We know. Everyone’s in such a hurry to get where they’re going these days. The good news? Athens International Airport (AIA) ranks as one of the most enjoyable in Europe. Following its overhaul, you can now breeze through security first, giving you plenty of time to relax and browse at the Airport Agora before your flight.
In the two main departure halls (see end of article) passengers can explore local tastes, designs and trends and participate in some last-minute cultural encounters in a fluid, modern space which is inspired by classical Greece; open agoras lead to shopping stoas (arcades) that give way to platies (communal squares) where you can decompress.
If you feel that you missed out on that novel handmade souvenir or that designer handbag while in downtown Athens, or that you didn’t get enough of the local cuisine, worry not. AIA is home to a marvellous lineup of some of the best Greek brands in fashion, design and gastronomy.
Caffeine Calling?
If you’re anything like us, caffeine will be top priority. If you prefer your java al fresco, hang out at Veneti at Departures Curbside and pair your beverage with a freshly-made pastry. Moving indoors in the All Users area, the aroma of freshly grounded coffee will lead you to Cultivos. Another great option which is right around the corner is Coffee Berry, serving strong and fragrant brews, as well as a great selection of teas and superfood snacks (one can also be found at the Intra Schengen Area).
Established Greek franchise Gregory’s is a sure bet for satiating pies and salads. If you just need directions to the nearest Starbucks, you can find one there, one at the Non-Schengen Departures Level and one at the Satellite Terminal Building (STB).
Shop it Up
For Foodies
Take home your favourite Greek flavours with purchases from the Greek Deli section of the Hellenic Duty Free Shops. Select from traditional cheeses and sweets, premium olive oils and honeys, classic Greek spirits like ouzo from Lesvos or mastiha from Chios. Terkenlis (also a store in Arrivals) is your go-to for sweet treats from Asia Minor like tsoureki (braided brioche).
Don’t even think about missing out on Kostarelos (Schengen Departures Level). This family-run eclectic deli (est. 1937) is a Greek dairy heaven where you’ll find barrel aged feta cheese, Greek gruyères as well as other delicious cheeses from all over the country, strained yoghurt, cream puddings and ice cream, all made with local ingredients and according to traditional recipes passed down three generations.
A Piece of Greece (Non Schengen), another exquisite Greek deli, offers a fine selection of organic Greek products like honey, tea, herbs, and nuts by Melira, Mythogea, Hellenic Grocery and Fournos Theophilos, Greek delicacies from Chrisanthidis, as well as an excellent catalogue of Greek cosmetics from Olive Era.
For Fashionistas
From high street to high end, the Athens Airport is home to a distilled lineup of some of the hottest Greek fashion brands and a thriving selection of international labels for all types and budgets.
Starting from the All Users area, the bros are calling you. Antetokounbros, that is. The first ever store of the Antetokounmpo family opened at the Athens Airport and proudly welcomes visitors who stop by for a selfie with the replica of Giannis’ and Thanasis’ NBA trophy. From baby onesies to caps, bags, t-shirts, tracksuits, jerseys and stationery, there’s certainly a (very affordable) piece of bromance with your name on it.
Shopping at the whitewashed arcade of the Schengen area can be so relaxing that it can oddly make you forget you’re at an airport. One-stop shop Attica selections, home to 15 brands such as Barbour, Tommy Hilfiger, Polo Ralph Lauren, Kurt Geiger, Longchamp and Zadig & Voltaire provides pampering services by fashion experts who are always at your disposal. Traditional Greek craftsmanship meets modern minimalism at Zeus + Δione, while The Greek Designers Store stocks on hot Greek fashion brands like Ames, Madame Shoushou, Elena Votsi, Konstantino, Peace and Chaos, Dante Men and Marianna Lemos. Need more than a grain of beach sand to remind you of your Athens Riviera days? Make sure to check into Vilebrequin for some splurgy luxury picks in beachwear.
A more high-end blend of international labels can be found in the Non-Schengen area, such as Michael Kors, Salvatore Ferragamo, See by Chloe, Emporio Armani, MCM, Polo Ralph Lauren, Weekend Max Mara and more.
The herbal treasures of the Cycladic islands, and boons of Chios mastic can be attained at The Naxos Apothecary and Mastihashop (Non-Schengen). Greek beauty and skincare product labels Apivita and Korres (Schengen Area), both have excellent arrays of concoctions made from organic materials with holistic approaches. Still not enough? Premium international brands of beauty products and perfumes await you at the Hellenic Duty Free Shops, accessible to both Schengen and non.
For those of you who make nail contact before eye contact, Fairynails, located in the Schengen area, is the perfect destination for a last-minute beauté.
For Souvenir Seekers
Pick up cultured curios from Artpoint, including museum replicas and brass bracelets inspired by ancient Greek coins. The fantastic All Greek to Me concept store stocks everything from velvet kaftans and Cycladic figurines to olive wood homewares.
Top tip: For a more relaxed duty free shopping experience, head for the less crowded Last Minute Duty Free spaces near the departure gates B8, B15, B25 and A9.
Stylish wearable souvenirs from All Greek To Me.
Photo: Thomas Gravanis
Take a culture trip
Dose up on some culture (you’re still in Athens, after all) at the interactive and multimedia Eleftherios Venizelos exhibition, on the second-floor Observation Deck (accessible to all visitors) and learn about the “maker of modern Greece” and the airport’s namesake.
