Things To Do
in Spáta

Spáta (Spata) is a small town and agricultural municipality in East Attica, Greece, best known for hosting Athens International Airport and sitting in the fertile Mesogeia plain. It blends quiet village life—olive groves, vineyards and tavernas—with easy access to Athens, the coast and nearby national parks. The town has practical services, local markets and the Attica Zoological Park, making it a useful base for visitors arriving or departing by air.

Spata offers low-key evenings in the village square but acts primarily as a gateway to outdoor excursions, wine tasting and coastal day trips.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Spáta
morning
:

Arrive at Eleftherios Venizelos Airport and settle into your accommodation in Spáta. Enjoy a traditional Greek breakfast at a local café, sampling delicious pastries and strong coffee. Take some time to relax and adjust to the local time zone.

afternoon
:

Begin your exploration by visiting the nearby Attica Zoological Park, home to a diverse array of animals and beautiful landscapes. Spend a few hours walking the pathways and engaging with the exhibits, making sure to bring your camera for memorable photos. Grab lunch at a nearby restaurant, where you can savor authentic Greek cuisine.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head back to your accommodation to refresh before dinner. Choose a charming taverna for a delightful dinner, enjoying local dishes like moussaka and fresh seafood. Stroll through the quiet streets, soaking in the peaceful ambiance of Spáta.

day 2
Discover Athens
morning
:

Take a morning train to Athens to explore the iconic Acropolis, home to the Parthenon and stunning ancient ruins. Arrive early to beat the crowds and enjoy a guided tour to fully appreciate the historical significance of the site. Make sure to take in the panoramic views of the city from the top.

afternoon
:

After touring the Acropolis, visit the Acropolis Museum to see remarkable artifacts and learn about ancient Greek civilization. Enjoy a leisurely lunch in the Plaka district, filled with charming shops and cafes. Spend the afternoon wandering through the vibrant streets, stopping for souvenirs and local delicacies.

evening
:

As evening approaches, relax at a rooftop bar with stunning views of the illuminated Acropolis. Indulge in cocktails and small plates as you listen to traditional Greek music. End your day with a leisurely stroll through the historic neighborhoods of Monastiraki and Psiri.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
Coffee (espresso or frappé)$2-4
🚕Taxi start / short ride$3-6
🚌Local bus fare$1.50-3
🏨Budget hotel / guesthouse (per night)$50-90

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Extremely convenient for air travelers due to Athens International Airport being in Spata.
  • Access to rural Attica: vineyards, olive groves and natural parks for outdoor lovers.
  • Limited nightlife and cultural attractions within the town itself—best for transit or as a base rather than a destination.
  • Summer heat and occasional regional congestion around the airport and main roads.
  • "Γειά σας (Yia sas)" - Hello (formal/plural)
  • "Ευχαριστώ (Efcharistó)" - Thank you
  • "Παρακαλώ (Parakaló)" - Please / You're welcome
  • "Πόσο κοστίζει; (Póso kostízei?)" - How much does it cost?
  • "Πού είναι το αεροδρόμιο; (Poú eínai to aerodrómio?)" - Where is the airport?
  • "Μπορείτε να με βοηθήσετε; (Boríte na me voithísete?)" - Can you help me?

Places to Visit in Spáta

Visit one of these nice places.

Attica Zoological Park

Close-range wildlife and animal portraits in a landscaped park — great for family photography and diverse subjects.

Village square and church

Classic Greek village scenes: whitewashed buildings, outdoor tavernas, ornate church facades and everyday life photos.

Airport approach and observation points

Plane-spotting and dramatic shots of aircraft against Attica light—exercise caution and stick to permitted viewing areas.

Mesogeia vineyards and olive groves

Rural landscapes with rows of vines, gnarled olive trees and seasonal colors—best at golden hour.

Schinias–Marathon coast

Long sandy beaches, pine-fringed coastline and marshland vistas ideal for sunrise, coastal panoramas and bird photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Spáta

Spáta’s cuisine reflects classic Greek fare—fresh vegetables, grilled meats, seafood from nearby coasts, olive oil and local wines from the Mesogeia vineyards. The area’s tavernas emphasize seasonal produce and simple preparations, while the proximity to Athens means you can find both traditional and contemporary options.

Spáta Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Souvlaki and gyro

Skewered grilled meat or spit-roasted meat served with pita, tzatziki and salad — widely available at local tavernas and take-away stalls.

Must-Try!

Kleftiko

Slow-roasted lamb with herbs and lemon — a traditional dish often featured at Sunday lunches in family-run tavernas.

Greek salad and mezze (briám, dolmades)

Fresh village salad with local olive oil and mezze like briám (oven-roasted vegetables) or dolmades (stuffed vine leaves) — good vegetarian choices.

Local Mesogeia wines

Wines made from Attica and Mesogeia vineyards — seek out local tasting rooms or winery visits to sample indigenous and regional varieties.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Weekly laiki (farmers' market)

Typical Greek street market where local growers sell seasonal fruit, vegetables, cheeses, olives and pastries — ideal for picnic supplies and seeing everyday life.

Airport and village food stalls

Small stands and kiosks around the airport and village serve quick souvlaki, gyros and coffee — convenient for travelers and quick bites.

