ATTICA
INTRODUCTION
Attica, the land that gave birth to ideas and arts, has created and shaped what we call today the western civilization. Today, a visit to Attica offers visitors a unique experience. A “journey” in its 6,000-year history, including the chance to see renowned monuments and masterpieces of art of antiquity and the Middle Ages, and the architectural heritage of the 19th and 20th centuries. Here lies Athens, the capital of Greece, the busiest city of the country with the most prominent archaeological site and symbol of the country, the world-famous sacred rock of the Acropolis.
HISTORY
Athens is the capital city of Greece (4 million population), it is the largest city in Greece and the seventh largest city in the European Union. Athens is one of the world's oldest cities, with its recorded history spanning over 3,400 years and its earliest human presence beginning somewhere between the 11th and 7th millennia BC. In antiquity, it was debated whether Athens took its name from its patron goddess Athena or Athena took her name from the city. Modern scholars now generally agree that the goddess takes her name from the city, because the ending -ene is common in names of locations, but rare for personal names.
Classical Athens was a powerful city-state. It was a centre for the arts, learning and philosophy, and the home of Plato's Academy and Aristotle's Lyceum. It is widely referred to as the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy, largely because of its cultural and political impact on the European continent—particularly Ancient Rome. In modern times, Athens is a large cosmopolitan metropolis and central to economic, financial, industrial, maritime, political and cultural life in Greece.
CLIMATE
Attica is one of the warmest region in Greece with an average daily high temperature of 23 degrees centigrade. In 6 months, the average temperatures are over 25 degrees. Pleasant water temperatures of up to 24 degrees even invite you to take a bath in the warm season. Due to the warmer temperatures the best time for traveling is from June to August. Less attractive are the cold months from November to March.
HIGHLIGHTS
• The Acropolis & Acropolis Museum: The most popular place to visit in Athens. The term “acropolis” refers to the fortified hill. Archeological Museum with artifacts found on the Acropolis and the surrounding slopes. • Ancient Agora & Temple of Hephaestus: For 5,000 years, this area was used as a marketplace, gathering place, and residential area. The Temple of Hephaestus is one of the best-preserved Greek temples. It was constructed in the 5th century BC to honor the god Hephaestus, the patron god of fire, metal working, and craftsmanship • Hadrian’s Library & Roman Agora: Hadrian’s Library was constructed in 132 AD under the rule of Roman Emperor Hadrian. It was built to house rolls of papyrus books. Roman Agora is located near the Ancient Agora, was built in the first century BC during the rule of Julius and Augustus Caesar. The Tower of the Winds is considered to be the world’s first meteorological center, featuring a sundial, water clock, and wind vane. • National Archaeological Museum: The largest archeological museum in Greece including greatest artifacts of Greek antiquity. • Church of Panagia Kapnikarea: Located on Ermou Street in Plaka, one of the oldest churches in Athens, which was built in the 11th century. It looks out of place, sitting among modern buildings and popular chain stores, as the city of Athens has grown up around it. • Aeropagus Hill – Mount Lycabettus: Is a spot with the most iconic views of the Acropolis. This hill got its name from Ares, the god of war, who was tried here by the gods for the murder of Poseidon’s son Alirrothios. There are 2 options in order to get there: to walk or to take the Lycabettus Cable Car to the peak of Mount Lycabettus. The view is outstanding and, in the sunlight, this city literally sparkles. • Tomb of Unknown Soldier – Panathenaic Stadium: Located in Syntagma Square near the Hellenic Parliament Building, this is a war memorial that is dedicated to the Greek soldiers who died in war. The tomb is guarded by an Evzone soldier dressed in traditional uniform. Every hour there is a changing of the guard. This is a historic stadium and a lot of big events have occurred here. In 1896, it hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the first modern Olympics. Then, in 2004, it was used as an Olympic venue. It is the site of the finish line for the Athens Classic Marathon. • Kerameikos: Is an area of Athens that served as potter’s quarters and an ancient cemetery.
