(I travelled from Crete by ferry, using Minoan Lines)
Date travelled: 18-21 September 2006
Athens, the capital of Greeece, is steeped in history. The name Athens derives from Athena, the Greek goddess of Wisdom.
From the airport, take the blue Metro line straight to the centre. From the port of Piraeus, take the green Metro to the centre. Both cost €2 single, though it's best getting a 24hour ticket for €5.
I stayed at the Hotel Diethnes, which is a couple of Metro stops from the centre.
A good place to start sightseeing is the Monastiraki area of the city (Metro stop Monastiraki). Coffee shops and small market traders dominate this pleasant district. Also here are the Mitropolis cathedral and mini Mitropolis church, both next to each other. The mini Mitropolis church is much older then its bigger counterpart.
The Mini Mitropolis Church.
From here, walk along Mitropoleas, passing some of the modern shops that are now appearing in the city. At the end of this street is Athens biggest square, called Syndagma. Here is also the Greek Parliament building.
The Greek Parliament Building.
If you're looking for the best view of the Acropolis and the Parthenon, head towards Filopappos Hill, which is situated at the west of the city. The walk up the hill is gentle, and nicely shaded from the sun. There are plenty of benches along the way, if you wish to rest your legs.
The Acropolis & Parthenon From Filopappos Hill.
For the ultimate view over the city, head back onto the Metro, and get off at Evangelismos. From here, walk up the road that passed the heavily guarded British Embassy, then take the Funicular railway up Lykavittos Hill (€5 return). There is a beautiful church here, and it is said that locals every sunday make the pilgrimage up to this church, without using the Funicular. It's a very steep walk!
St. Georges' Church On Lykavittos Hill.
The best time to get here is just before sunset, as the midday heat can be unbearable, and you get a gorgeous view of the sun dropping.
Sunset Over Athens From Lykavittos Hill.
In terms of local brew, Alfa and Mithos are the most popular beers, both costing about €3. For spirits, the classic Ouzo is always available, either taken straight or with water. If you want to try something different, try Raki, a drink made of grapes. Or you could try Metaxa, a sweet Greek Brandy. Be warned, this stuff can make you lose control of your legs!
To continute the historial theme, head to Metro station Thisio, where the Greek Agora, or ancient market is located. It is best to get the combined ancient monuments ticket here. This costs €13, and you can use it to get into every ancient site in the city.
The Athens Agora.
From the Agora, walk along Adhrianou, until you get to the "Tower of the Winds", which was built in roughly 1BC as a water clock and wind vane. Your combined ancient sites ticket can be used here.
The Tower Of The Winds.
From the tower, head up Theorias hill, where you will arrive at the entrance of Athens number one tourist attraction; the Acropolis. Your combined ancient sites ticket can also be used here.
The Parthenon On The Acropolis.
There's a small museum here, explaining about the history of this fantistic monument. You can also view some of the other sites of the city. For example, Hadrian's Gate, or the Temple of Zeus. Your combined ancient sites ticket can be used at the temple.
Hadrian's Gate & The Temple Of Zeus.
Once you've fully explored the Acropolis, head back down the hill on the other side. Don't stop for refreshments here, as they are very expensive. You may like to get some souvenirs here though. Once at the bottom again, and you want a rest from walking, take the tram to Additou (€2 single), to the old Olympic Stadium, used for the 1st modern games in 1896.
The Old Olympic Stadium.
To conclude the historial trail, head to Kerameikos Burial Site (Metro stop Kerameikos), which was an ancient burial site from around 500BC. The Russian Orthodox church is also here.
Kerameikos Burial Site.
If you fancy a bit of a shop, get back onto the Metro, and get off at stop Maroussi, where the biggest shopping centre in Greece is located. The modern centre "The Mall", was built in 2004, and is right next to the new Olympic stadium.
So if you love your history, and like the sunshine, head to Athens.
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