Athens vs Madrid

Athens

Athens has a hot Mediterranean climate with long, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 35°C and the Acropolis bakes in the sun. Spring and autumn are ideal for sightseeing. Winter is mild with some rain but temperatures rarely drop below 5°C.

Madrid

Madrid has a continental Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool winters. The high altitude means cold winter nights despite sunny days.

Athens

Athens has a modern metro system (built for the 2004 Olympics), extensive bus and trolleybus network, and a tram line to the coast. A single ticket costs €1.20 and is valid for 90 minutes on all modes. The 5-day tourist ticket (€9) is excellent value.

Walkability: Central Athens is very walkable, though hilly in places. The pedestrianized Dionyssiou Areopagitou walkway around the Acropolis is one of Europe's finest urban walks. Plaka, Monastiraki, and Syntagma are all within easy walking distance of each other. The heat in summer can make walking exhausting — carry water.

Madrid

Madrid has one of the best public transport systems in Europe. The metro is extensive, clean, and efficient. The historic center is very walkable.

Walkability: Excellent in the center — Sol, Gran Via, Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace, and Retiro Park are all within comfortable walking distance of each other.