Athens, Greece: Location, Coordinates & Key Facts

Athens is the capital and largest city of Greece, anchoring the Attica region.

Geographic Coordinates

• Latitude: 37.9838° N
• Longitude: 23.7275° E
• Elevation: 70–300 m (Acropolis 156 m; surrounding mountains higher)

Administrative Context

• Region: Attica (Αττική) – one of 13 administrative regions
• Regional Units: Central Athens, North Athens, South Athens, West Athens, Piraeus, Islands
• Metro population (2021): ~3.15 million (40% of Greece)

Physical Setting

• Basin: Surrounded by mountains: Hymettus (E), Penteli (NE), Parnitha (N), Aigaleo (W)
• Rivers: Cephissus, Ilisos (mostly covered/culverted)
• Port: Piraeus (5 km SW) – largest passenger port in Europe
• Coast: Saronic Gulf (Aegean Sea)

Climate

• Mediterranean (Csa): Hot, dry summers (avg July high 34°C / 93°F); mild, wet winters (avg Jan high 13°C / 55°F)
• Annual rain: ~400 mm (mostly Oct–Apr)

Historical Significance

• Continuously inhabited >5,000 years
• Cradle of democracy, philosophy, theater (5th c. BCE)
• Acropolis, Agora, Olympieion, Kerameikos—UNESCO World Heritage
• Modern capital since 1834

Transport Hub

• Airport: Athens International (ATH) – 20 km E
• Metro: 3 lines (incl. airport); tram to coast
• Rail: Larissa Station (Peloponnese, Thessaly)

Athens sits at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa—a geographic reality that shaped its 5,000-year history.