athens riviera things to do
I hope this article will entice you to visit this unique and diverse destination and show you why I love it so much. If organizing a day trip feels overwhelming and too much work, you can trust the hand of the expert Greeking.me team to show you around the beauties of the Greek Mainland. ', Philopappos Monument, things to do in Athens - credits: vivooo/Shutterstock.com. Alternatively, you can indulge in anAthens sailing adventure, marvel at the Athenian coastline, sunbathe, and dive into crystal-clear waters you would otherwise get to experience. Koulouri-or variations of it- can also be found all around the eastern part of the Mediterranean and the Balkan countries. Breathe in the sea mist on a walk by the beach during the autumn and spring months; spend your time there with your family, playing around, sunbathing, and swimming under the glorious Athenian sun! Do so, and you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of Athens and the thrill of heights! Take a Helicopter Ride Over Athens Riviera. Here is a carefully selected list of 50 things to do in Athensto ensure the city lives up to your dreams! With an abundance of archaeological sites, cultural stimuli, and magnificent walking routes, the more days you spend in Athens, the better. The store is open all day long to amaze you with its exquisite coffee blends! With neighbourhoods such as Cape Sounio, Faliro, Alimos, Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, Voula, Kavouri, Varkiza, and Lagonissi side by side, this is the ideal spot to enjoy a luxurious getaway. Just a five-minute drive from our Hotel, this natural thermal pool is known for its therapeutic properties and dramatic cliff-side setting. Set amongst 900 feet of coastline, facilities include beach beds or cabanas, massage therapists, paddleboarding and yoga classes, designer Greek shopping boutiques, and attentive food and drink service at your beach bedside. It once served as a treasury and at another point housed a Christian church. It offers tree-shaded parkland, a very British bowling green, renovated and abandoned neo-classical mansions, and the church of Profitis Elias (the Prophet Elijah). Theres also a selection of fine dining restaurants, including Italian, a modern Greek tavern, Latin American Grill House, a seafood restaurant, as well as a golden-age glamour, exclusive cigar lounge. On the other hand, the area around Pasalimani and Mikrolimano is an attraction and offers a large selection of restaurants, cafes, and bars. Heading south from the Greek capital you will come across a stunning coastline known as the Athenian Riviera. Free admissions are also offered at the Yannis Pappas Studio and the MENTIS workshop, where visitors can see how costumes, military uniforms and more were made for centuries. Things to See & Do From port towns to blue flag beaches, caf lifestyle and Michelin-starred restaurants to ancient monuments; the Riviera has something for everyone. Athens Riviera Things To Do (Greece Travel Episode 2) - YouTube 6. From ancient monuments and medieval churches to world-class museums and high-end boutiques, it's hard to get bored in Athens. Athens is located close to the sea, offering its locals and visitors the opportunity to enjoy magical moments on its sun-drenched beaches. In terms of convenience and aesthetics, Athens's city center is the best area to stay in. Sway to the rhythm of Greek folk music and learn to dance topopular Greek folk hits, such as the Zorbassyrtaki dance. Top things to do in Athens with younger kids - Kids Love Greece Its also perfect for families as there are so many kid-friendly options here. What better way to discover Athens culture than with a journey through its gastronomy? Learn about the wine and culinary history of the area as well as take part in wine tasting accompanied by lunch or dinner along the Riviera. Athens route runs from 8:30 AM. Take a tour around a local vineyardand taste your way through some of Greeces most beautiful landscapes. You can find burgers in Kolokotroni St, chicken nuggets in Mihalakopoulou St, crepes in Panormou St, and hot dogs almost everywhere. Athens Numismatic Museum Baloncic/Shutterstock.com. Back in the day, Pittaki streetused to resemble an abandoned dirty alley. The site is an elevated, flat-topped rock with an assortment of monuments and ruins built between 510 and 400 B.C., including theParthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion. If you live and breathe cinematic excellence, you will fall in love with Irida, the university cinema club. