It’s no wonder that all roads lead to the fascinating and maddening metropolis of Athens. Lift your eyes 200 feet above the city to the Parthenon, its honey-color marble columns rising from a massive limestone base, and you behold architectural perfection that has not been surpassed in 2,500 years. But, today, this shrine of classical form dominates a 21st-century boomtown.

The Unification of Archaeological Sites?

Many cities boast archaeological sites, monuments and artifacts. Key to a city like Athens, with such a vibrant and withstanding ancient past, is to evolve with the times, keeping history and heritage in tact, while maximizing functionality within its modern city framework. This vision, although part of original city planners as far back as 1833, was realized in contemporary form in 1985 when Melina Mercouri, then Minister of Culture, proposed that work begin to make this vision a reality. The Goal? To offer visitors and natives an aesthetically, environmentally and culturally improved Athens. The result: The Unification of Archaeological Sites, the plan that beautified the area surrounding the Acropolis transforming it into a large archeological park or open-air archeological museum. Alleviating the historic centre of traffic and busy car-filled streets, it replaced many streets of the historic centre with quiet pedestrian walkways graced with green-topped hills; historically significant ancient ruins and renovated 19th century neoclassical buildings. Today, visitors to the park can enjoy a walk among some of the world’s most ancient treasures in a peaceful way. The park extends from Dionissiou Areopagitou Street, Apostolos Pavlou, Adrianou, Ermou and Vassilisis Olga streets and covers an area of approximately 4 km in length and 15,000 acres. Highlights of the sites along the way are: the Acropolis, The Ancient and Roman Agora, Hadrian’s Arch, the Ancient Temple of Olympian Zeus, The Theatre of Dionysos and Philopappou Hill. Furthermore, the park integrated monuments of the Byzantine and Post-Byzantine period, areas of green including the National Garden, Zappeion, and the traditional neighbourhoods of the historical Centre of Athens namely, Plaka, Anafiotika, Thisio, Psirri, Metaxourgeio, Makriyanni and Koukaki.

Plaka

With its undisputable charm, this area is one of the most frequented by visitors and natives alike. Plaka’s winding pathways carry thousands of years of history. Walk amongst the buildings whose facades are dressed in 19th century neoclassical design and architecture. Dine at one or several of its restaurants. And explore the ancient monuments, contemporary museums and traditional souvenir shops throughout.

Monastiraki

Its befitting that this monument the center of commercial and business life in ancient times would later give rise to the buzzing shopping district that surrounds it today. Of course, Monastiraki does not compare to the milieu of the ancient agora, but it still continues to inspire those who live, work and visit the area.

The New Acropolis Museum

Years in the making, this museum and its creative use of natural Greek light is the new gem of Athens and has been heralded as a masterpiece in itself. The permanent collections present finds and artifacts from the sacred hill of the Acropolis, while smaller «vignette» temporary exhibits offer insight on the whole. The cafe and museum shops are quite popular and are a must to visit as well.

The Athens Coastline

Athens is surrounded by pristine beaches, where you can swim for many months during the year. Visit a beach in Athens and you are likely to feel like you’re on a Greek island, as you are greeted with stretches of crystal sands, fine pebbles and blue, clean waters. The tram and bus take you to nearby, organized beaches (some offer water sports) in Faliro, Alimo, Kalamaki, Glyfada, Schinia and Varkiza in less than an hour. Ideal for the whole family is a walk on the Flisvos Marina promenades a great destination for all ages, at any time of year.

Suggested Athens Itineraries

Find a variety of suggested itineraries when in Athens depending on your length of stay. This historic and cosmopolitan city is full of things to do. Click on the link below

Itineraries