A day away from Athens: far or near the Greek capital
The new National roads have made getting out of Athens’ center easy and fast. On a day in the nearby countryside, there is much to see and enjoy, from antiquities to wineries to modern art Museums to islands. A respite from the crowds and summer heat, is certain to be welcome.
Peloponnese > One of my favorite day [...]
Athens is your gateway to the Greek islands
Athens > It’s hot, its a hub and its the gateway to the Greek islands.
In Athens, most budget hotels are located in the Plaka and Syntagma areas. This is the most central and busiest part of town and although it is safe and convenient, it is also crowded and noisy so be sure to ask [...]
Athens > an introduction to the Greek metropolis > part 2
Seasonal Athens > Re-live the drama of the Classic Olympic Marathon, http://www.athensclassicmarathon.gr, as thousands take to the streets in the city’s annual marathon on November. For those who prefer to their endorphin rush sweat-free, the Megaro Mousikis, Athens’ sleek Concert Hall, http://www.megaron.gr, hosts a full programme of Greek and international operas and symphonic chamber music [...]
Athens > an introduction to the Greek metropolis > part 1
Athens is the cradle of ancient civilisation and, so it follows, the cradle of tourism.
For years, though, traffic and pollution did nothing to attract visitors. But with the Athens 2004 Summer Olympic Games came a facelift for the city, and a better environment for viewing its ancient sights.
Living in a city filled with historical architecture [...]
Your holidays in Greece
If you have an interest in beauty, art, architecture and the classic culture that gave us our civilization, then a visit to Greece is just the ticket.
And a vacation rental of a villa, a beach house or another type of private home will give you a chance to experience this wonderful country that is [...]
Greece > when you visit Athens > tips and hints
Bargain meals > Tavernas in Athens are like delis in New York, they’re everywhere, but just a handful offer delicious food at decent prices.
Taverna “O Platanos” [4 Diogenous Street, Plaka, Athens, tel 210 3220666] serves a mouthwatering giouvetsi, lamb and pasta baked in a terra-cotta dish, in a quaint yet authentic Greek setting, at the foot [...]
Day trips from Athens > short or long
There are lots of places near Athens close enough so that visitors can make a day trip from the metropolis for the sightseeing but still enjoy all the trappings of a real beach vacation.
Athens is in the prefecture of Attica, where towns along the coastal road such as Voula, Vouliagmeni and Lagonissi are practically suburbs [...]
An overview of Greek History > Athens
c.3000 BC > Evidence of first settlement around the Acropolis
1400 BC > The Acropolis becomes a Royal fortress
620 BC > Draco formalises the laws of Athens and Attica
594-593 BC > The birth of Democracy under the constitution of Solon
490 BC > The Battle of Marathon. Athens defeats the Persians
480 BC > Persian invasion of Athens
479 [...]
Athens City Overview
Athens [Athina] is named after Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom, who, according to legend, won the city after defeating Poseidon in a duel. The goddess’ victory was celebrated by the construction of a temple on the Acropolis, the site of the city’s earliest settlement in Attica.
As a city state, the coastal capital of Athens reached [...]