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. Therefore, if you find yourself on Pittaki St., don't miss the opportunity to snap some pictures and show the world the distinctive urban aesthetic of Athens! All Rights Reserved. He was a patron of public works and funded the theatre's building in 161 A.D., among other projects. The National Archaeological Museum - credits:Lefteris Papaulakis shutterstock. Today, you can also attend there, the Athens Art Festival, musical concerts, and classical tragedies in the open-air monument. Some of the most popular areBalux Seaside Cafein Glyfada. Alternatively, you canbuy one from any bakery you come across. Leoforos Avlakiou 130, Porto Rafti 19003 Greece. In 2017, the foundation opened its biggest project to date, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC), in Athens en-route from the center of the city to the Riviera, along Syggrou Avenue. Locals and overseas guests visitCape Sounion and the Temple at sunset to catch one of the most spectacular images. Wear your most comfortable shoes and bring a full wallet - the majority of the stores include designer brands, while you will also get to come across the creations of thetop Greek fashion designers. Its surrounded by nature with sweeping views across the Saronic Gulf and lone olive trees shaped by the wind. The association organizes many cultural activities regarding the art of cinematography, such as free screening and open workshops, bringing cinema-lovers together under the same roof. Pro Tip: Take the Metro to the end of the Red Line to Ellinikon, where theres a free shuttle bus with the parks name and logo on it: the Glyfada Metro exit. Looking for some alternative things to do? Cape Sounio was the place where Aegeus, King of Athens, fell to his death. Its particularly pretty at night and here you will come across a wonderful open-air cinema- make sure to catch a movie here if time permits. One of central Athens' best preserved ruins is the Temple of Hephaestus. Eventually, the building was transformed into an archaeological museum before undergoing excavations in 1930 and later opening to tourists. After your drink on the rooftop, you can choose one of the manyplaces to dance in Athensand have the night of your life! Locals like to frequent the best places to eat souvlaki in Athensfor their time-honored, mouth-watering recipes that give anintense taste explosion. Take a day to enjoy one of the many organized beaches in the Athenian Riviera, where you can spend the whole day sunbathing, recharging energies, swimming in crystal clear waters, or even sipping on some cocktails till . Panathenaic stadium - credits: Anastasios71/Shutterstock.com. Inthe oldest neighborhood of Athens, the arrestingPlaka, you can revel in leisure and pleasure in a traditional bathhouse, where you can enjoy a relaxing and therapeutic steam bath. Marina Floisvou - credits: PitK/Shutterstock.com. We are truly sociable people and are always glad to meet and welcome travelers to our country. Despite the fact that the Greek capital is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, there is plenty to do here that escapes the eyes of most tourists. Reminiscent of the ancient Greek style, feel like a Greek God or Goddess while walking around with a pair ofMelissinos sandals. 1. 2020 INSIGHTS GREECE. Try baklava, semolina cakes, loukoumades, kataifi, and more, and make your trip to Athens even sweeter! Glyfada is the most popular area of the Athenian Riviera and extends about 25 kilometers to the south. Open-air cinemas have a long history in Greece and are a strong part of the local cultural entertainment in modern Athens. Note:Participantsmust be over the age of 18, but check if its ok to accompany them as part of a family trip. Our Bakery workshop is a big hit among families and definitely one of the most favorite activities for younger in Athens. Embark on a Sounio & Temple of Poseidon Day Trip with Swimming Stop or Niarchos Visit, a Day trip from Athens: Ancient Corinth Tour with Wine-Tasting in Nemea, a Delphi Day Trip from Athens, and a Mycenae & Nafplion Day-trip from Athens, and get local insight into the regional culture of each place. Let us know what would make your trip special & well design an itinerary tailor-made only for you. Things to Do in Athens by Neighborhood: {{ strDropdownMenuText }} Sights. If you are lucky you may even get to see a free concert as both beach bars are known to host a range of local and international artists. If you come in the daytime, be sure to visit the Lighthouse atop the Greek National Opera building, which is really a large area encased in glass offering panoramic views across to the port of Piraeus and the Saronic Islands in one direction and the Acropolis in the other. Visitors say Plaka offers a charming atmosphere and plenty of great shops for both souvenirs and one-of-a-kind finds. You can reach the top of Lycabettus Hill by the funicular or for the most adventurous - by walking up the hill. For a cultural experience, head to the small Archeological Museum and the Mineralogical Museum that showcases the areas once famed mining district; several mines can be found in the surrounding villages. What's more, all of the displays include English translations, making it easy for Americans to learn more about each item. To be more precise, it was that small rock in Sounio. 