Unquestionably, Athens is a very hot destination not all winter lovers will fall in love with. However, we assure you that the destinations listed on this page will certainly make you adore both summer and the capital of Greece. We have picked places that are incredibly popular among tourists; each one of them deserves the popularity it gets, if not more. Once you finish reading this guide-like piece, please, feel free to book your trip to Athens as quickly as possible.
The Best Summer Destinations for Tourists in Athens
If you have never been to Athens, prepare for magnificent views, long walks, delicious seafood, and hot sunrays that will accompany you along the way. You will certainly have the time in your life there, as long as you know how to spend it. Of course, enjoying the beautiful scenery and eating good food is great. However, your trip will be even more memorable if you dedicate some of your time to visiting the most popular places in Athens. To be as helpful as possible, we’ll list some of them in our blog post.
The Acropolis of Athens
It won’t come as a surprise that our list begins with the well-known destination, the Acropolis of Athens. The ancient citadel is and has always been a place that inspires a feeling of amazement. If you like photography, we assure you that this destination will help you take some of the best scenery shots. There are numerous cafes and restaurants positioned in such a way that guests can enjoy the mesmerizing view of the Acropolis while enjoying their food and drinks.
In addition, tourists may also visit the Acropolis Museum, where collections of ancient Greek art are displayed. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that due to the large interest in this place, you may have to wait for quite some time until you get your ticket. Luckily, those who don’t want to waste their time in queues may purchase entrance tickets online.
Plaka Neighborhood
Without a doubt, we can say that this is one of our absolute favorite Athens destinations to visit during summer. The vivid and charming neighborhood is a place where you will lose track of time. While you walk between the tiny cobblestone streets, you will get to visit numerous small shops offering all types of items – from jewelry to scarves and plants.
During your fairytale-like walk, you will be surrounded by beautiful green plants, colorful flowers, and friendly Greeks. Of course, the cafes located in the Plaka neighborhood are just as splendid. We advise you to be cautious; there’s a high probability to find it immensely difficult to leave this heavenly destination.
The Temple of Olympian Zeus
The Temple of Olympian Zeus or Olympieion is a popular destination in Athens. That was the largest temple in the capital of Greece, and even though its formation dates back to the sixth century BC, it is still present today. The marvelous temple is located in the center of the city. We are certain that you’ll have no trouble finding it. After all, its massive size makes it hard to miss it.
The Central Market in Athens
We may all agree that a trip is not complete without a shopping spree. The best place to do that in Athens is the Central Market. There are many flea markets in the city, however, this one surely is the largest and most favored. There, you can find all types of products, including:
- Nuts
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Clothes
- Dairy Products
- Traditional Greek Sweets
- Plants
Plus, if you get hungry during your shopping adventure, you may always have a seat at one of the street food places offering traditional Greek meals, such as souvlaki, gyros, tzatziki, and so on. Additionally, you may haggle over the price of something if you wish. The merchants are used to it, and the chances of getting an item at a lower price are quite high. One thing we’d like to advise you is to be very careful with your personal belongings. There are many pickpockets who take advantage of tourists’ fascination with the surroundings and steal their money within seconds.
Lycabettus Hill
And lastly, if you plan to stay in Athens for more than two days, please, make sure you climb Lycabettus Hill. The highest point in the capital will grant you a view you will never forget. Once you’re there, you will be able to see the entire city, and if you’re lucky enough, you may even see the well-lighted Acropolis in its full glory during the evening. There’s a lovely restaurant on the hill, where you can grab a bite while you enjoy the spectacular view. Climbing during the summer may seem impossible, but believe us when we tell you that every second will be completely worth it in the end.