Athens - travel overview. Beautiful Athens - myths, sights and complicated history

This truly legendary Greek city is famous all over the world. The capital of ancient and modern Greece in its history has experienced the greatest ups and no less epic falls. Like a Phoenix bird, Athens was reborn after devastating wars, conquests and natural disasters. At the same time, the Greeks managed to preserve part of the historical heritage of the city: today the ruins of the Acropolis and the remains of ancient sculptures are adjacent to fashionable hotels and modern shopping centers. On the Features of the Most Important Greek Polis and will be discussed in today's article.

The history of these glorious places has almost ten thousand years. The exact date of the founding of the city of Athens is unknown, but according to the widespread version, settlements appeared here in 7 thousand BC. They were located in the southern part of Attica, where there are low mountains covering the valley with settlements on three sides.

The founder of Athens is considered the first ruler in the Athenian kingdom - King Kekrop, who was half man, half snake. According to legend, choosing the patron of the city, he asked the gods a simple task: to make a useful gift. Poseidon presented the fountain, but the water in it turned out to be salty and undrinkable. And the goddess Athena gave the new policy a tree with unusual fruits - olives. Kekrop chose a gift from the goddess, after whom the city of Athens was named.

The apogee of Athens' glory was reached in the 5th century BC. Actually from 500 to 300 BC. The whole of Ancient Greece reached the golden age of development, and its capital became the cradle of culture, economics and politics. However, political system Greek country was such that Athens was not so much the capital of Greece as acted as an independent state. Polis remained the most important center of ancient times until the heyday of the Roman Empire.

In the third century AD, Athens loses its former grandeur and becomes a provincial town. Then come the long centuries of constant wars and conquests by foreign troops, leading to the looting, destruction and even burning of Athens. A new round in the history of the city begins only in the 19th century, when the Greeks managed to free themselves from the dictates of the Ottoman Empire.

Since 1833 Athens official capital Greece. Having achieved independence, the Greek kingdom begins to develop rapidly. King Otto of Bavaria intended to restore the country to its former greatness and restore the prestige of the capital. To do this, architects were called to Athens, who designed several city streets and public buildings in the neoclassical style (including the University of Athens, national park, Syntagma Square, etc.). Gradually, the city acquired its former appearance and in 1896 the first modern Olympic Games were held here at the new stadium.

The 20th century is significant for the beginning of archaeological excavations that help restore the heritage of ancient Greece. In the 1920s, the Greeks sign an agreement with the Turks on the exchange of population, as a result of which a wave of immigrants rolls into Athens. Added to this are the successful treaties for the Greeks on the Balkan wars, after the conclusion of which the territory and population of the country, incl. Athens, doubled.

During World War II, the city fell under German occupation, but after the war, it again continues its rapid development. The construction and industrial boom of the mid-20th century, at the beginning of the 21st century, leads to transport and environmental problems. To date, some of them have been successfully solved, which was greatly facilitated by the 2004 Athens Olympics.

Modern Athens is a vibrant city that combines ancient heritage with the vibrant and turbulent life of Europe in the 21st century. There are many nightclubs, brand shops, entertainment centers and tourist hotels here. But above all this, the ancient Acropolis, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Parthenon and the remains of ancient theaters still rise.

Geographic location

Athens is located in mainland Greece, in the south of the Balkan Peninsula. Polis is located on the central plain of Attica, surrounded by mountains and the Saronic Gulf. Over the years of active development and settlement, the city has come close to these natural boundaries. So further expansion of the urban area is almost impossible.

Greece is southeastern Europe, and Athens is one of the southernmost European cities. But you are unlikely to need a map of European countries, but the plan of the city of Athens is useful to any traveler. The city is very large, so it is quite difficult to move around without a street map.

Population

Everyone knows what a glorious capital Greece has and what the main attractions of Athens are called. But, few people know that the population of the city of Athens is 1/3 of the total population of the country! Just think about it, a third of the population of the state lives in one city.

The number of permanent residents in Athens in 2017 is more than 3.5 million people, while the total number of inhabitants of Greece for the same year is 10.9 million people. At the same time, migrants and part of the local population registered in other regions also live in the capital city. Approximately their number can be estimated at another 500 thousand people. This is the capacious capital of the Greeks.

Climate

Like the rest of the country, Athens is under the influence mediterranean climate. It provides a consistently sunny hot summer and a long autumn, in fact smoothly turning into spring. Winter frosts are rare in the region.

The area where Athens is located is characterized by low humidity, so the summer heat is tolerated comfortably. Summer temperatures reach +30°С and higher. Rainy days are most common in autumn, while precipitation is very rare in summer.

How to get to Athens

The Greek capital can be reached by plane, ferry and land transport.

The air harbor of the city is called Eleftherios Venizelos. Arriving at Athens airport, it is very easy to go straight to the city center. A metro line runs from the terminal, and numerous buses and commuter trains depart from the airport to the city.

Port of Piraeus - sea ​​gate in metropolitan Athens. Foreign ships moor here, as well as an endless stream of local ferries of the most diverse capacity. Please note that in winter, the schedule of ships is often violated by the vagaries of the weather.

You can drive into Athens by car or bus along numerous highways and routes. Distance, travel time and comfort of the route, of course, depends on the starting point of departure.

The best time of the year to visit Athens is difficult to determine. Spring and summer are the hottest temperatures and the peak season, but the cost of rest is more expensive. In autumn and winter, the demand for recreation is lower, but the weather conditions are worse. However, if you search well, you can find a hot offer and go on vacation in Greece and Athens at a discount. To do this, view the calendar low prices for air tickets and online services for the selection of tours and accommodation.

Athens travel guide

Here, our material about holidays in Athens comes to the equator, and from dry facts and theory, we begin to move on to tourism practice, i.e. walks around the city. Next, we will tell you about the most interesting places in Athens and the unique sights of Greece that have been preserved in the capital city. We will also touch upon the nuances and subtleties of Athens tourism and, of course, we will talk about hotels in Athens.

Sea and beaches in Athens

In the suburbs of the capital there are many coastal villages with well-groomed and equipped coasts. The following local beaches are the most popular with tourists:

• Voula;
• Asteros;
• Faliron;
• Alimas;
• Acti Vouliagmeni.

The best time for a beach holiday in the Greek capital is July-August. You can get to the coast by public transport. In most cases, it is more convenient to take tram number 3, because lines run along the coastal zone. Bus number 122 runs to Vouliagmeni.

Districts of Athens

The capital Greek policy is divided into seven districts, but tourists are advised to settle only in the center of Athens. This is dictated by both the developed infrastructure and the proximity of attractions, as well as security issues.

