Britain is experiencing a bleak run of weather leading up to Christmas.
Storm Darragh caused havoc with floods and power outages across the country as rare red weather alerts were put in place. Temperatures have plummeted and more rain and cloudy skies are on the way.
Many of us will be looking ahead to blue skies and sunshine, but if you can’t wait until the summer for warmer temperatures, then look no further than this European city.
Athens in Greece is one of the most visited cities in Europe with it’s hot climate and rich culture drawing in more than 7 million tourists every year.
But it’s also still a balmy average of 19C in the winter, meaning you can escape the chilly British weather and enjoy the warmth – as well as escaping crowded city streets!
This ancient destination is the home of some of the world’s most remarkable ruins and is steeped in over a thousand years of history. Not to be missed are the iconic Parthenon Temple, and the historic Theatre of Dionysus.
According to some Trip Advisor reviews, visitors often describe the views from the hilltop as ‘magnificent’ and ‘breathtaking’.
After exploring the main attractions, try to visit the local markets which offer a mix of unique items such as old paintings and handcrafts musical instruments. However, be prepared to haggle and the shopkeepers may try to offer high prices.
For the history enthusiasts, a must-see is the Temple of Olympian Zeus, dedicated to the God of the sky and thunder. Alternatively, you can take a coach to Delphi, a signifcant site in ancient Greek culture, which is also known for its oracle and priestess Pythia, accoring to a spokeperson for Apollo.
Athens is full of options when it comes to touristic activities, whether you are looking to rest and go with the flow, you can always go to the many sandy beaches on the coastline it has to offer, less than nine miles (14km) from the city centre and that are blue-flag-certified.Â
Or, if you prefer being active, you can opt to hop from island to island via cruise ships and discover stunning nearby islands such as Anthos, Hydra and Kea.