Greece City Breaks: Athens

With the perfect combination of sun, beaches, museums, ancient history and nightlife, Greece is the ideal holiday destination, economy notwithstanding.

Thanks to almost year-round sunshine, Athens is an excellent city break destination if you want sun, plenty of restaurants, surprisingly good shopping and fantastic cultural and historical sights. (More on holidays in Athens.)

Athens – History and Culture
Athens, the capital of Greece and one of the oldest continuously occupied cities in Europe, is surprisingly modern for a place so rich in history: at Galaxy Bar, you can enjoy a well-made cocktail in a high-design environment with views across to the iconic Parthenon.

This dramatic temple stands high on top of the Acropolis, with views out to sea, and is number one on most people’s Athenian must-see lists. The Theatre of Dionysus, at the foot of the hill, was the original home to the great classics of Greek tragedy, and remains well worth seeing today, as does the marble Tower of the Winds.

The architecturally stunning Acropolis Museum houses finds from the Acropolis, while the National Archaeological Museum is home to priceless artefacts from all over the Hellenistic world.

Athens with Kids
If you are travelling with a family, it’s easy to avoid ruin fatigue in Athens.

Spend a day at the Planetarium, where everyone can get a little taste of space, visit the Attica Zoological Park which is home to a range of animals including lions, tigers and monkeys, and an impressive collection of birds, watch the big ships coming into the harbour at Piraeus, or take the cable car to the top of Mount Likavitos.

Athens for Foodies
Athenian restaurants make the most of local produce and serve up delicious and distinctive Greek cuisine. Paidakia, or lamb chops, have a special place in Greek hearts and are a delicacy across the country, alongside souvlakia, the kebabs made with lamb (or, sometimes, pork).

In season, artichokes in lemon are stunning, while the classic Greek salad with crumbly feta cheese and seasonal vegetables is not to be missed: other favourites include tomatoes and pepper stuffed with a flavoursome rice mix, dolmades, or stuffed vine leaves, and moussaka, an aubergine and mince pie.

Koulouri is a plain, circular bread topped with sesame seeds and can be found on almost all street corners across the city. (More on Greek food.)

Athens for Sunseekers
Although Athens is a buzzing metropolis, there are plenty of beaches just a short journey out of town. Vouliagmeni offers a wealth of sandy beaches, from windsurfing meccas to Astir, a little beach with its very own ruined temple. For a more urban experience, head to the suburb of Glyfada, a clubbing mecca for Athenians in summer, with the chance to dance on the beaches.

Athens for Shoppers
Athens has the perfect balance between luxurious mall shopping and souvenir-style shops: classic souvenirs include leather sandals, decorative plates and olive oil products.

Head to Ermou Street for big name labels and international brands but if you are after independent, quirky boutiques then head to Kolonaki to discover Greece’s home-grown talent.

Words: Golden Journey
Images: Konstantinos Dafalias, Aspa Online and Geoff Peters.