Why Athens Should Be Your Next Destination: Timeless Beauty, Legendary Ruins, and Vibrant Street Life Await!
Despite the wealth of monuments and ancient stones on which its fame is based, Athens certainly does not appear to be a dead city. In fact, it is quite the opposite: a capital city full of life, teeming with people, except for siesta time. While it is true that the suffocating summer heat and the gray buildings discourage travelers and lead them to avoid long stays, the fact remains that this megalopolis is able to provide special sensations, maintaining the privilege of not resembling any other part of Greece. According to the last census carried out in 2007, Athens, which stands on a plain in the center of Attica, has approximately 720,000 inhabitants in the municipality, and more than 3,800,000 in the immense metropolitan area, now a single conurbation that includes the famous port of Piraeus and its municipalities.
Athens’ Glorious Past
Athens’ past appears as a rich collection of triumphs and ruins. During the Mycenaean period, between 1500 and 1200 BC, and to tell the rather nebulous truth, the city was known above all for the legend of the heroic Theseus, winner of the Minotaur and involuntary parricide on his return from Crete. Theseus himself is credited with founding the synoikismos, a grouping of about twenty Attic villages, including Eleusis and Marathon, as well as Athens, which constituted the economic and administrative center of this large agglomeration.
The Athens that everyone knows, the historic home of democracy, saw the light between 650 and 500 BC when, following the reforms introduced by Draco, the wise Solon, and Cleisthenes, the city laid the foundations for the introduction of Athenian democracy. The prestige of the settlement increased considerably following the triumphs over the Persian Empire at Marathon (490 BC) and Salamis (480 BC), while the exploitation of new silver mines in present-day Lavrion, southeast of Attica, contributed to the financing of the war. Free from any external threat, the Athenians could, from that moment, devote themselves fully to cultural development under a valid leadership: it is no coincidence that we speak of the “Century of Pericles”, which finds its most sublime symbol in the Parthenon.
Once the glorious ancient period was over, fate seemed to be against Athens. The Franks dominated it from 1204, then the Catalans and the Florentines fought over it. Finally, in 1456, three years after the capture of Constantinople, transformed into Istanbul, the Ottomans took possession of it. At the end of the 17th century, the Venetians laid siege to the city and gave it the final blow: Athens, or rather what remained of it, took on the appearance of a field of ruins, with the Parthenon, transformed into a mosque, reduced to a ruin. Only in the decade between 1820 and 1830, when the young Greek state gained independence, albeit on a very small part of the national territory, was it thought to restore luster to the city. In this period, some of the great European architects of the time worked, mostly Germans, designing a neoclassical center with the most geometric structure possible. Since then, the urban fabric has progressively expanded until it has incorporated almost the entire adjacent region.
Exploring Athens’ Archaeological Marvels
Obviously, a stay in Athens cannot but be characterized by archaeological visits. There are so many sites, too many to visit them all, so it is necessary to carefully select which destinations to favor over others. To begin with, you can head towards the large pedestrian area that starts from the Kerameikos Cemetery in Ermou Street and passes through Apostolou Pavlou and Dionysiou Areopagitou Streets, to finally arrive at the Olympieion, from which you can set off on foot towards the sites of the Kerameikos, the Agora, the Acropolis, and the Olympieion itself. Thanks to the renovation work undertaken for the recent 2004 Olympics, these areas of the city have also been brought back to their past splendor, with the squares and numerous neoclassical buildings finally regaining their original colors, to the detriment of the grayness progressively caused by pollution in the air.
Vibrant Neighborhoods and Museums
Athens is also known for its lively neighborhoods, each with its own unique charm:
- Plaka: A bustling district filled with shops, restaurants, and street performers.
- Monastiraki: The city’s famous bazaar offering everything from antiques to souvenirs.
- Psiri: An artisan quarter with trendy restaurants and craft shops.
- Gazi: A chic area frequented by artists and nightlife enthusiasts.
Museums in Athens showcase its rich history and culture:
- The National Archaeological Museum: Housing treasures from all eras of Greek history.
- The Benaki Museum: Chronicling Hellenism from antiquity to modern times.
- The Cycladic Art Museum: Highlighting ancient art from the Cycladic Islands.
Climate and Best Time to Visit
Athens enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. The best months to visit are May and September, when the weather is pleasant. Summers can be extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C.
Transportation in Athens
Modernized for the 2004 Olympics, Athens’ transport system includes:
- Eleftherios Venizelos Airport: A major international hub.
- Metro and Rail: Efficient connections through three metro lines and suburban railways.
- Piraeus Port: Greece’s largest port and a gateway to the islands.
Where to Stay in Athens
- Hotel Grande Bretagne (Syntagma Square): A luxurious choice offering unparalleled views of the Acropolis.
- Electra Metropolis (Plaka): A stylish, centrally located hotel with a rooftop restaurant and pool.
- AthensWas Design Hotel (Acropolis): A modern boutique hotel boasting exceptional service and panoramic views.
- Coco-Mat Athens BC (Makrygianni): An eco-friendly haven with innovative interiors and proximity to major attractions.
- Phaedra Hotel (Plaka): A cozy, affordable gem in the heart of historic Athens.
Where to Eat in Athens
- Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani (Psiri): Authentic Greek meze paired with cured meats in a warm and lively setting.
- Dionysos Zonar’s (Acropolis): Upscale dining with a breathtaking view of the Parthenon.
- Strofi Restaurant (Makrygianni): A traditional Greek menu with a rooftop terrace for stunning views.
- Varoulko Seaside (Piraeus): Michelin-starred seafood served with creativity and flair.
- Tzitzikas kai Mermigas (Syntagma): A relaxed spot for delicious modern Greek dishes.
