Greece, Athens + Alimos
Greece, Athens. What? Do you also love this city so much because of the different aspects and you just know you have to visit this place one day? Well, then you might find this post handy.
Before I start, the reason why I wanted to visit Athens so much was because of my love for Greek architecture. If you didn't already know I studied graphic school and architecture (mainly from the 17th century - baroque - back to ancient Greece) was my favourite thing to study. And of course, architecture from ancient Greece is by far the most stunning! I wish I could see the architecture in its full glory one day. But before this happens (if at all) I had to see it at least in the preserved state as it is now.
Where to stay:
Are you also that type of person who wants to stay just a few minutes walk from the sea but still wants to be as close to the place you want to visit as possible? In this case Athens. The city is gorgeous (well most of the time), but when you stay in the centre, the route to the nearest beach takes around 45 minutes. And of course, if you want to enjoy the beach and the sea as often as possible, you don't want to travel this long every time you fancy going to the water. For me, there were many reasons I wanted to visit Athens. First was the sights and the second was the sea. I knew I could visit all the sights I wanted to see within two days, so there was no point for me to stay in the centre of Athens. I spent days browsing maps looking for some location that would comply with my needs, and I found one, Alimos. When I was looking at the maps I saw two beautiful beaches and the whole place looked peaceful but also full of life. It's a municipality situated on the Saronic Gulf coast, 8km south of Athens city centre. There is also everything you need, including lots of markets, restaurants, lounges and bars near the beaches. There are also a lot of great and cheap Airbnb accommodations, just a few minutes walk from the beach. If you want your peace during your vacation I would definitely recommend to accommodate yourself here.
What to do in Alimos:
Swimming in the sea! Edem beach is completely free and full of restaurants and bars. When the sun sets the beach is full of beautiful colours perfect for a romantic evening walk along the coast. There is also another beach, Akti Iliou, with full of activities but the entrance is paid for. It will cost you around 6€ for the whole opening hours of each day which is a fair price. If you are a party animal you will most certainly like the Bolivar Beach Bar situated on Akti Iliou beach. There are lots of night events and some of them have the most beautiful atmosphere you will ever see! Alimos also has such beautiful architecture and the streets themselves are quiet and nice.
What to do in Athens:
Sights, sights, sights! Right? Everyone comes to Athens to see the beautiful architecture, statues etc. And that's exactly what you can't miss. If you want to see the most famous ones and more make room for at least one and a half day because it's a lot.
Are you also that type of person who wants to stay just a few minutes walk from the sea but still wants to be as close to the place you want to visit as possible? In this case Athens. The city is gorgeous (well most of the time), but when you stay in the centre, the route to the nearest beach takes around 45 minutes. And of course, if you want to enjoy the beach and the sea as often as possible, you don't want to travel this long every time you fancy going to the water. For me, there were many reasons I wanted to visit Athens. First was the sights and the second was the sea. I knew I could visit all the sights I wanted to see within two days, so there was no point for me to stay in the centre of Athens. I spent days browsing maps looking for some location that would comply with my needs, and I found one, Alimos. When I was looking at the maps I saw two beautiful beaches and the whole place looked peaceful but also full of life. It's a municipality situated on the Saronic Gulf coast, 8km south of Athens city centre. There is also everything you need, including lots of markets, restaurants, lounges and bars near the beaches. There are also a lot of great and cheap Airbnb accommodations, just a few minutes walk from the beach. If you want your peace during your vacation I would definitely recommend to accommodate yourself here.
What to do in Alimos:
Swimming in the sea! Edem beach is completely free and full of restaurants and bars. When the sun sets the beach is full of beautiful colours perfect for a romantic evening walk along the coast. There is also another beach, Akti Iliou, with full of activities but the entrance is paid for. It will cost you around 6€ for the whole opening hours of each day which is a fair price. If you are a party animal you will most certainly like the Bolivar Beach Bar situated on Akti Iliou beach. There are lots of night events and some of them have the most beautiful atmosphere you will ever see! Alimos also has such beautiful architecture and the streets themselves are quiet and nice.
What to do in Athens:
Sights, sights, sights! Right? Everyone comes to Athens to see the beautiful architecture, statues etc. And that's exactly what you can't miss. If you want to see the most famous ones and more make room for at least one and a half day because it's a lot.
The first place we went to was the Philoppapou hill which helds the monument of Philoppapos - it was an amazing hike I really enjoyed this one. Also the view you will get on Athens and Acropolis is unbelievable. Under the hill there are many stands with different accessories. I love the greek headbands and arm rings looking like leaves. I just had to buy them.
The places I personally wanted to see so bad were Parthenon and all of the architecture on Acropolis and it was so worth it! Just look at it yourself. The photos go from the beautiful gate, Odeon of Herodes Atticus to the random ruin we had fun at. Also, there are lots of benches where you can just sit and chill. That's what we did.
What I really enjoyed except Parthenon was the Old Temple of Athena that has the 6 caryatids. I always admired pillars like these and I wanted to see them on my own eyes so bad! And of course that I have plenty photos of the Parthenon I just had to take one from each side because it's so amazing. I can't wait when they restore it.
Did you know that the Parthenon is situated on a quite the high place? I could not find out what altitude it is exactly but look at it yourself on the photo here. The view is extraordinary! When you go down the hill there is the Theatre of Dionysus. At that time it had to held some great theatrical performances. Down at the one end there are multiple preserved peaces to admire. Then when you make a circle around the Acropolis you might be as lucky as us and see the changing of the flag and a beautiful sunset.
There are of course another great places to see except the Acropolis - Temple of Hephaestus, Agora, Zappeion and many more. In the evening we went to Zappeion and there was a book exhibition with live music. I really liked one of the pieces they played it gave the place a great atmosphere.
Little tip: When you will be sitting in park somewhere maybe even Syntagma square like we were, don't left your belongings sit next to you. We almost lost our bag with all of the stuff because somebody tried to steal it from us.
Where to eat:
You should definitely try the acai bowl at Happy Blender near the Temple of Ares. There are lots of streets filled with small shops with souvenires, restaurants etc. This was my first time trying acai bowl and I loved it! Don't hesitate to try one of the multiple restaurants they are really good!
If you want to try the traditional Greek desserts (baklava, kataifi etc.) try bakery Tzatzos S.A. The portions they give you for the small price are enormous. I had big eyes and ordered two pieces and had hard time to eat them especially because they are so sweet!
Also don't forget to try gyros! You are in Greece after all you can't miss it they are so delicious and they are everywhere! By the way, are you a beer lower? Go to the local store or market and try some!
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