Why choosing Athens?
Athens is the historical capital of Europe, the birthplace of democracy, arts, science and philosophy of western civilisation. Today, under the shadow of Parthenon, the contemporary urban scenery of the sprawling city reflects its exciting history, its multi- cultural modern personality as well as the infrastructure and facilities.
The perfect Mediterranean climate with the legendary Greek sunlight, the unique combination of glorious history with modern, urban innovation, the coexistence of great culture with astonishing natural beauty, the high standard hotel accommodation, modern means of transportation such as the cutting edge modern metro, the vibrant rhythm of life, the wide choice of opportunities for shopping, dining and night life and of course the warmth of the Athenians people feature Athens as the ideal all year round city break destination.
Discover more here https://www.visitgreece.gr/mainland/attica/athens/
History
Athens is one of the oldest named cities in the world, having been continuously inhabited for perhaps 5,000 years. Situated in southern Europe, Athens became the leading city of Ancient Greece in the first millennium BC, and its cultural achievements during the 5th century BC laid the foundations of Western civilization.
During the early Middle Ages, the city experienced a decline, then recovered under the later Byzantine Empire and was relatively prosperous during the period of the Crusades (12th and 13th centuries), benefiting from Italian trade. Following a period of sharp decline under the rule of the Ottoman Empire, Athens re-emerged in the 19th century as the capital of the independent and self-governing Greek state.
Discover more here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Athens
Top things to do and see in and around Athens
The greatest and finest sanctuary of ancient Athens, dedicated primarily to its patron, the goddess Athena, dominates the centre of the modern city from the rocky crag known as the Acropolis. The Acropolis of the fifth century BC is the most accurate reflection of the splendor, power and wealth of Athens at its greatest peak, the golden age of Perikles. Discover more here: https://www.visitgreece.gr/experiences/culture/archaeological-sites-and-monuments/acropolis-of-athens/
You can enhance your experience of Athens on a mythological and historical tours of the ancient Greek city. You can visit visit major landmarks like the Acropolis and the Olympian Zeus Temple and experience the captivating myths that surround each landmark. Tales and myths are combined with myths, legends and historical facts. Discover more here https://www.viator.com/Athens-tours/Historical-and-Heritage-Tours/d496-g4-c12
The Ancient Agora Market in modern-day terms is the best-known example of an ancient Greek agora located in the northwest of the Acropolis and bounded on the south by the hill of the Areos Pagus and on the west by the hill known as the Kolonos Agoraios, also called Market Hill. Discover more here http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/eh351.jsp?obj_id=2485&subject=Ancient%20Agora
Plaka and Monastiraki, the most touristic areas of Athens with numerous beautiful and picturesque corners to discover. In the shadow of the Acropolis, these neighborhoods with paved sidewalks lined with bitter orange trees, give to the visitor a feeling of being in an urban village. The modern Acropolis Museum on the esplanade of Dionysiou Areopagitou has turned the area into one of the most distinguished residential districts.
‘’Souvlaki’’ or ‘’teriyaki’’? ‘’taboule’’ or ‘’soufflé’’? Whatever is your favourite taste, you’ll enjoy it in Athens! Almost in every corner of the city, you’ll find the world famous greek tavernas, souvlaki corners as well as ethnic or multi-culti cuisine spots. But what is unique about Athens is the extraordinary kaleidoscope of different sceneries for enjoying your breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner or simply a coffee or a drink! Discover more here https://www.visitgreece.gr/experiences/gastronomy/traditional-cuisine/eating-in-athens/
In the Archaeological Site of Sounio the temple of Poseidon, the ancient Greek god of the sea, dominates the southernmost tip of Attica, where the horizon meets the Aegean Sea. Perched on the craggy rocks of Cape Sounio, the temple is enveloped in myth and historic facts dated from antiquity until the present times. Discover more here https://www.visitgreece.gr/experiences/culture/archaeological-sites-and-monuments/the-archaeological-site-of-sounio/
The National Archaeological Museum of Athens is the largest archaeological museum in Greece and one of the most important museums in the world devoted to ancient Greek art. It was founded at the end of the 19th century to house and protect antiquities from all over Greece, thus displaying their historical, cultural and artistic value. Discover more here https://www.namuseum.gr/en/?subject=National%20Archaeological%20Museum
Attica’s beaches can be enjoyed year round; eat seafood in wonderful restaurants or drink your coffee in a cafe. Athens Riviera is perfect for romantic autumn walks, winter getaways – even bike rides - overlooking the sunset mirrored in the sea, spring excursions under the sun, and unforgettable picnics by the sea. Discover more here https://www.visitgreece.gr/experiences/beaches/beloved-beaches/beaches-around-athens/
Standing 277 meters above sea level, Lycabettus Hill is the highest point of Athens. A beautiful walk up via a circular path will be a test of endurance and a challenge. A funicular or cliff railway can also take you to the top of the hill and proves to be a novelty for those who prefer the “easy way” to the top. Discover more here https://www.lycabettushill.com/?subject=Mount%20Lycabettus
The capital of Greece is also the Greek capital of entertainment. You’re looking for bars and clubs that will be open till the following morning even on week nights? You feel like having dinner after midnight? You want to dance all night long to the rhythms of both Greek and international music? You can experience all the above and much more while you discover nightlife in Athens. Discover more here https://www.visitgreece.gr/experiences/leisure/going-out/nightlife-in-athens/