ATHENS

Traveling to Athens you will feel the myth, history, culture, art and history, which made Athens the heart of the civilized world. Here’s  at a glance a pick of the must-dos to delve into Greek History and Civilization. I have also gathered some interesting places to explore with your family or friends.  You can adjust your programme to see the best points in Athens as follow:

One day will be devoted to an excursion to the archaeological places of:

Acropolis: One of the seven wonders of the world. The modern-day visitor can admire architectural treasures dating from the 5th century BC: the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Propylaea and the temple of Nike Apteros.

Acropolis Museum: The new Acropolis Museum houses the most important artifacts from the Mycenaean era.

Herod Atticus Odeon: The Athenian Herod Atticus built the Odeon, in memory of his wife Regilla. This ancient theater was fully restored in the 1950s. Ever since, it has been the main event venue for several festivals from May through October.

Plaka and Monastiraki: If you are tired from walking ans wish to make a break, the beautiful taverns of Plaka is the best choise for your meal. These streets are full of Byzantine churches, flowers, tavernas and bars. Monastiraki is known for its antique shops and old houses. For the night I suggest you to go for a dinner in one of the hundreds restaurants in Kolonaki or any cafe bar for the postmidnight time.

Otherday you can see the history and the modern character of the city, through a tour of the monuments, museums and sights.

National Archaeological Museum: Located in the heart of the city, this museum houses ancient Greek art from the Neolithic Era until the late Roman period. I suggest you to have 2 hours to see all the amazing sightseeings.

The Hellenic Parliament: Today visitors can watch the changing of the Evzones guards who stand there with the traditional uniform.

The Zappeion: One more very important historical and architectural building in Athens serves for private and public functions.

The National Gardens: Founded by queen Amalia features flora and fauna, antiquites and mosaics. Very nice place to visit and be close to nature without having to leave the city.

On the afternoon, the most athletic and tireless can attempt a climb on Lycabettus Hill. The panoramic view of Athens during the sunset is amazing. This place is also accessible by cable car. There is also a cafe restaurant to enjoy your drink or dinner.

My suggestions also include the following places:

The Athenian Trilogy: refers to a group of neoclassical buildings, the National Library, the Univeristy of Athens and the Athens Academy, all of them designed by Danish architect Theo Hansen in the mid of 19th century.

Temple of Olympian Zeus: or Olympieion is located between the Acropolis and the river Ilisos. This temple during the ancient world was the biggest temple dedicated to Zeus.

Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon: At Sounio area, at the southern tip of the Attica peninsula, are included the sanctuary of Poseidon and the settlement. One of the most important monuments of the Golden Age of Athens. In the area you will also admire the large Ionic temple of Athena, as well as a smaller Doric temple. Enjoy the magnificent view of the Saronic Gulf by staying until the evening to watch one of the most beautiful sunsets. There you will find a cafe restaurant and souvenir shop within a few minutes walk.

If you would like to spend some time in nature, see the coastal Athens and enjoy the sea view, you can visit:

Lake Vouliagmeni: Is located in the heart of the Athenian Riviera. A very nice location, there is an entrance fee, and a cafeteria.

Green Park Athens to enjoy your time in a very beautiful environment.

Lake and Marathon Dam: Here you can enjoy a nice walk in nature, from the dam to the surrounding villages with their traditional taverns.

The Marathon Tomb: The site is worth visiting from a historical point of view. You can get to the museum which is 5 minutes away by car.

Archaeological Museum of Marathon and the Battlefield of Marathon: It is worth learning about the true story behind the start of the Marathon. It is even more great and moving than the legend of Pheidippides. The plot of land of the Marathon Archaeological Museum houses the museum, the tomb of the Plataeaeans and the cemetery from the Bronze Age. The museum is interesting as it contains the collection of Herod’s family and Egyptian statues of the Roman period.

Planetarium: Founded in the 1950s, on Syngrou Avenue, its main focus is on astronomy. Employing state of the art digital technology boasts a 25-meter dome, the largest of its kind in the world.

From Athens you can travel to the following areas, which are very close and worth visited:

Archaeological Museum of Delphi: A modern museum, where you can admire the Iniochos, the Sphinx, the Kouros and many more. There is a single ticket for the Museum and the Archaeological Site.

Elefsina: A town near to Athens 20klm far, is dedicated to the goddess Demeter and home to the Eleusinian Mysteries, the most important religious rites in ancient Greece.

The Temple of Apollo: This temple is part of the archaeological site of Delphi. One of the most important sites of the ancient world, with a magnificent view.

If you have enough time, you can also make a stop at Krya in Livadia, a picturesque traditional village.

Nafplio: The first capital of Greece guides you through its recent history in an unparalleled setting in the traditional town of Nafplio, with its preserved architectural character and the two Venetian castles that surround it, Acronafplia and Palamidi.

Isthmus of Corinth: Whether you are going to Peloponnese or not it is worth going to this point as it is only 1 hour from Athens. It is impressive to see the depth. Important note, you have to get off the highway to be able to enjoy and see the canal. You can do bungee jumping here.

Piraeus: Here you can admire monuments such as the Ancient Koronian and Long Walls, remains of ancient temples and buildings as the neoclassical Municipal Theater and the Municipal Theater. This building is a landmark of Piraeus, followed the standard of the Theatre d’Odeon de Paris.