Ending This Journey: A Weekend In Athens

At first glance, you might think the so-called “Athens Ticket” is a tad expensive at 30 euros each, but actually it’s easy to turn it into a good deal. The ticket gives you access to 7 of the city’s ancient and most impressive sights, which by our reckoning cost considerably more if you  paid to do each individually: in fact we calculate that you only have to do any 4 of the 7 to make it economical. You will jump some queues too.

Over our weekend here, ending our Cyclades journey, we have packed an awful lot in to a short time. We arrived from Rafina port on Friday afternoon, we leave Monday morning, and have done and seen an awful lot in between. Athens has a metro, trams, trolley buses and buses, but frankly you are far better tackling most of it on foot: the major sights are for the most part in a compact area, and the walks will continually surprise and delight you.

The Acropolis needs no explanation from us, except to say that wow has it grown as an attraction, in terms of numbers of visitors. In spite of making it first call after breakfast and hopefully getting there early, the crowds were enormous and you basically shuffle round the amazing monument shoulder to shoulder with roughly two thirds of the population of the entire world. Is what it feels like!

None of the other major sights are anywhere near as crammed though, and we were able to take a far more leisurely tour of them all. It is particularly entrancing to simply be present at the Ancient Agora, just to stand there and absorb just where you’re standing: at the very place where democracy was born and, in a way, where society as we know it, first began.

All of the ancient sites are remarkable and are each well worthy of a visit, somehow enhanced by the fact that this lively vibrant city goes about its business all around these amazing monuments. 

Lykavittos Hill is worth the climb, and the funicular for the last bit, for the wonderful views across the entire Athens sprawl and out to sea. The Kallimarmaro stadium and the Kerameikas cemetery are other terrific destinations away from the main sights, with some great suburban tavernas close to the latter.

The city is alive at night. Whether you choose downtown Plaka, or the adjoining Monastiraki or one of the many leafy squares or streets lined with cafes and restaurants, you are never far from the action. Of course those main restaurant areas are touristy, but that in no way detracts from the fun of being amongst it. You can’t help but notice how many of the clientele in the bars and restaurants down Adrianou Street are Greek, particularly if there’s live music and dancing. 

Athens has been a great way to end our third Greek island hopping trip together. And a great way to end our last ever trip before we retire and go off to see the rest of this world.