Plaka

The most historically significant area of ​​the city, located at the foot of the Acropolis. Particularly atmospheric in Anafiotika, the western part of Plaka. Here, narrow cobbled streets and low white houses, traditional for Greek architecture, give the impression of a truly Ancient Hellas.

The area has a very developed tourist infrastructure: many cafes, taverns, shops, hotels and entertainment. The historical heritage of the area is also rich. Here you can get acquainted with antique monuments, as well as sights from the time of Byzantine and Turkish domination.

Monastiraki

Another oldest district of the city, closely adjacent to the Acropolis.

Monastiraki is actually a major trade historical Center cities. Famous sights are located here: Tower of the Winds, Fethiye Mosque, Hadrian's Library. And what a beautiful panorama opens up to the Acropolis from the local Keramiks (ancient cemetery). There is no other such view of Ancient Hellas in the whole city.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the local market and the myriad of shops on Ermou Street. Lovers of shopping and sales, of course, should settle here.

Thissio

Quiet and peaceful area, in fact park zone. Here you can relax from the noisy city bustle and enjoy the coolness of local parks. In the same time, geographical position area allows easy access to the center of Athens, located a few hundred meters to the east.

Thissio also has many places for cultural recreation. In this area you can:

• look at the ruins of the Agora complex;
• take a walk along the pedestrian street named after the Apostle Paul;
• go to Pnyx Hill;
• visit the Athens Conservatory, the Observatory and the Dora Strato Theatre.

And do not forget about local shops, shops, cafes and taverns.

Syntagma

The name of the district was given by the historical square, which is called only the heart of Athens. It is from here that excursions to the historical Plaka and Monastiraki, as well as just walks around the city, originate.

Near Syntagma is the National historical Museum, which is former building parliament. And on the square itself there is already a modern parliament, which is a kind of attraction of these places. Tourists can see the facade and some rooms of the building, as well as follow the solemn ritual of the changing of the guard.

Syntagma is also famous for its National Park, where you can enjoy the silence and views of nature.

Security in Athens

We have already answered the questions when it is better to go to Athens and where it is better to live in the capital. Now let's talk about how to behave in this huge Greek city.

General rules

The capital of Greece is crowded, and this circumstance sometimes plays into the hands of scammers and robbers. In order not to get into an unpleasant situation, try to always keep an eye on your belongings and follow these small tips:

1. Hold your bags in front, not behind or to the side;
2. Don't put valuables in your back pockets;
3. Do not walk around the city with backpacks (it is easier to steal from the back);
4. Do not wedge into crowds of protesters and demonstrators so that you are not detained by the police.
5. On public transport, be collected and keep your bag in plain sight.

Which areas are best avoided?

Like any major metropolis, Athens is fraught with dangerous quarters and their unreliable inhabitants. There are many beggars, homeless people and thieves on the far streets of the city. In particular, the district of Omonia Square, especially Sofeklos Street, is notorious for Athens. At night, the port streets of Piraeus, the vicinity of the Larissa railway station and Carassaki Square are dangerous for tourists.

Around Athens

In addition to visiting the capital itself, you can also go on a trip to the suburbs. The capital's neighborhoods are distinguished by both natural pearls and their own historical sights. So, here you can see the floating museum Averof, conquer Mount Parnita, visit the zoological park or take sea ​​cruise to the island of Aegina or Hydra.

And if you are not afraid of a distance of 70 km, then you should go to Cape Sounion and see the Temple of Poseidon. Even the ruins of the building make a strong impression, and what was here in antiquity is comparable only to the Parthenon.

How to move around the city

It must be said that the transport system of Athens is well developed, but it does not always save you from exhausting traffic jams.

A single ticket is valid for a bus, trolleybus, tram, metro and train within the city limits. For 1.4 euros, you can make a 90-minute trip with transfers to any type of transport. Also on sale are daily tickets for 4, 5 €, and immediately for 5 days a ticket costs 9 €.

Trams

The total length of Athens tram lines is 27 km. The long line runs along the coast, and in the center of it there is a branch to the Syntagma area. There are 3 routes in the city:

• No. 3 Neo-Falira - Voula;
• No. 4 Syntagma - Neo-Falira;
• No. 5 Syntagma - Voula.

The rails are laid along separate streets, so that the Athenian trams are not afraid of citywide traffic jams.

Buses

By bus you can travel not only in the Greek capital, but also in its suburbs. The bus fleet has 1800 cars, and the number of routes reaches 300.

Of the important remarks, we note that in Greece all stops are made only on demand. You need to carefully monitor the road in order to have time to press the "stop" button and get off at your stop. If you are waiting for the bus on the street, then you should wave your hand to make the driver stop.

Metro

Another mode of transport with which you do not run the risk of getting into traffic jams. The metro unites all major transport hubs: port, railway station and airport. In total, 3 branches operate in the city:

• No. 1 Piraeus - Kifissia (green);
• No. 2 Antupoli - Elliniko (red);
• No. 3 Agia Marina - Airport (blue).

Note that there are no turnstiles in the Greek metro. But the ticket must be validated and saved for the entire trip, because There are controllers on the routes.

Taxi

Official taxis are yellow checkered cars with a Ταξί sign. Cars can be of different brands, but they are all equipped with meters, which are used to pay for the trip. The main rates are:

• In the city 0.7€ per km;
• Suburb 1, 2€ per km;
• Landing + 1.2 € to the amount of the trip;
• Phone call + 2 € to the amount of the trip.

At night, rates are doubled. When traveling, be careful, because. often there are drivers who want to "earn extra money" on tourists, increasing the bill for the road.

Rent a Car

There are many rental offices in the city, but we would recommend renting a car only for out-of-town trips. There is heavy traffic in Athens, frequent traffic jams and a problem with parking, so a rented car can only become an extra burden. Outside the city, a private car, on the contrary, has an advantage over the inconsistent public transport schedule.

Sights of Athens

The Greek capital is incredibly rich in unique monuments and cultural recreation facilities.

Museums

There are more than 250 exhibitions with various exhibits in the city. But the most interesting museums This:

• Acropolis;
• Agora;
• Archaeological Museum;
• The ship "Averof";
• Museum of Cycladic Art.

In high season museum expositions open to the public daily.

tourist streets

Churches and temples

Religious buildings in the city are also innumerable. Ancient culture has survived to this day: the Acropolis and its numerous temples. Also in Athens there are many Orthodox churches: Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Daphne Monastery, Church of St. George. There are also Muslim monuments in the city. A striking example- Tsisdaraki Mosque.

