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While some European cities are setting tourism records this year with record numbers of visitors this summer, now is actually the best time to visit.
Athens, Greece has exploded in popularity among travelers this year.
Tourist numbers to Athens this year are up nearly 12% compared to the pre-pandemic high of 2019. Tourism to Athens has increased significantly this summer.
But it was also one of the hottest and busiest summers on record for the Greek capital, known for its stunning historic sites such as the Acropolis and the ancient Agora.
In fact, the Acropolis was temporarily closed for health and safety reasons in July when excessive heat levels exceeded 40 °C (104 °F).
In fact, here’s why now is the perfect time to plan a trip to Athens.
1. Explore the city in comfort
With record heat being recorded every year, visiting Athens during the summer months has become almost unbearable. This time of year remains the most popular time to travel to Greece for American tourists, but extremely high temperatures make travel extremely difficult.
Trying to tour the ancient ruins of Athens while the sun is shining and the weather exceeds 100 degrees Fahrenheit every day is not a very pleasant experience. It can even be a downright dangerous place where problems such as heat stroke and dehydration affect tourists.
However, visiting Athens in late fall and winter means you can enjoy milder temperatures and explore the city in comfort.
The average high temperature in Athens in November is 65°F and the average low temperature is 53°F. December and January are only slightly colder. Therefore, late autumn and winter are the best times to visit Athens due to its pleasant and pleasant climate.
2. Discover Athens without the crowds
There is nothing more magical than strolling through the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum, the charming Plaka district, or the ancient Agora, where few tourists visit, admiring everything at a leisurely pace and immersing yourself in your surroundings. there is no.
However, this is not possible at all during the summer. This summer, record numbers of tourists have created long lines and elbow-to-elbow crowds at popular tourist attractions.
Athens is very quiet during late fall and early winter, so you can enjoy the tourist attractions without much crowds. You also don’t have to sit at a cafe or line up to enter a museum. Less crowds mean you can enjoy a more relaxed and spontaneous trip to Athens.
3. Enjoy low prices
The third and final reason why now is the best time to visit Athens is because you’ll find much cheaper prices in late fall and winter than during the peak summer travel season.
According to FareDetective, as of July 2023, the average price for a round-trip flight from New York’s JFK International Airport to Athens, Greece was more than $1,300.
When you compare the average price in November 2022 to $491 and the average price in January 2023 to $500, it’s clear that winter is a much cheaper time to travel. It’s unclear whether airfares will remain similarly low in the coming months, but airfares from the U.S. to Athens are likely to remain significantly lower than they were this summer.
It’s not just the airfare. Hotels in Athens are also cheaper during the winter months. Average hotel room rates in Athens this summer ranged from $170 to $193. But during the winter, this drops to $106 to $110, an even bigger savings.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
