To many travelers Athens is usually a quick pit stop for an overnight stay before jetting off to one of the Greek Islands more picturesque destinations such as Santorini or Mykonos. When I started my initial research on this city prior to visiting I heard many say Athens is dirty, there is way too much graffiti, there’s nothing to see besides The Acropolis/Parthenon; so with all that in mind I had the bar set very low all the while still hoping for the best. Well, I am here today to tell you that there is so much more to Athens than The Acropolis. Athens and its surrounding areas is bustling with activity, adventures and jaw dropping views around every corner.
1. CAPE SOUNION (The Temple of Poseidon)
Cape Sounion is a coastal area located approximately 1 hour south of Athens. As you leave the coastal suburbs of Athens you pass quaint little towns mostly in harbors and beaches. During the drive it will become clear that many Greeks have built their summer and weekend homes out here however the closer you get to Cape Sounion on the tip of the Attiki peninsula the less houses there are until finally you come to a few hotels and a nice little beach with two tavernas. The Temple of Poseidon sits above the beach on a mountain that juts out into the sea. This location is known for having one of the most magnificent views of the sunset so be sure to get here early and stick around for the amazing sunset.
Interesting Fact: Poet Lord Byron had a love affair with Greece, and his name is carved into the base of one of the columns at the Temple of Poseidon.
2. NAFPLIO
Nafplio is one of the most beautiful towns in the Peloponnese area as well as one of the most romantic cities in all of Greece. Nafplio is just two hours drive from Athens and has a lot to offer whether you’re interested in historical sites, shopping, or just relaxing. Nafplio was the first capital of modern-day Greece, featuring Bourtzi (a castle in the middle of the harbor) and Palamidi (a fortress). The climb up 900 plus steps to the top of the historic Palamidi fortress is worth it if you love stunning views. The Venetians built it in 1686. What’s fascinating is it was so well designed all attempts to conquer it were unsuccessful. Until the Greeks came and managed to take it over in 1822 during the Greek Revolution, surprising the world at the time. Independence was won against the Ottoman Empire. Greece was a new free state. Nafplio was named capital. Nafplio always has something interesting to do, whether it’s taking a two-minute boat ride over to Bourtzi to explore, renting a bike to wander, enjoying freshly-made ice cream or eating at the cutest restaurants in the back streets. With such rich history, beautiful scenery, and that salty smell of the sea, you can’t help but fall in love with it.
3. THE DELICIOUS FOOD
The Greek food alone is reason enough to plan a city break to Athens. No matter where you come from Greek food tastes like home. The rich flavors and textures make you feel cozy and refreshed all at the same time. There are some quintessential Greek foods that everyone has to try while they’re visiting. You’ll be feasting on fresh Greek salads, succulent Souvlakis, fresh calamari, grilled meats, tszaziki, mousakka and more. The list of mouth-watering Greek dishes is endless and the quality of produce in Athens is high.
4. KORINTHOS
Ancient meets modern in Corinth (Korinthos), a town that is considered the gateway to the Peloponnese Peninsula. The modern town of Corinth lies 4.5 miles northeast of the ancient city and only an hour’s drive west of Athens. The Apostle Paul visited the city twice and lived here for nearly two years working as a tent maker and evangelizing. During his second visit in 58 A.D., he wrote Romans. Over the years, the city was invaded and conquered by many including the Spartans, Alexander the Great, French crusaders and the Ottomans. The ancient city of Corinth, known by name from the Apostle Paul’s talks to the Corinthians in the Bible, is now famous for the Corinth Canal which is a 3.5 miles waterway that connects the Aegean Sea and the Ionian Sea and is one of the more impressive feats of 19th century engineering which gives ships a route through the isthmus of Corinth. Today, the site where Ancient Corinth once stood has been excavated by archaeologists from the American School in Athens since 1896. The extensive remains are dominated by top-rated attractions like the ruins of the Temple of Apollo.
