Athens Holidays

Known as the Sacred Rock, the Acropolis is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world. This is a must-see destination on any holiday to Athens as it takes you on a journey to the fifth-century BCE. At the heart of the Acropolis stands the Parthenon, a Greek temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. Looming over the city of Athens, the Acropolis is an iconic landmark and an architectural wonder that played a significant role in Greek history.

Drive out of Athens to the Temple of Olympian Zeus, one of the biggest doric temples in Greece and the most important building in Olympia. This magnificent structure was put up in honour of the Greek god, Zeus, and is twice as big as the Parthenon. Originally, it comprised 104 marble columns but, following a storm in the mid-19^th century, only 15 remain . The monument is fringed by trees inside an archaeological park at the centre of the city.

Away from the bustle of the capital, Filopappou Hill, also called the Hill of the Muses, is a green oasis believed to be the mythical battleground of Theseus and the Amazons. Linked by old stone paths, you can explore this ancient site on foot. At its summit is the Filopappou Monument and mausoleum, and you can enjoy immense views over Athens and the Acropolis from here. Walk to the foot of the hill and you’ll find a beautiful 16^th-century church with a timber roof, marble floors and an 18^th-century fresco of St Dimitrios.

If you want to take time out from exploring the ancient sites on your holiday to Athens, the city has a vibrant cultural scene where you can hang with the locals. You’ll find plenty of cafes where people spill out onto the pavements– perfect for watching the world go by. Or why not visit the Monastiraki flea market where traders sell a range of second-hand goods? Athens also has an impressive art scene with a good selection of galleries where you can while away a couple of hours.

Another ancient site you should try to see during an Athens holiday is the Panathenaic Stadium. Built entirely out of marble in the fourth-century BCE, and restored in the late-19^th century, the stadium hosted the Panathenaic Games and was later used for the opening and closing ceremonies of the first modern Olympics in 1896. Legend has it that at the time of Hadrian’s inauguration in 120 CE, 1,000 animals were sacrificed here. As you stand amid the sprawling rows of marble seats, you can almost hear the excitement and noise of the crowd from times gone by.