Climate Guide

Weather

Spáta has a Mediterranean climate: hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Spring and autumn are transitional and comfortable, ideal for outdoor activities. Summer heat can be intense inland, while coastal breezes moderate temperatures along the shore.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greeting

Simple greetings go a long way: say “Γεια σας” (Yia sas) for hello. A handshake is common in initial meetings; friends may kiss on both cheeks.

Dress and behavior

Dress is casual but respectful—avoid beachwear away from the shore. Be polite and moderately expressive; loud public arguments are frowned upon.

Dining customs

Meals are social and can be leisurely—expect shared plates and hospitality; it’s polite to compliment the host and accept small offerings.

Religious sites

When visiting churches, dress modestly and be quiet; ask before photographing services or clergy.

Safety Guide

Safety

Spáta is generally safe with low violent crime. Standard precautions against pickpocketing and petty theft apply, especially in crowded transport hubs and tourist spots. Take care when driving (watch local traffic patterns), avoid hiking alone in extreme heat, and heed wildfire warnings during hot, dry months. Emergency services are accessible via national numbers and the nearby airport has medical facilities.

Tipping in Spáta

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory: 5–10% in restaurants if service is good, a few euros for taxi drivers or hotel porters, and small change for café or bakery purchases.

Payment Methods

Greece uses the euro. Cards are widely accepted in restaurants, hotels and shops, but carry cash for small tavernas, markets and buses; ATMs are readily available in town and at the airport.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot and dry with temperatures often 30–35°C (86–95°F); expect busy beaches and occasional wildfire risk in the region—bring sun protection and hydrate.

Spring

Mild, pleasant weather and wildflowers across the countryside—an excellent time for hiking, winery visits and outdoor photography.

Autumn

Cooling temperatures and first rains; harvest time in vineyards and olive groves makes for scenic rural experiences and local festivals.

Winter

Mild but wetter weather with temperatures typically 5–15°C (41–59°F); snow can appear on nearby mountain peaks (Penteli/Hymettus) but the lowlands remain mostly rain-swept and quiet.

Nightlife Guide

Spáta at Night

Spáta itself is low-key at night with tavernas and cafés that stay open for evening meals and relaxed drinks; for lively nightlife and bars head to nearby Athens or coastal towns like Glyfada and Rafina where clubs, cocktail bars and seaside venues are available.

Hiking in Spáta

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Hymettus (Ymittos) Ridge Trail

Close climbs and ridge hikes offering panoramic views over Athens, varied terrain and aromatic scrub—suitable for half-day hikes and photography.

Mount Penteli

Trails through pine forests, rocky outcrops and historical quarries; moderate hikes with lookout points and cooler temperatures than the plain.

Schinias–Marathon coastal trails

Flat coastal walks through pine forest and wetlands, excellent for birdwatching, sunrise/sunset photography and relaxed seaside hiking.

Lavrio–Sounio coastal route (day trip)

Longer coastal routes and scenic roads linking historic Sounio with coastal villages—combine walking sections with stops at beaches and archaeological viewpoints.

Airports

How to reach Spáta by plane.

Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos)

Main international airport located in Spata—very convenient for arrivals/departures and connected by road, metro branch (Metro + bus/rail links) and regional bus services.

Lavrio (Lavrion) Airport

Smaller regional/charter airfield to the southeast, useful for some domestic or charter flights; about 40–60 minutes by car depending on route.

Getting Around

Walkability

The village center is very walkable—narrow streets, pedestrian-friendly square and easy access to local shops and cafés. However, attractions outside the center (wineries, parks, beaches) require a car, taxi or bicycle; public transport can be infrequent for rural routes.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local Greek families

Long-standing residents involved in agriculture, small businesses and local services—community-oriented and family-focused.

Airport and service workers

A sizable group of people employed by the airport, logistics and hospitality industries, including commuters from greater Athens.

Visitors and transient travelers

Business travelers, tourists in transit and people using Spata as a gateway to Athens and nearby attractions.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

The most popular sport across Greece, with local amateur clubs and youth teams active in the area.

Basketball

Widely played recreationally and followed on a national level; local community courts host pickup games.

Sailing and watersports

With easy access to the Saronic and eastern Attica coastlines, sailing, windsurfing and swimming are popular seasonal activities.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic can be busy on the main access roads to the airport (Attiki Odos and connecting highways) during peak hours, and seasonal summer travel to coastal areas adds congestion. Public transportation options include regional buses and rail links toward Athens; taxis and rental cars are common for flexible local travel. Plan extra time for airport transfers during peak travel times.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Spáta.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are widespread: Greek salad, briám, dolmades, fava and cheese pies. Many tavernas will adapt dishes if you explain (say “χορτοφαγικό” / chortofagikó).

Vegan

Vegan choices exist but can be limited in small village tavernas—stick to vegetable dishes, legumes, salads and ask for olive oil instead of butter or cheese.

Gluten-free

Fresh grilled meats, salads and many mezze are naturally gluten-free, but watch out for breads, pies and some sauces; always ask staff about ingredients (“Έχετε χωρίς γλουτένη;”).

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Spata has clinics, pharmacies and some private practitioners for routine care; the airport and nearby towns have first-aid facilities. For hospital care and specialized services, larger hospitals in Athens are about 25–45 minutes away by car depending on traffic. European Health Insurance Card holders should carry their card; travel insurance is recommended.

Discover Greece

Read more in our Greece 2025 Travel Guide.

Greece Travel Guide