30 wineries that have 3000 years worth of tradition of fine wine production, so for a truly cultural and gastronomical experience, what better place to explore this by tailor making a fine wine tour. An imposing site perched above the sea at the edge of dramatic cliffs, its especially beautiful at sunset when the golden light shines on the columns and the suns rays dip into the waters of the Aegean. The round sesame bread, which the Greeks call 'koulouri,'is idealas breakfast or as a light snackduringyour wanderings around Athens. Baklava - credits: Alp Aksoy/Shutterstock.com. Athens may be dominated by the cement-grey color, but there are still several places to enjoy greenery and sunshine. If you're up for it, you can even embark on a hiking adventure, as Mount Parnitha is known for its beautiful trails, attracting hikers from across the country! Visit CapeSounio and the Temple of Apollo. The agoras of the ancient Greek city-states were open areas for people to assemble for anything from military purposes to political or commercial ones. Abandoned for many years, the old airport site is undergoing a major transformation and regeneration that promises to give back to the local community and visitors alike. Whether you are a newbie or an old-timer in the city of Athens, there are always riveting things for you to experience! Case in point: the first and onlymicrobrewery in Athens,Noctua Brewery. The area has many of the facilities you would expect from a non-tourist city: banks, public buildings, sidewalks, and shopping streets. It's the enchanting view, however, that makes this place in south Athens unforgettable! If, however, fine dining is what youre after, Athens will satisfy your craving just as easily. So, make sure to leaveAthensaffluent in culture, history, and fun activities! Museum of Cycladic Art National Museum of Contemporary Art Hadrian's Arch The Panathenaic Stadium The district of Plaka Syntagma Square and the Changing of the Guard Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre Summer outdoor cinemas The youth of Athens has an unquenchable desire for partying! In Kallithea, you will find the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre, a new state of art facilities and a landmark of cultural exhibitions within Athens. The so-called 'house of Proclus' is a late Roman villa of the 5th century, below the surface of today's Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, on the foundations of which traces of pagan worship were found. The so-called 'yiousouroum'of Avissinia Square, is practically one of the most interesting Athens flea markets, where different cultures, civilizations, and religions meet. The 1960s saw the first public organized beaches developed in the Riviera towns of Vouliagmeni and Glyfada, and Athenians started to build second homes here. Coffee shops areeverywhere,and the variety of coffee cocktails you can order is quite big. Depending on when you visit, you may even be able to take in a theatrical performance at theHerod Atticus Odeon. The site is laid out over 52 acres of public space and includes the new National Library, home of the Greek National Opera. Just head on down to the Athenian Riviera and . discover Athens' historical gems. Recent travelers loved visiting the Parthenon despite the ongoing restoration work that's taking place on parts of the building's exterior. Courtesy: Hotel London. It is cheap, filling,and delicious, and there is a whole selection of places where you get it from. If you like to rub shoulders with the rich and famous, head toIsland-here you will surely spot international designers, artists and athletes. Coffee is a major part oflocal culture, as it is deeply connected to every aspect of our daily life. Shops include a frozen yogurt parlor, a bookstore, and a sportswear shop, among others. You will find the beach inlet of Limanakia along the coast road to Vouliagmeni;explore the small coves and deep blue waters reached by walking down rocky paths. The coastal suburbs of the city bristle with wonderful clean beaches. With neighbourhoods such as Cape Sounio, Faliro, Alimos, Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, Voula, Kavouri, as a place for Athenians to worship Erechtheus, the mythical king of Athens, and various Greek gods. If youre looking for a completely different swimming experience, this