Explore The Past And Enjoy The Present In Athens
Before the intense heat of summer descends, look out for a cheap flight to Athens and see some of the worlds most iconic historical sites. A visit to Athens is a bit like visiting a huge open-air Museum; the wonders of the past are immediately accessible, but it’s also a place that really welcomes visitors and has plenty of modern amenities for todays travellers.
Athens is the Capital of Greece, and whether you’re travelling solo, with a group, or with babies and toddlers, it’s easy to get around. Greek people will always help out where children and older people are concerned.
A Few Things to See and Experience
It’s a powerful mix of old and new in Athens. The city is crowned by the remains of the great Parthenon, an incredible building – sitting at the top of the Acropolis. The historic centre of the city is home to the Panathenian Stadium, where in 1896, the first modern Olympic Games took place. Koromikos Cemetery is the equivalent of Londs High Gate Cemetary – with fabulous oppulent tombs and inscribed tombstones. On Sundays, Athens also holds an enormous Flea Market – you can rummage through old phonographs, musical instuments, costumes and local speciality foods including local honey and olives.
The old part of the city is known as the Plaka; the cobbled streets and shop fronts have been recently freshened up, making it a welcome stopping point for a light bite. Or you can make your way to Anafiotika, a beautiful area with a village feel to the whitewashed houses which are decorated with pots of brightly coloured geraniums.
Thissio has a lively square – where children run around while parents take a break in one of the many cafes, and indulge in a cup of strong coffee with a dash of Greek Brandy. In the evenings, don’t forget to look up and see the Acropolis spot lit against the black sky. Greeks love the summer evenings – it’s warm enough to live outside for at least half the year. You’ll see whole families out enjoying a late meal, with children playing games in the streets – all evidence of it being a family friendly and safe environment.
Tourist Trail “Must Do’s”
On the tourist trail, you can watch the Changing of the Greek Guard – a slow and sombre event, which happens every hour, at the site of the Unknown Warrior by the Parliament Buildings. The National Museum is a treasure trove – it’s easy to spend a whole morning here, but if you want to spend some of your holiday money, visit the shopping area, Ermou, where you can pick up some great bargains, particularly in the way of shoes; which are very well made and come in unusual fabric and colour combinations. Alternatively, for a less frivolous shopping experience, Kolonaki district is where you will pick up a classy antique or two!
If you have chance, visit Cape Sounion to watch a sunset by the Temple of Poseidon – and make your way back to Piraeus, the big Port, for some fresh seafood on the harbour at Mikrolimano. You can also catch a variety of ferry boats here, taking you to many of the smaller Greek Islands. April should be pleasantly warm, perfect weather for sight seeing! There are plenty of opportunities to look out for cheap airline tickets, so don’t miss out on a chance to visit one of Europe’s finest cities. Athens is about 40 minutes drive from the International Airport. It’s a great place to be based – the old city is remarkable, brimming with life and bustle, and yet within a bus ride, you can be sun bathing on a local hideaway beach, taking a breather from the heat of the city.