A Day in Athens!
Winter travel from summer destinations can be tricky! Add in flying to and from an island and it gets even more fun! When Z told me he was surprising me with a trip home to Plomari I jumped on it! We’re no stranger to booking flights and I quickly booked a great deal we saw for LAX-Istanbul-Athens and then realized there was no corresponding island flight from Athens-Mytilini! Whoops! I tried to backtrack but had booked all non-cancellable, non-changeable flights so I was left in a bit of a jam. While we take the ferry frequently to Ayvalık, Tūrikye - I’d never done the overnight boat to Athens from the island, so I decided to try it out! I figured I’d have an adventure of a day in Athens and then fly out the following day.
Arriving Via Ferry in Piraeus, Athens
The ferry docks in Piraeus right after 6 a.m. I had the good fortune of having a new friend onboard with me and we’d decided to head to breakfast after disembarking. I’ve been chatting with the wonderful Annabelle from TNR Lesvos for some time now and we finally got a chance to meet! Fingers crossed we can get something set up in Plomari to neuter our cats in order to keep them healthy and safe! The work she does makes a huge difference in the health of cat communities on the island and as I know well, it can be hard and heartbreaking too.
It was pitch black getting off the ferry and I was grateful she’d done the ferry-bus-metro transit before as I sleepily followed her. We enjoyed a long breakfast at a nice cafe and then headed to Monastiraki Square to lock up our backpacks and luggage. I wanted to check out the Acropolis again with fewer crowds than when Z and I visited before in summer, so we walked up enjoying the quieter, cooler January version of the city. We split up and I headed into the acropolis to enjoy the timeless wonders.
The Acropolis
The Acropolis of Athens is one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world, symbolizing ancient Greek civilization. Located on a rocky hill overlooking Athens, the Acropolis was the center of religious and cultural life in ancient Greece. Its most famous structure is the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to Athena, the city's patron goddess. Other significant buildings include the Erechtheion, known for its Caryatid statues (my favorite), the Propylaea (the grand entrance gate), and the Temple of Athena Nike. Built primarily in the 5th century BCE during the Golden Age of Athens under Pericles, the Acropolis represents the pinnacle of classical architecture and art. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit destination for history and architecture enthusiasts.
In summer it is screaming hot and packed full of tourists jostling each other on the slippery stone walkways. I much prefer this winter version where it’s cooler, calmer and the tourists are in less of a heated panic! The walk up to and around the Acropolis grounds is always beautiful. Tree-lined streets and cafes lead you up to the entrance. The massive ancient structures are hard to miss from any vantage point in the city and there are countless restaurants where you can enjoy a bite to eat with quite the view. I walk around the grounds, taking photographs and skirting around any large tour groups. I always find myself in awe walking back out between the massive columns and down the stairs, looking outwards at Athens below. You really get a feeling of how majestic and advanced this society was. The sense of grandeur is unmistakable.
The Museum of the Acropolis
I know, as an artist I am supposed to LOVE museums. But honestly? I try and try and it’s not my thing. Spending 20 days in Türikiye last summer spoiled me completely for history. Yes, the museum of the acropolis is wonderful for 99.9% of people! However, after being so intimately close with so much history in it’s contextual setting? It’s hard to beat that with isolated statues and the sterile setting of a museum. The collection of sculptures, statues and pottery is outstanding - but it was hard for me to get that same depth of meaning. After awhile it all runs together a bit for me - again, I know I’m not the best candidate for this!
Granted, this is a much more feasible way for most folks to see ancient artifacts! I am spoiled to have the ability to travel to remote locations where things are left untouched and don’t need the same level of protection as in the middle of a giant city! Would I recommend it? For most people - YES! Would I go again? No, I am still not a museum convert despite my efforts!
Athens Afternoon
After the museum, I head for a quick lunch and walk around town before heading back out towards the airport. If you’re new to Athens - the airport is about 45 minutes via metro away from the areas most tourists want to visit. You can take a cab of course, but the metro is super easy. You need to make sure you get the Athens + Airport ticket to get you covered all the way there. I had an evening at the very nice Sofitel Athens Airport. The metro takes you directly to the airport and the hotel is located on site. Everything was wonderful from the ease of check-in to the room and the hotel grounds. I was grateful the hotel has a small but clean gym as I have been committed to not missing a workout while I travel this year!
If you’re heading to Athens - keep in mind a few things:
It is a city so be mindful of your belongings
The summer is HOT - consider an umbrella, hat, water, etc.. if you struggle in heat. The acropolis is very exposed.
Many of the walkways in the Acropolis are very well-worn and smooth - slippery. Wear good shoes and be mindful of that!
The airport is 45 minutes away from the Acropolis
Enjoy walking around Plaka and Monastiraki Square, find delicious places to eat and sip Greek wine or try ouzo
If you’ve got luggage consider using a locker - many handy locations (check Google Maps for storage lockers)
