Ancient history is Europe’s tourism trump card, so why is it that the most ancient city in the Continent has been so overlooked? Compared to the likes of Paris, Rome and Barcelona, Athens has paled in popularity, until now.
Athens is fast-becoming the destination of choice for a wave of savvy millennial travellers looking for a sun-drenched city break with a difference. If you dare to see beyond Greece’s economically turbulent time, you will be rewarded endlessly.
Welcome to Athens: a place where ancient monuments stand beside hipster coffee joints and rooftop bars.
Here are 10 reasons why Athens is trending as a city break destination right now:
1. The Acropolis
The rugged and iconic citadel of The Acropolis dramatically towers above Athens, ensuring part of the city remains perfectly frozen in time. The mind-boggling history of The Acropolis dates back to 447 BC but even if you’re not that into the facts, it’s worth coming up here for the breath-taking 360 degree views of Athens. It will be worth it for the ‘gram.
2. The Coffee Culture
Coffee culture is rife in Athens. Young creatives and business minds flock to the most on-trend establishments in the city such as Tailormade, Spollati or Six d.o.g.s, where outdoor tables are hot property. If you’re lucky enough to get one, pull up a pew, order yourself a ‘freddo’ coffee and prepare to watch the catwalk of passers by.
3. The Rooftop Bars
Scattered throughout the city, the rooftop bars of Athens are hard to find. Often hidden away and terribly signposted, each one feels like a secret society for people in-the-know. They’re buzzing morning, noon and night and depending on what time you go you’ll get a different perspective of the Acropolis and the white washed city below. Head to Couleur Locale for the ultimate secret scene or go to The Roof Garden at The Electra Metropolis to watch an incredibly chic sunset.
4. Anafiotika
Until recent years the sleepy hillside village of Anafiotika went by unnoticed by tourists, but now the secret is out. Located just below The Acropolis hill, this tiny village is more reminiscent of a rural Greek island than a capital city. Get lost amongst the labyrinth of narrow alleyways that connect the whitewashed houses.
5. The Greek Food
One thing that remains timeless about Athens is the food. The quality and produce of Greek food in Athens is just as high as on the islands. Feast on succulent souvlakis, fresh seafood, mouth-watering mezzes, baked moussakka and tomatoes that taste ten times more delicious than in London.
6. The Price
Greece’s financial crisis has kept the prices of food, drink and alcohol extremely competitive, meaning you’ll be pleasantly surprised when the bill comes. Local wines are very cheap and equally as delicious as their imported counterparts.
7. The Sunshine
Athens is drenched in sun for the majority of the year, and even if you travel in January you can expect highs of 10 degrees. The optimum time to travel is between March and May, when the skies will be blue and the breeze will be balmy. Whatever time of year you travel, you’re likely to see skies as blue as the Greek flag.
8. The Boutique Hotels
Athens is catering to its ever-growing influx of trendy travellers with a handful of boutique design hotels. The New Hotel is as boutique as they come and attracts an artistic crowd. Conveniently located between Syntagma Square and the Old Town of Plaka, it’s an ideal city break base.
9. The Flea Market
The saying that ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure’ certainly rings true in Athens’ Flea Market. This fascinating complex of stalls sells objects that are weird, wonderful and downright bizarre. Prepare to channel your inner David Dickinson and put your negotiation skills to the test.
10. The Old Town of Plaka
Plaka is Athens’ Old Town and easily the most picturesque neighbourhood. Imagine cobbled streets, historical architecture, sun-drenched piazzas and restaurants with white and blue tablecloths. Andrianou is the main shopping street in Plaka and is lined with boutique stalls and souvenir shops. Venture to the end of this street and you’ll find a strip of great restaurants too.
Source: standard.co.uk