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Monday, 09 May 2016 07:00
Top Spots For The Best Views Of Athens
Travel blogger, author, and Athens local, Marissa Tejada, shares her favorite spots and tips for the best panoramic views of Athens!
1. Acropolis
The eternal landmark of this ancient city owns some of the most spectacular views around. Built on a hill, with nothing higher around it, you get an amazing panorama of the Greek capitol. A short hike is the only way to get you up to the top of this unique, majestic wonder of the world.
The eternal landmark of this ancient city owns some of the most spectacular views around. Built on a hill, with nothing higher around it, you get an amazing panorama of the Greek capitol. A short hike is the only way to get you up to the top of this unique, majestic wonder of the world.
Walking Tip: Check out Mars Hill/Aeropagus. Great views on this rock next to the Acropolis where St. Paul once preached. Talk about standing on history!
2. Filopappos Hill
Take a leisurely walk through the paths of the hill to reach its full height of 147 meters. From that vantage point, a full view of the Acropolis awaits. Look to the south, and for a view of the Aegean Sea. The park around the hill is lovely.
Walking Tip: It is a public park, so there isn’t an admission fee to walk around. There are various entrances to the hill. You can walk right into the hill at the end of Dionysioiu Areopagito pedestrian way.
3. Strefi Hill/Lofos Strefi
Located in in the neighborhood of Exarcheia, the view at the top is of both the Acropolis and Lycabettus Hill. This choice of best view is because it is not a real touristy spot. Here, you can take in a pretty view and be among where locals trek.
Walking Tip: Closest metro is Omonia. One way to get there is to walk up Emannuel Benaki street all the way until you see the hill and follow a path up.
To read Marissa's article in full, please visit: My Greece My Travels
To read Marissa's article in full, please visit: My Greece My Travels
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Friday, 20 May 2016 07:00
A Perfect Day ~ Athens Beyond The Ruins
Our very own XpatAthens blogger Costa Tzavaras shared with La Carte Travel Magazine what makes a perfect day in Athens! Complete with museums, lots of eating, drinking, and shopping, he tells us about the city's most unique spots to check out. Here are a few of his stellar recommendations.
Sip the nectar of the gods
‘In Athens, coffee is our most important meal of the day so we’re starting out at Yasemi. It’s a sweet little café on the edge of Anafiotika, a tiny island-like oasis in the historic Plaka district. Hot coffee is a no-no during Greek summer — unless you want TOURIST stamped on your forehead — so order your brew iced. Sip your godly nectar on the café’s pillow-lined steps and listen to the cacophony of Greek voices discuss what they got up to last night.’
Lunch atop the ruins
‘With its contemporary design, modern Greek menu and delightful sidewalk tables facing the ancient Agora, Moma restaurant is a jewel in the Athenian crown. Vibe to the cool music and people-watch the even cooler patrons while you nosh on perfectly grilled salmon and mushrooms or traditional cheese pie. A must-see in this restaurant: the bathroom, with its glass floor sitting atop ancient ruins — a reminder that you’re dining in one of the oldest cities on Earth.’
Run with the pack
‘Athens is hot so let’s cool down with a glass of wine or a cold beer. Follow me through an alley you’d avoid in most cities and down a questionable flight of stairs into Six Dogs, a magical Athenian playground. Dip your feet in the warm sand or swing under massive, ancient trees while you sip your drink and watch the young and beautiful play. Sway to the beat of the live musicians and know in your heart that this is exactly how life should be.’
But wait! There’s more…
‘One day is not enough to explore this ancient city! Sneak in a few extra hours and hop a cab to Akanthus beach bar on the Athenian Riviera. In Athens we say the sea is never far from your thoughts …’
‘One day is not enough to explore this ancient city! Sneak in a few extra hours and hop a cab to Akanthus beach bar on the Athenian Riviera. In Athens we say the sea is never far from your thoughts …’
To read about this perfect day in full, please visit: La Carte
By Tonisha Robinson
By Tonisha Robinson
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Monday, 27 June 2016 07:00
Discover Athens Architecture - Ancient To Modern
Author and blogger Marissa Tejada recently went on a different kind of tour of Athens. Together with a local architect, she explored the city and listened to the stories behind each of the buildings. Here she tells us about her experience of the complex mix of ancient, historic, and new architecture of the city of Athens.
One thing I love about traveling in Europe is the amazing architecture that can be admired in the old towns. It’s wonderful to take in everything from fantastic castles, gorgeous sky high churches with spires and Gothic accents, to the charm of buildings and homes that have lined cobbled lanes before industrial modern times. For an American like me, it is all very fairy tale at times and simply charming.
