Athens Ferries

Walk in the footsteps of Plato and Pericles as the sun casts an ethereal glow over centuries-old ruins. Feel the invigorating pulse of the city as you meander through labyrinthine streets brimming with ancient legends. Taste a myriad of flavours, from decadent Baklava to hearty Moussaka. As the sun melts into the Saronic Gulf, you will cherish the moment, standing atop Lycabettus Hill, cheering the breathtaking Athenian sunset. This is Athens, where the past sensually dances with the present.

The most scenic way to reach Athens is undoubtedly by ferry, especially if you're coming from one of the various Greek islands. Ensuring the utmost convenience and comfort and exhibiting an eco-friendly appeal, ferries like Blue Star and Hellenic Seaways run regular services from major islands like Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete. Athens' ports, Piraeus, Rafina, and Lavrion, are well-connected to the city centre by metro, buses and taxis. Besides, Athens also boasts an international airport and an extensive road/rail network.

Acropolis and Parthenon: Ascend to the iconic Acropolis to witness the magnificent Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Propylaea. This ancient citadel offers unparalleled views of Athens and is a testament to classical Greek architecture.

Acropolis Museum: Located at the foot of the Acropolis, this modern museum houses a stunning collection of artefacts found on the sacred rock, providing vital context and history to the ancient structures above.

Plaka District: Wander through the charming, historic streets of Plaka, Athens' oldest neighbourhood. Explore its labyrinthine alleys, discover traditional shops, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Ancient Agora: Explore the heart of ancient Athenian life at the Ancient Agora. Here you can see the well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus, the Stoa of Attalos, and learn about the birthplace of democracy.

Lycabettus Hill: Hike or take the funicular up Lycabettus Hill, the highest point in central Athens. The panoramic views of the city, especially at sunset, are breathtaking.

National Archaeological Museum: Immerse yourself in Greek history at the National Archaeological Museum, home to one of the world's most important collections of ancient Greek art and artefacts.

Sounion and Temple of Poseidon: Take a scenic drive along the Athenian Riviera to Cape Sounion. Witness the majestic Temple of Poseidon perched on a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea, especially beautiful at sunset.

Try Souvlaki and Greek Coffee: Indulge in authentic local food. Seek out a traditional taverna for delicious souvlaki (grilled meat skewers) and experience the ritual of enjoying a rich, strong Greek coffee.

Vouliagmeni Lake (Watersports): For a natural wonder and a chance for watersports, visit Vouliagmeni Lake, a natural thermal spa lake with unique mineral properties, perfect for a refreshing dip or even paddleboarding.

Explore the Central Market (Varvakios Agora): Experience a vibrant slice of Athenian life at the Varvakios Agora, the city's central food market. See fresh produce, meats, and seafood, and soak in the bustling atmosphere.

Spring (March to May): With temperatures ranging from 15-25°C, spring is ideal for exploring ancient sites amidst budding flowers.

Summer (June to August): Though temperatures can soar to 35°C, this is a popular time for beaches and festivals.

Autumn (September to November): Enjoying cooler temperatures and fewer tourists, autumn offers perfect conditions for cultural festivals and hiking.

Winter (December to February): Mild winters (around 10-15°C) allow for quieter sightseeing and exploring Athenian nightlife without the summer crowds.  

Oldest Capital: Athens is Europe's oldest capital city, with a continuous habitation history spanning over 3,400 years.

Birthplace of Democracy: Ancient Athens is widely credited as the birthplace of democracy, where eligible male citizens directly participated in the city-state's governance.

Language: The official language spoken in Athens and throughout Greece is Greek. It is one of the oldest Indo-European languages, with a written history of over 3,000 years.

Currency: The currency used in Athens and the rest of Greece is the Euro (€), which was adopted in 2002.

Ancient History - The Parthenon's Purpose: The iconic Parthenon on the Acropolis, while known as a temple to Athena, also served as a treasury for the Delian League, an alliance of Greek city-states led by Athens.

Ancient History - The Marathon's Origin: The modern marathon race is inspired by the legend of Pheidippides, a Greek messenger who ran from the Battle of Marathon to Athens in 490 BCE to announce the Greek victory.

Nearest Neighbours (within Greece): Athens is surrounded by several historical and significant regions. To its west lies the Peloponnese, home to ancient Olympia and Sparta, and to its north, Central Greece.

Famous Festival - Epidaurus Festival: Though not in Athens itself, the Athens & Epidaurus Festival is a major cultural highlight. Many performances, especially ancient Greek dramas, are held at the ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, a short distance from Athens, showcasing a key aspect of Greek cultural heritage.

Famous People Born There - Socrates: The renowned classical Greek philosopher Socrates, whose Socratic method of inquiry is still studied today, was born in Athens around 470 BCE.

With a land area of about 159 sq mi (412 km²), Athens is pretty walkable, especially the historic centre. However, when legs tire, public transport, from metros to bicycles, offers an extensive network to navigate the city efficiently.