Excursions

From Athens, you can go on an excursion to any corner of Greece. If you do not want to leave the capital for a long time, then a boat trip to the neighboring islands will be an excellent option.

Recreation and entertainment

In Athens, there is something to do in addition to cultural recreation.

Shopping, shops, souvenirs

There are dozens of shops on Ermu Street, incl. brand boutiques H&M, Zara, Benetton and much more. Here you can buy quality items from European manufacturers.

It is better to buy souvenirs and gifts in small shops and local markets. The original gift will be handmade ceramics or textiles. Prices in Athens are high, but do not forget that the Greeks are always willing to bargain.

Cuisine and restaurants

Metropolitan restaurants offer tourists local cuisine and popular dishes from other countries of the world. There are a lot of cafes and taverns in the city, but if you only need best cuisine for fine dining, we recommend visiting Petrino, Lalloudes, Garbi and To Kofenio.

Clubs and nightlife

At night in the capital, life does not stop bubbling. For the regulars of the dance floors and incendiary parties, the best nightclubs of the city work:

• Villa Mercedes;
• Baronda;
• Venue;

Most establishments maintain a dress code (evening gowns). Entrance to parties is paid, and on average it is about 10 euros per person.

Young tourists in Athens will be no less interesting than adults. Especially if the family settles in a hotel with a playroom, animators and a children's menu.

In the city, children will be entertained by visiting the water park, planetarium, zoo and various attractions. Also, the children do not like to explore the ruins of ancient structures. But here the child must be carefully monitored so that the child does not harm either the ruins or himself.

Popular hotels in Athens

There are more than 2,000 hotels, hotels and apartments of various classes in the Greek capital. It is hardly possible to single out the best accommodation from this list. We can only note those hotels to which tourists express more trust and warm attitude. These are establishments such as:

Holidays in Athens are varied and exciting, not a single tourist will be bored here. It is impossible to keep silent about the shortcomings of the metropolis: crowdedness, environmental problems, traffic congestion and street hooliganism. But if you take into account the recommendations listed in the material and carefully plan your vacation, the trip will leave only pleasant impressions in your memory. Happy travels and unforgettable adventures!

In contact with

Classmates

Athens from A to Z: map, hotels, attractions, restaurants, entertainment. Shopping, shops. Photos, videos and reviews about Athens.

• Tours for May to Greece
• Hot tours to Greece

Athens is not just a capital city. It was here that classical Greece was born, and hence Western civilization in general. The first prehistoric settlement arose here around 3000 BC. e. For many centuries, everything happened to Athens, including periods of decline. It is hard to imagine, but in the 1830s, when the city began to revive after the Ottoman oppression as the capital of independent Greece, Athens was just a small provincial village.

Athens includes the Old City, central regions, suburbs, as well as the port of Piraeus. Two hills rise in the center: the hill of the Acropolis with the Parthenon and ancient temples and the hill of Lycabettus (Lycabettus) with the picturesque church of St. George on top.

In Athens, you can spend a month exploring in detail all the ancient monuments and ruins, charming neoclassical buildings in the historic center and museums. But if you really decide to do this, keep in mind that even in the very center of the city there are places where you should not go idle. Seriously: the Omonia quarter, filled with immigrants, is better to bypass even in the bright light of day.

How to get to Athens

Transport links connect Athens with Moscow and St. Petersburg. Residents of other regions need to plan a route taking into account a transfer in one of the capitals. Muscovites have two options - plane and bus. In terms of cost, they almost do not differ, but the time spent when traveling by air is much less. Even choosing the most budget connecting flight, you can cut them in half.

Search for flights to Athens

Districts of Athens

The Greek capital is divided into 7 districts and several dozen quarters and districts. Some of them are interesting from a tourist point of view, others are not remarkable at all, and there are some where it is better not to go at all without special need. Among them is one of the central quarters of Omonia, inhabited by emigrants. It can be unsafe here even during the day.

The most popular area among the guests of the city is the Acropolis. This is a historical center, and it is here that the monuments of ancient Greek architecture are located - directly the Acropolis itself, on the territory of which there are the ancient theater of Deonis and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, where concerts, performances and other cultural events are held to this day.

Another famous area of ​​Athens is Plaka. There are several interesting museums here, among which the most notable are the Children's and the Museum of Folk Musical Instruments, as well as the chapel with the poetic name Tower of the Winds and the Metropoli Cathedral. In addition, most tourists stop in Plaka. There are hotels of different price categories, although there are few budget options (20-30 EUR per night). Travelers are attracted by the proximity of the main attractions and the abundance of souvenir shops and shops.

Souvenirs and antiques as a keepsake of the trip can be bought at the market in the Monastiraki area. Also here is an ancient mosque and the temple of the Blessed Virgin Mary. There are several in this part of town. cheap hotels(from 20 EUR per night), but in most hotels prices start from 100 EUR per knock.

Those who want to look at the city from a height of 200 m should go to the Kolonaki area. You can climb Mount Lycabettus on foot or by funicular. There are many 24-hour entertainment establishments in this quarter, so if you want to get acquainted with the nightlife of the Greek capital, you should look for accommodation here. True, it will cost a lot, because Kolonaki is the most expensive area of ​​​​Athens.

• Which resort near Athens is suitable for a beach holiday

Transport

Athens public transport system includes metro, trams and buses. The metro operates from 5:00 to midnight and is very convenient for movement: only three lines (it is impossible to get lost), an easy fare (1.40 EUR) and extremely interesting museum stations stuffed with antiquities found during the laying of lines. In the metro, it is strictly forbidden to litter, drink and eat, not to mention scratching something on the wall. Three tram lines link the center of Athens with southern regions cities. Trams are convenient to use for trips to the coast. Night buses are indispensable when returning from "hot spots" long after midnight.

Public transport tickets worth EUR 1.40 are valid for 90 minutes with no change restrictions. There are also travel cards for 24 hours (4.50 EUR) and 5 days (9 EUR). They are used on all types of transport - buses, trolleybuses, metro and trains. The exception is routes to the airport and the Express X80 line. The fare for them is 4.50 EUR.

There is a special pass for tourists. It costs 22 EUR, includes travel from the airport to the center and back, as well as unlimited travel on all modes of transport for 3 days.

Athens yellow taxis charge EUR 1.20 per landing and EUR 0.60 per km during the day (EUR 1.20 at night). The minimum fare is 3.10 EUR. When landing, be sure to make sure that the driver turns on the meter.

There are more than 70 municipal bicycle rental points near the main attractions, metro stations, parks and squares. The fee (5 EUR) is taken immediately for the whole day of rent, there is no hourly rate. To use transport, you need to buy a plastic card at a kiosk, metro ticket office or cafe and use it to unlock the rack to which the bike is fastened.

