Athens Travel Guide

For most visitors the highlight of a visit to ATHENS (Atha in modern Greek) is the stunning vestiges of the ancient, Classical Greek city, most famously represented by the Acropolis and its surrounding archeological sites. Even on a brief visit, however, it is a shame to see Athens purely as the location of ancient sites and museums. Although the neighbourhoods may lack the style and monuments of most European capitals, they are worth at least some exploration. The old nineteenth-century quarter of Pla , in particular, is a delight, with its mix of Turkish, Neoclassical and Greek-island architecture, and an array of intriguing little museums devoted to traditional arts, ceramics and music. Just to its north, the bazaar area, around Athin and Eou, retains an almost Middle Eastern atmosphere in its life and trade, while the National Gardens , elegant Koloni and the hill of Lykavit offer respite from the maelstrom. Further afield, but still well within the limits of Greater Athens, are the monasteries of Kessarian?and Dhafn?, the latter with Byzantine mosaics the equal of any in Greece.

Photos of Athens, Greece
Maps of Athens, Greece