Also on the same floor, at the airport's Archaeological Findings Museum, discover ancient relics unearthed during the airport excavation, catch one last pre-flight glimpse of the Parthenon's west frieze and videos of the Acropolis Museum Exhibition, or check into a temporary exhibition from one of the city's various cultural centres, all available at the deck's respectively themed spaces.
Top tip: One last culture fix awaits at the Baggage Reclaim Area and at the Arrivals Corridors of Intra & Extra Shengen, where you can "Travel Through Time in Blue with the Benaki Museum", a pioneering project that invites the visitor on a journey to the colours of the of the artworks permanently exhibited at the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture.
Make a Meal of It
Just because you’re at an airport doesn’t mean you can’t keep that holiday vibe alive. For authentic sit-down Greek grub at the main Schengen platea opt for Eat Greek for some juicy chicken gyros or lamb kleftikon, or Bistrot Attica Athens where you can also savour the famous loukoumades (Greek doughnuts) from Lukumades. Ergon at the Non-Schengen serves contemporary twists on traditional dishes (also found in downtown Athens), while Amore is perfect for an Italian sit-down lunch. Barbadimos serves Greece's exquisite frozen-in-time cuisine, Smyrnean cuisine, at the All Users area food court.
For mouth-watering, sweet and savoury takes on the classic Greek koulouri snack (sesame bread rings) head to Mon Kooloor at the All Users area or Koulourades at the Arrivals Level - accessible to all. Think koulouri with spanakopita filling (traditional Greek spinach pie), sugary versions like apple pie, chocolaty chestnuts and salted caramel and also sandwiches with selected local gruyeres and cured meats. Everest Exclusive, also at the Arrivals Level, is your go-to choice for luscious pizza slices and peinirlis (boat shaped open pies) made with 48-hours fermented dough, with vegan and vegetarian options.
When burger cravings strike, head up to Burger King on the second floor in Departures Free Access Area and treat yourself to the famous WHOPPER®. Carbs calling? La Pasteria (same floor) makes a mean amatriciana and has a very decent wine list. If you're craving sushi, a delicious taco or instant-made pasta Koi Sushi Bar, Ancho Mexican Grill and Levito can be found at the All Users Area.
Feeling peckish, but don’t want to leave your gate? There are 14 stands at the Schengen area that are also pick-up points for the airport's new service Gate Delivery powered by efood. Use one of the stands you will find at the gates, or scan the QR code and order from your mobile phone and have it delivered in a few minutes.
*Orders apply for restaurants and cafés at the Schengen Area and Burger King.
Raise your Spirits
Arm yourself with some in-flight entertainment at Public or WHSmith. Or elevate your spirits at the lovely Greek Orthodox chapel on the Observation Deck - a welcoming recess with a domed ceiling and colourful frescoes of Christian saints. All religions can access an “Interfaith Worship” area located opposite.
Finding you way around the Athens Airport is a piece of cake.
Photo: Thomas Gravanis
Arrivals Hall
Don’t just grab your bags and go, there are many handy features at the Arrivals Hall to help smooth your stay in Athens. Stock up on sunscreen, Greek cosmetics, and insect repellent at the chemist. Get your first Greek groceries from AB Vassilopoulos market. Go oldschool and use the post-office to send a postcard back home. Treat yourself or loved ones to some flowers from Power of a Flower, a social cooperative enterprise for inclusion that provides training and employment to people with disabilities. Track down Sim Local and take advantage of their great value SIM cards for voice and data during your stay in Athens. There’s a 24-hour baggage storage if you want to ditch your luggage for a spell or make a quick trip to one of the nearby attractions such as the Vorres Museum or the Athens Riviera.
Top tip: Need help planning your Athens itinerary or some insider advice on making the most of the city? Stop in at the City of Athens Info Point at the Arrivals Hall, open all year-round, from 8.00-20.00 daily.
For the full range of AIA services and facilities visit www.aia.gr
Finding your way Around
Think of Athens Airport as two different terminals under the same roof:
The Schengen Area is for passengers travelling within most European countries and Greece. The Non-Schengen Area is for departing passengers to specific European cities, or third countries destinations (like the Middle East, America, Canada and Africa), who must go through passport control. Both areas have their own separate shopping arcades, duty free, as well as food and drink facilities.
There is also a revamped Satellite Terminal Building, which caters mostly to low-cost airline carriers. It’s reached via a 700m underground tunnel from the Main Terminal Building. There you can find shops and services like Hellenic Duty Free Shops, ONExchange, The Greek Designers store, The Beer House, Camden Food&Co, Starbucks, Veneti and Green Veneti.
You are here.
Photo: Thomas Gravanis
Who can Go Where?
Connectivity is key at the remodelled Athens airport. Anyone who visits the airport, whether flying or not, can access both the Arrivals Level and the shops and eateries in the public Departures Level (before the security gates). This also includes the second-floor Observation Deck which has restaurants, cultural exhibitions and facilities.
Non-Schengen passengers can access the Schengen Area to use the shopping and dining facilities after showing their boarding passes. Schengen passengers cannot enter the Non-Schengen Area.
Lots of handy features and services at Arrivals Hall.
Photo: Thomas Gravanis