The sacred temple of the Acropolis

CNN decided to narrow some of the best sites down to 20 which they considered to be the ones they would most likely visit if they were on a trip like this. The Acropolis of Athens, A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, came in second place for its architectural and historical significance and for its outstanding universal value.

The Erechtheon

Ictinus, the famous architect of the Parthenon

Built in the fifth century BC following the victory against the Persians, the Acropolis of Athens and its monuments are universal symbols of the classical spirit and civilization and form the greatest architectural and artistic complex bequeathed by Greek Antiquity to the world. The most important monuments were built during that time: the Parthenon, built by Ictinus, the Erechtheon, the Propylaea, the monumental entrance to the Acropolis, designed by Mnesicles and the small temple Athena Nike.

The Acropolis and City Tour by the Athens Walking Tours

So when in Athens make sure to see this landmark of landmarks and to get the most out of the experience opt for a guided tour by the best, licensed guides in Greece with the Acropolis Tours of Athens Walking Tours.

A stunning sunset over the Aegean as seen from a Greek island.

It is not news to anyone that the Greek islands are famed for their unique and extraordinary beauty. Glossy pictures of whitewashed houses clinging to dramatic cliffs that plunge into a gorgeously blue clear sea with a spectacular sunset in the background have long embellished the covers of many a travel magazine.

A trip to one of the 227 inhabited Greek islands for most people is deemed a vacation of a lifetime, but is is affordable? The good news is that, yes, it is!

The island of Kos has great accommodation at a good price.

According to a leading American travel website three Greek islands are amongst the 15 most affordable islands to visit in the world.  The island of Kos ranked fifth with great and affordable hotels that offer excellent service.

No one can resist this beach on the Greek island of Milos.

Milos came in sixth with its beautiful beaches and short distance from Athens with only a 3 hour ferry ride from the port of Piraeus.

Relive the crusades on the popular and beautiful Greek island of Rhodes.

The island of the Knights of Saint John, better known as Rhodes, came in eighth place, with its very popular archaeological sites, its medieval city and the frequent charter flights that fly there from many European destinations.

Greece is expecting a record number of foreign arrivals this year and the numbers are already looking good. With lower prices at the same great service and hospitality we can understand why. So don’t delay in making your reservations for your vacation of a lifetime.

The spirit of the dance is as alive today in Greece as it was 3000 years ago.

The Cornerstone of Greek Cultural Identity

Greece would not be Greece without its’ dances and folk dances are as alive and surprisingly unchanged today as they were in the ancient world. Dance is a very important part of Greek life as it is an expression of spirit. Our dance also helps us to maintain our cultural and national identity as it is passed from generation to generation.

Melina Mercouri’s famous dance in the film Never on Sunday.

Every Dance Has A Story To Tell

Greeks danced for many reasons. They danced for fertility, to prepare for war, to celebrate victories and to attract a mate. Sometimes they even danced to overcome depression and cure an illness. Today we dance at religious festivals and ceremonies. One aspect of the dance has remained constant for over 3000 years and that is that  in every dance there is a story – a story of life, a story of loss or a story of love and this is what makes the dance so enchanting to watch.

The Folk Dance Group of Naousa Performing Traditional Dances of the Aegean Islands

Let The Chain Remain Unbroken

Most dances are performed in circles and move counter-clockwise. Each dancer is linked by their hands or shoulders with the lead dancer holding a handkerchief. There are three categories of dance; the leaping dances, the shuffle/dragging dances known as sirtos which is the oldest form and the couple dance.

There are over 4000 traditional dances that come from all regions of Greece and each region has a distinct and characteristic choreography which symbolizes each area’s unique personality.

Two very characteristic dances that I personally love are the Ballos, danced on the Aegean islands, and the Pentozali which is danced on the island of Crete.

Ballos – A verticle expresssion of a horizontal desire.

Catch Me If You Can

Ballos is a couples dance and since the dancers face each other it allows for considerable improvisation in the  steps allowing them to perform all manner of turns and independent movements. The dance symbolizes the male chasing the female as the man attempts to catch his partner. With its fluid and graceful movements it is one of the most beautiful of Greek dances and is pure joy both to watch and to dance.

