Athens, Greece🏛️

We only had two full days solely in Athens, but you can spend at least five days here to properly explore the capital of Greece!

Parthenon on the Acropolis

The main sight to see when in Athens is the famous Parthenon on the Acropolis. To see the Parthenon you will need an entry ticket to the Acropolis archaeological site. This is because they have daily tourist caps and timed entry tickets, so booking in advance is important especially during peak seasons and on weekends! Tickets cost around €30 each, which you can get on GetYourGuide! If you are going during peak seasons you can buy tickets to skip the queue or have your own guided tour. It is best to go as early as possible, sometimes at 8am, which is when it opens, as you will beat the crowds and hot midday weather!

To get to the upper citadel summit, it takes around ten to fifteen minutes walking up steep marbled and cobbled pathways to where the Parthenon stands. As you walk up you can explore various key monuments on the way, such as the Propylaea and Temple of Athena. Once you arrive, you can spend a couple of hours walking around the ruins, and seeing the panoramic views of Athens from above.

City Zen

One recommended spot to eat at when in Athens, is City Zen! From their rooftop seating area, you can see the gorgeous view of the Acropolis from afar, as well as the surrounding views of Athens.

We went here for our first night with Ned’s family and it was amazing! We had an amazing meal of traditional Greek food, fresh octopus for starter before a huge portion of seafood linguine! Whilst we ate, we got to watch the sun begin to set and see the Acropolis light up in the early evening.

Evia Island

Ned’s sister has lived and worked in Athens for the last five years so she took us on a little road trip to Evia Island and we rented an airbnb for the night.

Agios Vasilios Beach

We spent the day at Agios Vasilios Beach, which is a beautiful, small beach in North Evia. The beach has crystal clear water for swimming and is a peaceful place to go to relax and escape the busy touristy spots. The beach is split into two areas, connected by a short peninsula, which you can walk across. If you follow the path up, it will lead to a tiny viewpoint at the top, which overlooks the beach and the surrounding blue sea.

Other things to do in Athens:

• Food and Market Tour: sample local sweet treats, like Greek donuts or fresh meze at the Varvakeios Central Market.
• Acropolis Museum: Visit the museum to see original statues and artifacts from the Greek times.
• Ancient Agora: Walk through the ancient ruins of Athens.
• Watch the sunset at Mount Lycabettus: Take the funicular or hike to the highest point in Athens for panoramic views of the city and the Acropolis.
• Explore Plaka: Famous for its architecture, tavernas and shops.