spa lake along the Riviera coast a mere 30 minutes from the center of Athens is right up your street. Though some wished the site offered more written information about its ruins, many felt the locale had a better atmosphere (and fewer crowds) than the adjacent Acropolis. The foundations of the Themistocleian wall were laid in 479 - 478 BC. The Astir Beach Club is one of the most exclusive organised beaches of the Riviera. Get a different perspective on the Athens Riviera on a helicopter tour withAthens Heli Tours. Hadrian's Library | Best Things to Do in Athens. In the context of the development of alternative shopping, Athens now has its own Kilo shop. Visit Vassilenas for an unmatched experience of Mediterranean indulgence, or go all the way out in Spondi, one of Athens most luxurious offerings. Does it sound like your cup of tea? Areopagus, Athens - credits: Milan Gonda/Shutterstock.com. Now, the Parthenon is a must-see sight and the unchallenged highlight of visiting the Acropolis (and for some, Greece in general). Come with U.S. News on a tour of the Four Seasons Hotel Boston. Watch the Sunset at Balux The House Project. Here you can enjoy a swim at one of the organized beaches and have coffee or drink at the popular Nalu caf or Bolivar beach bar. 3 hours Explore the hidden food gems of Athens From $68 / person A long night out seems to be a must at the weekends, and those exhausting all-nighters make street food necessary to keep the energy levels high all night long! One of the main reasons to visit is to roam the Acropolisand Ancient Agora, exploring their stunning ruins, including the Parthenon, Erechtheion and the Temple of Hephaestus. Over the decades, Hollywood stars, musicians and politicians have all visited Astir Beach, established in 1959. Be comfortable swimming within nature as there are many garra rufa fish in the lake skin nibbling fish, making the experience an even more therapeutic one. All rights reserved. rink Frappe, cappuccino Freddo, or espresso Freddo -if you like your coffee black- or evenGreek coffee; drink any coffee you prefer cause we certainly know how to make it! Vouliagmeni soon became a luxury getaway in the 90s for politicians such as Thatcher and Gorbachev and movie stars like Joan Collins and Paul Newman. The southern district is well-known for its chic shopping strip in Glyfada, where youll find a wide range of boutiques and concept stores such as SOHO-SOHO, Ensayar, with a range of jewellery, sandals, high-end fashion; as well as international stores such as Tommy Hilfiger, Zara, H&M and Pull&Bear. 2023 All Day Cruise -3 Islands to Agistri,Moni, Aegina with lunch and Things to Do and See in Lavrio - The Athenian Riviera We are known for ourunpretentious hospitality. We could write an entire collection of novels dedicated to souvlaki, but we're not going to do that; we are just going to state the obvious: trying souvlaki is an absolute must-do for all visitorsto Greece! In addition to maintaining her own website, Life Beyond Borders, she is also a guidebook updater for Rough Guides and Lonely Planet updating editions of Rough Guides to Greece, the Greek Islands, and Portugal, plus helping to create content for Lonely Planet's Greece guide. The rich bounty of Greece offers the optimum products to compose delicious dishes with simple ingredients. Every visitor or citizen of Athen Greece has taken at least one picture standing next to the guard of the Unknown Soldier memorial. We might be a bit biased, but we find Athens gorgeous. It is also perfect for relaxing and sorting out your thoughts,a must-visit place in Athens that will bewitch and inspire you. The Athenian Riviera is the Greek capital's hub for sailing, and the several harbours along the coast are the starting point to explore fantastic coves and islets or go on a day trip to nearby Saronic Gulf islands such as Aegina, Poros or Hydra. Without paying through the nose, you can also get your hair washed and your body massaged or even take advantage of a special offer for couples. The 2004 Olympic Games transformed the beach facilities and nightspots here in order to meet the exacting standards, continuing to this day. Although not as popular as in the rest of the world, vintage and second-hand shopping inAthenshas become exciting in recent years. A Journey To The Legendary Wines of Attica. Fancy discovering how? If you are a shopaholic and need your fix, you can also check out our Athens shopping guide. Many previous travelers said the Acropolis Museum was one of the best museums they'd ever visited, citing the property's displays as the perfect complement to the Acropolis' ruins. As its name suggests, the Acropolis Museum which resides in central Athens' Makrigianni district houses various archaeological