The Ultimate War Dance of Crete

The Ultimate War Dance

The Pentozalis of Crete is  a fast paced war dance  with high jumping. It takes its name from the five (pente) steps and “zalos” which is a rare Greek word for jump. The dancers, usually male, hold each other by the shoulders and form an incomplete circle. The dance begins slowly and accelerates progressively until it reaches an incredibly fast and rigorous rhythm. The dancers must possess endurance and skill with the dancers showing improvisation and sometimes engaging in acrobatics. For me the dance embodies the heart and soul of Crete.

Kick up your heels, grab the handkerchief and join the dance of life.

Realize the Greek In You

While in Greece this summer don’t miss the opportunity to witness at least one Greek dance at one of the many summer religious festivals “panyigyria”. And why not indulge your “happy feet” and join the circle. You will go home at least 10% Greek.

The cradle of Western civilization is a great learning experience for children.

Travelling with kids is a challenging but highly rewarding experience. As parents we want to show and teach them what we already know and share the experience of discovering something new. But kids, as most parents already are aware of, are not always interested in the same things that we parents are so a choice must be made.

Monastiraki Market Square in Central Athens

Athens – A Great City for Kids

At first glance Athens may not seem like a very child friendly city at all with all the traffic and the busy crowds on the streets of the city center. But don’t let this deter you, Athens is a very interesting and delightful city for young and old alike and Greece is one of the safest countries in Europe to travel with children.

So I have decided to list a few suggestions for you. I have personal experience with some of the places and activities listed here. Frankly, after bringing up two children, I found that I received as much joy from their excitement as I did visiting an art museum or archaeological site. They grow up so fast so if you have young children try and have as much good fun with them as you can for as long as you can.

Take a walk through the National Gardens of Athens. A treat for young and old.

A WALK IN THE PARK

Perhaps the easiest of all is to take a walk through the National Gardens. While strolling through this cool and serene oasis in the middle of the busy city you will find a duck pond, a playground and a mini zoo.

Young historians with Despina, their Athens Walking Tours Guide.

The Quintessential Attraction

Visiting the Acropolis is definitely a must with children no matter how old they are. Prepping them with stories from Ancient Greek Mythology will also help. Sign up for an Acropolis and City Tour and enjoy a comprehensive tour in English of the Acropolis and the most important attractions of Athens with a licensed guides. The best thing about this particular tour with the Athens Walking Tours are the guides; not only is their knowledge and expertise exceptional but each of them has a charismatic way of bringing the information across. The second best thing is that these are small intimate groups so you don’t have to get worried about getting lost in the crowd and or your little youngsters not hearing your guide.

Learning about Ancient Greece is fun and educational at the Foundation for the Hellenic World.

Ancient Greece in Technicolor

The next two suggestions are great for kids and my kids always loved going to both.

I will start with the Hellenic Cosmos, a super cool, ultra modern virtual reality take on the Greek world. You will be amazed at how many things you can do and to say that one day is not enough is no exaggeration. Choose from:

• Interactive exhibitions

• Virtual Reality Tours

• Educational Programmes

• Conferences

• Theatrical Performances

• Internet Café

• Documentaries

• Art events

While in Athens don’t miss your favorite movie under the stars.

Movie Fun Under the Stars

Next on my list of things to do would definitely be visiting a summer outdoor movie theater  This is a great experience for all kids and you will definitely find a movie somewhere that is suitable for all ages. Cine Thisseio, voted as the best outdoor cinema in the world by CNN and my favorite,  has a great view of the Acropolis and usually plays classic films and PG rated movies. Movies are shown with subtitles and are not dubbed so non Greek speakers can enjoy. You can find the Cine Thisseio on the Archaeological Promenade starting from the Thiseio Metro Station.

Walk upon the ancient path of philosophers in the Ancient Agora.

