with lemon wedges.
Where to eat: Énastron
Athens in February: Visiting tips
- The weather in February is quite unpredictable with early winters and late summers. Hence it is ideal to bring warm clothing during this period. It is also a wise option to carry a good raincoat.
- Stroll across the streets, shop at the markets, and check out the museums without fighting for space by visiting in February.
- The prices drop significantly if you are looking to book flights or hotels. They are half the price in comparison to June or July. So, if you are looking to travel without having to spend too much, this is the best month to do so.
- If you are arriving during the initial few weeks when it is still cold, the best places to visit would be the National Archeological Museum and the Museum of Cycladic Art.
- Want to go wine-tasting? Visit Papagiannakos Winery in the Attica region of Athens.
- If you are an adventure freak, go hiking to Kea as it offers a beautiful scenic view of the city.
FAQs
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