ATHENS CITY
• Walk around the Old Town (Palaiochora) • Visit the imposing Temple of Aphaia • Rent a bike and then stroll through the port of Perdika and get a taste of the Cycladic element • Learn more about Aegina’s history by visiting Christos Kapralos Museum • Head to the prehistoric site of Kolonna • Pay homage to Agios Nektarios church, dedicated to the patron saint
AEGINA ISLAND
• Learn more about its history by visiting the Historical Archive Museum of Hydra • Take photos of the legendary Bastions near the port • Stroll around the old neighborhoods in Hydra town • Head towards the Ecclesiastical and Byzantine Museum to get a taste of the Christian Orthodox history of the island • Head to the historical beach of Mandraki • Swim at Bísti, an organized beach with pebbles • Go on an adventure at Agios Nikolaos, a remote sandy beach only accessible by sea (you can find water taxis)
HYDRA ISLAND
• Stroll around the picturesque ‘sokakia’ alleyways • Visit the famous Clock of Poros • Explore more of the 6th century BC Temple of Poseidon • Marvel at endless sunsets • Swim at Askeli beach or sunbathe and do water sports • Party at Love Bay, a beautiful beach among the pines • Head to Monastiri beach to find peace and bask in the sun • Learn more about its history by visiting the Archaeological Museum of Poros and the Folklore Museum
POROS ISLAND
• Explore the ancient site of Kolones • Experience a unique diving experience with Salamina Diving Center • Visit the Cave of Euripides, a cave considered to be used since the Neolithic period (5300-4300 BC) • Go to the rich Archaeological Museum of Salamina • Eat fresh seafood by the sea • Immerse yourself in the tradition of the island by visiting The Museum of Folk Art and The Maritime Museum
SALAMINA ISLAND
• Dive into the endless turquoise of Chalikiada beach, totally unorganized and virgin • Sunbathe or enjoy a drink on Dragonera beach, lounging on the sunbeds • Visit the wetland of “Lekani” Lake and enjoy nature • Head to the private yet stunning Aponnisos beach and try snorkeling • Tour around and see the traditional churches, including the Church of Virgin Mary, the Church of Agioi Anargyroi, and the Church of Agia Kyriaki • Stroll around Skala, the main port town, and eat at traditional taverns.
AGISTRI ISLAND
• Stroll around the old harbor for a taste of Spetses • Marvel at the wonderful sunset from the Lighthouse at the end of the old harbor • Enjoy pristine nature and clear waters in Agia Paraskevi beach or head to Agia Marina beach for sunbathing and lounging at the beach bars • Swim at Agioi Anargyroi beach and take a boat to Bekiris Cave, full of stalactites and stalagmites • Visit Spetses Museum housed in the mansion of Chatzigianni-Mexi, and go to Bouboulina Museum, inside the very house of this War of Independence heroine • Take a short work from Dapia port and find the famous Church of Agios Nikolaos.
SPETSES ISLAND
• See the crater of a volcano on the hill of Kameni by hiking there. • Bathe in natural hot springs in the village of Vromolimni. • Head to Nissaki Agion Anargiron or Limnionas and Vathi beaches to take a swim • Go to “Dritsaika” to get a panoramic view of the Saronic Gulf and its endless blue • Hike to the Cave of Pigeons next to the stunning Almyra beach with its crystal-clear waters • Find the remains of old walls and fortifications, including the gates to an Acropolis, in Paleokastro • Walk in the footsteps of the ancient historian Pausanias along the volcanic path starting from the fishing village of Agios Georgios.
METHANA ISLAND
• Therapeutic waters of Lake Vouliagmeni • Open-air cinema at Flisvos Marina • Cape Sounion’s Temple of Poseidon • Naval history at the Battleship Averof • Shopping in Glyfada • Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre
ATHENS RIVIERA
GASTRONOMY
Greek cuisine is a melting pot of different civilizations on the crossroads between the East and the West. It’s celebrated internationally for its immaculate tastes and the simple ingenuity of its Mediterranean character.
