Athens is the capital city of Greece and the birthplace of western civilization. It is one of the world's oldest cities and the home of Plato, Socrates, Pericles, Euripides, Sophocles, and Aeschylus. Discover the ancient architecture as you walk along the Grecian streets and alleys. Acropolis is the most renowned citadel of Athens, also crowned as UNESCO World Heritage Center. Immerse in the local culture at the flea market and discover street artists and local eateries. Discover the iconic neighborhoods of Plaka and Anafiotika and savor tasteful delicacies. Moreover, it offers a perfect Mediterranean climate with the legendary Greek sunlight. It is a unique combination of glorious history with modern, urban innovation, the coexistence of great culture with fantastic modern amenities, and natural beauty.
Discover Athens' unique claims to fame as you cruise from the city. Besides being the birthplace of democracy, this unique and history-rich destination has hosted many Olympics throughout the ages. This is an excellent example of team sports! Throughout history and mythology, Athens has been a city of great significance. Any cruise to the Greek Isles should include this one-of-a-kind stop and these below highlights.
Enjoy fresh seafood like mussels, grilled octopus, and fresh tomatoes, eggplant, and bell peppers. To enjoy marinated olives, look for trovolia, a fresh cheese. Find out what local wines are best - Moschofilero is the most popular white, while Xinomavro is the most common red.
Athens' smallest and most picturesque port, Mikrolimano, is located in the Castella district and is the perfect place to spend a romantic afternoon. With your cruise to Athens, stroll along the promenade to admire the views, then relax at a cafe or tavern for fresh seafood or a refreshing drink.
There are exhibits at the Naval Museum that show shipbuilding from ancient times to the present day. Your attention will be drawn to the Neosoikoi, the archaeological remains of a ship shed where local craftsmen repaired and maintained their boats. Piraeus Archaeological Museum features bronze sculptures from the Bronze Age and classical Hellenistic pottery from the Classical period.
For those who love history, coming to the cradle of civilization is like entering a candy store. There is no end to the number of Doric and Ionic temples, statues, vases, and ancient figurines. Ancient Greek court disks can be found in museums. It's not just an archaeological site but more than this, from its modern concrete towers to Plaka, a maze of alleys built over ancient residential quarters. Now let's explore some of the most exciting spots in Athens.
There is no better place to be in Athens than Syntagma Square. In terms of both history and social impact, it is a significant square. During a popular military uprising, the first king of Greece was forced to grant the constitution named after it. It is located opposite the square and surrounded by beautiful national gardens open to the public. It is held between Syntagma Square and the parliament building, across from the tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Located 300 meters above sea level, Lycabettus hill is shaped like a limestone hill. Tourists can acclimate to the hill by taking the Lycabettus railway from Kolonaki. The island's name may have been derived from its former role as a wolf sanctuary. Various international concerts have been held in the open-air theater at the top of the hill. There have been performances by Black Sabbath, Scorpians, and Radiohead at Lycabettus theatre.
There are many historical buildings in the Plaka neighborhood in Athens, which is clustered around the Acropolis. In the ancient city of Athens, Plaka is built over residential areas. Since it is near the Acropolis and has many archaeological sites, the area is sometimes called the "Neighborhood of the Gods." The name Plaka comes from the Greek Independence War. It is a popular tourist destination all year round.
These are the ruins of the Acropolis Fortification Wall. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its magnificent Greek architecture. The Pelargic Wall and the Cyclopean and Themistoclean walls give the fortification its name "Enneapylon" or "nine-doored." Around 1200 BC, the Mycenaean Cyclopean fortifications of the Acropolis were built atop the Acropolis as part of the Acropolis Fortification Wall, which dates back to the Bronze Age. The wall served as a refuge and was the first defensive Cyclopean wall.
Tower of the Winds within the Roman Agora is the world's first meteorological station. During an interior tour, you'll see nine sundials, one water dial, and a weather vane in their original positions. With a diameter of 7.5 meters, the octagonal structure is 13.5 meters tall. Hermias' son, Andronikos from Kyrros in ancient Macedon, is believed to have built it. A Clock of Andronicus Cyrrhestes may also be known. A bronze Triton shows wind directions at the top, called the Holorogium. All Pentelic marble and Corinthian style materials are used in the building. In Roman times, the wind direction was thought to indicate fortune. Water flows from the Acropolis Rock to the Clepsydra, which helps determine the time when the sun is not shining.
Heatwaves can occur during summer when it is extremely hot, but these are rare events. It rains and snows sporadically during the winter. The city is crowded in August because it is the peak season. Winter is an excellent time to save on hotel prices. The Athens and Epidaurus Festival, which runs from May to October, offers a wide range of events that make it one of the best places to visit in Athens.
