There is nothing as magical as a summer in Greece. Always a popular travel destination, Greece saw a massive increase in tourism again in 2021, after being hit hard during the pandemic. Those who weren't able to get to Greece this summer can start to plan their perfect trip for next summer--starting in Athens, the capital of Greece.
One of the oldest cities in the world, and the birthplace of democracy, Athens is a great place to begin exploring before visiting the islands or continuing your journey through mainland Greece, because it offers so much for every type of traveller--a great mix of ancient sites, museums, dining options, sightseeing, and shopping, surrounded by the sea.
If you have less than a week in Athens, here are a few neighborhoods and sights you should make time to visit:
Plaka
One of the most well-known and popular tourists neighborhood in Athens is Plaka, also known as 'the neighborhood of the Gods.' This is a top attraction because of the picturesque streets, restaurants, shops, and of course, the historic landmarks. Although crowded, especially during the summer months of July and August, it is a great place to begin exploring because you'll get to walk through the ancient, cobblestone streets, shop for souvenirs in Monastiraki, and visit the Acropolis. Take time while you're in Plaka to walk through Hadrian's Arch to visit the Temple of Zeus--one of the largest temples in Greece. Another breathtaking site is the Temple of Hephaestus, which is the best preserved Doric temple in Greece.
The Acropolis
The Acropolis is the
‘crown jewel of Athens’, and a sight to behold. One of the most important
ancient sites in the world dating back to 5000-4000 BC, and a UNESCO World
Heritage Site, the Acropolis soars above the city of Athens. Of course, the
main attraction is the Parthenon, the large, majestic marble
temple dedicated to the Goddess Athena. It’s best to explore the Acropolis
early in the morning, to avoid midday crowds and the summer heat. Tickets can
be purchased once you arrive.
Acropolis Museum
The Acropolis Museum
opened its doors in 2009, and has become one of the world’s most important
museums, showcasing the surviving treasures--sculptures, statues, jewellery,
ceramics, art—from the Acropolis. The museum itself is stunning to see, and the
Acropolis is always visible through the floor to ceiling windows throughout the
museum. As you enter, you’ll walk over a glass floor which reveals the ruins of
an ancient Athenian neighbourhood, uncovered during the construction of the
museum.
National Archaeological Museum
The National Archaeological Museum is another
important museum to visit during your time in Athens. This museum is dedicated
to ancient Greek art, showcasing a vast
collection of sculptures, marble and bronze statues, and jewelry.
It’s interesting to see, as you walk through the historic museum, the evolution
of ancient Greek culture through the many galleries over the three floors.
Athens Riviera
If you have limited time in
Greece, visiting the Athens Riviera is a great way to get a glimpse of the
island life without leaving the mainland. 30 minutes from downtown Athens, the
Athens Riviera looks a lot like the French Riviera, hence, the name. It is a
beautiful coastline full of blue-flag beaches on the Aegean Sea, sea-side
restaurants, and five-star resorts like the Four Seasons. You can also visit
the neighborhoods of Vouliagmeni and Glyfada, to enjoy some of
the finest seaside dining, beaches, and shopping, in an upscale
surrounding.
Temple of Poseidon
The Temple of Poseidon
at Cape Sounion is one of the most beautiful sites to see in Greece,
especially at sunset. Homer referred to Cape Sounion as “the sacred
cape of the Athenians.” I envisioned I would be alone with my family when we
visited, but of course, it was full of tourists and their camera gear—but it
was still worth it. This temple was built in 440 BC, perched 60 meters above
the Aegean sea, at the southernmost tip of Attica. Rich in history, this Doric
temple is devoted to Poseidon, the Olympian God of the sea, and offers
spectacular views of the Aegean Sea. You can buy your tickets once you arrive,
but make sure you give yourself enough time to get there, because last entry is
20 minutes before sunset.
Dining
Dining is a simple thing in
Athens, because no matter where you go, and no matter where you’re exploring,
you will always find a delicious restaurant or small taverna offering classic
Greek and Mediterranean food. It’s almost
impossible to eat a bad meal in Greece, Athens being no exception. If
you’re looking for something different—after you’ve indulged your taste for
Greek cuisine—head to Athénée,
a trendy Athenian landmark that’s been around for over 80 years. It’s a great
place to stop for lunch after shopping around the upscale neighborhood of
Kolonaki, and it’s perfect to people watch, and maybe catch a glimpse of a
celebrity as this is where many athletes, actors, and singers go to
dine. Athénée has an extensive menu but is most known for its sushi
bar.
Comments