Rent a Car

Eternal Athens. A city that impresses with its age and abundance of attractions. A city to be explored on foot. But the abundance of ancient monuments that lurk beyond its borders is simply impossible to see without a car. So car rental in Athens is deservedly popular and in demand, which is not surprising, given the low cost of this service. There are local (Morphis, Imperial Car Rental) and international companies (Avis, Hertz) on the market. An economy class car in the Greek capital will cost only 25-30 EUR per day. And given the Athenian parking lots, it is precisely these “compact cars” that are worth taking.

Communication and Wi-Fi

Arriving in Athens, it is better to immediately take care of always being in touch. Of course, you can not change your SIM card and use services while roaming, but if you have to talk a lot on the phone, calls can cost a pretty penny. In this case, a SIM card from one of the local operators is the best option to save money. You can buy it right at the airport, as well as in the salons and company stores of the city. In total, there are 3 cellular companies in Greece - Vodafone, Wind and Cosmote. Each of them has special offers for tourists - prepaid tariffs with favorable prices for calls abroad. The most interesting for Russians are Frog (Costome) and Q (Wind).

When buying any SIM card in Greece, you need to have an identity document with you.

Points of free wireless access to the Internet in Athens are found everywhere. Along with the usual hotels, cafes and restaurants, Wi-Fi is available in many areas, including the main Syntagma Square, as well as in the metro, trams, the port of Piraeus and other points in the city.

Athens Spotlighted

The main difference between the Athens Spotlighted city pass from the tourist cards of other popular destinations is its cost, or rather, its absence. In some cities, the CityCard price can reach up to 200 EUR for 3 days. In Athens, the card is issued to everyone completely free of charge and is valid for 10 days. You can pick up Athens Spotlighted at Eleftherios Venizelos Airport (baggage claim and information desk).

The benefits of using the Athens tourist card may not be as great as its paid counterparts. However, it will help you save a lot on vacation. Its owner receives a 50% discount on entrance tickets to the most interesting museums and other cultural institutions of the city. Among them are the National Art Gallery of Athens, the Benaki Museum, the Frissiras Museum, the Automobile Museum and many others. In addition, you can visit performances, concerts and other events of the National Theater of Greece and National Opera with a discount of 15 to 20%. More than 15 cafes and restaurants will reduce the bill by 20% upon presentation of the Athens Spotlighted. The same promotion is valid in several dozen grocery, souvenir shops, as well as in clothing, footwear and accessories stores. Read more about the companies participating in the program at the office. website.

Athens Hotels

The peak tourist season in Athens is July-August. At this time, it is not easy to find a hotel room, and prices skyrocket. It is better to take care of housing in advance - a chance to catch a good option for normal money will be higher. budget housing presented not big amount hostels and hotels 2 *. Prices are about the same - 20–50 EUR per room. No frills, just the essentials.

Slightly better service in three-star hotels. Although they are also more suitable for those who come to the hotel only to sleep. Sometimes breakfast is included in the price, most often a buffet. A room will cost 50–100 EUR per night, depending on the area.

Those who want to live in the center by all means should pay attention to the areas of Plaka and Monastiraki. There are several inexpensive hostels and hotels.

The elite number of rooms is represented by 4 and 5 * hotels. The level of service differs slightly, but the price range is quite large. If a room in the first one costs from 70 to 150 EUR, then in the most luxurious hotels in the city prices reach up to 400 EUR per night.

shopping

Athens - large modern metropolis. Old antique gizmos here coexist perfectly next to the products of the most fashionable designers and quite democratic brands of clothes, shoes and accessories.

For clothes and shoes of well-known, but inexpensive brands, you should go to Ermou Street - the largest shopping street in the Greek capital. From the middle to the very end, Zara, Morgan, Benneton, Marks & Spencer and others are crowded on both sides. More expensive luxury brands are presented at the beginning. The most luxurious shopping areas are Kolonaki, Kifisia and Glyfada. Going to one of them, get ready to part with a large sum.

At affordable prices, you can shop on the street. Patission (clothes, shoes and accessories), in the Plaka area (jewelry, souvenirs and antiques) and st. Monastiraki (handmade clothes and shoes, accessories, traditional tools). The last one works every Sunday swap meet. Among the heaps of useless trinkets, there are interesting and original gizmos, including inexpensive Greek souvenirs - ceramics, bed linen, carpets, copies museum exhibits and busts of ancient Greek thinkers.

For economical shopaholics, it is better to plan a vacation for the second half of summer. From mid-July to the end of August, sales are held in Athens, prices drop by 50-80%. However, even at this time, the famous Greek furs cost a lot here, it is better to go to other parts of the country for a fur coat.

Cuisine and restaurants of Athens

The national cuisine of Greece is traditionally associated with a large number of vegetables and seafood, olives, soft feta cheese and a variety of herbs and spices. In any institution in Athens, you can find dishes such as “tiropeta” (cheese cake), “moussaka” (a layered dish of eggplant, potatoes and minced meat), “dolmatesdolma” (stuffed cabbage rolls in grape leaves), “tzatziki” (thick sauce made from fresh cucumber, yogurt and garlic) and, of course, grilled squid, fish, shrimp and octopus.

Traditional Greek dishes are often seasoned with olive oil and lemon juice to bring out the flavors of fish and seafood.

Where do you go to try it all? It all depends on the budget. For those who are planning on spending 100 EUR per dinner per person, there are several authentic Michelin-starred restaurants in the capital. Luxurious interiors and gourmet dishes that look more like works of art, and the taste is beyond praise.

However, the city is full of establishments with much more affordable prices for the average tourist. In coastal taverns and small restaurants in the city center, you can taste traditional Greek cuisine, paying no more than 50 EUR for lunch for two, and if you go to the outskirts or to the Plaka area, this amount will decrease to 30 EUR.

For those who do not want to spend more than 5–15 EUR on lunch, Athens has inexpensive eateries and cafes “tiropitadiko”. The first one serves kebabs with pita and lemon, business card the second - puff pies with cheese, spinach and other fillings.

The best photos of Athens

Previous photo 1/ 1 Next photo

The Odeone of Herodes Atticus still hosts classical music concerts and theatrical performances.

You can get into the auditorium of the ancient theater only during events by purchasing a ticket.

Footprints ancient civilization can be found not only on the hill of the Acropolis. At its foot, on the former market square of the capital of Hellas, rises the temple of Hephaestus, the god of fire. This building is located on Agora Square, and, despite its impressive age, it has been well preserved.

