Athens: A magical city

The city with the most glorious history in the world, is worshipped by gods and people. The enchanting capital of Greece has always been the birthplace of civilization. It is the city where democracy was born and most of the wise men of ancient times. The most important civilization of ancient world flourished in Athens and relives through superb architectural masterpieces.

Who doesn't know the Acropolis of Athens? Photos and history of the most famous archaeological site in Europe have made the world tour causing feelings of admiration from millions of people worldwide. Acropolis is nominated to be included in the list with the 7 new miracles of the world. In fact the trademark of Athens is one of the favorites. The Holy Rock of Acropolis has structures dated back to the 5th BC, the famous Golden Age of Periklis. Apart from glory and grandiosity, they carry Athens' chequered history, which met times of bloom and decline, but still shines under Attica sky and gazes future. Shining like the white of pendelikon marble.

Athens is a city with different aspects. A stroll around the famous historic triangle (Plaka, Thission, Psyri) the oldest neighborhoods, reveals the coexistence of different eras. Old mansions, other well-preserved and other worn down by time. Luxurious department stores and small intimate shops. Fancy restaurants and traditional taverns. All have a place in this city.

The heart of Athens is beating in Syntagma Square. Where Parliament and most of the Ministries are. But apart from the center, there are other areas with tourist development such as Monastiraki, Kolonaki, Lycabettus Hill and a few kilometers from the historic center Faliro, Glyfada, Voula and Vouliagmeni, where you can enjoy the sea breeze. Or you can head up north to Marousi, Melissia, Vrilissia and Kifisia and smell the fresh air.

In Athens and Attica you will find the most important archaeological sites (Acropolis, Odeion of Herodes Atticus, Olymbion, Roman Market, Panathinaiko Stadium - Kallimarmaro, The Temple of Poseidon in Sounio, etc), as and the neoclassic imposing buildings, true ornaments (Greek Parliament, Athens Academy, University of Athens, etc). Don't miss visiting the museums hosting unique treasures of our cultural inheritance (Archaeological Museum, Martial Museum, Byzantine Museum, etc).

Athens has always attracted peoples' attention. During the 2004 Olympic Games proved that, despite all the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, she never - not once - lost the talent. The return of Olympic Games to their mother land was a great success.

The capital is famous, more than any other European capital, for its nightlife. Athens by night totally transforms. The options for entertainment satisfy all tastes. The famous bouzoukia are the leaders in Athenian entertainment. While theaters all around Athens offer a different type of entertainment. Athens is a divine city. Let yourselves to its magic...

Athens is not what it used to be. It is better. What has been done to Athens to prepare for the Olympics has turned a city, known for its faults as much as its assets, into one of the most walkable, livable, exciting, art, music and entertainment centers in the world.

By unifying all the antiquities with parks and pedestrian streets and avenues and tying them in with the nightlife areas of the Plaka, Psiri and Thission they have created a model that other cities are sure to follow. With the new highways that divert traffic from the downtown they have not only made the city streets safer and the air cleaner but they have made it easier to get in and out of town by car, bus or taxi. The new metro makes the trip to the airport and the port easier and opens up new neighborhoods to visitors who used to be confined to an island downtown surrounding the Acropolis. The coastal tram means you can get on one of the new air-conditioned light-rail cars and go to the beach, or shop and have dinner in the coastal suburbs.

The museums and galleries are renovated, air-conditioned and bigger and better with more opening every week. The streets are clean, hotels have all been renovated and restored, many made accessible to the disabled. The restaurants, tavernas, cafes, clubs and bars stay open late. And if you prefer a more quiet Athens there are parks and quiet neighborhoods that will suit you too.

What this means is that anytime of the year Athens is entertaining, whether it is your stop-off on the way to and from the Greek Islands in the summer or if you visit during business.