Athens, Greece - Recommendations and Review

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If all roads lead to Rome, then history begins in Athens.  So much of our civilization started in Athens.  This remarkably historic area is not to be missed.  It has been a thriving and growing metropolis for millennia and will, hopefully, continue to be.  Its current economic situation leaves much to be desired and many of the younger generation are leaving Athens for greener pastures in other areas of Europe, but my hope is that they can pull it together and continue to grow and be a vital city full of culture and history.

 

The Acropolis.  I was both excited and nervous to plan a trip to the Acropolis.  I read descriptions of the climb to the top.  I will freely admit that in my current state (I am having issues with Achilles Tendinitis) I was deeply concerned about making it up and back down again.  Let me put your mind at ease.  Yes, it is a bit of a climb; however, the climb is gradual in most places and due to the crowds, that seem to be ever-present, the climb is slow.  I had no problems getting up or down.  One side note, the crowds are smaller in the late afternoons.  Best time to visit is early or late.  Mid-morning to mid-afternoon is the busiest times and has the largest crowds.

 

I never knew that the Acropolis held more than just one building.  I got quite an education when I listened to a narrated tour of the site.  This was a wonderful way to explore the summit and learn as much as you can about the site without having to rely on a guide.

 

Mars Hill.  From the Acropolis site, Mars Hill looks like a large over-sized rock.  From below you can see why it has the name of Mars Hill.  This is a great lesson on perspective.  The history of Mars Hill is literally biblical in nature.  If you are well versed in your bible stories you will understand.  If you are not, you will just have to settle for the remarkable stone outcropping that affords stunning views and a rather scary climb if you use the old granite stairs (there are more modern ones for those not willing to take their life in their hands on the old granite ones) that can be uneven and slippery.

 

Ancient Agora.  Below the Acropolis and Mars Hill lies what at first glance appears to be a field of rubble.  Don’t be fooled.  Here lies the ancient city of Agora.  We also used a narrated guide here to discover the mysteries here.  The buildings are mostly destroyed and are only foundations but there remains some very intriguing artifacts, statues, and buildings.  Take some time to explore the ruins here and learn about this area.

 

Prada.  Once you leave Ancient Angora and still in the shadow of the Acropolis, is the old shopping area known as Prada.  This is as close as you can come to an ancient shopping area as you will get.  Much like many of the old towns in Europe this area is full of small winding streets and alleyways.  During the week there are flea markets here as well.  The streets eventually open to a wide square where you are confronted again with the hustle and bustle of modern life in Athens.  Spend some time here exploring and finding new treasures.  Who knows what you will find.

 

Temple of Poseidon.  Down the coast from Athens sits a temple on a rocky outcropping that seems to rise straight out of the water.  Here is the Temple of Poseidon.  Many of the tours available in Athens will also include a trip to this beautiful and remarkable temple site.  If you don’t want to take a tour, check out the hop on – hop off bus tours.  Many of them have a line that will go out to this peninsula and to the temple.  Well worth a visit if for nothing other than the view.

 

There is so much to see and often not enough time to do it all.  For your once in a lifetime trip to Athens, call us, your Athens experts and we can help you make the most out of your time in Athens.