Daily Life In Ancient Athens

Give your kids an idea of what everyday life in Ancient Athens was like with a guided tour of the Ancient Agora. They will learn about the philosophers Socrates and Plato who often spoke there and they will see the prison of Socrates where he waited for his sentence from the council of Athens.

And keep in mind that merely bringing them to the cradle of Western civilization is an experience of a lifetime. For them to see what great minds thousands of years created and thought will expand their horizons. The purpose of travel in the first place is not only relaxation but also to learn something new and an opportunity for cultural exchange. So make the best of it for your children and for yourselves while you are in Athens.

Keep following this blog for more useful suggestions and helpful information.

Acropolis Night View by Airpano

The word famous Airpano Group was invited to Greece by our company last September and they photographed Santorini, Acropolis, Mykonos and Piraeus.

The 360o view of the Acropolis is now available and you can wonderful views of the Parthenon and the city of Athens while the sun rises!

Equally magical and breathtaking are the night views of the Acropolis!

Enjoy it here http://www.airpano.com/360Degree-VirtualTour.php?3D=Acropolis-Athens-Greece

If you missed Santorini you can see it here

http://www.airpano.com/360Degree-VirtualTour.php?3D=Santorini-Greece

One more Greek frappe for the road.

So your vacation in Greece has dwindled down to its’ final hours and you sit in a lovely cafe sipping a delicious ice-cold “Frappe” or at a seaside taverna gulping down your last exquisite morsels of fried calamari while the waves tickle your toes with your head in your hands as you contemplate how you are going to take “all this” back with you.

Quality Greek products from all over Greece at a store in Athens near you.

How can you possibly leave without stashing away a bottle of Tsipouro, Mastic Liqueur or that fabulous red Agiorgitiko wine you’ve been having for the past 10 days? And what about all those wonderful cheeses you tasted on the islands, the fava beans you had in Santorini, the intensely aromatic honey you enjoyed for breakfast in Crete over your creamy Greek yogurt?

Well the good thing is that most of the above mentioned items can be taken back to the U.S. in moderation as long as you declare them. For alcoholic beverages the current limit is one liter. If you bring back more you will have to pay a tax.

What you can’t take back are meat products and fresh produce. It is always a good idea to check the Us Customs Department website for a valid list of all the products that are allowed entry.

Unforgettable memories of Greece.

So don’t waste your last hours fretting and worrying. Enjoy and savor your limited time. Thankfully there are many food stores in central Athens which offer all the wonderful products that you tasted in Greece.  And of course don’t forget to take back with you the most important things – your memories, the smiles and acts of kindness that you encountered along the way, the new insight you acquired of a different culture than your own and of course all the friends that you made along the way.

The table is set for a Greek Easter feast.

A VERY SPECIAL TIME IN GREECE

It’s that time of the year again when mother nature seems to be stretching and rubbing the sleep out of her eyes and all five senses come alive. This is a very special time in Greece. The rains subside; the fields display a tapestry of colors from the countless varieties of wildflowers that begin to bloom. Intoxicating ribbons of delicate perfume drift past you from blossoming orange trees and billowing jasmine bushes. The celebration of life begins again in all its glory. Demeter is reunited with Persephone and to show her joy she decorates the world with vibrant color. The Orthodox Christians celebrate the resurrection of Christ, the most significant and lavish of all Greek religious celebrations. Listen to the inspiring sound of church bells and voices of young and old rejoicing in the resurrection of Christ on Holy Saturday. After the long Lenten period, after strict dietary discipline and pious behavior comes the feast and what a feast it is, for the palette as well as the eyes and the ears. Easter is a time for the celebration of life, rebirth and renewal. It is awe inspiring and a truly magical time to be in Greece.

Following the Epitaph of Christ on Holy Friday.

THE HOLY WEEK

The culmination of the lenten period leading up to Easter begins with the holy week before Easter Sunday. On this week every day is a church day and each holy day has its’ religious significance and symbolism. Most people in Greece  take their fasting very seriously so you may find restaurants have modified their menus for lent. Women dye eggs red (symbolizing the blood of Christ) and bake Easter cookies and Easter bread (Tsoureki) to be eaten on Holy Saturday after the resurrection which signifies the end of the fast.

