2011 was a year of demonstrations, protests, and rioting for the people of Greece as the country fell into a major financial crisis. Unemployment was high, taxes weren't being paid, and the debt was piling up.
Perhaps it was due to the unrest, but from reviews I had read from other travelers, I was expecting to find a city filled with beauty and history. We found amazing history but we also found the city to be very grey, graffiti at every turn, and the traffic was enough to make me want to flee. For some, this works as part of the adventure but we were looking to relax and preferred to stay at hotel in Glyfada along the southern part of Athens metropolitan area near the beach, and a short drive in to see the sites.
Acropolis
The site was undergoing repairs when we visited, which I was happy to see because it is an important piece of history and needs to be kept in shape. To begin our visit here, we treated ourselves to a coach ride with a friendly gentleman who gave us a tour of the lower grounds before bringing us to the entrance gate. The walk to the top requires going up many wide marble steps. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and carry a cool bottle of water. Once up top, you will appreciate the massive architecture, statues, and a clear view of Athens below.
Perhaps it was due to the unrest, but from reviews I had read from other travelers, I was expecting to find a city filled with beauty and history. We found amazing history but we also found the city to be very grey, graffiti at every turn, and the traffic was enough to make me want to flee. For some, this works as part of the adventure but we were looking to relax and preferred to stay at hotel in Glyfada along the southern part of Athens metropolitan area near the beach, and a short drive in to see the sites.
Acropolis
The site was undergoing repairs when we visited, which I was happy to see because it is an important piece of history and needs to be kept in shape. To begin our visit here, we treated ourselves to a coach ride with a friendly gentleman who gave us a tour of the lower grounds before bringing us to the entrance gate. The walk to the top requires going up many wide marble steps. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and carry a cool bottle of water. Once up top, you will appreciate the massive architecture, statues, and a clear view of Athens below.
The city of Athens
From here, our travels took us to Italy.
When next we return to the Mediterranean we will likely take a journey through the Greek Islands.
From here, our travels took us to Italy.
When next we return to the Mediterranean we will likely take a journey through the Greek Islands.