The itinerary in the Capital of Greece, between millennia-old architecture, stories of ancient gods and tasty local cuisine
Athens is a unique city that knows how to combine its ancient and important history with the modern world. It has much to offer, both for those interested in art, history and legends related to the ancient gods, and for those who prefer social life, shopping and good traditional cuisine, both from sea and land. And all this always with a temperate and warm climate!
The travel itinerary we suggest travels through places that have been the scene of historical episodes fundamental to humanity, such as the birth of the first democracy, the first Olympics, battles for freedom and the spread of philosophical thoughts. Athens has spanned millennia and has been inhabited by different cultures that have left their mark in art, architecture and thought.
All this is complemented by the legends of the Olympian gods, the lively nightlife among the historic and characteristic streets of downtown, the typical restaurants and the excellent cuisine of the local tradition!
Greek cuisine dishes in Athens
Greek cuisine is spread all over the world and some of its traditional dishes originated in Athens itself. The flavors range between sea and land, given the territorial characteristics of Greece and Athens.
In Athens we can find the most famous dishes that distinguish Greek cuisine, such as Greek salad, topped with cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, olives, capers, onion and feta cheese. Among the best known dishes is definitely Moussaka, a baked flan of potatoes, eggplant, minced meat and bechamel.
The most famous streed food isthe Pita Gyro, which is pork cut into strips wrapped in a pita along with salad, tomatoes, onion and sauces. Worth trying are the Souvlaki, skewers of chicken, pork or lamb marinated with spices and grilled. Among desserts, Baklava is Greece’s most famous dessert, composed of phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts, honey and cinnamon. Greek culinary tradition also ranges among spirits: the most famous is definitely Ouzo, an anise-based spirit. A must try, especially on hot days, is Mythos, the quintessential Greek blond beer. Part of Greek culture is Greek coffee, prepared in the traditional pot called Briki.
In addition to the best-known dishes of Greek cuisine, other typical flavors originating in Athens can be discovered. Among these we have Kouloùria, a kind of cookie bread; the famous Tzatziki sauce, a yogurt sauce with cucumber and garlic; Spanokopita, pasta stuffed with spinach; Tyropita, pasta stuffed with feta cheese; Spanakotiropites, a kind of calzone with cheese and spinach; Saganaki, fried cheese; and Dolmades, vine leaves stuffed with meat, rice and vegetables.
What to visit in Athens
Temple of Hephaestus, Kapnikaréa Church and Athens Cathedral
The Temple of Hephaestus is the best preserved Temple in Athens. Hephaestus was the blacksmith of the gods and this Temple was erected as a gift to the blacksmiths of the neighborhood. The Church of Kapnikaréa is a small and rich Byzantine church. Not far away is the Athens Cathedral. In modern Byzantine style, it is rich in both interior and exterior mosaics.
Plaka and Anaphiotika
Plaka and Anafiotika are two lively and picturesque neighborhoods of Athens. The old town is of characterized by small white houses and stairways and is made colorful by bougainvillea flowers. Several clubs and restaurants can be found here, at the foot of the Acropolis.
Acropolis, Erechtheion , Temple of Athena Nike, Parthenon and Herod Atticus Odeon
As you ascend the Acropolis of Athens, you enter a unique place traversed by thousands of years of history, legends and tales of ancient gods. The Erechtheion is the temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, protector of the City.
Legend tells of the dispute between Athena and Poseidon to be the divinity of the City. Poseidon offered as a gift to the inhabitants a well of salt water from which the horse would emerge, while Athena offered the olive tree. The inhabitants of Athens chose the plant as a welcome gift and the city took precisely the name Athens. Near the temple to this day there is an olive tree representing the first one grown in Greece as a gift from the goddess Athena. On one facade of the building are statues of the Caryatids. These are copies, while the originals are in the Acropolis Museum.
Not far away, on the edge of the Acropolis, is the Temple of Athena Nike, or Athena Victrix. The Parthenon is the most impressive building on the Acropolis. It was dedicated to Athena Partheno, erected in the fifth century B.C. and decorated by the sculptor Phidias. The themes are Greek mythology and battles won by the Athenians. Also on Acropolis is Herod Atticus Odeo, the ancient Greek theater, which could hold up to 5,000 people.
Philopappos Hill, Acropolis Museum and Temple of Olympian Zeus
Philopappos Hill offers spectacular views ofthe Acropolis. The ancient prison of Socrates isalso located here and it is the birthplace of the first form of democracy. At the top of the hill is the ancient monument dedicated to the homonymous prince.
At the foot of the hill is the Acropolis Museum, where you can see the Parthenon pediments and the original Caryatids, among others. The Temple of Olympian Zeus, not far from there, was a huge construction. Now a few columns remain of it that have remained over time, which gives an idea of its extent.
Panathenaic Stadium, National Archaeological Museum and Mount Lycabettus
Panathenaic Stadium is the site of the first Olympic Games. It is the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble. The National Archaeological Museum is the largest in Greece and houses important evidence of Hellenic art. Mount Lycabettus offers the highest vantage point over the city of Athens.
Unique places just outside Athens
Just a few kilometers from Athens lies a truly unique place: Cape Sunio. It was once the place where the Athenians controlled the passage from the Aegean Sea to Piraeus, the port of Athens. The wonderful shrine dedicated to Poseidon located on the cliff above the sea is also described by Homer in his stories. The view is fantastic and it is worth stopping at one of the seaside restaurants along the way to taste the fish that is caught in this sea area.
Just outside Athens are two monasteries, embellished with precious Byzantine mosaics: the Daphne Monastery and the Kessariani Monastery. The natural scenery and climate one passes through are also very fascinating, passing in a short time from the city to the mountains.
Athens among history, myths, legends and eating divinely…
Athens is a city that offers the visitor many stories, history, art, culture, beautiful views and good food. It is nice to stroll through the streets of the historic center, stopping at taverns to enjoy traditional culinary dishes or in the many bars to sample local liquors. The climate is pleasant all year round and if it is too hot in summer to visit the Acropolis, not far away you can cool off in the blue Aegean Sea.
Discover more itineraries in Greece
UNFORGETTABLE GREECE: BOAT TOURS, BIKE RIDES, AND SEAFOOD FEASTS
THESSALONIKI: AN AEGEAN SEA TRAVEL EXPERIENCE OF HISTORY AND FLAVOR
METEORA: DISCOVERING THE MONASTERIES BETWEEN HEAVEN AND EARTH
ATHENS, THE CRADLE OF ANCIENT CIVILIZATION, PHILOSOPHY AND MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE
Discover the Athens Coast and Greek islands with a boat tour
The sea of Greece is beautiful, as are its coasts and islands. We suggest different types of boat tours with our partner Notos Yachting. We depart from different ports, such as Porto Heli, Spetses, Riviera and Mykonos, with fantastic destinations such as Hydra, Monemvasia & Elafonisos , the Gulf of Saronicco, the Cyclades and the Peloponnese.
Interested? Click here for a quote, it’s free!