Holy Friday is a day of mourning and the atmosphere is solemn. Church bells sound a steady toll of one ring – to signify that Christ has died on the cross. The evening church service starts at 7pm. A silent procession of mourners carry the epitaph through the streets with the congregation following behind with lit brown candles and black clothing. If you are in Athens on Holy Friday then please take my advice and go to Plaka to the church of Agia Aikaterini (Saint Katherines) and follow the procession. It is one of the most moving and meaningful experiences anyone can have during Easter. As you walk slowly behind the epitaph in silence with your candle in hand you come to a better understanding of the true meaning of Christ’s sacrifice for mankind.

Kali Anastasi. Devout Orthodox Christians wait patiently in church courtyards at midnight for the light of the resurrection.

CHRIST HAS RISEN

Shops usually operate on a holiday schedule today and many tavernas, restaurants, cafe’s and nightclubs remain closed. Holy Saturday or the Anastassi (resurrection) takes place at midnight and is the most joyous event of Holy Week. Churches everywhere are packed and the courtyards and streets are full of faithful Christians with white candle in hand waiting to receive the light of life and rejoice that Christ has risen. There are quite a few churches in the center of Athens where you can attend Holy Saturday late night mass beginning with the previously mentioned Aghia Aikaterini on Lysicrates st. in Plaka, The Athens Cathedral on Mitropoleos st., Aghia Eirini on Aoilou st. and the Russian church Sotiria Lycodemos on Filellinon st.

Easter Sunday falls later than usual this year on May 5. There will be no shortages of places to worship or enjoy a traditional Easter Sunday meal of roast lamb. It might be a good idea to carry a bathing suit in your bag in case you want to take a swim to work up your appetite.

KALO PASCHA

Migratory Birds at the Natura protected wetlands of the Schinias National Park

Spring has definitely arrived in Athens. This past weekend the temperatures soared to 26 degrees Celsius, 78.8 degrees Fahrenheit  So what do we Athenians do on a how Sunday Spring morning after a long winter? We go to the beach!

Athens is surrounded by water so spending a day at one of the many lovely and clean beaches along its’ coastline is relatively easy and accessible either by public transport or taxi. One of the most beautiful areas of Athens to visit is the Schinias National Park where you will be able to combine great swimming, relaxation, incredible natural beauty, bird watching, water sports, canoeing or rowing, cycling or walking.

PART OF THE NATURA 2000 NETWORK

The area encompasses 13.84 square kilometers and includes a wetland, a coastal pine forest, a freshwater spring, a peninsula, a hill and a magnificent bay and is the most important coastal ecosystem of Attica and belongs to the Natura 2000 network. The Park also includes the Olympic Rowing and Canoeing Center.

The main element here is water and the wildlife that finds refuge here. At the National Park of Schinias one can encounter foxes, badgers, hedgehogs, rabbits, reptiles, turtles, frogs, 115 bird species with a potential diversity of 215 species while  there are  threatened species of freshwater fish, amphibians and reptiles.

Ancient Marathon Archaeological Site

THE BATTLE OF MARATHON

Historically this area identifies with the Battle of  Marathon which took place in 490 BC. This is  where the Persian army made camp and such a culturally rich area of Attica that no one should forego. Over 5000 years of Greek civilization unfolded here. The Marathon’s Battle Trophy is within walking distance from the Park and if you have the time (!) make a point of visiting the archaeological site and museum of Marathon. If you would like a more detailed description of Marathon, which is something that I would recommend, it would be a good idea to enlist the expertise of a licensed Athens Walking Tours guide which can be arranged for you upon request.

Participants of the Classic Athens Marathon come from around the world.

THE WORLD MARATHON MOVEMENT

Perhaps the most famous and inspiring athletic event known all over the world is the Athens Classic Marathon Race which takes place every year, usually in the fall. Last year’s Athens Classic Marathon took place on November 11 and about 26,000 participants of different ages and races took place to run the 42 kilometer race from Marathon to the Panathenaic Stadium. If you are interested in learning more or even participating in the race you can learn more from theofficial Athens Classic Marathon site.

