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TOP 10 REASONS
TOP 10 REASONS
TOP 10 REASONS
Why travel to Athens: Find out the top 10 reasons to visit
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01
A SNEAK PEAK
A SNEAK PEAK
A SNEAK PEAK
A Sneak Peek into Athens
- Athens has a long and illustrious history of over 3,000 years, making it a symbol of Western civilisation.
- The city thrived during classical antiquity, and it was the birthplace of Socrates, Pericles, and Sophocles.
- Athens is now more than a relic of its illustrious past; it is a lively capital city with some of the country's most well-known tourist attractions.
- The Acropolis is the most beautiful ancient structure globally, and the city's excellent museums house magnificent treasures discovered nearby.
- Other hidden gems in the city are the city's beautiful Byzantine churches and the village-like districts north of the Acropolis.
- Get lost in the Plaka district's narrow pedestrian passageways dotted with magnificent bougainvillea-draped buildings and friendly restaurant patios when you run out of things.
- Athens holidays is a very different experience than the picturesque Greek islands.
- It might feel frantic and crowded during the summer, but the weather in Athens is still pleasant in the spring and fall, with significantly fewer people.
- Capital: Athens
- International Airport: Athens International Airport (ATH)
- Population: 3.75 million
- Currency: Greek drachma
- Time: GMT+3
- Driving side: Right
- Main Electricity: 230V
- Official Language: Greek
- Religion: Christianity (Orthodox Christian nation)
02
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
Top Tourist Attractions in Athens
- Visit the Acropolis of Athens.
- Explore the neighbourhoods of Pláka and Anafiotika.
- Stroll Through the Ruins of the Marketplace in the Ancient Agora
- Look for bargains in Monastiraki and the Flea Market.
03
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
Best Months to Visit Athens
- Late March through Early June, or late September through early November, are the best times to visit Athens since the weather is pleasant but not scorching, and the high tourist season of July and August has passed.
- Although the weather in Athens might be cool and wet from November to March.
- Athens usually is a fantastic year-round visit.
- The best time to visit the great attractions in Athens is when the weather is moderate and there are fewer travellers: April through around mid-May or October and into early November are the best seasons to visit.
- With 16 Blue Flag beaches, Greater Athens boasts the longest coastline of any capital.
- The months of June through September are the greatest for seeing them.
- September is enjoyable because the crowd has dispersed, and the water is a pleasant 24°C, having warmed up during the summer.
04
WORTH A VISIT
WORTH A VISIT
WORTH A VISIT
The Best Places to Visit in Athens
The Ancient Acropolis
- Few sites in the world compare to the Acropolis of Athens, with its Parthenon temple perched high atop a rocky crag, watching over centuries of civilisation.
- The Acropolis was the hub of ancient Athens and served as a citadel in its fortified hilltop location, serving as a reminder of the city's splendour.
- The Parthenon, the biggest temple of classical antiquity, dates from 447 BC to 338 BC and is the most iconic structure.
- The temple is awe-inspiring with its enormous rows of Doric columns and magnificent sculptural features.
- Reliefs represent the goddess Athena's birth on the frieze on the eastern side.
- The Porch of the Caryatids, the most famous portion of the Erechtheion complex, with six sculptures of maidens in place of Doric columns.
- Head to the north side of the slope for stunning views of the Acropolis below.
- The pedestrian street of Apostolou Pavlou is lined with restaurants that look out to the Acropolis.
- Some of these restaurants provide rooftop dining with spectacular views of the Acropolis, including the grand entrance and the Parthenon, which are all illuminated at night.
- On hot days, it's better to visit the Acropolis in the morning and then spend the afternoon at the air-conditioned Acropolis Museum.
- Alternatively, go to the Acropolis to see the sunset. Purchase a Skip the Line Acropolis of Athens Tour, which includes a guided tour of the site, to skip the enormous lines.
Acropolis Museum
- This is another of Athens' major attractions, which houses one of the world's most precious collections of ancient Greek art.
