Are you a flight attendant on a flight to Athens, preparing to accompany your VIP passengers on an escapade to the heart of the world's oldest city? In this article, you'll discover Inflight Chef Delight's tips for your private jet flight to Athens, the capital of Greece. We'll also share some recommendations (luxury hotels and restaurants, activities, etc.) for your most prestigious clients.
Athens, the capital of Greece, is one of the oldest cities in the world, with a history dating back to the Neolithic period. Founded around the Acropolis, it enjoyed its golden age in the 5th century BC under Pericles, becoming a major military and cultural center. The cradle of democracy and Western philosophy, it is still home to iconic sites such as the Parthenon, the Agora and the Olympeion. Today, Athens is the political, economic and cultural heart of modern Greece, combining a rich historical past with dynamic contemporary life.
About your private jet flight to Athens
Athens International Airport (ATH)
Athens International Airport "Elefthérios Venizélos" is the airport of the city of Athens in Greece. It came into service on March 28, 2001, replacing the former Hellinikon airport as part of major development work planned for the 2004 Olympic Games, when the site of the former Hellinikon airport was to be converted to host Olympic competitions. Despite a major tourism crisis in 2008, Athens International Airport is considered one of the fastest-growing airports in the world. It is now officially ranked among Europe's top 25 airports.
Today, Athens airport is connected to 133 international destinations. It is also the gateway to the Greek islands, serving 26 destinations (from the famous island of Santorini, to more discreet gems like Skyros and Astypalea).
Every summer, Athens Elefthérios-Venizélos International Airport sees a surge in private jet traffic due to its role as a gateway to the Greek islands and other popular tourist destinations in Greece. The airport is well equipped with exclusive lounges and dedicated services to meet the needs of private jet passengers, guaranteeing a smooth and luxurious travel experience.
Origin of private jets landing in Athens
During the summer months, private jets landing in Athens mainly originate from various major European and international cities. The most frequent destinations include :
London: Many private jets arrive in Athens from various London airports, such as London Luton.
Paris: Airports such as Paris Le Bourget see many private flights heading for Athens.
Zurich: Zurich is another common departure city for private jets to Athens.
Milan: Private jets also often depart from Milan to Athens.
Nice: The Côte d'Azur, especially Nice, is a frequent source of private flights to Athens.
New York: Longer flights also originate from New York, although these are less frequent than intra-European flights.
These routes are popular due to high tourist demand and events that attract VIP visitors to Greece during the summer months.
The types of private jets used for trips to Athens vary according to distance, number of passengers and traveler preferences. Here are some of the most common jets used for these routes: the Gulfstream G650, renowned for its long-haul capabilities, enabling non-stop flights from destinations such as New York or Hong Kong; the Bombardier Global Express, another choice for long-haul flights; the Cessna Citation X; theEmbraer Phenom 300; or the Dassault Falcon 7X.
Menu on board your flight to Athens
Inflight Chef Delight's catering service will transform your VIP passengers' flight into a true culinary experience, with tailor-made menus that integrate local and international flavors.
On board a private jet bound for Athens, your VIP passengers can find out which dish is their favorite, or take advantage of the flight to discover the culinary specialties of Athens prepared by our partner chefs.
Here are just a few of the most emblematic culinary specialties you'll be able to sample:
Moussaka: This iconic dish is a gratin composed of successive layers of eggplant, potatoes, minced meat (often lamb) and béchamel sauce.
Saganaki: A fried cheese, often kasseri or Gruyère, served hot and crispy with a squeeze of lemon. A must for cheese lovers.
Tzatziki: A sauce made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil and herbs such as mint or dill. Tzatziki often accompanies grilled meats and is also served as a mezze.
Dolmades: Vine leaves stuffed with rice, minced meat and herbs. These small packages are often served as appetizers or in mezze assortments.
Choriatiki (Greek salad): A fresh salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, onions, kalamata olives and a large piece of feta cheese, drizzled with olive oil.
Souvlaki: Skewers of grilled meat, often served with pita bread and tzatziki. A popular street food dish in Athens.
Spanakopita: A spinach and cheese pie wrapped in crispy filo pastry. A popular vegetarian dish, often served as an appetizer or snack.
Taramosalata: A purée of fish roe (often carp), mixed with bread, lemon juice and olive oil. It is usually served as a mezze.
Loukoumades: Greek doughnuts soaked in honey and sprinkled with sesame seeds, often eaten as a dessert. These sweets are delicious and very popular in Athens.
Fava: a split-pea purée, usually seasoned with olive oil, lemon and onions, served as a mezze.
All VIP passengers' culinary desires can be satisfied thanks to the Inflight Chef Delight network of private gourmet caterers. We invite you to request your passengers' specific dietary preferences and desires the day before the flight, so that menus can be fully customized.
As always, it's best to plan your in-flight catering needs at least 48 hours in advance so you know the details of your next stop, especially during peak season. The easiest way to plan and order your in-flight catering is to use our Inflight Chef Delight app, available for Apple and Android devices, or contact us directly by phone at +34936064620
Discovering Athens (Greece)
VIP transfer to hotel
For VIP passengers arriving at Athens International Airport, several luxury transfer options are available to reach their hotel:
Private transfer services: Hellenic Chauffeurs and Welcome Pickups are companies offering VIP transfers with luxury vehicles and professional English-speaking drivers.
Helicopter transfers : For those wishing to avoid traffic and enjoy panoramic views, helicopter transfer services are available. Companies such as HeliFly Greece offer fast, comfortable flights from the airport to private helipads near luxury hotels, or direct to destinations such as Mykonos or Santorini.
Premium cabs and VTC: Premium cab and chauffeur-driven vehicle (VTC) services such as Uber Black and Beat Premium are also available. These services can be booked via mobile apps and offer high-quality vehicles with professional drivers.
