The Athens Marathon — "The Authentic" — is the original marathon, following the legendary route from the town of Marathon to Athens that Pheidippides is said to have run in 490 BC to announce the Greek victory over the Persians. The point-to-point course finishes inside the Panathenaic Stadium (Kallimarmaro), the marble stadium that hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. This is not a fast course — the first half is mostly uphill — but it is the most historically significant marathon in the world, and finishing in that ancient stadium is an experience like no other.
This article contains affiliate links. If you book through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
The Event
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Event | Athens Marathon 2026 |
| Date | Sunday, November 8, 2026 |
| Venue | Start: Marathon (town) / Finish: Panathenaic Stadium, Athens |
| Address | Panathenaic Stadium, Vassileos Konstantinou Ave, Athens 116 35, Greece |
| Airport | Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" (ATH) |
Early November in Athens offers pleasant running weather with temperatures between 11-19°C (52-66°F). It is generally drier and sunnier than northern European races at this time of year, though some rain is possible.
The Venue: Panathenaic Stadium (Kallimarmaro)
The Panathenaic Stadium is the world's only stadium built entirely of marble, originally constructed in 329 BC and rebuilt for the first modern Olympics in 1896. It seats 50,000 spectators and serves as the dramatic finish line for the Athens Marathon. The start is in the town of Marathon, about 40 km northeast of Athens; buses transport runners to the start on race morning. The Marathon Expo is held at the Tae Kwon Do Centre near the coast in Faliro.
What's nearby:
- National Garden — Athens' central park, right next to the stadium, perfect for shakeout walks
- Temple of Olympian Zeus — the ruins of the largest temple in ancient Greece, visible from the stadium
- Syntagma Square — the main square of Athens, home to the Greek Parliament and the Changing of the Guard ceremony, a 10-minute walk north
- Plaka — the oldest neighbourhood in Athens, a charming labyrinth of narrow streets with tavernas and shops at the foot of the Acropolis
Important: Runners take organised buses from central Athens to the start in Marathon early on race morning. Plan to be at the designated bus departure points very early (typically around 5:30-6:00 AM). Collect your race bib at the Expo in Faliro beforehand.
Where to Stay
The best areas to stay are Syntagma/Plaka (close to the finish and the Acropolis), Monastiraki (vibrant, central, excellent food), or Koukaki (quieter, close to the Acropolis and stadium). Athens is walkable and the Metro is efficient, so you can easily reach both the finish area and the Expo bus departure points from central locations.
Hotel Grande Bretagne — Premium Pick
Athens' most iconic luxury hotel, located on Syntagma Square with rooftop views of the Acropolis and the Panathenaic Stadium. The rooftop restaurant and spa make it a perfect base for a celebratory race weekend.
A for Athens — Best Value
A stylish boutique hotel in Monastiraki with a famous rooftop bar offering direct Acropolis views. Affordable rates, central location, and surrounded by excellent food options.
Herodion Hotel — Close to Finish
Located in the Koukaki/Makriyianni area at the foot of the Acropolis, the Herodion is a short walk from the Panathenaic Stadium finish line. The rooftop terrace has stunning Acropolis views.
Getting There
From Athens International Airport (ATH)
| Option | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro Line 3 (Blue) | ~40 min to Syntagma | 9.00 EUR | Direct, runs every 30 min |
| Airport Bus X95 | ~60 min to Syntagma | 5.50 EUR | Runs 24/7; can be slower in traffic |
| Taxi | ~35-45 min | 40.00 EUR (fixed fare) | Flat rate to city centre; 55 EUR midnight-5 AM |
The Metro is the best option during the day — it is fast, air-conditioned, and drops you at Syntagma Square in the heart of Athens. The X95 bus runs around the clock and is useful for late-night arrivals.
Public Transport
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Single ride (90 min) | 1.20 EUR |
| Day pass | 4.10 EUR |
| 5-day pass | 8.20 EUR |
Athens' public transport is very affordable. The Metro has three lines covering most tourist areas. Tickets work on Metro, buses, trams, and the suburban railway. Validate your ticket before boarding.
Where to Eat
Monastiraki & Psyrri — the buzzing centre of Athens street food and nightlife. Souvlaki joints, meze bars, rooftop restaurants, and lively squares fill these neighbouring districts. Plaka — picturesque tavernas line the narrow streets below the Acropolis. Touristy but atmospheric, with some genuine gems tucked on quieter side streets.
Athens Food to Try
- Souvlaki — grilled meat (pork or chicken) wrapped in pita with tomato, onion, tzatziki, and fries; the king of Greek fast food (try Kostas or Thanasis in Monastiraki)
- Moussaka — baked layers of eggplant, minced meat, and bechamel sauce; hearty and perfect for carb-loading
- Spanakopita — flaky filo pastry filled with spinach and feta; an excellent quick snack from bakeries
- Greek Salad (Horiatiki) — fresh tomatoes, cucumber, olives, onion, and a thick slab of feta with olive oil
- Loukoumades — Greek doughnuts drizzled with honey, cinnamon, and walnuts; the ideal post-race reward
Budget eating: Athens is very affordable for eating out by European standards. A souvlaki wrap costs 3-4 EUR, a full taverna meal with wine runs 12-18 EUR per person, and bakeries sell spanakopita and tiropita for 2-3 EUR.
Essential Athens Tips
Currency. Euro (EUR). Cash vs card. Card acceptance has improved significantly in Athens, but many smaller tavernas, bakeries, kiosks, and market stalls still prefer cash. Carry 30-50 EUR for small purchases. Tipping. Tipping is not obligatory in Greece. Rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for good service at restaurants is appreciated. Language. Greek is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants, especially by younger Greeks. Weather in November. Average highs of 17-19°C (63-66°F) and lows of 10-12°C (50-54°F). Mostly sunny with occasional rain showers. Much warmer than northern European races. Safety. Athens is generally safe. Be aware of pickpockets on crowded Metro trains and around tourist hotspots like Monastiraki Square. Omonia Square can feel rough at night.
What to See
- Acropolis & Parthenon — the defining symbol of ancient Greece, perched above the city; visit early morning to beat the crowds
- Acropolis Museum — a stunning modern museum showcasing artifacts from the Acropolis, with views of the Parthenon from the top floor
- Ancient Agora — the heart of ancient Athenian civic life, with the beautifully preserved Temple of Hephaestus
- Monastiraki Flea Market — browse antiques, souvenirs, and street food in the vibrant market area below the Acropolis
- Mount Lycabettus — hike or take the funicular to the highest point in Athens for panoramic views of the city and the sea
- Cape Sounion — if you have an extra day, drive 70 km south to see the Temple of Poseidon perched on dramatic sea cliffs at sunset
Quick Reference
| Need | Answer |
|---|---|
| Airport | Athens (ATH), ~40 min by Metro |
| Venue | Start: Marathon / Finish: Panathenaic Stadium |
| Nearest station | Syntagma or Akropoli (Metro) |
| Transport to venue | Metro Line 3 to Syntagma, walk to stadium |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Cash needed? | Sometimes — carry cash for smaller venues |
| Language | Greek (English widely spoken in tourist areas) |
| Weather | 10-19°C (50-66°F), sunny and mild |
| Tipping | Round up or 5-10% at restaurants |
| Emergency | 112 |
This guide will be updated as more event details are confirmed. Last updated: May 2026.