But the Athens Classic Marathon is more than just a race. It is a movement. It is a statement of human ideals and values. The marathon is perhaps the only sport in the world, in which, participation has  more value than victory itself. The most powerful opponent of any runner, isn’t the runner running next to him but his own self.

Birdwatchers at the Schinias National Park documenting their findings.

THE ECOSYSTEMS OF THE PARK

The National Park of Schinias boasts six ecosystems, The Pine Forest of Schinias, The Cynosura Peninsula, The Schinias Wetland which is home to unique flora and fauna, Lake Stomi, Schinias Bay and last but not least the ancient Makaria Spring. The Wetlands of these ecosystems hosts a large number of migratory birds during the migration seasons and attracts thousands of visitors and birdwatchers every year and is equipped with special observatory view posts.  

Rowing Practice at the Schinias Olympic Rowing Center

THE SCHINIAS OLYMPIC AND ROWING CENTER

The Schinias Rowing Center began operation in 2004 and hosted the rowing events of the Athens Olympic Games. The rowing center has a total length of 2250 meters and a capacity of 14,000 seats. The centre is one of only three FISA-approved training centers in the world, the others being in Munich and Seville. The center also houses the Marathon Rowing Kayaking Academy which gives the opportunity to children and adults to learn and participate in this exciting sport. The Olympic Center also offers hotel facilities, restaurant and fitness rooms, and hosts special groups from abroad who wish to accomplish their preparatory programs in Greece.

Dive in to the turquoise colored waters at Schinias Beach

GO AHEAD AND SWIM

After all your sightseeing is done don’t leave without enjoying a swim at the beautiful pine fringed beach of Schinias, considered as one of the most beautiful and cleanest beaches in Athens. Perfect for families and windsurfers. After a full and eventful day stop by the Psaropoula fish restaurant which is located right on Schinias beach and is by far the best choice for lunch in the area.

GETTING THERE

To get to Schinias by car, head for Nea Makri via Attiki Odos and continue to Marathon. The orange KTEL buses (tel 210.880.8080) run five journeys daily from the park of Pedion tou Areos in central Athens, the first at 7.30 a.m. and the last at 6 p.m. They stop at Ambelokipi and Ethniki Amyna metro stations. The last bus back leaves Schinias at 8.30 p.m. I would suggest to check the internet for the KTEL bus schedules but the information is only in Greek (which is beyond me) so I have included a map of where the bus leaves from at Pedion tou Areos here.

Happy Travels and take me up on this. You won’t regret it!

If you haven’t yet seen the breathtaking exhibits at the Acropolis Museum then Friday is the night to go. The museum remains open until 10 pm and the restaurant until 12 and as an added treat, from now until Greek Easter (May 6) there are various live musical ensembles performing everything from chamber music to traditional Greek music.

ACROPOLIS MUSEUM RESTAURANT: Enjoy a fabulous Mediterranean dinner beneath the light of the Acropolis, the cradle of Western civilization.

Get there at about 6 or 7 in the afternoon and watch as the marble statues change colors according to the strength of the sun. Once you’ve worked up an appetite head for the museums wonderful restaurant and enjoy a delicious Mediterranean dinner based on classical and traditional recipes, giving particular emphasis on local products from regional Greece.

For a listing of the museums events and performances please visit the Acropolis Museum site.

OPEN AIR CINEMAS – THE NIGHT WAS MADE FOR MOVIES

If you are here from the end of April till the end of September then definitely take in a movie at an outdoor cinema. For me there is nothing better to do on a warm night than to watch your favourite movie amongst the fragrant jasmine bushes, stray cats and a cold beer or soda in your hand. Central Athens has quite a few of them like Cine Psyrri at Sarri 40-44, in Psyrri, Aigli in National Gardens by the Zappeion Conference Center.

OPEN AIR CINEMA: Watch your favourite film under the starry Athenian sky.