By choosing one of these options, VIP passengers can ensure that their journey to their accommodation is comfortable and discreet.
Luxury accommodation in Athens
Here are five luxury hotels in Athens, perfect for passengers traveling by private jet:
Hotel Grande Bretagne: Located on Syntagma Square, this iconic hotel offers breathtaking views of the Acropolis, Parliament and Mount Lycabette. It offers sumptuous rooms, a world-class spa and award-winning restaurants.
Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens: Nestled on the Athenian Riviera, this resort offers spectacular Aegean Sea views, private beaches, swimming pools and several gourmet restaurants. Ideal for a luxurious getaway just minutes from the city center.
King George Hotel: Also on Syntagma Square, this historic hotel offers elegant suites, a sumptuous ballroom and a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of the Acropolis.
These hotels offer a blend of luxury, comfort and upscale services, perfect for private jet travelers looking to make the most of their stay in Athens.
Luxury restaurants in Mykonos
Here are three of the best Michelin-starred restaurants in Athens, perfect for passengers traveling by private jet:
Soil: Set in a renovated neoclassical house, Soil is known for its farm-to-table approach using local produce and herbs grown in their own garden. The 14-course seasonal menu reflects the chef's Nordic influences and highlights cosmopolitan Greek flavors.
The Zillers: Located in the heart of Athens, this restaurant offers a breathtaking view of the Acropolis. Chef Pavlos Kyriakis offers two tasting menus focusing on refined Greek dishes. The signature dish is a sage-smoked rack of lamb, accompanied by various lamb parts served with refined accompaniments.
Pelagos: Located in the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel, Pelagos quickly earned a Michelin star after the arrival of chef Luca Piscazzi. The restaurant stands out for its elegant dishes and Mediterranean influences. Notable dishes include dried sea bass cooked in a mastic crust, offering a unique culinary experience.
These restaurants offer exceptional culinary experiences and are perfect for travelers seeking luxury and haute cuisine in Athens.
Activities
The cradle of humanity, Athens is a city rich in history and culture, offering a multitude of activities for visitors. Here are some of the most recommended activities:
Historical and cultural visits
The Acropolis and the Parthenon: An emblematic symbol of ancient Greece, the Acropolis is a must-see site, with the Parthenon, the Erechtheion and the Temple of Athena Nike. The view from the Acropolis offers an impressive perspective of the city of Athens.
Acropolis Museum: Located at the foot of the Acropolis, this modern museum houses a vast collection of objects and sculptures found on the site.
Plaka district: This historic district, with its narrow streets and neoclassical buildings, is ideal for strolling, shopping and sampling Greek specialties in the local taverns.
Temple of Olympian Zeus: One of the largest temples in ancient Greece, dedicated to Zeus. It's just a stone's throw from the Acropolis and the National Garden.
Outdoor activities
Mount Lycabetta: For a spectacular panoramic view of Athens, climb to the top of Mount Lycabetta. You can get there on foot, by funicular or by car.
The National Garden : A haven of peace right in the center of town, ideal for a relaxing stroll, a picnic or a visit to the small zoo.
Gastronomy and shopping
Athens Central Market: Discover local flavors by visiting the central market, where you'll find fresh produce, spices and much more.
Monastiraki district: Known for its flea market, Monastiraki is perfect for buying unique souvenirs, antiques and vintage clothing.
Cultural experiences
Stavros Niarchos Foundation: This cultural and leisure center is home to the National Library and the Greek National Opera. It's an ideal venue for concerts, shows and exhibitions.
Theater of Dionysus : The oldest theater in the world, located at the foot of the Acropolis, where plays by Sophocles and Euripides were staged.
Nightlife
Gazi district: One of the trendiest areas for nightlife, with numerous bars, clubs and restaurants.
Athens offers a rich combination of historical, cultural, gastronomic and leisure activities, guaranteeing a memorable experience for all visitors.
With these many tips, your passengers' journey to Athens will be a memorable one, allowing them to fully enjoy the ancient charm of the world's oldest city.
If you have any questions about catering options on board your
private jet flight to Athens, please contact us!
Contact Inflight Chef Delight
for your VIP reservations
FAQ - Inflight Chef Delight answers your questions about your flight
1. How do I book a private jet to Athens?
To book a private jet to Athens, you can choose one of the following methods:
Specialized websites: Use online platforms such as PrivateFly, VistaJet or NetJets. These sites allow you to compare different options, get instant quotes and book directly online. They offer a wide range of aircraft and can accommodate a variety of travel needs, from light jets to larger aircraft for groups.
Private aviation brokers : Brokers act as intermediaries between you and private jet operators. They have in-depth knowledge of the market and can negotiate the best rates on your behalf. Companies such as Air Charter Service or Paramount Business Jets are renowned for their excellent customer service and their ability to provide tailor-made solutions, adapted to your specific schedules and travel preferences.
2. When is the best time to visit Athens?
The best time to visit Athens is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these seasons, temperatures are pleasant, and there are fewer tourist crowds than in summer. This means you can enjoy historic sites and outdoor activities in ideal conditions. In summer, temperatures can be very high, and the city is more crowded with tourists.
3. What's the best VIP catering service available in Athens?
In Athens, many specialized caterers offer high-quality VIP catering service, ideal for clients traveling by private jet. At Inflight Chef Delight, we distinguish ourselves by our ability to customize menus to suit the tastes and dietary requirements of individual passengers. The caterers we work with use only fresh, high-quality, local ingredients to create gourmet restaurant-quality dishes, even on board. Inflight Chef Delight works closely with renowned Greek chefs, gourmet caterers and your favorite Athens restaurants.
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