- The new museum, which is located below the pinnacle of the Acropolis, was completed in 2007 and replaced the former museum atop the hill.
- This gigantic building is one of the world's largest, spanning 25,000 square metres and including 14,000 square metres of exhibition space.
- This is one of the best things about Athens when the sun shines brightly.
- Be advised that the line to purchase tickets at the entry can be long, so booking your tickets in advance online is advisable.
- You'll be guaranteed admission at a specified time this way.
National Archaeology Museum
- The National Archaeological Museum of Athens, founded in the nineteenth century, is Greece's most significant archaeological museum and one of the world's most excellent antiquities museums.
- The museum is built in an imposing Neoclassical structure with an exhibiting space of 8,000 square metres.
- Five permanent collections with over 11,000 items are on display, providing a comprehensive overview of Greek civilisation from prehistory to late antiquity.
- The Prehistoric Collection covers the Neolithic, Cycladic, and Mycenaean periods (from the sixth millennium BC to 1050 BC), which includes artefacts from Thera's prehistoric habitation.
- The Sculpture Collection houses ancient Greek sculptures from the sixth to the fifth centuries BC, including rare masterpieces.
- The Vase and Decorative Objects Collection features ancient Greek pottery from the 11th century BC to the classical Roman period.
- Minor artefacts from many historical periods can be found in the Stathatos Collection.
- The Metallurgy Collection features exquisite metal-sculpted miniature statues and figures.
05
DISCOVER MORE
DISCOVER MORE
DISCOVER MORE
Athens Off the Beaten Track
The Pláka and Anafiotika Neighborhoods
- The scenic Pláka suburb, located between the northern slopes of the Acropolis and Ermo Street, is a popular tourist destination.
- The pleasant village atmosphere is the main draw of this ancient area.
- Beautiful bougainvillaea-trimmed pastel-painted houses, cafés, and stores adorn the Pláka quarter's narrow pedestrian streets and bright tiny squares.
- Historic churches are tucked away in peaceful sections of the country.
- A stroll in the lovely landscape is ideal for unwinding when you've gotten your fill of ruins and museums.
- Anafiotika's winding mediaeval streets are also a treat to explore in the evenings.
- On Mnisikleous Street, the Restaurant Staircase is well-known. Nearby, on the hillside, are calmer streets concealing beautiful tiny cafés and eateries.
- On Pepopida Street, there are two notable archaeological sites: the first-century BC Roman Agora and the second-century Hadrian's Library.
Ruins of the Marketplace
- In ancient Athens, the Agora was the marketplace and the heart of daily life.
- The north gate off Adriano Street is the finest place to enter the Agora.
- The Agora was a meeting place for the Agora tou Dimou, a civic decision-making body, and a place of administration and commerce.
- There were also athletic activities, and theatre performances staged here.
- The Stoa of Attalos, established by King Attalos II and restored in the 1950s, is one of the most outstanding elements of the Ancient Agora. In 399 BC, the stoa may have been the site of Socrates' trial.
- The awe-inspiring Temple of Hephaistos is another important landmark.
- You may get there by taking a delightful walk-up Agora Hill's walkway (Kolonos Agoraios).
- The conversion of this fifth-century BC Doric temple into a Christian church protected it from destruction, making it one of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples.
- The Parthenon inspired the Ionic friezes, and the temple was built on a classical plan with six rows of 13 columns.
06
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
Athens Culture and Traditions
- Going on holiday to Athens typically means taking a step back in time to the era of the Spartans, symposiums, and leather sandals.
- Visiting the city's museums and ruins to learn about Ancient Athens highlights any trip to Greece's capital, but there's as much to love about modern Greek culture.
- Many time-honored Greek rituals and traditions are still appreciated by Athenians and travellers alike, from drinking up Athens' vibrant culinary culture at the Central Market to roaming the colourful neighbourhoods of Plaka and Exarcheia or partaking in a festival.