My favorite is Cine Thisseion located directly beneath the Acropolis on the pedestrian walkway which connects the archaeological sites of Athens.  Recently voted by CNN as the best outdoor cinema in the world the Cine Thiseio is  perhaps the most famous of all outdoor cinemas in Athens for its magnificent view of the Parthenon .  It is the oldest outdoor movie theater in Athens, built in 1935, and is usually open from April to October. It is a family owned business and during intermission the snack bar offers home-made pies and Tsipouro ( a distilled spirit which resembles Grappa) from the family village as well as other favourites such as hot dogs, popcorn and a large variety of soft drinks and cold beers.

RESTAURANTS

LYCABETTUS HILL: Dinner overlooking the enchanting city of Athens.

Many famous restaurants, bars and cafe’s offer special discounts for Friday night diners. There are so many good places to choose from. Just pick a copy of the Athens Guide from your hotel and pick the cuisine and atmosphere that is right for you.

CONCERTS, DANCE, THEATRE

Athens also has a very vibrant and exciting cultural scene. The Athens Megaron Concert Hall  and the Onassis Cultural Center offer world class concerts, dance and theatrical performances. If a classical repertoire is more to your liking then take in an opera at the Greek National Opera.

PERFORMANCE AT ODEON OF HERODUS ATTICUS: A night to remember.

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus outdoor theatre is also an incredible venue for cultural events and in the summer there is a plethora of quality events to choose from.

Bishop Germanos raises the flag of the Greek Revolution

Yesterday, March 25,  was Greek Independence Day. Apart from the array of streaming blue and white and  the parades, what I always liked best about this day were the stories of heroism and of an unequal fight for freedom against all odds. 400 years of Turkish rule came to an end beginning in the year of 1821 and finally ended in 1832. It was on March 25 1821 that the Bishop Germanos of Patras raised the Greek flag at the monastery of Agias Lavras and inspired thousands of his fellow countrymen to take up arms against a cruel oppressor. Eleftheria I Thanatos he roared. Freedom or Death, from now on there is no other choice.

Every time I would hear this story as a child it always made my hair rise. As if it was yesterday I remember standing in my white tights and saddle shoes on the creaky wooden stage of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Columbus Ohio reading my poem for Greek Independence Day. At the end we would sing the Greek national anthem and my little lungs would swell with pride.

Theodore Kolokotronis – the father of the Greek Revolution- with his men.

I also remember another story that our Sunday school teachers would tell us about Theodoros Kolokotronis – the commander in chief of the Greek forces in the Peloponnese and the father of the Greek Revolution. He was an outlaw on the run. His forces slept in the mountains  under the thick shade of oak trees by night and fought for freedom by day. Before leading his men into battle he would take off his ancient Greek helmet, place it on the ground by his feet  and dance heroic Greek dances with his men.

These seemingly insignificant little memory reels from my childhood played a very important role in how I identified myself as a Greek-American. It helped me to understand my roots, and parts of my history. It made me feel part of a community, a community that I was proud to be a part of.

Archangel Gabriel announces to the Holy Mother that she is with child.

March 25 is also the feast of the Annunciation when the archangel Gabriel appeared before the virgin Mary and informed her that she was with child and not just any child but with the son of God. Perhaps this was the reason that the Bishop Germanos chose this important religious holiday to herald the news of a new life of freedom for the Greek people.

The traditional fare for the feast of the Annunciation – fried salted cod with garlic sauce.

The Greek Orthodox religion recognizes this day as a feast day and although it is a period of lent, the consumption of fish is allowed and so the customary dish is fried salted cod with garlic sauce. It is absolutely delicious.

I do not agree with the exceptional Janis Joplin that freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose. Freedom is everything and only those that have lost it can understand its true significance. For those of us living in a free world let us never take it for granted. Many will debate on whether any of us actually do live in a free world anymore. I think that it is up to us to decide on how bad we want it. Let us not forget that freedom is not a given. It is something that we should strive for and defend everyday.

Athens Tours, Athens Sightseeing