findings from the Acropolis. To top it all off, following your unwinding experience, you will be served a warm cup of tea. 1. *Funiculars timetable: daily, every 30, 09:00-02:30. Come with U.S. News on a tour of The Langham, Boston. In fact, it's routinely referred to simply as "The Acropolis." Its the starting point of the Athens Riviera and in addition to the cruise and ferry terminal, the swanky Zea Port is where youll find the private yachts, both large and small, hence facilities here reflect the exclusive clientele. Athens will become your favorite city if you're a coffee-lover, just like us! Athens by night is a must-do experience, especially if you are a night owl looking for unique bars and nightly eateries! Today, Pittaki St is a beautiful homely alley ideal for romantic evening walks, and its new, photogenic look is popular among Instagrammers and photography lovers that visit the city. The building was bought by a Greek refugee from Izmir in 1923 for it to be transformed into the first sweet shop in the city with authentic oriental-flavored desserts. Enjoy your cup of self-filtered Greek coffee in 'Mocca,' one of the most historical coffee points with its own production right in the heart of Athens! Apostolou Pavlou St.is a pedestrian street representing the path St. Paul walked during his mission. Its maximum height reached 8 meters, where its ramparts developed. Travelers say the hike to theAcropolisis just as memorable as the sites it holds. Choose your favourite spot and dive off the rocksatLimanakia, located at the base of the coastal road of Vouliagmeni in the direction of Varkiza! Additionally,ouzo is a classic Greek alcoholic drink with a prominent anise flavor, especially during summertime; its served with ice and usually paired with seafood. Enjoy stops to swim or snorkel, stay refreshed with . While in Athens, you definitely need to get a taste of the local spirits of Greece! Staying fit yet refreshed isa combination that makes for the perfect way to fight the summer heat! Here youll see the ruins of the 6th century B.C. A visit to Sounion is a must when you are on this side of the world. i love athens (texas) | Things To Do In Athens | TikTok Being one of the sunniest cities in the world, going for a picnic in Athens is one of the best activities you can choose to experience, one that everyone will love! There is acool story behind this street. With the help of the latest digital technology, the planetarium hosts inspiring productions on astronomy and a whole variety of scientific topics, creating a unique experience for science fans, who will be swept away to the ends of the earth and beyond! Anafiotika, Plaka - credits: irakite/Shutterstock.com. If you'd rather sip a drink once the sun goes down, travelers suggest visiting one (or several) of the area's vibrant clubs or bars. Athens' historic hills hold an incredible beauty and a whimsical ambiance that cannot be duplicated, while they offer the perfect opportunity for a leisurely walk that will offer peace of mind and the best views of the city. Athens actually has beaches! A Guide to Athens Riviera - Greeking.me Expect a laid-back cafe lifestyle with gorgeous views across the harbor. Come with U.S. News on a tour of the InterContinental Boston. While there are many more acropoleis (the plural of "acropolis," in case you're wondering) in Greece, it's this one in central Athens that garners the most attention. A popular spot for local Athenians, its also a great base for visitors looking to enjoy the best of both worlds days spent exploring the ancient historic sites such as the spectacular 440BC Temple of Poseidon, and relaxed evenings with sundowners and beachside dining. Retrace the steps of the courageous hero and explore the most significant archeological sites of Athens through the vibrant narration and engaging activities your expert guide will plan for you. Her debut novel, Girl Gone Greek available from Amazon has been made into a film script, winning Best Feature Fiction Script at the 2018 London Greek Film Festival and Best Feature Fiction Script at the 2020 Santorini Film Festival. The end of the cave, however, remains unknown. There are several organized beaches along its 40 miles of coastline, one of the most exclusive being Astir Beach. Located opposite the Hotel on the other side of the peninsula, Astir Marina was one of the first to be established in Greece and today is a preferred place to moor yachts. Monastiraki flea market where you can find Greek sandals - credits: Milan Gonda/Shutterstock.com. The beach bars on the Athens Riviera are super glamorous and you can arrive here from the early morning and stay for sunset and sunrise! However, when you visit the city, you will soon easily realize that the richness of its culture is evident everywhere! Four Seasons Hotels Limited 1997-2023. 