The most popular area among tourists after the Acropolis - Old city Plaka. central part Athens is limited by the triangle formed by the squares of Omonia (Concord Square), Syntagma (Constitution Square) and Monastiraki. At the Constitution Square draws attention majestic building Parliament with a guard of honor at the tomb of the unknown Soldier. To the right of the Parliament building is a luxurious royal park"Zappio", behind which are the ruins of the temple of Olympian Zeus and the famous Arch of Hadrian.

The Byzantine Museum - the best collection of icons and mosaics in Europe, the Benaki Museum is famous for its rich collection of ancient Greek and Byzantine art, as well as displays of Chinese porcelain, oriental jewelry and weapons. Not far from it is the National Art Gallery - a two-story building that displays the work of Greek artists from the 14th century to the present day.

No vacation is enough to see all the expositions of the Athenian museums. We advise you to study the information in advance and choose the most interesting for yourself.

The Archaeological Museum of the Athenian Agora, located in the northeastern part of the city, is interesting because most of its exhibits are associated with the oldest Athenian democracy in the world. In particular, it is here that ostraki are stored - clay shards that the Athenians used to vote. In the museum natural history Goulandris you can get acquainted with the Greek flora and fauna. The exposition presents rare endangered species of plants.

To get to know the country and its inhabitants from a different, musical side, head to the Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments. The collection contains more than 1200 exhibits, the oldest of which dates back to the 18th century. Only half of them are exhibited in the halls, but there is an opportunity to hear the sound of each.

5 things to do in Athens

1. Feel like an ancient Greek, walking from one ancient temple of the Acropolis to another.
2. Feel the contrast of antiquity and modernity, going straight from the Temple of Hephaestus to a trendy restaurant.
3. Try real olives and feta cheese.
4. Climb Lycabettus on foot.
5. Go to a performance in an ancient theatre.

Athens for kids

Even in such a monumental and majestic ancient city as Athens, there is a place for childish spontaneity and curiosity. The first thing to do is to visit the Children's Museum located in the city center. It is regularly held here thematic classes and master classes - culinary, creative, theatrical, as well as games for the development of logic and attention. The exhibition presents works by young artists from 4 to 12 years old, after viewing which you can visit your grandparents (a separate room where the interior and atmosphere of an old Greek house are recreated) or the library.

To have fun, head to Allou Fun Park (official site in English), best park entertainment in Greece. On a solid square there are attractions for the whole family - from small carousels for kids to extreme roller coasters and a large Ferris wheel.

It is better to spend the second half of the day on a trip to the park - it is closed in the morning.

When everything has already been studied in the center of Athens, you can visit the suburbs. In the northwest, not far from the coast, is the water park Copa Copana (off. site in English. mouth

September

October

november

December

People go to Athens not only for a beach holiday, the tourist season here does not stop all year round. The climate of Greece is classic continental, so snow rarely falls. In winter, heavy showers are possible, but infrequently, this time is great for sightseeing tours.

In April, it is already warm here, but you can’t swim yet. There are not many people, you can safely walk and take pictures. The swimming season starts in June and lasts until mid-October. The peak of tourist activity falls on three summer months. At the same time, daytime temperatures, along with housing prices, soar. For those who do not tolerate the heat, there is a velvet season that starts in mid-September. The weather is comfortable, and the beaches become much freer.

Athens is the capital of Greece, its The largest city attracting many tourists from all over the world. Acquaintance with Greece to start with Athens has already become a tradition. And there are many reasons for this.

This is the oldest city in the country, which has experienced and seen a lot: luxury and need, prosperity and decline, majesty and insignificance. Despite such changes, the whole civilized world symbolizes modern Athens with freedom and democracy.

The name of the capital of Greece comes from the name of the goddess of wisdom, Athena. The legend says that the Phoenician Kekrops founded a city on a huge rock in Attica, and the goddess of wisdom Athena and the god of the sea Poseidon fought for the right to patronize him. In order to resolve this dispute, the gods from Olympus invited Athena and Poseidon to make gifts to the city. Poseidon, striking a rock with a trident, gave him water, and Athena, with a blow of a spear on a rock, grew an olive tree. The gods considered the gift of Athena more valuable, so the city was given to the goddess of wisdom.

Athens combines history and modernity, European appearance and ancient harmony. In that romantic city people of art and businessmen fall in love, young and old, married and bachelors. Athens strikes people on the spot with its stunning rhythm of life. And in numerous theaters, restaurants, shops and hotels, you can always take a break from such a rhythm.

Climate and weather

The climate in Athens, like throughout Greece, is Mediterranean. But there is also a difference - low humidity. You will never feel the sweltering heat in Athens, although the average temperature during the holiday season reaches +30 °C. average temperature in winter - +5 ° С, almost without snow, but with frequent rains.

Nature

In addition to the magnificent climate, Athens can boast of its rich nature. The Greek capital is located along the coast Aegean Sea and surrounded by mountains on three sides. Throughout the area of ​​​​Athens there are 12 hills, the most significant of them are the Acropolis and Loukavittos. The most important natural attractions of Athens are olive groves, various flowers, numerous vineyards and, of course, luxurious beaches. Despite such a beautiful appearance, the city still has environmental problems.

Attractions

Traveling around Athens, one cannot fail to visit the symbol of the Greek capital - the Acropolis with its main temple, the Parthenon, the temple of the virgin Athena. The old city is very popular among tourists, in particular Place de la Concorde, where the Parliament building, the luxurious royal park and the ruins of the temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian's Arch are located. Thanks to the period of prosperity of the Byzantine Empire, Athens had a huge number of churches: the Church of the Holy Apostles, the Church of St. Theodore, Kapnikareya, Panagia Gorgoepikoos, the Church of St. George. Keramikos is the most important monument of ancient Athens, where the ashes of famous Athenians are kept. Also of interest to tourists are the Tower of Fans, the Lantern of Diogenes and, of course, the Arch of Hadrian. All this is just a small list of what is worth visiting in Athens.

Nutrition

In the Greek capital you will find a huge number of taverns, cafes and restaurants. Their highest concentration falls on the areas of Plaka and Psiri - the city center. Here you can find absolutely everything: oriental exotic and European sophistication, small eateries and luxurious restaurants of traditional Greek cuisine.

If you are a little hungry during city tours, you simply don’t have time for long meetings in a restaurant, but you prefer tasty and healthy food, then welcome to Gregory's and Everest, the main Greek fast food chains.