07
FOOD FUN FASHION
FOOD FUN FASHION
FOOD FUN FASHION
Athens: Food, Fun & Fashion Guide
Fava, Vlassis Restaurant
#Food
- Fava is a creamy appetiser from the Greek island of Santorini.
- Yellow split peas are known as fava in Greek (not broad beans, also commonly known as fava beans).
- Fava comes in various colours, the most common of which is a bright yellow.
- It's vegan-friendly and drizzled with olive oil and onions.
- Vlassis Restaurant specialises in high-quality traditional Greek food, and each of its dishes is presented beautifully.
- Choose from various appetisers, hot dishes, fresh salads, and enticing desserts, or try their extravagant dish of the day.
- Vlassis Restaurant has a variety of spreads, including fava, which you should taste.
Gemista
#Food
- No other dish in Greece can rival Gemista in terms of the appeal (which means stuffed in Greek and refers to vegetables stuffed in various ways).
- Gemista is distinct from packed leaves like cabbage or grape leaves, which are called something else in Greek since they are technically "rolled" rather than "stuffed."
- Unless otherwise stated, Gemista often entails filling tomatoes and green peppers before baking.
- Gemista is made in diverse ways all around Greece. The vegetarian variations are called orfana, and they are best enjoyed cold with a piece of feta on the side and some good crusty bread in the summer.
- They are often baked in the oven. However, other recipes call for cooking some vegetables, notably zucchinis and their flowers, in a pot.
Briam, Acropolis Museum
#Food
- Briam is a simple Mediterranean dish made with roasted seasonal vegetables, including eggplant, peppers, courgettes, potatoes, cherry tomatoes, shallots, carrots, and garlic, all blended with herbs and topped with a fresh and vivid tomato sauce.
- It's usually served as a summertime dish with a block of salty feta cheese and a slice of crusty bread.
- Salads, appetisers, snacks, main courses, and desserts based on local delicacies are available at the Acropolis Museum's restaurant.
- Enjoy a delectable briam dish with baked eggplants, tomato sauce, and gruyere while taking a breathtaking view of the Acropolis.
- A delectable children's menu is also available at the restaurant.
Ermou Street
#Fashion
- Let's begin with Athens' most well-known commercial district, Ermou Street.
- A magnificent pedestrian strip runs out right at the foot of the central plaza Syntagma, loaded with businesses.
- Here, you'll find well-known brands like H&M, Zara, Accessorise, Sephora cosmetics, Flying Tiger, various other minor products, and beautiful little private businesses.
- The Hondos Center, which specialises in cosmetics, is the next stop.
- The ladies will undoubtedly enjoy it because who doesn't enjoy browsing at beautiful stuff, free beauty trials, and other beautiful deals? If you're looking for clothing, head north of Ermou, near Syntagma Square, to Kaliviotis, where you'll find a large choice of speciality fabrics and accessories.
A little nostalgia in Monastiraki
#Fashion
- Going a little further, you'll come across the Monastiraki market, which can be called a dream location for any traveller because there are so many souvenirs with traditional Greek shapes to select from.
- No place beats Monastiraki, especially for bohemian souvenirs, leather products, and accessories.
- This location is open all day on Sunday when most other markets in Greece are closed.
- The intriguing thing is that travellers may find tens of thousands of antiques in Avissinias square in the Monastiraki market, including genuine antiques, at very reasonable costs.
- The commodities at this market are highly varied and rich, ranging from jewellery to records to furniture to décor.
- Everything from valuable 19th-century artefacts to some worthless objects, all jumbled together in an organised mess that is both attractive and eye-catching.
- Sundays will be more vibrant as gipsies and peasants converge to sell various items.
Aqualand
#Fun
- Aqualand is easily accessible from all parts of Corfu Island because it is located in the island's centre and on the major road.
- Aqualand's construction began in 1995 and took two years to complete, resulting in a high-quality attraction with the highest guest safety procedures.