508 reviews Exploring Athens can mean lots of walking and climbing, which is a stressful endeavor in the Greek sun if you're short on time. Dont miss out on the 'Zorba inside me'dance experience and get the chance to dance like a Greek! The real answer is everyone! Lycabettus Hill, things to do in Athens, Greece - credits:Milan Gonda/Shutterstock.com. Art enthusiasts love visiting this museum's collections and highly recommend arriving on a Thursday when entrance fees are waived for permanent exhibits. This is definitely one of the locals' favorite things to do in Athens! If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. Copyright Greeking.me. The Ancient Agora is a large, open square that was the seat of justice, the city's political, economic, administrative, social, religious, and cultural center, where all the citizens gathered to perform any kind of social and legal activity. It was built to house rolls of papyrus books. The only thing left to do now is to go out, explore and have fun! 1. Temple of Olympian Zeus. The tour departs every 30 minutes. Its a natural spa lake with fresh spring and seawater where the water is warm in summer and winter, making it a popular spot year long. Athens tours on trikkes and scooters, activities & things to do! The so-called Themistocles Wall was the wall that surrounded Ancient Athens, considered the largest fortification in the city. National Garden of Athens, things to do in Athens - credits: Anastasios71/Shutterstock.com. Written by a Local January 12, 2023 by Melissa Douglas Off the beaten path things to do in Athens: An oxymoron? Things to Do in Athens: The 'must-see' and the local vibes Luxury meets sustainability at these unique ecolodges. You dont need to be Sheldon to appreciate a good comic, and even if you kind of are, geeks nowadays are considered rather cool. THE 5 BEST Things to Do in Varkiza - 2023 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor Recent travelers, especially history buffs, loved visiting Ancient Agora. Things to Do From Ancient Tombs to Stunning Sunsets: Philopappos Hill has it All The Athens National Garden In the heart of the Athens city center, just a stone's throw away from Syntagma square lies the Athens National Garden. Yes. Elegant, clean, and most importantly, efficient, affordable, and convenient, the metro will take you around the city of Athens and stop atall of the city's main attractions! Explore the Acropolis, the sacred hill that goes back to 1000 BC, with its ancient monuments fighting their stand on the area since the 5th century BC, the glorious Parthenon a work of brilliance and the Acropolis Museum, by setting on an interactive adventure of role-playing. You might think Athens is all about its history and ancient glory. Is it your first time in Athens? Windsurfers head to Anavyssos beach where there is also a playground, beach volleyball court and a stretch of sun loungers and umbrellas. Grand Slam 2023. Further along the coastline, youll come to one of the biggest beaches on the Athens Riviera. Built in 444 B.C. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. It has an outdoor pool and indoor spa as well as the cute Margi Farm, a day trip within itself during which you can visit their 20,000 square meters of olive groves, farm animals, and herb and vegetable gardens to see where your breakfast produce is grown a real farm-to-table experience. Socrates used to lecture here, and it was also here that Saint Paul sought out converts for the then-fledgling religion known as Christianity. A person's wealth lies in their experiences. The ticket to the library is incredibly cheap, coming up to a grand total of 2, and you are welcome to stay as long as you want, reading as many comics as you want. Things to do in the evening: Taste delicious Greek mezes, drink special cocktails, meet the energetic locals, and when you see the first morning light, wolf down some street food and hit the bed! Bespoke travel specialists such asAlternative Athenscan take you to Cape Sounion in a chauffeured limo for a sunset date withPoseidons mighty temple, or to another historical site nearby, accompanied by an archaeologist who will reveal the rich history of the area. Hotel London: A must among budget-friendly hotels along the Athenian Riviera. According to prior visitors, the Temple of Hephaestus is "impressive" and "definitely worth a visit." Situated on the south slope of the Acropolis, the Herod Atticus Odeon was named after Tiberius Claudius Herod Atticus, a wealthy Athenian who sponsored the building of this ancient outdoor auditoriumbetween A.D. 160 and 174. Athens Riviera - Athens Attica
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