In the evening, after long trips around the city, after swimming and sunbathing, you really want to sit in a good place with cozy atmosphere, delicious cuisine and a generous menu… A glass of excellent wine, traditional Greek dishes, excellent music - all this can be combined in one place, the Filistron restaurant, which is located next to the entrance to the city park. And the main feature of the institution is a gorgeous view of the Acropolis! Here you will be offered huge selection dishes of national cuisine. The institution is so popular that sometimes a table is booked here for a month! Therefore, we recommend that you visit it on a normal weekday.

There is one feature in alcoholic Greek drinks. Often they contain anise, which can cause allergic reactions or just discomfort.

Accommodation

The most demanding travelers will be happy to meet the NJV Athens Plaza (Grecotel), located in the city center, from the window of which a magnificent view of the Acropolis opens. The building of the Hotel Grande Bretagne has been standing on the same square for 130 years, which adds a touch of antiquity to the establishment, but the service here is modern and first-class. Not far from the Temple of Zeus is the luxurious five-star Royal Olympic Hotel. The leader among the four-star hotels is the Titania hotel, located in the city center between Syntagma and Omonia squares.

Entertainment and recreation

Your vacation in Athens will be filled with an unforgettable contrast. A tour to Athens is quite simple to choose depending on the interests of the tourist. For families with children, playgrounds are equipped and waterslides on the beach with shallow sea.

Fans of outdoor activities will also be pleasantly surprised by a wide range of entertainment: diving and water jumps, volleyball and tennis fields.

The most popular among tourists are the largest amusement park in Greece, Allou Fun Park, and one of the largest in the world, the Athens Planetarium. The park is divided into two large areas: for adults and children. The park is open from 10:00 to 24:00. In the planetarium, you can watch 3D films about the distant future, space travel and even the ancient Greek past! Planetarium opening hours: 9:30-16:30. The entrance ticket for children is 5-6 €, for adults - 4-8 €.

Purchases

Among lovers of Greek shopping, the most popular places in Athens are the Monastiraki area and the Ermous pedestrian street near Syntagma Square. This is where you can visit the largest number various outlets.

Here is a short list of the most famous stores:

• Hellenic Folk Art Gallery - folk art gallery,
• Stavros Melissinos is a luxury designer shoe store,
• Eleftheroudakis is a unique six-story bookstore located between Omonia and Syntagma squares,
• Mall - the largest shopping center in Athens, located at the Neratziotissa metro station.

And you don’t have to worry about small gifts to friends, because souvenir sellers are always located exactly where there are tourists!

Transport

The fare system in Athens is differentiated depending on your route, its length and type of public transport. The cost of one trip in the metro and bus costs 1 €, tram - --- 0.6 €. A ticket for 24 hours costs 3 €, and for a week - 10 €.

An interesting fact remains that the movement to or from the airport automatically increases the cost of your trip several times. So a single ticket on the metro will already cost 6 €, on the bus - 3.2 €, and the taxi driver automatically adds 3.2 € to the established fare.

The main features of transport in Athens include the following: city buses stop exclusively at the request of passengers, the daily rate for one kilometer taxi trip (0.34 €) doubles at night, you will pay a small surcharge for calling a taxi by phone and heavy luggage .

Connection

Internet services in Greece, and especially in Athens, are excellent. It is enough just to find an Internet cafe or an access point here. For an hour of access to the World Wide Web in an Internet cafe, you will pay from 1.5 to 4 €. But do not rush to quickly pay for the use of this valuable resource! After all, many hotels provide their guests with free access, so do not forget to ask. And Syntagma Square already has a free Wi-Fi hotspot.

Those who wish to stay "always in touch" can purchase a Greek SIM card. SIM cards are sold in the office of a telecom operator, in shopping centers and supermarkets. The cost of the service package can vary from 3 to 20 € depending on the tariff plan. Recharge cards are also easy to buy at any store. Q-Telecom is considered the most profitable operator due to its interesting tariffs, high coverage and various promotions and special offers.

You can also easily use a regular telephone connection. There are telephone booths throughout the city, most of which work with prepaid cards (you can buy them at newsstands). Such a card contains a certain limit of negotiations with any part of the world, its cost is from 4 to 20 €. And in bars and hotels you can find coin operated machines. Their main feature is that they can receive an incoming call.

Safety

Athens can definitely be called a safe city. But still, at some points it’s worth keeping an eye out. Firstly, the political life of Greece has recently become especially tense due to the crisis. Strikes, rallies and demonstrations often take place in the city. Therefore, be especially careful and careful in the capital, so as not to get into an unpleasant situation in a foreign city and country. Secondly, in Athens there are not entirely favorable areas, which tourists are not recommended to visit after sunset. These areas include Omonia Square, Train Station Larissis and its surroundings, streets of Sophocles, Liossion, Metaxourgio and Filis. On some of these streets there are brothels allowed in Greece. In addition, these areas have earned their criminal reputation because of the drug trade.

Business climate

Athens is the center of business activity in Greece. And there are two reasons for this: geographical and historical. World practice confirms that in most countries the capital is the leading link in business. And history reminds us that from ancient times the Athenians were merchants, which remains true to this day. Athenians prefer small family businesses to huge corporations. The business “heart of Athens” is the lower part of Omonia Square. The Stock Exchange is located on Sophocles Street.

Real estate

Recently, information about the crisis in Greece has been on TV screens and newspapers. Due to this, many believe that investing in Greek real estate is dangerous and short-sighted. It is impossible not to agree that there is a wise grain in such reasoning. But contrary to all the laws of the economy, the demand for real estate in Athens is growing rapidly! Because of this liquidity, many business people choose to invest in Greek real estate. This sector of the Greek economy gives a 100% guarantee of winnings if the purchased housing is rented out. Even buying real estate exclusively for yourself will be profitable here.

Obviously, in Athens, real estate is much more diverse than on the islands. Here you can buy houses, villas and apartments in residential complexes. The estimated cost of housing in the city is from 1,000 to 1,500 € per square meter, while the luxurious suburbs set the price up to 10,000 € per square meter.

In Athens, you will have to pay 350-500 € per month for renting a three-room apartment. A resort area capitals will add another 70-80% to this cost during the season.

When relaxing alone, be vigilant when accepting an invitation to drink from an outside company. It is possible that you will be taken to a bar or pub, where you will have to pay the bill, no matter what. In such pubs, this is a common rule, and even the police will not be able to help you with anything. Today, in Athens, almost all such "cunning" establishments are closed, except for two - Pub Love and New York Pub, located in Plaka.

If you are going on vacation to Greece, be sure to visit its capital for at least a few days -.

