Presenting an intoxicating mix of history and edginess with equal measures of grunge and grace, bustling Athens has been voted amongst the top places to visit in 2017, according to Condé Nast Traveler editors, confirming what most of us already know: our Athens has it all.
Long considered as the cradle of Western civilisation and the birthplace of democracy, where whispers of philosophy, politics, and arts blend with modern-day stories, the city has transformed into a modern cosmopolitan metropolis and the financial, political, cultural and economic centre of Greece.
With a population of over 3.75 million people, the historical capital of Europe is Greece’s largest city, where arts and culture are encountered everywhere and iconic monuments mingle with first-rate museums, cosmopolitan cafes, al fresco gourmet dining, a thriving night-life scene, and beachside suburbs. The historic centre is an open-air museum, yet, the city’s cultural and social life takes place amid these ancient landmarks with the magnificent Acropolis rising above the sprawling metropolis and eternally witnessing the city’s transformations.
With an average annual temperature of 18°C and excellent weather conditions, Athens always delivers a city break with plenty of sun and outdoor activities all year round. The stunning sunlight that flows softly all over the city, the view of the sea, the seven hills that surround Athens and the unique merge of ancient monuments with the contemporary cityscape form a scenery that exceeds even the highest beauty expectations.
Despite the current financial crisis, post-Olympics Athens is conspicuously more sophisticated and cosmopolitan than ever before. New freeways, ultra-modern metro stations, and an easily accessible and state-of-the-art airport welcome an astonishing 20 million visitors a year, almost double the country’s population. Furthermore, to accommodate this inflow of visitors, Greece has one of the highest number of international airports of any other country and the comprehensive English signage makes the city welcoming and easily accessible to everyone.
Stylish restaurants, shops, and trendy hotels, artsy-industrial new neighbourhoods and entertainment quarters such as Gazi, exhibit Athens’ ultra-modern face with food being treated as the new benchmark of ‘good life’. Well-travelled and internationally-trained young chefs offer a whole new way of thinking about gastronomic experiences whilst maintaining the authentic taste of Greek cuisine; all embraced by the everlasting Greek hospitality.
“Athens has always been known as an old city; that’s nothing new. Instead, what is new is its burgeoning status as a modern arts capital,” says Condé Nast Traveler’s Senior Digital Editor, Katherine LaGrave.
“Look no further than the recently opened, Renzo Piano-designed, $623 million Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre, which houses the National Opera and the National Library of Greece, rests on the largest park in Athens and is the first public building in Greece to achieve a Platinum LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification. The National Museum of Contemporary Art also partially reopened in a renovated brewery after a 12-year closure, and in April, the city will co-host ‘documenta 14’, the exhibition of modern and contemporary art that takes place every five years in Kassel, Germany. It’s the first time the hosting duties will be split between two cities,” explains the editor.
The origins of Athens date back to 3000BC, making it one of the oldest and continuously habited cities in the world. With its long history dating from the first settlement in the Neolithic Age and the “Golden Age of Pericles” the city’s values and civilisation are of universal significance. Over the years, a multitude of conquerors occupied Athens. In 1834, it became the capital of the modern Greek state and eventually an attractive modern metropolis with unrivalled charm.
Athens’ most famous and awe-inspiring landmark, the Acropolis, refers to the sacred hill where Greeks built many temples; the most important is the Parthenon, in honour of the goddess Athena, from where Athens gets its name. Athens is the most populated region of Greece, however, it is also one of the smallest regions in the country, being less than 1 per cent of the total area of Greece. According to Greek mythology, an olive tree was given to Athens by the goddess Athena. Greece is now the world’s third leading producer of olives. Interestingly, it is thought that some trees planted in the 1200s are still producing olives.
A typical tour starts at the temple of Olympian Zeus and the close by Hadrian’s Arch, which forms the symbolic entrance to the city. From there, visitors walk along Dionysou Areopaghitou Street, passing the ancient Theatre of Dionysos where most of the works by Sophocles, Euripides, Aeschylus, and Aristophanes were performed. The Odeon of Herodes Atticus, which nowadays hosts the performances of the Athens Festival, is where visitors stop before climbing up to the sacred rock of the Acropolis. Also impressive are the Propylaea, the temple of the Athene Nike, and the Erechtheion but the breathtaking view of the city is what tourists rave about when visiting Athens.
Only 300m away from the Acropolis stands the striking Acropolis Museum; one of the most important contemporary works of architecture in Greece. It is made of steel, glass and concrete and it houses 4,000 priceless artefacts from the Acropolis monuments that represent its history and function as the most important religious centre of ancient Athens. The Exarheia area nearby is a charming vibrant neighbourhood and traditionally a meeting point and home to many artists and university students.
Coming down from the Acropolis, visitors arrive at Areios Pagos, the world’s most ancient judicial court and current Supreme Court of Greece. Directly opposite stands Philopappou Hill with its beautiful little cobbled roads and the Roman monument by the same name on its top. Pnyx, the area where the citizens of ancient Athens used to assemble and exert their democratic rights is also there.
