Greece is one of the most popular European destinations.
Definitely one of the most popular JayWay destinations - and yet,
its capital is often overlooked by travelers on their way to the islands today we'll show you
why adding a few nights in Athens is definitely worth it - because Athens is not just a stopover.
We don’t have to explain that there’s a lot of history to see in Athens - Greece
is the cradle of what we today understand as modern Western civilization and has plenty
of historical sites that explore the land’s ancient history and the Greek civilization.
Towering about the city on the Acropolis is probably the most
famous structure in all of Greece - the Parthenon.
To explore it and all of the Acropolis get ready to wake up
early to avoid the crowds. There's also a neat way to skip the ticket line...
...by buying a combined ticket for several ancient sites ahead of time.
Numerous archeological sites are waiting to be explored,
whether you prefer a guided experience or just want to stroll and try to wrap
your head around the thousands of years of history in front of you.
Because Athens has almost too many awe-inspiring ancient sites to offer...
...and history breathes at you from every corner, including, for example, ordinary subway entrances.
But it’s not just the ancient temples that come to mind when someone mentions Greece.
The iconic white and blue buildings of the Cyclades islands are a close second.
If you’ve traveled to the Cyclades before coming to Athens, you might
find yourself missing those typical whitewashed houses and narrow streets.
And well, you wouldn't be the first one. So did some workers coming from the tiny
island of Anafi in the mid-19th century
they built Anafiotika to remind them of home.
This picturesque neighborhood is located right under the Acropolis
and yet often overlooked by tourists. Visit this calm oasis in the heart of
Athens as an easy stopover between other sightseeing destinations.
But it's not all just "old", "history" and "marble"
- Athens has a plethora of cool neighborhoods worth a visit.
Let us not forget that history didn’t end thousands of years
ago - history is still being written.
And to feel like you’re a part of it, turn to the neighborhoods important to the youth of Athens.
Visit the artsy and trendy Metaxourgeio, get a bite to eat in the colorful Psyrri neighborhood
or breathe in the politically charged atmosphere of the edgy anarchist neighborhood of Exarchia.
As cool areas frequented by young locals usually do, all of these
neighborhoods come with vibrant nightlife. And also: excellent food and drink options.
When evening comes it’s time to do like the Greeks do and order a table-full of meze.
We don’t have to try hard to convince you to like Greek food.
With the perfect balance of flavors and textures that is the Greek salad,
the juiciness of locally grown olives, the abundance of delicious cheese options,
and the tenderness of the meat dishes, Greek cuisine speaks for itself.
In Athens, tradition meets innovation,
offering you the chance to experience the same high-quality ingredients in a new context.
The same applies to drinks, of course. Athens offers a wide variety of options
from high-quality coffee to creative cocktails and a lively craft beer scene.
All of that in stylish bars and cafés with tasteful decorations…or here.
A real-life fairytale and a minimalist’s nightmare but definitely a sight to behold.
You might not think of Athens as a beach destination -
but even here, sandy seashore and crystal clear water are just minutes away!
Since temperatures in Athens climb to scorching highs during the summer, an opportunity to cool
down is almost a necessity. And open beaches accessible
by public transportation are a perfect solution to that problem.
One might not expect beautiful sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters
so close to a densely populated city like Athens, but here, such a thing is a reality.
So lay back, relax or take a leisurely walk through the
nearby park and lively marina with its several cafés and restaurants.
Lastly - a beautiful city like Athens is worth seeing from above.
Everything that we mentioned - the iconic ancient structures, quirky neighborhoods, and sandy city
beaches - can be admired from the Lycabettus hill viewpoint, with the sun setting over the horizon.
The beauty of this 360-degree view of the city washed in golden light as
you gaze at the Parthenon from above is unmatched, but so can the crowds.
Luckily, Athens has many options for iconic views - from its many
other hills to its various stylish eateries.
Views in Athens are a chapter on their own.
A chapter we plan to cover in its dedicated video
soon - so subscribe to our channel and don’t miss it when it comes out!
Adding a few days in Athens to your itinerary is very easy when traveling with JayWay.
Visit our website jaywaytravel.com for more information and to see our Greek itineraries.
And don't forget to like subscribe and I will see you next time!