Despite the fact that it is a calm and safe city, all the same, female tourists should not walk alone along the remote outskirts of Athens. It is better to use the services of a guide. At a minimum, take someone for a walk for company. In Athens, be careful with money and documents, as there is a danger of getting caught by pickpockets, especially in the subway and other public transport and near ATMs. Another common type of "scam" is an invitation to sit in a bar, drink and chat, and as a result, the unlucky tourist will have to pay a fabulous bill alone. Be especially careful if you find yourself in street areas Sophocleos, in the squares Watis And Karaiskaki, as well as in the vicinity of the station Larissa.

They are quite expensive on their own compared to others. Greek cities. Check with the taxi driver before the trip the exact amount. If the taxi driver finds it difficult to name the amount of the trip, then it is better to refuse so as not to be deceived. The amount of a taxi ride above 30 euros is considered too high. In the yellow Athens taxis, the down payment upon boarding is 1 euro, then the calculation goes according to the meter. There are two types of taxi fares: fare 1 is valid within the city and at the airport, and fare 2 is valid outside of Athens and from midnight to 5 am. When calculating according to the meter at the rate of 1 - 0.34 euros per kilometer, at the rate of 2 - 0.64 euros per kilometer. Since there is a surcharge of 1.6 euros for calling a taxi by phone, it is, of course, more profitable to hail a taxi on the street. In addition, you may be lucky and come across a "free taxi", that is, a taxi already taken by a passenger. If your itinerary matches that of the first passenger, you can join the trip for free. A busy taxi is identified by an illuminated sign. Traveling in this way is relevant at night and during peak hours. There are a couple more surcharges to the price of a regular taxi ride: for heavy or bulky bags 0.32 euros, for a trip from or to the airport - 3.2 euros.

It is customary to reward waiters, taxi drivers and employees in hotels with tips for their services. The average tip is 10-15% of the bill in a cafe or restaurant. If you are well served and don't leave a tip, you will be considered ill-mannered and condemned. In taxis, it is customary to round the amount up.

In Athens pharmacies, employees are not only highly qualified and will be able to advise you on indications, contraindications and properties medicines, but they can also measure blood pressure for visitors for free.

There are almost no smoking bans in Athens, which means you can smoke almost everywhere. This real paradise for smokers. No-smoking signs are located only in rare places. If you do not smoke, and cigarette smoke annoys you, in a cafe or restaurant, explain your situation to the waiter and ask them to put you in a place convenient for you. Of course, do not forget to reward the waiter with a tip for the service. Sunday is a public holiday in most malls and shops in Athens.

It makes no sense to buy household and other electrical equipment in Greece, since the prices for electrical appliances in this country are considered the highest in Europe. For other purchases, it is worth going outside the capital, since prices for local souvenirs are on the periphery, national food, products, fur coats and other goods are much lower than in Athens. If you still decide to make purchases in Athens, then you should go to the areas of Monastiraki, Plaka and Ermou and Athinas streets. It is here that a huge number of various shops and shops are concentrated, where you will definitely like some souvenirs and goods of Greek production. Plaka and Monastiraki "specialize" in souvenirs, and the main shopping street of the capital is Ermou. Almost all beaches, even in the famous resort cities of Greece, are public, that is, access to the beaches is free and free. A fee may only be charged if the beach area sun loungers and parasols are installed, in such a situation you will need to pay for the rental of this equipment.

The best time to visit is in the spring or late autumn. Geographic location The climate of the city determines its climate: hot and dry summers, rainy winters. Due to the fact that the city is located on a low-lying plain, surrounded on all sides by mountains, exhaust fumes and smoke long time linger over Athens. City transport operates at uniform rates, except for special buses connecting the city with the airport, and express metro. You can buy a one-time ticket for an unlimited number of trips. The ticket price will depend only on the time of its action: 90 minutes, a day or a week.

I would like to separately mention the Athens metro. It consists of three branches: green, red and blue. The green metro line is the oldest, it was opened back in 1869 as a single-track underground railway on a locomotive traction, but it was electrified more than a century ago - in 1904. Two other metro lines were opened quite recently - for the Athens 2004 Olympics, at the same time the green line of the Athens metro was significantly modernized and updated. You can walk around the Athens metro stations like museums, as many of the stations are decorated with the most interesting archaeological finds discovered during the construction of the metro. Keep in mind that it is not allowed to go down the Athens metro with food and drinks. Athens has several city buses and trolleybuses running at night. If you want to try real Greek food and enjoy wonderful local wines, then be sure to visit taverns and restaurants such as Psara, Zorbas, Carte postale, Platanos, To Kafenio, Petrino, Ideal, Taverna Tou Psiri, Psipsinna. Most of these establishments are located in the areas of Plaka and Psirri. Be sure to try such a national Greek drink as retsina - coniferous Greek wine.

Tourists with children will be interested in visiting the zoo Attica Zoo and amusement park Allou Fun Park with many attractions for both children and adults.

Azerbaijani wines

Azerbaijan is one of ancient centers winemaking. In the necropolises of Leylatepe and Sarytepe, archaeologists discovered clay vessels for storing wine - evidence of the development of winemaking in Azerbaijan in the Late Bronze Age. The creation of industrial winemaking in Azerbaijan dates back to the middle of the 19th century. In 1815, by order of Emperor Alexander I, the Germans from Wurtenberg began to create colonies in the Caucasus. About 500 families moved to Transcaucasia. The first appearance of German settlers in Azerbaijan dates back to December 1818. They settled in the suburbs of Ganja and were hospitably received by the Azerbaijanis. The city of Helenendorf (now Goygol) became the first German colony in the area, during the 19th century the settlements of Annenfeld, Georgsfeld, Alekseevka, Grunfeld, Eigenfeld, Traubenfeld and others were also founded.

Rosary "Tears of the Virgin" - a gift for salvation from Greece

How often do we evaluate our actions and look to the future, looking back at the past? According to statistics, every third inhabitant of the Earth, who has always condemned the cult of something, after a certain time, returns to spirituality. Atheists ask the Lord God for enlightenment, those who did not believe in holy attributes, over time began to understand that the healing power of faith helps to recover from diseases, improves well-being.

Corfu island

Corfu or Kerkyra - real emerald paradise. Surprise, delight and heart palpitations will appear in your air. The view from the airplane window is incredible. The island has only one runway, which is an artificial embankment that runs along the lake, which is breathtaking, and gives the impression of landing on the sea surface.

Caryatids - a monument of ancient Greek architecture

What do you know about caryatids? This attraction of Greece is on the list of TOP 10 monuments that you must definitely visit upon arrival in the country.

