Athens Tools
& Tips
Athens
Tours & Cruises
Athens,
the cradle of democracy, philosophy and the Western civilization as we
know it today, begun as a small fortified village built on top of the
Acropolis rock as far back as 3.000 years B.C. Through the years, Athens
became one of the most powerful city-states of the ancient world and produced
the first and most influential philosophers, poets and scientists, like
Plato, Sophocles, Euripides and Socrates. Athens became the symbol of
freedom, thinking and art.
In
Athens, just wake up, take a glance to the Acropolis and you will see
immortal Gods and Heroes reviving in front of your eyes…
Beneath the Acropolis lies Plaka, and the Ancient Agora and the Roman
market.
Athens, a city with its narrow paths, cobbled streets, classical mansions,
picturesque taverns, friendly people and a happy atmosphere Adventure
through Athens to discover the contrast between the old world with the
new, walk through them and let them capture your imagination...
|
Athens, capital of Greece, first democracy in world history
ATHENS, the capital of Greece, is one of the oldest cities in the world. Athens, took its name from the goddess Athena. Its first name was Kekropia deriving from its mythical founder and first King Kekrops until the competition between Poseidon and Athena was won by Athena, who became protector of the young and rising city, to which she offered the gift of the olive tree, symbolising serenity, and her name, symbolising wisdom.
ATHENS is a city with a great night life, romantic walks, and many museums, such as one of the world's greatest museums The "National Archeological Museum" where you can see splendid examples of ancient works of art, from Athens and other places of Greece, or the "Byzantine Museum", the "Benakis Museum" and the "Museum of Cycladic Art".
View a map of the Athens Historical Center
While you are visiting Athens, do not miss a walk into the old town of Athens, the "Plaka". Plaka is the most popular neighbourhood of Athens, with narrow labyrinthine streets nestle into the north - eastern slope of the Acropolis, picturesque churches and old mansions. Athens Plaka is the old Turkish quarter of Athens and virtually all that existed when Athens was declared the capital of independent Greece, and most of Athens ancient city are close by. Plaka is the most attractive and interesting part of Athens and the majority of visitors make it their base. Just next to Plaka is the Monasteraki neighbourhood. Right in the feet of the Acropolis hill, in Monasteraki, you must visit the famous Flea Market. Monastiraki is in the heart of Athens market district.
The central fish and meat market is on Athinas street, opposite the fruit and vegetable market, halfway between Monastiraki and Omonia.
A parade of delicatesens along the streets sell cheese, honey,dry fruits e.t.c. Walking along Monastiraki area you will find Ermou and Mitropoleos street. Ermou is lined with fashion and textile shops and Mitropoleos is the best place in Athens to buy carpets and flokati rugs. Athens Cathedral dominates the large square halfway along Mitropoleos Street.
Very close to Monastiraki is Thissio. Thissio is an up and coming area where you can find traditional Greek Tavernas , busy cafes and bars and is very popular with the young and trendy crowd. Thissio is a pleasant area where the cobbled streets and classical Greek mansions add character.
In Athens you can also visit Lycabettus Hill, which is 277 m above the city. It can be walked by taking various foots paths or taking the easier route by cable car. On foot it should take aproximately 45 minutes. The hill derives its name from the popular belief that wolves lived there. This landmark is a favourite place for many Athenians who come for the panoramic views of the city, from the observation decks that rim the summit. The small whitewashed chaple of Saint George crowns the top of the hill. It was built in the 19th century on the site of an older Byzantine church dedicated to Profitis Hlias.
The many sights found in the near Athens, allow for a full program during a stay of several days. Escorted tours of Athens (half day and full day tours), can be booked through All Greece Travel by visiting our Athens Tours web pages. By joining one of the tours we offer, you can explore the Greek Mainland, visit Delphi, Meteora, even Ancient Olympia. By joining a daily cruise you can visit the Saronic Islands of Poros, Aegina and Hydra.
Athens is the ideal stop over before visiting the Cycladic Islands of Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Naxos, Ios, Syros, Tinos or any other Greek Island.