It has been said that the landscape of Athens is an architectural challenge. Unregulated city growth and planning led to cookie-cutter housing, a lack of green space and grand centuries’ old buildings falling to the developer’s wrecking ball. Once elegant homes remain simply abandoned.
I have been walking the city center streets, where I live, for years now and failed to really look closer, only admiring the obvious: the Acropolis and other ancient structures that have survived with grace and the most important neoclassical buildings. However, I always kind of shook my head at buildings that lined the oldest Athenian neighborhoods which were a big old unnecessary hodgepodge of styles (some just ugly), at least to me.
Athens is a city built over a city, many times over. The ancient Greek world has been buried over time. Fast forward to today, within the past decades even, engineers and architects continue to literally bump into a landscape of antiquities.
Exploring much of Greece, you’ll find this kind of construction where eras are built over eras. Another reason why you can say Athens is truly a fascinating city of layers.
To read Marissa's article in full, please visit: My Greece My Travels
To read Marissa's article in full, please visit: My Greece My Travels
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Monday, 19 September 2016 07:00
Top 10 Things To Do In Athens
Areopagus – The Hill of Ares
Just opposite the entrance to the Acropolis sits a huge white rock. Named after the Greek God of War, Ares, it’s thought that many murder trials were held here, including the trial of Ares himself for the murder of Alirrothios, the son of Poseidon. Climb either the marble stairs carved into the side or take the modern steel stairs (which is the best option to avoid slipping) and sit and admire the vista; Athens sprawls out below you with views of the sea and islands nearby.
Anafiotika
Under the northeastern side of the Acropolis lies a hidden “island village.”. In the early 1900s, many people came to Athens from the island of Anafi to build the king’s palace. They built themselves their own neighborhood, called Anafiotika, to remind them of their island homes. Today, only 45 of the original houses remain, but it’s amazing to wander through the winding streets and discover an island village that almost looks out of place within the heart of a city.
Vouliagmeni Lake
Visit the brackish waters of Vouliagmeni Lake, a natural lake formed many years ago from a cave collapse and surrounded by a natural pine forest. The lake is a mixture of warm fresh water and cold seawater and contains the garra rufa fish that nibble at your skin as you swim.
National Garden
Located behind the parliament building in Syntagma Square and designed by Queen Amalia in 1840, you’ll find a plethora of plant, bird and animal species at the National Garden. Open to the public, locals spend their afternoons here drinking coffee in the small cafes dotted around the garden and older men play tavil (Greek backgammon).
Day Trip to Cape Sounion
The Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion makes a perfect day trip from Athens. It’s about 42 miles southeast of Athens, but definitely worth it. Visitors can wander around the monument, which is surrounded on three sides by the Aegean Sea, and admire the breathtaking views across the water. Afterwards, relax on the beach below.
This article was originally posted on Onboard.com, which is no longer online.
This article was originally posted on Onboard.com, which is no longer online.
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Monday, 03 October 2016 07:00
25 Things To Do At Syntagma Square In Athens
The steps at Syntagma Square have been a traditional meeting point for people as all roads seem to lead here. You’ll find commuters rushing during peak hour traffic, children feeding the pigeons and backpackers dipping into the fountain to cool down during a heatwave after a spot of Athens sightseeing.
Sit still, listen carefully to the undercurrents of the pulsating crowd and tap into the next chapter of modern Greek history in the making. After all, every major event has either been mourned or celebrated here.
25 Things to do at Syntagma Square
- Photograph the evzones during the main changing of the guard ceremony at 11:00 Sunday or every hour on the hour 24×7.
- Take a close look at the tomb of the unkown soldier.
- Take a free tour of Parliament house.
- Make a wish and throw a coin in the fountain.
- Attend a free lecture or workshop at Public Bookstore.
- Visit the museum of ancient artifacts found during the excavation works at Syntagma metro station.
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Find George Zongolopoulos’ atrium of flying umbrellas at Syntagma Metro.
- Attend one of the numerous fairs and bazaars at the conference center of the Syntagma metro station.
- Take a selfie at the designated selfie spot at the historic Grand Bretagne Hotel rooftop.
- People watch at one of the sidewalk cafes.
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Monday, 06 November 2017 07:00
7 Reasons To Cherish Athens During Autumn
Athens in the autumn transforms into a city with a special kind of charm, so if you find yourself in the city on the cusp of autumn instead of the height of summer, here are some the delights you can look forward to.
