“Stuck” in Greece for 16 hours

It seems that Olympic airways has a great deal on airplane tickets from the States to Israel, with a stopover in Greece. That’s why there are many travelers, this week of Chanukah, who find themselves “stuck” in Greece for the 16 hour stopover. We get many emails and phone calls from them, asking about a place to light the Chanukiya, availability of kosher food, safety due to the intermittent riots, etc.

So here is the guide for the traveler on a stopover:

1)      Ask for a hotel

For stopovers over 12 hours, Olympic airways provides travelers with a free hotel. You have to request it at the Olympic airways desk, upon arrival in Athens. If you are like me and have difficulty sleeping on airplanes, you will welcome the possibility to rest a little and freshen up after the overnight flight. Olympic airways will provide you with a free shuttle service to and from the hotel. (The hotels they offer are located in the southern suburb of the city).

2)      How to get to the city center?

All the tourist attractions, as well as the synagogue and the Chabad house are located in the city center. It is about 45 minutes drive from the airport. A taxi should cost you about 35 – 40 Euros. You can also take the bus E95 right outside of the arrivals or the metro line 3 (blue) which will both bring you to Syntagma Square (Constitution Square).

3)      What should we do during the day?

I suggest first to visit the Jewish Museum of Greece, which will give you a nice idea about the history of the Jewish community and their customs. It is open until 14:30, and is located very close to Syntagma Square, on Nikis 39. More info on their website: www.jewishmuseum.gr

From there, I would take a walk in the Plaka historic area of Athens (and buy some little cheesy souvenirs for my relatives), and then, climb to the Acropolis. After all, this is the highlight of Athens, you cannot leave without seeing it, at least from below.

Last, I would recommend seeing the changing of the guards in front of the Parliament, on Syntagma square. It takes place every hour, and makes up for great pictures. If you have more time, you can take a walk in the National Gardens, right next to the Parliament, it's an oasis of calm and freshness in middle on the crazy traffic and noise of the city.

4)      How about kosher food?

For the moment, there is no kosher restaurant or store in Athens, but we have a kosher catering service. If you want to order, please do so in advance.

5)      Where can I light the Chanukiya?

There is a public Menorah lighting every evening outside from the synagogue, at 19:00. Travelers can then join us in our home to light their own candles and for dinner.

6)      Is Athens safe?

Yes. There are still intermittent riots, but they are happening in very specific locations. The rioters do not target civilians or travelers, they are more interested in fighting with the police, and occasionally destroying property. If you keep away from eventual demonstrations, you will not encounter any problem.

Enjoy your stay in Athens!!!!