Athens

The capital of Greece and its largest city, it has a population of around three and a half million. Located on a large peninsula, it is surrounded by several mountains, including Mt Egaleo to the west, Mt Parnes to the north, Mt Pentelikon to the northeast, and Mt Hymettus to the east, all of which feature prominently in Greek mythology. It is situated on the southern coast of Greece and is bordered by the Aegean Sea. Its topography is quite hilly, most notably exemplified by the famous Acropolis, which sits at the very centre of the city.

With its hot, dry climate most of the year, the best time to visit is from the first week of May to the end of June, when temperatures range between 21 degrees and 28 degrees and the weather is pleasant without being scorchingly hot. Athenian weather can be very hot in August, reaching highs of 38 degrees, making some tourist spots, especially those high up on hills, difficult for older or younger visitors to access. The weather cools down again in September, October, and November, which are also good times to visit.

Athens has a rich and significant history. For over 3,000 years, there has been a settlement on the Acropolis. According to Greek mythology, the city was established following a competition between Athena and Poseidon to become its patron. Athena emerged as the winner and offered the inhabitants an olive tree. Since ancient times, a tree has continued to grow in that spot.

Athens is best known for the democratic reforms of the 6th century BC, when Cleisthenes, a local aristocrat, granted democratic rights to citizens and helped them overthrow the Spartan-supported dictator. This event marked the beginning of the city’s most successful era, during which it stood up against the powerful Persian Empire.

The first major conflict in the Greco-Persian War was the Battle of Marathon, where the Athenians defeated the Persian forces on a beach near Athens. A heroic citizen famously ran to Sparta to seek assistance, tragically dying upon his return after completing the long journey. Eleven years later, at the Battle of Salamis, Themistocles convinced the Athenians to evacuate the city and retreat to the nearby island of Salamis. From there, they successfully defeated the entire Persian navy, thereby saving Greece from conquest.

However, Athens eventually faced defeat in the Peloponnesian Wars against their main rival, Sparta. The city is renowned for its many influential figures, including Plato, Aristotle, Socrates, Thucydides, Pericles, and Themistocles. In short, anyone with an interest in history, art, philosophy, science, or politics should visit Athens at least once in their lifetime.

Athens boasts a rich and varied food culture, featuring several local classics. One notable dish is Briam, a vegetarian option that involves roasting a medley of vegetables. Another popular appetiser is tomatokeftedes, which consists of spicy fried tomato balls. The region is also known for retsina, a traditional liquor, along with many other Greek staples such as kebabs, salads, and exquisite wines. Additionally, as an international city, Athens offers a wide variety of restaurants serving cuisines from around the globe.

Athens is a spectacular city that hosts a wide range of fascinating cultural events throughout the year. One of the highlights is The Athens Epidaurus Festival, which takes place from June to August and features various musical, theatrical, and dance performances in the city’s many open-air theaters. Another notable event is the Rockwave music festival in June, a three-day celebration of contemporary Greek music. Additionally, the Full Moon Festival, held in late August, celebrates the moon’s brightest phase with a variety of activities, including music, dance, and food.

Many companies are offering exciting and educational walking tours of Athens’ most famous monuments. These tours are perfect for visitors who want to explore the city while avoiding long queues. For those seeking a more personalised experience, recommended sites include the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum, the ruins of the Agora (the ancient marketplace), the Temple of Hephaestus, and the Temple of Zeus. Additionally, there are great attractions a bit farther from the city, such as the historic site of the Battle of Marathon.

This cosmopolitan city is famous for its vibrant social scene, offering something for everyone. You can find bars and clubs featuring internationally acclaimed music, as well as cosy venues showcasing exceptional local talent, both contemporary and classic. There are also trendy bars with extensive cocktail menus, relaxed pubs with a laid-back atmosphere, and gourmet restaurants with Michelin-starred menus, alongside friendly tavernas where you can enjoy a refreshing drink.