- Drinks In The Open
When returning from summertime holiday breaks, Athenians tend to continue spending a great deal of time outdoors, for as long as the autumn weather permits, roaming about town and enjoying drinks at café-bars on pedestrianized streets, rooftop settings and terraces. -
Visits To Museums And Archaeological Sites Without The HeatwavesBegin your outing along cobbled Dionysiou Areopagitou St, below the Acropolis, for a look at the marvelous neoclassical buildings along one of Europe’s most prestigious and expensive strips. Also take in the Theater of Dionysus and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, both at the foot of the Acropolis, as well as the district’s wondrous Acropolis Museum, designed by architect Bernard Tschumi and Michael Photiadis, before winding up at the Pnyx, the nearby hill where ancient Athenians gathered for their popular assemblies.
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Classic Athenian Food Delights In Unlikely SpotsTry the street food at Uberness, a cult-status pop-up restaurant set up by chef Vassilis Kallidis in Athens central wholesale fruit and vegetable market in Renti, close to Piraeus. The makeshift setting, featuring lots of plastic white chairs for seating, resembles rural Greek festivals. At Aster, enjoy Cretan cuisine in the grand setting of a neoclassical building decorated with furniture that is reminiscent of old Athens.
To read this article in full, please visit: Greece Is
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Thursday, 01 March 2018 07:00
Al Hammam Turkish Baths
Travel blogger and author Rebecca Hall from Life Beyond Borders explores the Al Hammam baths in Athens with members of Travel Bloggers Greece and shares her experience!
Al Hammam Turkish Baths are located in Chania, Crete and in the Plaka district of Athens. Actually, more towards the Anafiotika area of Athens, literally under the Acropolis, so imagine the views from the rooftop terrace where one can sip tea and eat Turkish treats after your experience? It’s literally a 100 metre walk from the museum Bath House of the Winds.
The one hour experience the Travel Bloggers Greece were offered was called the Al Hammam. This included:
- 30 minutes sitting in the Hammam followed by;
- 15 minute body exfoliation with a kese glove
- 15 minute hair wash
- 15 minute olive soap bubble massage
First you sit in the Hammam ‘mist’ room. After changing in the (rather small) changing rooms into either disposable underwear (if you’re happy to go topless), or swimsuit (like me), then you enter the marbled, humid, steamy room and sit around, basically like a sauna and getting hot and sweaty. But it’s larger than a sauna; it’s circular and as you gradually get hotter and hotter, you can fill up a bowl of cold water and basically pour it over you!
To read this article in full, please visit: Life Beyond Borders
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Thursday, 24 November 2016 07:00
Discover Greek Culture In Athens
Blogger Elena Sergeeva from Passion For Greece feels that once in a while we should become tourists in our own city and spend a day exploring the hidden gems, interacting with others who definitely know something that you don’t and opening your eyes to new surroundings and learn. Elena recently spent the day in Athens with Discover Greek Culture learning all about Athens’ Art and Culture. Here, she describes her experience!
Our meeting point was the Syntagma Square which is the main square of Athens and the one that received its name from the Constitution that the first King of Greece Otto was obliged to grant. Here you will find the Greek Parliament building which initially served as a palace of Kings Otto and George I. From here we headed down to the Ermou street which is the central shopping street of Athens and is one of the first three streets that were designed in modern Athens.
The name Ermou or otherwise known as Hermes in English was named after the ancient Greek God Hermes who was the God of trade; therefore it is quite common that many of the commercial streets in Greece carry the name of Ermou. The street was very busy as all the Athenians were rushing to buy Christmas presents just before the holidays.
Our next stop was at the Church of Panaghia Kapnikarea which is found right in the heart of the Ermou Street, and impressive monument dated to the Middle-Byzantine period. In 1834, the building was in danger of being demolished as the newly-established Modern Greek State decided on the new layout for the Greek capital with the plans of having the Ermou Street extend straight forward and exactly aligned with the Palace’s central entrance, thankfully the destruction was avoided thanks to the father of King Otto. What is unique about this church is that it stands one level below the main street of Ermou and the dome is held by four uniquely decorated columns.
To read this article in full, please visit: Passion For Greece
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Thursday, 05 January 2017 07:00
The New And Cool In Athens
A mini-guide to the city's latest openings, from upmarket hotels to restaurants and cafes!
