Ancient Athens has drawn travellers, merchants and philosophers for thousands of years. Today, the modern-day Greek capital is an exciting, bustling metropolis. There are some exciting new developments brewing in the Greek capital, which has seen curious travellers from around the world flocking to see what all the fuss is about and having just spent a few days there I thought I’d give you my taster list of what to do if you find yourself with at least 48 hours in Athens.
Whilst Greece, as we are all aware has experienced difficult times in recent years, the country’s path to recovery has been built on renewed political stability and an entrepreneurial, spiritual and cultural revival spurred by savvy young business minds and international players. Athens is at the centre of the country’s entrepreneurial, cultural, spiritual and artistic renaissance, transformed into one of Europe’s hottest city break destinations, which saw some 2.6 million travelers converge on the city in 2013. Greece’s tourism industry overall is experiencing healthy growth. 2013 proved to be an exceptionally successful year with an estimated total arrivals figure of 17.5 million, a record for the country and 2014 is already looking up with positive projections for visitors.
There was a wonderful buzz about the city and walking about the busy pedestrianised areas, the cafes full to bursting with locals all enjoying spending time out with family and friends whilst watching the world go by. Fabulous little bars and cafes seem to literally open up every day in various corners of the city, often taking the place of fashion boutiques that may have existed there, where young people get together to while away the hours over a drink or a coffee. One great thing about life in Athens is that you will never be asked to leave because it’s closing time or because the next dinner sitting is due.
So, what were the things I enjoyed most that ought to be on your list?
Day One
Maybe set out for the coastline – I had no idea it was a mere 20 minutes away. You could do a tour of some of the islands or drive around some of the coast stopping at a hotel for lunch. Athens is unique among European capital cities in that it has wonderful beaches in close proximity to the city centre. The Athenian Riviera is 30 minutes from the centre, with excellent hotels, EU Blue Flag beaches, cultural attractions, restaurants, nightlife, shopping and sports activities including golf and sailing. The Argosaronic islands (Aegina, Hydra, Poros, Spetses) are easily accessible and offer opportunity for a brief island escape:-
We found a wonderful little lake you can swim in that’s very warm with rejuvenating minerals in:-
We stayed at The Hilton – they have a lovely restaurant and roof top terrace and Galaxy Bar:-
Day Two
Try and fit in the Acropolis Museum – a good place to start to understand what you’re going to see at the ruins of The Acropolis itself. Get a guide to talk you round the relics.
The Acropolis – ideally do it with a tour guide because they really succeed in bringing the whole thing to life and helping to understand the extraordinarily rich history of the place. How can one not be inspired when immersed in thousands of years of history, walking in the footsteps of great ancient minds like Homer and Plato, surrounded by iconic ancient monuments, like the Acropolis and the Herod Atticus theatre? The first ever amphitheatre, described as essentially the birthplace of democracy.
You can see it in this shot:-
My arty photo:-
The group I was travelling with:-
A close up of a corner:-
From there walk down the steps to the museum set up by the American Archeologists:-
Then you can stroll in to the Plaka and to the street market:-
Third generation stalls – father & son:-
Dinner at Hydra – the Michelin starred very creative restaurant is certainly worth a visit – here I am with the chef:-
The food was unbelievably creative – we had a tasting menu – here is the gold leafed pudding:-
and some delicious Greek wine:-
Have lunch at the Grand Bretagne Hotel it’s right in the centre of town and has the most amazing view of the Acropolis and city:-
So does the Elektra Palace Hotel:-
and delicious food too:-
We were lucky enough to get a sneak preview of Athens’ National Museum of Contemporary Art which is soon to be making a long-awaited move in early summer to brand new premises, the iconic building located on central Sygrou Avenue that once housed the Fix beer brewery. The museum’s director Anna Kafetsi recently returned from London’s Frieze Art Fair with 11 works by three artists, namely Athens-based Andreas Angelidakis, Berlin-based Cypriot Haris Epaminonda and Croat Vlado Martek, further adding to the museum’s permanent collection of some 1,000 works, reflecting the museum’s exhibition policy, which aims to showcase the country’s most vibrant, progressive and innovative artistic forces.
Athens has an extensive range of historic and cultural attractions, including ancient sites, monuments and museums. All of which are affordable, particularly when compared to other European cities or you can buy the culture pass which offers access to 12 sites and museums. As of April 1 this year, 30 of Greece’s most popular ancient sites – including the Acropolis – and museums will open daily from 8am to 8pm, through October, which gives visitors a great deal more time to pay a visit to these cultural attractions.
and finally, all through the city are wonderful trees and colours – love these Quince trees:-
