Location and Geography
Athens is located across the Attica Basin and surrounded by four large mountains: Aegaleo, Parnitha, Penteli and Humettus. The Saronic Gulf is southwest of the city.
Climate
Athens enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate with sunshine throughout the year, with an unusually dry climate for the area due to the surrounding mountains. Snow is very rare in the city center, but common in the surrounding mountains during the winter months.
Swimming and Water Sports
The convenient beaches of Athens are among the best in the world. Swimming, surfing, parasailing and paragliding facilities are readily available, as well as snorkeling and diving tours.
Hiking, Trekking and Mountain Biking
The mountains surrounding Athens provide world-class trails for novices and experienced hikers, trekkers and mountain bikers. The Schinias-Marathonas and Sounion National Forests feature a rich variety of plants, birds and historical ruins.
Skiing and Snowboarding
The mountains around Athens provide many skiing and snowboarding opportunities for any budget. During the winter months, a variety of resorts accommodate any skill level.
Hang Gliding and Parapente
The dry Athens climate is perfect for hang gliding and parapente, especially during the months of April through October. Many clubs and events are available throughout the season.
Article Written By Timothy Aldinger
Timothy Aldinger brings 20 years of experience as an instructional design consultant and corporate training strategist in the automotive, environmental, health and insurance industries. His professional writings have been published by Ford Motor Company, Chrysler Corporation, General Motors, Volkswagen, Toyota, Nissan and many other major corporations. Aldinger received his Bachelor of Arts in political theory from Michigan State University.
