AWE INSPIRING ATHENS
Athens, with its epic historical sites, is an all year round city break destination. The capital of Greece, and one of the world’s oldest cities, with its earliest inhabitants dating from 11th millennium BC.
- All year round city break.
- Ancient Sites & Museums
- Fantastic day trip excursions
Fancy a city break to Athens, staying in a luxury hotel? Or why not have a multi-centre break?
According to legend, the goddess Athena won a contest to have the city named after her. This birthplace of democracy offers a compelling and fascinating mix of history with contemporary life in a multi-cultural setting. The awe inspiring ACROPOLIS is a must see but there are a wealth of other historical monuments, museums and architectural buildings to explore. With amazing beaches nearby, and a host of other stunning day trip excursions, Athens makes an affordable and unforgettable destination.
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Why Visit Athens?
The breathtaking Acropolis is the ancient site standing proud over the city. The Parthenon, built 444BC, is the temple on the site dedicated to Athena. Make sure you visit the Acropolis museum with its superb sculptures. NW of the Acropolis is the ruined ancient Angora (market), and on its west side the Temple of Hephaestus, 65 m high, and the best preserved Doric temple in Greece.
Other impressive sites include the National Archaelogical Museum with more than 10 thousand antiquities, the Benaki Museum and the Byzantine Museum. The Technopolis, a museum and cultural venue, is family-friendly or what about a visit to the Greek National Opera? Athens also has a strong contemporary art scene.
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Soak up the atmosphere in the buzzing markets selling handmade goods and fresh fish, fruit and vegetables. In the summer, open air theatres and cinemas come to the fore. What about watching a performance in the ancient amphitheatre, Odeon of Herodes Atticus? There’s a tremendous range of eateries selling freshly prepared dishes, ranging from Michelin starred restaurants to tavernas selling home- made fare.
For a spectacular shopping experience, head to craft shops and designer boutiques. If you want to take in the true atmosphere of Athens, stroll along Dionysiou Areopagitous with its musicians and street vendors. The city also offers a brilliant nightlife... in the Greek clubs ‘rembetika’ listening to Greek Blues, beachside clubs or head to Psiri the nightlife quarter!
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Excursions from Athens:
1. Athens is only a short drive or tram ride from beautiful beaches. The Athenian Riviera is an
upmarket area while the beaches near historic Marathon are also lovely.
2. Lake Vouliagmeni with its natural thermal spring and beaches, 25 km from Athens.
3. Picturesque Hydra Island with its stunning pebbled beaches and donkeys!
4. Head to Cape Sounion, 70 km from Athens, for gorgeous beaches and the Temple to Poseidon.
5. The mountain village of DELPHI, one of the most important religious sanctuaries of Ancient
Greece, dedicated to Apollo.
6. Take a longer break, (train, coach or car) 360 km north of Athens, to the ‘floating’ METEORA Monasteries...awe inspiring architecture in a stunning and unique location.
Fancy a multi-destination holiday to Greece? How about 3 days in Athens and then a week holiday on one of the Greek Islands? Start your holiday to Athens today.
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Top Tips
1. Visit the Acropolis at the SE entrance at 8am or late in the day, as these are less busy.
2. Athens has many festivals...Athens' Pride in June, (parade and concerts). In August, the Moon festival has musical performances at historical sites. In May, there’s the Athens' Street Food Festival...