Located further down the pedestrian road is the commercial, political, and religious centre of ancient Athens, known as the Ancient Agora where tourists become acquainted with the idea of classical Athenian democracy.
At the eastern side of the Acropolis is the Plaka neighbourhood, also known as the core of the historic centre, with its narrow labyrinthine streets lined with houses and mansions from the period of the Turkish occupation and the neoclassical period. A true time warp experience.
The Lysikrates Monument, the Roman Agora with the renowned ‘Tower of the Winds’ and Hadrian’s Library, grandiose churches that are true masterpieces of Byzantine art and architecture and some interesting museums and art galleries are all hidden amongst picturesque tavernas, cafés, bars, as well as shops selling souvenirs and traditional Greek products.
Walking down from Plaka, visitors arrive at Monastiraki (also known as old Athens) and the traditional neighbourhood of Psyrri which in the last decade has evolved into one of the most important hubs of the town’s nightlife, trenched with funky bars, tavernas, ouzeris and clubs.
Most popular Ermou Street remains the historical city’s best-known traditional commercial highlight with more than 2,500 shops of all types, which spread out over the surrounding streets.
Within the boundary of Athens’ historical centre, are the picturesque neighbourhoods of Makriyianni, Ano Petralona, Thisseion (filled with small museums, cafés, bars and restaurants), Kerameikos and Metaxourgeio, as well as the Gazi area (former gas works) which has been transformed into a cultural centre of the Athens municipality known as ‘Technopolis’.
The surrounding region of Attiki holds some spectacular antiquities as well, such as the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion and a string of lovely beaches, like those near historic Marathon, The Apollo Coast and the infamous ‘Paraliaki’ strip that travels from Faliro all the way down to Glyfada, Sounio and Lagonisi representing a sparkly blue glimpse amongst the concrete, in an expansive luxurious beach-rimmed bay.
Vouliagmeni Lake lies sunk in the remains of an immense limestone cavern with views to the distant Saronic Gulf islands and sunsets that wash Mount Hymettus in every shade of deep purple and pink.
Undoubtedly, Athens is a city that’s guaranteed to take you by surprise if you decide to delve into its magic and explore it the way it deserves to be experienced. Once the journey is over, and only then, can one really comprehend why Athens was, is, and will continue to be, Greece’s ultimate masterpiece.
To view the full Condé Nast Traveler list go to www.cntraveler.com/gallery/the-best-places-to-travel-in-2017
Why Athens?
“Athens is a city that combines almost everything. An intense air of creativity, cultural history and freedom expressed in everyday life. I love the fact that within a few minutes one can travel from sea to mountain, from grey chaotic city views to serene green landscapes and crystal clear waters. From my perspective, Athens is a contradiction of hidden little gems and cultural diamonds scattered around in perfect order inviting us to delve into their flaws and to discover what lays under this charming city.” – Sokrates, 24
“Athens is a magical city that never sleeps. From leisurely sipping a cocktail on a roof garden overlooking the illuminated Acropolis to catching a play (ranging from Greek ancient masterpieces to American musicals), music performances and live concerts, to enjoying a meal at one of the infamous seafood restaurants in the area of Tzitzifies; it is fascinating to know that the options are just endless and they can satisfy all senses, tastes and budgets. Athens is definitely a city worth exploring.” – Andrianna, 23
“Athens has evolved immensely throughout the years and it continues to do so. It was and continues to be culturally rich, diverse and exciting, therefore people keep coming back to explore the little treasures of this perfectly imperfect city.” – John, 54
“The younger generation brings a new air of change and a fresh outlook that really complements Athens. They are so well educated and well-travelled and that reflects on the vibrancy of our city.” – Eleni, 34
“Athens is an incredibly practical place that allows me to be in an island setting enjoying crystal clear waters within half an hour from the city centre. Travellers and tourists can take the tram, pay 1,4 euros and be at a beautiful beach within a half an hour.” – Vicky, 47
“One can very easily fall in love with Athens. I love walking around, exploring the little alleys of Plaka and meeting friends for a wine at the traditional neighbourhood of Anafiotika. The newly built Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre in Kallithea is undoubtedly the new gem of our city. I love nothing more than riding along the newly created bike lane that runs from Moschato to Glyfada.” Konstantina, 24
“I love wandering around, visiting the archaeological sites (particularly the Acropolis) and just letting myself relax and feel the vibe of our wonderful city!” – Marianna, 39
“Contemporary gourmet restaurants, funky bars hidden downtown and a nightlife like no other give Athens a demeanour of a cosmopolitan city that combines a unique history with a vibrant present.” – Dimitris, 30
“I have travelled around the world and I can safely say that Athens is by far the most charming city I have ever lived in. There is an air of mystery and wisdom that’s so seducing and inviting once you see past the obvious negatives of a large city. The only drawback is that there is just so much to explore and experience but not sufficient time to do it. Do yourselves a favour and take time to really explore Athens.” – Stratos, 63