Tips For Staying Cool This Summer In Athens

Visiting Athens during summer often means having to cope with high temperatures. Whether you’re only visiting Athens or are just planning a short stay before escaping to the islands, here are some tips for staying cool in an Athenian summer.

Visit a museum or cultural center

With its collection of ancient sites, museums and cultural centers, Athens is a sightseer’s paradise. Plan your visits the smart way. Drop by outdoor archaeological sites early in the morning and reserve museums and galleries for the afternoon. That way, when the heat is strongest, you can be indoors enjoying the heaven-sent air conditioning. The Benaki, the Museum of Cycladic Art and the National Archaeological Museum are perfect places to stay cool while getting some culture. Also check out the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, by the sea, which always has a activity-filled agenda, with events suitable for every age.

Visiting the Acropolis is best done in the early morning to avoid the summer heat.

Go down south

Hit the outdoor pools

Can’t be bothered driving to the beach? Take advantage of Athens’ outdoor pools instead. Several hotels open their pools to the public for a fee. Grab your towel, order an iced coffee and relax by the pool.

Visit the countryside

Sometimes, escaping the heat during the day is as simple as leaving the city. There are a number of good day trip options that will allow you to see the countryside and enjoy some fresh air outside the city. Whether you choose to visit a nearby island or an ancient site, a little escapade outside the capital will be worth it.

Hit the movies

Take advantage of one of the many open-air cinemas in Athens. There is something magical about watching a movie under the stars. You might even be lucky enough to be in town while the Athens Open Air Film Festival is on, when there are free screenings all around town. Alternatively, choose an indoor cinema complex for the free air conditioning.

The Athens Open Air Film Festival where anyone can access outdoor screenings for free

Go green

Athens is not known as a green city, but there are several green spaces and parks here where you can enjoy the shade of the trees. Stop by the National Gardens in Syntagma, or venture further out to the Diomedes Botanical Garden on Iera Odos, or even Mount Hymettus.

Become a night owl

Athens has a vibrant nightlife scene, and summer is actually the best time to fully experience it. Bars are set up with the summer heat in mind, with outdoor terraces or patios to enjoy, or even better: rooftops with a breeze and night views of the city.

Thea Terrace Bar at Central Athens Hotel

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