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About Athens
Considered as the symbol of the glorious Western Civilization, Athens is notably festooned with ancient relics and magnificent history. This Greek capital is popular for its mythological-inspired Acropolis, splendid Olympic Stadium, and the gorgeous Cape Sounio. But beyond its ancient appeal, Athens is also a multi-haven of amazing metro life and unbelievable nature escapes!
Things to do in Athens
For a dose of adrenaline, Athens is indeed a paradise for adventure-seekers. It might be known for its heritage tours, but this Greek capital also offers activities such as windsurfing, scuba diving, and sailing. Its magnificent seas and its diverse underwater wildlife will satiate your craving for an island lifestyle.
Aside from its coastal features, you could also enjoy hiking, trekking, and rock climbing in Athens’ terrains and landscapes.
Athens is a perfect place to satiate your wanderlust and this destination can cater to all types of adventurers. Whether you’re a history geek, an architecture enthusiast, a food aficionado, a beach bum or a city lover, Athens got it all for you!
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🏛️ Art, History, and Architecture
Athens is the capital and the largest city of Greece. Although today it has turned into a busy and cosmopolitan city, Athens still preserves elements of its ancient glory. This is the perfect city for sightseeing and a great base for excursions around Greece. Monuments of all historical periods are spread around the town, from the Ancient and the Roman times until the Byzantine and modern era. As the best sightseeing in Athens is found in a walking distance from the city center, they are easy to visit by foot or on a bus tour. Do not certainly miss the Acropolis Hill and the Acropolis Museum. If you have time, take a stroll from the Acropolis to Thission and Monastiraki, it is a lovely promenade.
Parthenon
Considered as a trademark of Athens, this majestic landmark in Acropolis is definitely a must–visit. Parthenon was built to pay homage to the ancient goddess Athena and visiting this spot is a great way to commemorate the glorious days of the Western Civilization. It might look like a place of ruins today, but this attraction used to be a solid building on the initial years of its creation. Visiting Parthenon might require severe commitment, but the costs and the efforts will all be worth it once you reach the top of the Acropolis hill (where it’s located). Aside from the historical appeal of the landmark itself, you’ll also be gratified with the stunning Athenian views that this place offers.
Temple of Poseidon, Sounion
Located in the southeast of Athens, Sounio is the last point of the land that the ancient Athenian soldiers could see when they sailed away into the Aegean. It was also the first spot they witness once they come back from war. The temple of Poseidon in Sounio was built by ancient Athenians not only to please Poseidon but also to ensure that their warriors and sea farers will have great sea journey during their trips to wars. Aside from the emotional history behind this temple, this landmark is a must-visit for its wonderful sunset and striking views of the Aegean Sea.
Archaeological Museum in Athens
A haven of the ancient collections in Greece, this magnificent museum is a great place to ponder upon the historical anthologies of the old times.
Festooned with glorious stone statures, ancient weapons, gravestones, miniatures, and tools, the Archaeological Museum of Athens is indeed a wonderful exhibition of the periods of Greek history.
Panathenaic Stadium
The Panathenaic Stadium or Kallimarmaro is a multi-purpose stadium in Athens. One of the main historic attractions of Athens, it is the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble.
It had a capacity of 50,000 seats. After the rise of Christianity in the 4th century it was largely abandoned. The stadium was excavated in 1869 and hosted the Zappas Olympics in 1870 and 1875. After being refurbished, it hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the first modern Olympics in 1896 and was the venue for 4 of the 9 contested sports. It was used for various purposes in the 20th century and was once again used as an Olympic venue in 2004. It is the finishing point for the annual Athens Classic Marathon.
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Neighborhoods
With a history of over 3,000 years, Athens Greece, the capital of the country, is a monument by itself and one of the liveliest European cities that one can visit. Ιt offers amazing neighborhoods to visit, with ancient sites and museums. It has both picturesque and modern neighborhoods, as well as an intriguing coastal part.
Athens Plaka
Following Ermou Street, the most famous shopping hub of Athens, and going down south, you will arrive at the neighborhood of Plaka.
The area is found between Syntagma and Monastriraki and it is easily accessed on foot from the center of Athens.
Due to the numerous ancient Greek monuments that are scattered all around the area, Plaka is also known as the "neighborhood of the gods".
Plaka is one of the oldest neighborhoods of Athens, located right below the Acropolis hill.
It is extremely beautiful and picturesque, distinguished for its authentic character and traditional layout.
The largest part of Plaka consists of neoclassical houses that date back to the 19th century, although archeological findings suggest that the region has been continuously inhabited since the prehistoric times. The most beautiful part of Plaka is definitely the settlement of Anafiotika. The settlers who constructed the neighborhood arrived from Anafi island and as a result, you will find pretty Cycladic houses leading to Acropolis.
Athens Mikrolimano Harbor
Location: Piraeus /
Mikrolimano ("Little Port") is one of the natural ports in the area of Piraeus. It is located 6.2 miles from the center of Athens. You can get there easily by car and public transport. Designated car parking areas are available.
Mikrolimano has been used as a port since the ancient years, as the archeological findings in the area indicate. Nowadays it is a lively place with a seafront promenade that attracts many visitors because of the nice sea views. Many restaurants, cafes and bars are found along the coastline, offering entertainment to the visitors. It is highly recommended to get there at sunset time.
Athens Dionysiou Areopagitou Street
The paved street Dionysiou Areopagitou is one of the best places in Athens to go for a walk, as it offers one of the best views of the Acropolis and the ancient temples.
It was named after Dionysios Areopagitis, the first member of the ancient court Arios Pagos who converted to Christianity around 50 AD.
It is estimated to be around 0.5 miles long, with a starting point near the temple of Olympian Zeus and the Arch of Hadrian, on Amalias Avenue. The closest metro station is "Akropoli". Walking on Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, you will come both modern and neoclassical luxurious houses, as well as several monuments: The new Acropolis Museum next to Weiler, a brick building used as a Bavarian military hospital during the war, the Roman theater of Herodes Atticus, the altar of the nymphs which is a recently discovered monument, Agia Sophia church, the neoclassical building housing the Spanish embassy and much more.
Reaching the crossroad at the end of the street next to Philopappos Hill, you can continue walking towards Thissio or explore the foothills of Pnyx Hill where the fountain and caves of Pnyx are located.
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🌿Nature
Athens is an enchanting place with great natural beauty. The most famous sightseeing in Athens is Lake Vouliagmeni, which is another must-visit destination for nature lovers..
Vouliagmeni Lake
This jewel in Athenian Riviera is considered as one of the most romantic places in Greek capital! A must visit in Athens, Vouliagmeni Lake is a whimsy spot for relaxation, swimming, and nature-viewing.
With the exquisite caves as the backdrop, the cool water of this 12 m deep lake is a perfect escape for the hot days of the summer.
We will see you all there!!!
