Athens
The cradle of Western civilisation and a city reborn.
Why Athens?
The birthplace of democracy, philosophy and the Olympic Games, Athens offers education professionals an encounter with the deepest roots of European civilisation and a city that has reinvented itself with remarkable energy and creativity in recent decades. Modern Athens is a city of contrasts and surprises. Behind the iconic classical monuments lies a vibrant, contemporary metropolis with a thriving arts scene, an extraordinary restaurant culture, warm and hospitable people and a quality of life that consistently surprises participants who visit for the first time. For education professionals working on European values, democratic citizenship, cultural heritage, classical languages or global citizenship, Athens provides an unmatched context.
Athens is a city that gets under your skin. The combination of extraordinary history, Mediterranean warmth, creative energy and genuine hospitality makes it one of the most personally enriching destinations in our network. Participants who come to Athens often say it was not at all what they expected, and that the surprise was entirely positive.
Why Train in Athens?
The Birthplace of Democracy
Athens is where Western democracy was born, where philosophy was invented and where the foundations of European thought and culture were laid. For education professionals working on civic education, democratic values and European identity, there is no more powerful place to learn.
A City of Cultural Renewal
Modern Athens has undergone a remarkable cultural renaissance in recent years. Its thriving contemporary arts scene, its world-class museums, its revitalised neighbourhoods and its extraordinary food culture make it one of the most dynamic and engaging cities in our network.
Mediterranean Warmth and Hospitality
Athens and its people are genuinely warm and welcoming. The Greek tradition of philoxenia, hospitality to strangers, means that participants in Athens consistently experience a level of personal warmth and generosity that makes the city feel immediately welcoming.
Getting to Athens
Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) is served by direct flights from most European countries. The airport is connected to the city centre by metro in approximately 40 minutes. Athens is also reachable by ferry from several Italian ports for participants who prefer to travel by sea.
Cultural Highlights
A selection of the experiences that make Athens such a memorable destination for our participants.
The Acropolis and the Parthenon
The Acropolis is the most iconic monument of ancient Greece and one of the most extraordinary architectural achievements in human history. A guided visit, ideally at dusk when the city lights begin to appear below, is among the most memorable cultural experiences in our entire programme.
The Acropolis Museum
The Acropolis Museum is one of the finest and most beautifully designed museums in Europe, housing the surviving sculptures and artefacts of the Parthenon in a setting of extraordinary elegance. It is a must-visit for any education professional interested in cultural heritage and museum education.
Monastiraki and the Historic Centre
The Monastiraki neighbourhood, with its famous flea market, its Ottoman-era mosque and its views up to the Acropolis, is the vibrant heart of historic Athens. The surrounding streets of Plaka and Psiri offer an authentic and immersive Athenian experience.
Greek Cuisine and Social Life
Greek cuisine is one of the great food cultures of the Mediterranean, and Athens is the best place to experience it at its finest. From traditional tavernas serving slow-cooked meats and fresh seafood to contemporary restaurants reimagining Greek ingredients and traditions, the food culture of Athens is a genuine highlight of every course week.
Courses Available in Athens
All 32 of our school education professional development courses are available in Athens. Browse the full catalogue to find the right course for your Erasmus+ project.
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