And he keeps his way to the shining splendor of Athens (part 5)

In the morning I go to the National Archaeological Museum, which is also small. Entrance - 7 euros. I make a circle around the first floor, without looking into the archaic department and without going up to the second floor to see the vases. The first floor is enough for me for four hours. Marble and bronze are exhibited there. Some things are well known from photographs, copies and drawings (kouros, Zeus throwing lightning, Artemis), some I see for the first time. The statue of a rider on a horse is very interesting - the movement of the horse, the tension of the boy are delightfully conveyed. Fairy tale dynamics!

The city of Athens, which is the capital of sunny and beautiful Greece, shrouded in many myths and legends, is located on the plain of Attica, and its coast is washed by the picturesque Saronic Gulf.

The city, at the mention of which amazing ancient Greek myths are recalled with their passions and battles of the gods, is one of the favorite places for travelers from all over the globe. A huge number of cultural monuments, exquisite and unique National cuisine, gentle waters of the Aegean Sea, developed infrastructure entertainment and, of course, the ancient ruins of temples and sanctuaries attract to Athens all, without exception, connoisseurs of ancient sights and tourists who want to have a good and inexpensive rest.

Athens Acropolis

Holiday prices in Greece, in particular in Athens, are really low when compared with holiday prices in other EU countries.

At the moment, the population of the capital of Greece, including small suburbs, is just over 4,000,000 people. In addition, thanks to the availability of jobs, about half a million people from other countries live in Athens intermittently. Greece cannot be called a populous country, more than a third of the population nowadays lives in its capital and nearby suburbs. If you look at the map of Athens, you will notice that from the land the city is surrounded by mountains: Imito, Pendeli and Parnitha.

We can say that the city is located in a kind of pool created by nature itself. On the one hand, this is the natural protection of the city, and on the other hand, the mountains and the Saronic Gulf limit the area of ​​\u200b\u200bAthens and do not allow them to go beyond natural barriers. Due to the city's high population density and technological advancement, Athens suffers from a temperature inversion effect. Summer in Greece is very hot, tourists should definitely remember this, especially those who suffer from cardiovascular diseases. But the winter here is sometimes frosty, and snow is not a novelty for the Athenians.

Temple of Olympian Zeus

The history of the city's name

Most historians say that the name of the capital of Greece comes from the name of the goddess Athena Pallas, although, in fairness, it is worth noting that there is another version. The myth that tells how exactly the city got its name is very interesting. In ancient times, the settlement near the Saronic Gulf was ruled by a king named Kekrops. He was only half human, with a serpent's tail writhing instead of legs. Ruler born of a goddess Gaea, had to solve a rather difficult task and choose who would be the patron of his village. Thinking, he said that he who of the gods will make the most best gift city, he will become its patron. Immediately, the brother of Zeus Poseidon appeared before the people, and with all his might he struck his trident into the stony soil. A huge fountain soared up from this place: people ran up to it, but immediately returned with gloomy faces: the water in the fountain was the same as in the sea, salty and undrinkable. After Poseidon, the beautiful Athena Pallas appeared to the inhabitants, she showed people an olive tree that quickly grew out of the ground. Kekrop and the population of the city rejoiced and recognized Athena as the patroness of the city.

Temple of the Erechtheion

So, the city, surrounded by three mountains and stretched by the sea bay, got its name - Athens. After that, Poseidon was angry with Athens, and the lack of life-giving moisture is felt in the city even today (and all this in a subtropical semi-desert climate). Sacrifices, gifts and the construction of the temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion did not help. Some historians do not agree with this myth and insist that the name of the capital of Greece occurred as a result of a slight change in the word "Athos", which can be literally translated into Russian as a flower.

Athens - a bit of history

In the distant 500 BC, Athens flourished: the inhabitants of the city were rich, culture and science developed. The end of the prosperity of the center Ancient Greece put the Great Roman Empire around the beginning of the 300s BC. 500 years after the arrival of the Savior in our world, the Byzantine Empire decided to close numerous philosophical schools in Athens and put an end to the prosperity of pagan cults. It was from this period of time that the capital of Greece from the richest city turns into a small provincial town, for which for many centuries a war has been waged between the French and Italians. It could not be otherwise, from Athens it was possible to go out to the open sea and conduct profitable trade. strategic location ancient city difficult to overestimate today.

Academy of Athens

A serious blow to Athens came in 1458, the year the city was captured by the Turks. and incorporated by them into the vast Ottoman Empire. In those days, most of the inhabitants of Athens died from overwork for the benefit of the Ottoman Empire and from hunger. At this time, the Byzantines were trying to regain control of Athens, and the city often became the scene of bloody battles. During them, many priceless monuments of history and architecture were destroyed, in particular, the well-known ancient greek temple Parthenon.

Only 1833 brought relief to the small population of Athens, when the city finally became the capital of the free Greek Kingdom again. By the way, at that moment less than 5,000 (!) people lived in the capital. The population rapidly grew immediately to 2,000,000 people already in 1920, when the descendants of the native Athenians, who were once expelled by the Turks to Asia Minor, began to return to their homeland. The beginning of the 20th century was also marked by an increased interest in the numerous sights of the city: a huge number of archaeologists began to excavate on the territory of Athens, and restorers tried to restore at least a semblance of their former grandeur to the architectural monuments. The work was stopped only during the Second World War: the Nazis needed access to the sea and they occupied Greece in a short period of time.

Temple of Hephaestus

Modern Athens

No matter how strange it may sound, but it is the second World War, or rather its end, marked the beginning of the new prosperity of Athens. Industry is rapidly developing in the capital and there is active trade with many countries of the world. Greece flourished until 1980: a huge number of tourists interested in ancient sights and the history of the country bring significant income to the budget. In 1981, as everyone is well aware, Greece joined the European Union, which brought the Athenians not only the joy of affordable credit and a booming economy, but also problems with overpopulation and movement around the city.

At the moment, Athens attracts travelers from all over the world with its sights, among which are the Theater of Dionysus, the Temple of Hephaestus, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Athenian Agora and, of course, the majestic Acropolis. The city has more than 200 big museums, where you can see unique exhibits dating back to 500 BC. The first museum to travel agencies recommend paying attention - this is the Benaki Museum, it is in it that you can get acquainted with cultural objects and ethnographic materials that will "tell" the history of the once great, powerful, invincible and famous for their philosophers, Athens.

Arch of Hadrian

In addition to numerous attractions, the traveler who was brought to Athens will be able to appreciate what the incessant, cheerful and shimmering with thousands of neon lights "nightlife" is. The capital of Greece has a huge number of restaurants, large and small bars, discos and nightclubs. In the city, everything is done so that a tourist who comes to Athens feels as comfortable and relaxed as possible.