Athens is the oldest, continually inhabited city in Europe, with all the glitz of a major European capital. With over 300 days of sunshine per year and the original 'halcyon days' in January when the cooler wintry weather gives way to a series of hot, sunny days, the city is far more than just a stopping-off point for the Greek Islands.
Boasting world-class art and archaeological collections, international performing arts venues, a vibrant music scene, a thriving cafι culture and a restaurant life to rival Vienna's, it is also a shoppers' paradise, where international brand names, high-quality jewellers and antique sellers clamour for a position on your credit card bill.