TUI is adding a new route from London Gatwick to Athens, a European capital that stays warm well into winter, as part of a major network expansion. The German holiday firm is increasing its Gatwick offering to 59 destinations with new services to Palermo, Santiago de Compostela, Seville, Valencia, Tangier, Djerba and Mytilene, alongside the Greek capital.
Athens named best winter destination
Athens was recently named the best place to visit in winter by Time Out. The publication's writer John Ovans spent the season there last year and noted "the city never goes into full hibernation mode". He suggested the Greek capital could soon claim Lisbon's crown as the premier European city for digital nomads thanks to "cheap living, a warm lifestyle, and a gritty-glamorous vibe".
Ovans highlighted the mild climate: "On a good winter day you might get up to the high teens, or even low-20s on rare extra sunny occasions. So if you're planning a winter visit, then sitting and eating and out in the squares should absolutely be on your list – even on sunny days in January and February, the buzzing tourist neighbourhoods like Psirri, Plaka and Exarchia will all be fair game to eat outside, thanks to awnings and gas heaters."
What to see and eat in Athens
The Acropolis is worth scaling at any time of year, with stunning views from the Parthenon and over the city. The National Archaeological Museum is another must-see, although a lengthy rebuild is now impending. Its collection includes genuine ancient wonders such as the Artemision Bronze and the Mask of Agamemnon.
For affordable dining, Athens' traditional workers' canteens, historically known as inomagireia or simply magireia, serve hearty, home-cooked stews, soups and casseroles directly from hot trays or pots. The taverns come alive in the evening, whatever the season, with home-cooked food served alongside glasses of rakomelo, a hot toddy digestive spirit.
Network expansion and capacity boost
The new routes across the TUI network will add 640,000 seats and open up previously unserved destinations across Spain, Greece, Italy, Slovenia, Tanzania, Cape Verde and Morocco. Most services will operate two to three times a week.
Tui Airline chief commercial officer Peter Glade said: "Gatwick has played a central role in the development of Tui's airline business in the UK for more than six decades. For generations of customers across London, the south and southwest of England, it has been the gateway to their holidays."
He added: "Expanding our portfolio to 59 destinations is a natural next step as we continue to invest in one of the most important markets. The additional flying creates more opportunities for customers, supports continued growth in both package holiday and flight-only demand, and reinforces our long-term commitment to Gatwick."
