As one of the world’s most popular tourism destinations, it is unsurprising that holidays in Greece are so popular.
There’s more history and culture here than in most parts of the world and you can also enjoy a range of budget friendly activities. From exploring ancient ruins to windsurfing in the Aegean Sea, whatever floats your boat you’ll be well looked after.
When travelling in Greece, you can literally retrace the formative steps of western civilisation as we know it today. Many of the social, political and philosophical concepts that we live by today have their origins in Athens, while dramatic and historical works by the likes of Aristotle, Plato and Heracles still serve as inspiration to this day.
No exploration of this country is complete without a trip to its most famous city. For millennia, people have flocked to Athens, in the heart of the hilly Attica region. This city really is one of the best places to travel in Europe, with history, culture, food and world famous tourist attractions.
Best Time to Visit Athens
This ancient city starts warming up in spring, and the tourists don’t arrive til summer, making it the ideal destination for a short break. Go for the crumbling ruins and history, but stay for the surprisingly hipster bar culture, street art scene and generous servings of halloumi.
Where to Stay
You can find accommodation for all budgets, from budget backpacker dorms to 5-star hotels. Staying near the Acropolis is recommended, this is where most shops, cafes, bars, restaurants and tourist attractions are located.
There are lots of cheap hostels with dorms/private room offering great affordable places to stay in the Greek capital.
If you pay a bit more you can find lots of hotels with rooftop terraces and Acropolis views!
Top Places to Visit in Athens
Historic Attractions
The first thing likely to strike you in Athens is the impressive milieu created by the Acropolis, standing proudly on a flat hilly outcrop overlooking the city.
The ruins of this ancient citadel can still be seen today, with the Parthenon most impressive among them.
Despite sustaining significant damage in more recent centuries, the pillars of this temple – dedicated to the goddess Athena – are impressive today as they must have been when they were first erected in the 5th century BC.
Monastiriki Flea Market
For a change of pace while still in the capital, why not head to the Monastiriki Flea Market, the largest of its kind in Greece.
Taking place every week, it is a hub for people selling almost any sort of wares imaginable and has a certain international flavour these days.
If you’re willing to rummage, you may find some interesting trinkets, but even if you leave empty handed, the experience itself will definitely have been worth it.
Shopping
Old times have changed and so do the cities. Milan, Barcelona, Paris… the authenticity has been changed for the “anything goes”, and the quality resents. Now the critics agree that the most notorious art galleries and glamorous streets are placed in Athens, increasingly designers bet for this city to show their creations.
Ermou is an example of what has been said here above. This long street holds countless shops that offer their best to the more and more demanding clients. You will find here a wide range of shops adapted to every need: the most exquisite lingerie and underwear boutiques, an ever young shop for a very proud alternative way of dressing, or even shops dedicated to create delicate mode to elegant ladies.
You can find from the finest jewellery to the trendiest accessories in a delicious walk enlivened by the music of local artists. Plus, not everything is about clothing here! There are several pieces of art available to take a small part of the hearth of the Acropolis and its Parthenon to your home.
Best Places to Visit Near Athens
Keen to discover Greece beyond the capital? The watchphrase for backpacking is moving around, and there’s just as much to see and do outside of Athens.
With dozens of inhabited islands to explore, Greece boasts a bountiful supply of beautiful coastlines, with the kind of beaches that grace the front covers of travel guides.
So it’s no wonder that water sports are so popular here. While diving may be out of your budget, the public beaches and the waters of the Aegean can be enjoyed by all and the only thing you need is a bathing costume.
If you want to get back on the history trail after your dip in the ocean, I’d recommend adventures to the islands of Crete and Rhodes, two of Greece’s most famous.
The former is home to the ruins of Knossos, which dates back to the Bronze Age and is considered to be the oldest city in Europe.
The latter, once home to the statue of Greek titan Helios that was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, is among the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.
But even though the statue is gone, there’s still plenty to see, including the Palace of the Grand Master and the Ruins of Kameiros.