New Hotel Ancient Views - Electra Metropolis Athens
In the hands of interior designer – architect Maria Katsarou-Vafiadis, of the London-based MKV firm, a 1960s office building, formerly home to the Ministry of Education, has been transformed into a stylish five-star hotel, oozing Athenian retro-chic coolness. Highlights start right from the entrance canopy, where you will see the refurbished post-Byzantine Church of Aghia Dynami, to the impressive lobby atrium, featuring a gigantic artwork by famous Greek artist Alekos Fassianos, all the way up to the roof garden and pool, which offers the most breathtaking 360-degree view to enjoy while sipping a cocktail or dining. Check out the cute ground-level bistro as well, where remnants of the ancient city can be seen through glass floors, proving that, wherever you dig in Athens, there is always something ancient to be found.
Address: 15 Mitropoleos
Telephone: 214 100 6200
Website
Drupes & Drips - Takis Bakery
Fans of Takis Bakery near the Acropolis just got a whole new range of options, with a new Italian espresseria and a juice bar. Pick up a freshly made fruit juice, or choose a “pedigree” coffee prepared by expert baristas. At lunchtime, the small space becomes a cicchetteria, so you can try hams and cheeses from abroad or from small-scale Greek producers. There are no tables, so sit at the bar and have a glass of wine, spritz, prosecco or potent Greek tsikoudia with your nibbles.
Address: 20 Zitrou
Telephone: 210 923 0052
Facebook
Yoleni’s Grocery
If you think that this country is only about olive oil and honey, try visiting this unique five-story temple of Greek gastronomy to find local goods and produce. From local soda pops to nuts and kale flakes, and even local gin, you’ll find it all here. An amazing selection of over 50 brands of extra virgin olive oil, a wide assortment of cheeses, and dozens upon dozens of different kinds of canned goods line the shelves.
Address: 9 Solonos
Telephone: 212 222 3600
Website
New Hotel Ancient Views - Electra Metropolis Athens
In the hands of interior designer – architect Maria Katsarou-Vafiadis, of the London-based MKV firm, a 1960s office building, formerly home to the Ministry of Education, has been transformed into a stylish five-star hotel, oozing Athenian retro-chic coolness. Highlights start right from the entrance canopy, where you will see the refurbished post-Byzantine Church of Aghia Dynami, to the impressive lobby atrium, featuring a gigantic artwork by famous Greek artist Alekos Fassianos, all the way up to the roof garden and pool, which offers the most breathtaking 360-degree view to enjoy while sipping a cocktail or dining. Check out the cute ground-level bistro as well, where remnants of the ancient city can be seen through glass floors, proving that, wherever you dig in Athens, there is always something ancient to be found.
Address: 15 Mitropoleos
Telephone: 214 100 6200
Website
Drupes & Drips - Takis Bakery
Fans of Takis Bakery near the Acropolis just got a whole new range of options, with a new Italian espresseria and a juice bar. Pick up a freshly made fruit juice, or choose a “pedigree” coffee prepared by expert baristas. At lunchtime, the small space becomes a cicchetteria, so you can try hams and cheeses from abroad or from small-scale Greek producers. There are no tables, so sit at the bar and have a glass of wine, spritz, prosecco or potent Greek tsikoudia with your nibbles.
Address: 20 Zitrou
Telephone: 210 923 0052
Yoleni’s Grocery
If you think that this country is only about olive oil and honey, try visiting this unique five-story temple of Greek gastronomy to find local goods and produce. From local soda pops to nuts and kale flakes, and even local gin, you’ll find it all here. An amazing selection of over 50 brands of extra virgin olive oil, a wide assortment of cheeses, and dozens upon dozens of different kinds of canned goods line the shelves.
Address: 9 Solonos
Telephone: 212 222 3600
Website
To read this article in full, please visit: Greece Is
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Tuesday, 24 January 2017 07:00
A Winter Visit To Athens Offers A Pleasant Alternative
Athens is one of the world's oldest cities, often called the cradle of Western civilization. Visitors will find monuments to ancient history on nearly every path they take. But with interesting neighborhoods, trendy shops and a variety of cafes and tavernas serving that famous Greek cuisine, Athens' attractions are not all rooted in the past.
As a seaside metropolis with a lively outdoor vibe and dozens of picturesque islands beckoning nearby, Athens is more often considered a summer tourist destination than a winter escape. But if you've got more than beaches on your mind, there's plenty of upside to a brief cool visit that avoids the crowds and heat of summer.
The city is easy to get around by bus or metro and most major attractions are within walking distance. Temperatures in January average 50 F (10 C). A few must-see attractions include the Acropolis, Plaka, and Sounion!
To read this article in full, please visit: Yahoo
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