Athens, Greece
April 2015
With a history that spans over 3,000 years, Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world. It was the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and the arts, and played a significant role in shaping Greek culture.
During the 5th century BC, Athens was a powerful city-state that was home to some of the world's greatest thinkers, including Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, and was known for its impressive architectural achievements, such as the Acropolis and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. The classical era of Athens was a time of artistic and cultural flourishing, with the city hosting the first Olympic Games in 776 BC, which became a symbol of Greek unity and athleticism.
In the 19th century, Athens played a pivotal role in the Greek war of independence against the Ottoman Empire and was declared the capital of the newly established modern Greek state in 1834.
Today, Athens remains a vibrant city that celebrates its rich history and cultural heritage, with visitors able to explore ancient ruins, museums, and art galleries that showcase its past, while also experiencing the city's lively contemporary culture, music, and food scene.
I went to Athens few days for easter in April 2015 with amazing friends while I was an exchange student in Austria. Here is an example of a 4 day itinerary in Athens:
Partheon in Acropolis
Erechtheion in Acropolis
Day 1: Acropolis, theater of Dyonisus and Plaka
Acropolis
Start your day at the iconic Acropolis, an ancient citadel dating back to the 5th century hat played a significant role in shaping Greek culture. The Acropolis construction began in 447 BC under the guidance of the Athenian statesman Pericles, and it was dedicated to the goddess Athena.
The most iconic structure on the Acropolis is the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to Athena and renowned for its impressive size and architectural beauty, including intricate carvings and sculptures. Other notable structures include the Propylaea, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike.
Despite facing numerous threats, including damage from earthquakes and invasions, and neglect, the Acropolis was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 after a restoration project in the 19th century.
In the site there is also the Acropolis Museum to explore, which houses many of the artifacts discovered on the site.
Theater of Dionysus
As you make your way up to the Acropolis in Athens, you'll come across the Theater of Dionysus, one of the oldest and most significant theaters in the world. It was built in the 6th century BC and was dedicated to the god of wine, Dionysus, who was also the god of theater.
The Theater of Dionysus was the birthplace of Greek tragedy and hosted the performances of some of the world's most famous playwrights, including Sophocles, Euripides, and Aeschylus. It was also the site of the famous Athenian drama festival, which drew spectators from all over Greece to watch the performances.
The theater underwent several renovations throughout history, including a major reconstruction in the 4th century BC under the guidance of the famous Athenian statesman Lycurgus. At its peak, it could seat up to 17,000 spectators, making it one of the largest theaters of its time.
Today, visitors can still see the remains of the theater's impressive stage and seating areas, including the stone thrones where judges would sit during the Athenian drama festival. As you stand in the same spot where the ancient Greeks watched some of the world's greatest plays, it's easy to see why the Theater of Dionysus continues to captivate and inspire visitors from around the world
Plaka
After your visit to the Acropolis, head to Plaka, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Athens. Here, you can stroll through the narrow, picturesque streets and enjoy the many shops and cafes.
Sunset in Lycabettus Hill
To enjoy a stunning sunset and a panoramic view of the city, I highly recommend hiking up or taking the funicular to the top of Lycabettus Hill.
Theather of Dionysus
Stone thrones in the teather of Dionysus
Views of Athens, including the Acropolis, from the Lycabettus Hill
Day 2: National Archaeological Museum and ancient Agora
Start your day at the National Archaeological Museum, which houses a vast collection of ancient Greek artifacts. The museum's highlights include the Mycenaean collection, the Antikythera mechanism, and the statue of Zeus from Artemisium.
Next, head to the Ancient Agora, which was once the heart of Athens' civic and commercial life. Here, you can explore the Temple of Hephaestus, the Stoa of Attalos, and the Museum of the Ancient Agora.
Day 3: Islands around Athens
Take a day trip to the nearby Saronic Gulf islands of Aegina, Hydra, or Poros. These islands offer a peaceful escape from the city, with beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and charming towns.
We decided to go for Aegine, only a short ferry ride away from Athens (Ferry: 08:50-09:30 / 18:10-18:50). Its charming harbor, beautiful beaches, and traditional white-washed houses attract both locals and tourists alike. One of the island's main attractions is the Temple of Aphaia, known for its architectural beauty and stunning views. Aegina is also renowned for its high-quality pistachios, with visitors able to take guided tours of pistachio farms to learn about their cultivation and processing. The island also offers opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, water sports, exploring historic landmarks, and charming villages. We decided to rent a car and enjoy the sunny weather swimming in one of its beaches, and also enjoy greatly the leisurely pace after a rather busy Athens and delicious pistachios!
Day 4: Temple of Olympian Zeus, Benaki Museum and Exarcheia
Start your day at the Temple of Olympian Zeus, which was one of the largest temples in ancient Greece. Explore the ruins of the temple and take in the stunning views of the surrounding city.
Next, head to the Benaki Museum, which houses a vast collection of Greek art and artifacts. The museum's highlights include the collection of prehistoric artifacts, the Byzantine collection, and the Islamic art collection.
End your day by exploring the vibrant neighborhood of Exarcheia, which is known for its street art, cafes, and alternative vibe. Here, you can enjoy a coffee or drink at one of the many cafes and soak in the local atmosphere.
Food
Greek cuisine is known for its fresh, simple and flavorful ingredients, with a focus on herbs, spices and olive oil. It has been shaped by its history and geography, with influences from the Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Balkan regions. From classic dishes like moussaka and souvlaki to lesser-known specialties like pastitsio and koulouri, Greece offers a diverse and delicious culinary experience for food lovers.
Moussaka - a traditional Greek dish made with layers of eggplant, potatoes, ground meat, and a creamy béchamel sauce. It's similar to lasagna and is often served as a main course.
Souvlaki - a popular Greek street food consisting of small pieces of meat (usually pork, chicken, or lamb) grilled on a skewer and served with pita bread and various toppings, such as tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki sauce.
Spanakopita - a savory pie made with phyllo pastry and filled with spinach, feta cheese, onions, and herbs. It's a popular appetizer or snack in Greece.
Tzatziki - a dip made with Greek yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and dill. It's often served as a side dish or condiment with meat dishes and is a refreshing addition to any meal.
Dolmades - stuffed grape leaves filled with rice, herbs, and sometimes meat. They can be served as an appetizer or a main dish and are often accompanied by tzatziki sauce.
Greek Salad - a classic salad made with fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and peppers, topped with feta cheese and olives and dressed with olive oil and vinegar.
We enjoyed fresh fish!
And also fresh greek salad - perfect for the warm weather