Lately, Athens has been rapidly transforming into one of the most interesting culinary destinations worldwide. The Greek capital is undeniably one of the best places worldwide to experience high-end gastronomy and get a taste of not only authentic Greek but also French, Italian, Mexican, Chinese cuisine etc., satisfying even the most demanding culinary preferences.
During your stay on the Saronic Islands, you will have the opportunity to taste local delicacies as well as to supply special products. A step closer to get to know the traditional Saronic cuisine.
The famous pistachios: In Aegina, the island's trademark is pistachios. Salted or not, caramelized or not, the pistachios are available in all versions. You will also find pasteli, mandollate, honey, spoon sweets and pistachios that are nutritious treats. In addition to its sweets, Aegina is famous for its salty dishes. Try the Katsoula, a local fish with pink color that is fried. Aubergine, cuttlefish and fresh fish in general are not lacking from the traditional cuisine. Of course, the traditional pistachio is a leader in many recipes and the younger chefs use it in several dishes, such as pesto, goat's pistachios, and pistachios.
AEGINA
The fragrant lemons: In Poros, the favorite product is lemon (in Galata there is a huge lemon forest) and the locals use it in many meals. So here you will find the most delicious sweet of the spoon with whole lemon and other citrus sweets as well as the famous almonds of Poros. Apart from its special cuisine, the island is famous for seafood snacks, cooked and baked food as well as fresh fish that bring the boats.
POROS
The famous almonds: In Hydra, the famous almonds with rose-water, lemon zest and honey are a reference point for the island as they are interwoven with its history. From cooked, it is worth trying the stuffed squid, the fisherman's pasta, the mussels with plenty of parsley and the sea bass with salt crust. On the other hand, if you are a lover of meat, you will find plenty of options from delicious local meats
HYDRA
sources: https://realgreekexperiences.com/why-visit-athens https://www.tornosnews.gr/fakelos-tourismos/6621-buzzfeed.com-33-%CE%BB%CF%8C%CE%B3%CE%BF%CE%B9-%CE%BD%CE%B1-%CE%B5%CF%80%CE%B9%CF%83%CE%BA%CE%B5%CF%86%CE%B8%CE%B5%CE%AF%CF%84%CE%B5-%CF%84%CE%B7%CE%BD-%CE%B1%CE%B8%CE%AE%CE%BD%CE%B1.html
https://www.athensdaycruise.gr/blog/saronic-islands-is-it-worth-it/
WHY?
Forget Paris or Rome, Athens has the largest café culture in the world.
Athens is a food lover’s paradise.
Athens offers wonderful patios, views.
Athens offers great street markets and many shopping opportunities.
Athenians are friendly and welcoming!
Hidden swimming coves.
Saronic islands for nature and beach lovers
The beauties of the Argo-Saronic Gulf
Saronic islands for History Lovers
Experience traditional Greek life
The city center of Athens is easy to get around.
Athens is very affordable European city for holidays.
The port of Lavrio, east of Athens, has a 4,000-year-old mining history. Discover the 19th-century mining works and ancient silver-mining tunnels.
Athens is Europe’s city that never sleeps. (Vibrant Nightlife)
There has been a logic-defying explosion of awesome bars, restaurants, and cafes.
There are plenty of great beaches and islands nearby (Varkiza, Sounion, Agkistri, Hydra, Spetses, etc.)
Athens has legendary kiosks, known as periptera, operating 24/7 where you can find a wide range of products!!!
Athens has dozens of world-class museums and galleries (National Art Gallery, the Goulandris Art Museum and the National Museum of Contemporary Art etc.)
Athens has a lively arts / music / festival scene (Athens & Epidaurus Festival, Theater of Herodes Atticus etc.)
Limanakia Vouliagmenis , crystal-clear water in what feels like a private cove, to the sound of energising music from the beach bar.
Piraeus is mostly known as a gateway to a dream vacation but there’s more to this small port town. High-end seafood restaurants, hip bars and cozy cafes located downtown will give you the chance to see a whole other side of it and convince you that it’s worth some of your time when exploring the Athenian Riviera.