- The water attractions are being built by well-known construction companies who previously worked on Universal Studios and Disney parks projects.
- Every year, a large number of new games are released. As a result, they are pretty proud of the fantastic and thrilling waterpark.
- Aqualand includes a variety of aquatic activities and a variety of amenities to keep your day thrilling until the very end.
- This aquatic paradise, surrounded by verdant forests covering a total area of 75.000 square metres, will make your visit comfortable and pleasurable, even on the hottest summer days.
- Relax beneath the shade of the lovely maple trees or experience the thrill of the multi-slide attraction.
- They cater to all of your demands, so Aqualand is regarded as one of Europe's top waterparks.
Waterpark in Rhodes
#Fun
- Faliraki Waterpark in Rhodes: Open from May to October, Faliraki Water Park is Europe's largest waterpark.
- It's a fantastic park with all of the conveniences and games kids like.
- There are a variety of activities and rides here, including Kamikaze slides, a Pirate ship that is just waiting to be explored, wave pools, lazy rivers, black holes, and much more.
- Experienced lifeguards will watch you as you enjoy the water games.
- Medical technicians are also required to have a solarium.
- The park is open from ten o'clock to seven o'clock at night.
- It is located on Faliraki beach, and buses are available to transfer you from Rhodes town to Faliraki and back.
08
NATURE & SAFARI
NATURE & SAFARI
NATURE & SAFARI
Athens: Natural Beauty & Safari Adventures
- The Oeta (Oete, Oeti, or possibly Oiti) National Park is Greece's third-largest national park, covering 7,000 hectares in central Greece.
- The park, which is part of the Natura 2000 Network and prohibits hunting and other damaging activities, is home to more than 50 indigenous plant species as well as a variety of animals and birds, including roe deer, and wild boar, hare, brown bears, wolves, and wildcats.
- Travellers can also visit the Agathonos monastery and explore some caverns in the park.
- Greece has a marine park, which makes sense given the country's 13,700 kilometres of coastline.
- The Alonissos Maritime Park, established in 1992, is one of Europe's largest marine protected areas.
- The park encompasses the island of Alonissos, six smaller islands, no less than 22 islets, and the sea.
- Several unique flora and fauna species call the area home, including the Gioura wild goat, red coral, and the Audouin's gull.
- Scuba divers and snorkelers can explore the park, and if they're lucky, one or two Mediterranean monk seals may be spotted.
- The Vikos – Aoös National Park is 30 kilometres from Ioannina in northwestern Greece, in the scenic area of Epirus.With gorges and canyons, caverns, lakes and rivers, and lush forests covering an area of nearly 12,600 hectares.
- The park, established in 1973 and is home to wolves, brown bears, and deer, is popular among locals for outdoor activities.
- If you're seeking a lovely environment, picture-perfect mountain communities, and adrenaline-pumping activities, the area is suitable for hiking, climbing, mountain biking, rafting, and kayaking.
09
EVENTS & FIESTAS
EVENTS & FIESTAS
EVENTS & FIESTAS
Athens Must-Attend Festivals and Events
- The annual Athens Photo Festival, which began in 1987 and is hosted by the Hellenic Centre for Photography, is a prominent international photography festival in the region.
- Since its inception, the festival has been in steady evolution and aims to provide a venue where artists may exchange their artistic viewpoints and network.
- As a significant cultural and artistic event in Greece, the festival provides an opportunity to showcase emerging local talent and network with artists from across the world.
- The Athens International Comics Festival, often known as the Babel Festival, has been running since 1996.
- The cultural festival has drawn worldwide comic artists while also encouraging rising local illustrators since its inception.
- The festival immediately transports you to a dreamland where comics and artistic expression collide and blend.
- The festival, which takes place at the Technopolis complex in Gazi, comprises exhibitions by Greek and foreign artists and parallel concerts and events for the general public.
FAQs to Plan Your Best Athens Holiday
Places similar to Athens to visit
Places similar to Athens to visit
Places similar to Athens to visit