2023
A few words from me:
Former student at ENSAIT, promo 2023. I went in Athens in 2021.
About Athens:
Athens was a big surprise when I arrived there. I really loved the neighbourhood of Plaka, which made me think of the cycladic islands. Athens is a really cosmopolitan city with many different neighborhoods to visit. The beaches of Athens are not so good, as they are really crowded and constructed. There are so many historical sites to visit, I strongly advise to go hiking on Mount Lycabette.
About food:
One of the best countries for food traditions! I advise eating grilled meat in the street during the carnival period in March, and obviously you have to try the gyros in pita bread, with feta salad. Many vegetarian options, I advise trying falafel sandwiches at the small restaurants along the streets. Be careful, prices on restaurant menus increase during the high season.
About museums:
I advise visiting the historic sites of Athens early in the season, before all the tourists arrive (to avoid long queues under the sun).
About transportation:
The city is well deserved by metro and buses, but the trip is quite long to go to the university (ca. 40min from Pangrati). However, I still advise to rent an apartment in the center of Athens despite the distance, because the surroundings of the university have no interest in visiting. You can easily rent a car at Europcar (I advise using well-knowned companies) to explore the mainland.
Remember to ask for the UNIWA student card once you arrive at the university. Once received, you should subscribe to the metro/bus, it is cheap and easy to request in the metro shops. With the UNIWA student card, you have a 50% discount on every ferry to any destination, and on some historical sites ! We used this a lot ! You can book ferries on this website : https://www.ferries.gr/en/
About islands:
Islands are so beautiful ! The trip can be long but it’s worth it. I rented a quad in Paros, and I took a ferry to Antiparos which was completely deserted, this was an incredible experience! I also visited the island of Poros which is closer to Athens main port Piraeus, and it was really charming.
About mainland:
I strongly advise to visit the Meteora region! A good option is to go camping there, and visit the area with a rented car.
Best things to do and places to visit:
My top 5 : Paros/Antiparos islands, Meteoras, renting a quad on an island, Plaka neighborhood in Athens, every historic site!!
About your expenses:
Greece is globally cheaper than France. The difference is not so big in supermarkets but restaurants and services are usually cheaper.
About your safety:
The overall security was good. Be careful with pickpockets in touristic places and in the metro, as in many big European cities.
About accomodation:
I rented an apartment in Pangrati neighbourhood, which was really safe and the rent was not too expensive. Airbnb works well for short rents in islands, or in the mainland. I really loved my neighborhood, because it was close to the historic centre (25 min by foot to the acropole) but still quiet, without being inundated with tourists.
About weather:
We had really cold weather in end-feb/march, I advise to take a good rain jacket and some warm layers. The temperature increases quickly by the middle of April!