Try to erase your memory. What you think you know about Greece goes beyond picture-perfect islands and vivid blue waters.
The rich history is just as appealing as the laid-back lifestyle and scenic shores.
Travelers often skip Greece’s major cities in favor of sun and sand, but those who do are overlooking the heartbeat of this fascinating country.
Yes, Athens can be a little rough around the edges, but once you’re fully immersed in its graffiti-lined streets and astounding sites, Santorini will be far from the forefront of your mind.
Summer was quite a season for Greece, including bustling Athens. So much so the ancient city put its foot down at one point, saying, “No more tourists!”.
But now the calendar has flipped to fall, and it’s a phenomenal time to visit.
In fact, Athens is one of the top trending destinations for Americans right now, according to AAA.
Where Old World Charm Meets Mediterranean Bliss
Athens is more than a gateway city to Greece’s great beyond. Like many cities across Europe, you’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time.
The difference here is the effort to upkeep such ancient sites and the prime location offering sweeping views of the cityscape.
Those who’ve been to Athens beeline to the world-renowned Acropolis set atop a rocky outcrop like it’s taken center stage for centuries.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most fascinating sites in Europe, showcasing Greece’s deep roots and how it came to be.
Within the Acropolis is perhaps the more famous Parthenon, a site dedicated to Greek goddess Athena Parthenos dating back to the 5th century, which is hard to fathom how it still stands tall today.
I’ve been fortunate to pay a visit myself.
Admittedly, I’m not much of a history buff, but even for me, I was left astonished by the meticulous detail and preservation of all the structures on the hilltop.
While these are undoubtedly the top attractions tourists seek out, Athens’ history runs deep through the city.
Certain streets feel edgy, while others feel timeless, lined with cobbled walkways and charismatic architecture, such as Plaka, one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods.
No matter where you go, just know it’s so much more enjoyable this time of year compared to summer’s hordes of tourists and unbearable heat waves.
You’ll Never Go Hungry In Athens
Enjoying Athens’ cafe culture is a must, but what’s more, it is quite literally getting a taste of history through long-held recipes passed down century after century.
Don’t be afraid to wander the streets you might pass up in, say, the Bronx, which is completely normal in Athens.
Graffiti is par for the course here, and essentially, it is many districts’ wallpaper, so to speak.
When I visited, it was a little off-putting at first until I realized it’s almost everywhere and eventually just becomes a background blur.
Often, my favorite eats were at unsuspecting traditional tavernas where Greek classics such as moussaka, souvlaki, and yes, piping hot gyros are served fresh as can be (and cheap too)!
While I couldn’t find photos to share my favorite entrees, I can tell you my favorite place to satisfy my sweet tooth.
You gotta visit Nancy’s Sweet Home and order the Galaktoboureko, a sweet custard pastry that is forever engraved in my foodie memory.
And remember, you’re on vacation – it’s always okay to eat dessert first!
Athens has everything your tastebuds could ever want at every price point. For a savory splurge, you can check out the city’s variety of Michelin-starred restaurants, but keep in mind Athens is the ultimate street food destination where cheap gyro stands are a must!
Main Stay Or Stopover: Athens Is Always A Good Idea
Athens is easier to reach than ever. Despite being much further than Paris, Barcelona, and London, there are multiple nonstop flights from the U.S., including budget airlines like Norse Atlantic Airways.
Athens is always a fun adventure that invigorates all your senses, but let’s be real: many travelers use Athens as a springboard to Greece’s grand islands.
Once here, flights are often very cheap to island-hop or you can take a ferry. Greece is home to thousands of islands, but the most popular are Santorini, Rhodes, Mykonos, and Crete.
I’ve been to both Santorini and Crete and couldn’t recommend visiting both enough. They are both alluring in their own unique charm, but Santorini’s views and lavish villas far exceed the hype, especially as summer crowds have dwindled down.
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