Relax and Unwind

No matter which class you’re flying, you can head to an airport lounge and enjoy good food and drinks, connect to Wi-Fi, and catch up on the news—all in a quieter environment than the main terminal. Several lounges welcome travelers regardless of airline or class of service—simply buy a pass online or use your lounge membership to gain entry.

Indulge Yourself

With a wide range of restaurants open 24 hours, you can grab a bite no matter how late you’re landing at AIA. Some of the Greek options include Kir-Yianni Wine Bar, which is quite popular for its dining experience, or you can check out some European cafés and sit-down restaurants.

Surf the Internet

IFree Wi-Fi at AIA is available for 45 minutes, after which you can upgrade to premium options at a reasonable cost. Additionally, free Wi-Fi is available for 15 minutes at any of the 22 internet kiosks located throughout the airport.

Get a Relaxing Massage

If you’re in need of some pampering, the spa inside the Sofitel Hotel is open to non-guests. Services include facials, massages, manicures, pedicures, and more. Since the Sofitel is located outside the airport terminal, you’ll need to exit and re-enter through security.

Shop Your Heart Out

Famous international brands and duty-free shops, including the Hellenic Duty Free Shop, offer all the standard necessities. You’ll also find plenty of stores selling cigars, jewelry, perfumes, beauty products, and much more.

Get a dose of history

For many travelers, Greece is synonymous with history. The Main Terminal features permanent exhibitions from the Acropolis Museum. There’s also the Exhibition of Archaeological Findings, as well as the Eleftherios Venizelos Permanent Exhibition, which is dedicated to Greek aviation history. These are must-visits for all Greek history enthusiasts.

Explore Athens

If you’ve got a few hours, you can take advantage of the airport’s location and explore the area for some fresh air and a taste of local Greek culture. Taking the subway to downtown is recommended, as taxi fares can be expensive for tourists.

• Visit the Syntagma Square: This famous square in Greece is a bustling and lively spot in Athens. It’s a great place to take a relaxing walk by the Parliament Building nearby or spend some time near the artesian fountain.
• Visit Ermou Street: To experience the heart of shopping in Athens, Ermou Street is the place to be. Luxury brands, chic cafes, and stylish terraces line this vibrant street. Ermou is also known for its mesmerizing architecture and beautifully designed buildings.
• Visit the Ruins of Acropolis: Many people confuse the Acropolis with its ruins, but the Acropolis is actually the name of the citadel—the fortified hilltop shrine. The Parthenon is the most admired structure within the Acropolis. Originally built as a temple for the goddess Athena, it later served as a church and then a mosque. If you’re a history lover, this is the perfect layover stop to explore and experience.

Others

As the busiest and largest airport in Greece, AIA offers a wide variety of services for its passengers. In addition to the ones mentioned above, these include currency exchange centers, pharmacies, emergency medical assistance, smoking areas, lost and found services, baggage storage centers, tourist and airport information desks, children’s play areas, airport hotels, charging stations, ATMs, and many more—conveniently spread throughout the airport’s two terminals.

Athens International Airport also offers a dedicated mobile app to help passengers navigate the airport easily and stress-free. Additionally, information desks are available throughout the terminals to assist with any inquiries you may have.

The Passenger Meet and Greet services offered by JODOGO include a dedicated representative who will welcome you with a personalized name board (a bouquet of flowers is available upon request) and assist you with everything from luggage handling to lounge access and more. Read more about how to enjoy your layover at athens international airport