Posts Tagged ‘athens’
Karen’s Greek Getaway in Athens!
Many more years ago than I care to disclose, I studied Ancient Greece at university but I’d never actually put boots on the ground. Beyond the Acropolis I had little idea of what to expect from modern Athens, so my recent short break there was a real revelation. I think most people’s mental picture of Greece is going to be whitewashed island villages, sandy beaches and crumbling ancient monuments, so it might not be the first place on your list for a city break, but Athens is a fantastic place to explore:
Here are 5 things you need to do in Athens:
Visit the Acropolis. You must! Even the most museum-phobic person will find the scale and detail of the Parthenon impressive. Guided tours are plentiful but you can do your own thing too. Book a timed entry ticket in advance and aim for early morning or late afternoon to miss the cruise ship crowds. There’s an entrance near to the metro station which is much quieter, but has no gift shop or information services so if you’re going free-range bring a guidebook or download a virtual audio tour in advance. Once you’re through the throng of people the views are stunning and there’s room for everyone. Do take water with you and your most sensible shoes: it’s exposed up there – and marble polished over thousands of years by millions of feet is like ice!
Take a trip up Lycabettus hill. This is the highest point in Athens and gives you great views of the city. It’s 277 metres high and the climb is quite steep but there is a funicular to take the sting out of the steepest section if you wish. The walk to the Funicular station will still take you up several flights of stairs but is punctuated by cafes and bars so you can graze your way up the hill, or you can take a taxi. At the top there’s a functioning chapel (weddings are common) and a couple of restaurants as well as an open air concert venue. Well worth checking listings for any concerts while you’re in the city. I’m told the sunsets are marvellous but our lunchtime visit was also rewarding.
Take a wander through Plaka and Monastiraki districts. Fair to say that Athenian architecture probably peaked about 2,000 years ago. The modern city is a real hotch potch of different building styles, but the crooked old town streets of Plaka are fun to explore; and you’re never far from a taverna or a shady square. The flea markets of Monastiraki sell everything you can think of – for tourists and Athenians alike. This is a lively district in the evenings too with some great cocktail bars and live music venues. For quiet respite then the nearby National Gardens are a welcome distraction. Kew gardens it aint, but it is full of shady pines and giant oak trees.
Eat lots! Bring your appetite – Athens has some great restaurants with Greek food alongside international options. We found prices to be refreshingly modest, the quality exceptional and the portions generous. A particular favourite was the Grand Dame Athenian Tavern where we had a memorable dinner alongside plenty of locals – always a good sign. On the same street Cremino ice cream shop is an old fashioned independent scoop-shop with unique flavours and an adorable owner who really cares about the quality and provenance of her products. Some of the flavours are unique to Greece – using ingredients like orchid sap and pine resin. Makes for a tasty treat!
Get out of the city! The nearby port city of Pireaus is half an hour from central Athens by metro and from there you can take a ferry to any number of islands in the Aegean. We went to Aegina on a crossing that took about 1h20. Aegina is famous for its pistachio orchards and is also home to some impressive archaeology, history and beaches. We managed to explore Aegina town, laze on the beach for a couple of hours, visit the Temple of Apollo and eat some delicious freshly landed seafood on our day trip.. and there may also have been pistachio ice cream as well!
Athens might not quite have the romance of Paris, or the swagger of Rome but it really does deliver iconic history, great value for money and exceptional friendliness in a clean, safe-feeling city with an efficient metro system. There’s an awful lot to like!
To find out more about Karen’s visit to Athens or if you’re interested in a similar trip,
give the team a call on 0131 243 8098, send us an email or say hello on live chat.
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