The capital of Greece and the country's largest city. It owes its name to goddess Athena. Its history spans more than 3000 years, making Athens the site of significant archaeological relics such as the world-renowned Parthenon on the Acropolis.
Athens
5th century BC. An electrifying artistic current ran through what was then the most prosperous capital in the known world. The blood of the war against the Persians was erased, and with the reformations of Pericles, Athens was transformed into the magnificent architectural wonder that we know. The main stars of that transformation were in the Acropolis, a great spirituality center since the Neolithic.
Today the milestones of that architectural revolution are part of the history of art books: the Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Erechtheion, with its cover of the Caryatids, the temple of Athena Nike, the sanctuary of Zeus Paleo, the Pandion, the Asklepion, the theater of Dionysus.
Even not an expert in art, the Acropolis impresses anyone who wanders among its invaluable remains.
The famous Athenian ruins may be millenary but not inert. In fact, for a good part of the year, some recover their original use. This is what happens with the theaters of the Acropolis, which become protagonists while the events included in the Epidaurus Festival of Athens, are celebrated.
This event, which runs from May to October, transforms the theaters of Herod, Atticus, and Lycabettus into stages where they declaim the best companies. Something similar happens with the millennial stadium Panatenaico or Kalimarmaro that in November hosts the Athens Marathon and several events throughout the year.
But Athens is so much more than the Acropolis...
Most of those who arrive in Athens do so only in search of the remains of Classical antiquity. However, the Hellenic capital offers much more than that.
The Greek capital is living an authentic revolution, its streets alternate the aromas of the ancient world, with impressive monuments that must be admired both for what they were and for their ability to adapt to the present. Getting around Athens is very simple, you can reach places of interest very easily by public transport, and staying in a central hotel is one of the most important things to consider.
The neighborhoods in Athens. Also, there in the heart of Athens, is the picturesque neighborhood of Plaka, the most beautiful neighborhood that concentrates the best examples of architecture of the past.
Then there is Monastiraki, from the square begins the outdoor market where you can find all kinds of clothes, antiques, and souvenirs to buy.
From the Monastiraki square begins Athinas street leading to the Central Market of Athens where you can find and try several typical Greek products.
A little further north of the central market is the Omonia square, from this square, it begins Panepistimiou street, which leads to Syntagma Square, the Place of the Constitution. Along the way you can admire emblematic neoclassical buildings.
An essential visit for lovers of Classical Greece is the National Archaeological Museum, one of the most important in the world that hosts most of the archaeological treasures found throughout the Hellenic territory.
Museo Arqueológico Nacional uno de los más importantes del mundo que acoge la mayor parte de los tesoros arqueológicos encontrados por todo el territorio Heleno.To discover the city, you have to stain the soles of the shoes with the asphalt of modern Athens.
Agias Eirinis Square It is one of the most stylish places in the center of Athens right now. Full of cafes, pubs, and restaurants with good music and atmosphere day and night.
Gazi neighborhood and Keramikos Keramikos (Ceramic) was the area where the potters worked and the largest necropolis/cemetery in Greece between the 5th and 4th centuries B. C. Nowadays you can visit the cemetery and also the small museum.
Close to Keramikos is the Technopolis of Gazi square, the old Gas factory built in 1862, which in recent years has become a cultural center where many concerts, exhibitions, and festivals are held.
Around the square there are many places full of young people and a lot of atmosphere, it is one of the best areas of Athens to go out in summer and winter.
Likavitos (Lycabettus) and Kolonaki The hill of Likavitos is the highest point, 277 meters, in the center of the city of Athens, can be accessed by the funicular and from above you can admire beautiful views of Athens and the Acropolis.
The visit on the hill of Likavitos can be combined with a walk through Kolonaki, the most elegant district of Athens, extending from Syntagma Square to the foot of Likavitos. A stately neighborhood with neoclassical buildings known for its haute couture shops and nightlife.
The Outskirts Of Athens
Vouliagmeni is 25 km from the center of Athens at the foot of Mount Hymettus.
Its sandy beaches where the Athenians meet the hot months, the Vouliagmeni Yacht Club and the marina, the restaurants, and taverns next to the sea that become discotheques with the sunset until the early hours of the morning.
Cape Sunio. It is in southern Attica, 65 km from Athens. It is well known for the Temple of Poseidon and the Temple of the goddess Athena. From Cape Sounion you can see a beautiful sunset.
Destinations
in Attica
Cape Sounio
There are many things that you should not miss if you visit Athens and going to Cape Sounio is one of them. Famous for housing the temple of Poseidon and the temple of Athena. Its breathtaking view of the Aegean Sea will astound you.
Saronic Gulf Islands
Located between 1 and 3 hours from Athens, the Saronic Gulf Islands are the finest alternative for a sailing escape or a full-day adventure.
Vouliagmeni Lake
Vouliagmeni Lake, or Sunken Lake, is a hidden gem about 20 kilometers from Athens' downtown. It is a popular tourist destination due to its hot springs that are 24 degrees Celsius all year.