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Athens - sky guide
for Athens car hire
Athens is both a living museum and a sprawling mess of hasty traffic and unaesthetic town planning. But this historically important Mediterranean city shouldn't be missed. In addition to a unique character, it boasts unrivalled pre-Christian attractions.
It's impossible to miss the Acropolis when in Athens. Centrally located and elevated above the modern city, it dates from 510 BC and is one of the Mediterranean's most important archaeological sites. It includes the magnificently proportioned Parthenon, architecturally brilliant Propylaia and graceful Erechtheion. The views are excellent and at the foot of the hill are the remains of the Ancient Theatre of Dionysos.
Fifteen minutes walk from the Acropolis is Hadrian's Roman Arch, and the remains of the once-enormous Zeus Temple. Nearby is the well-preserved Panathenaic Stadium, site of the first Olympic Games.
The National Archaeological Museum is a must-see, with an extensive collection of gold artifacts from Mycenae and spectacular Minoan frescoes from Santorini (Thira), among other exquisite objects and antiquities. The Goulandris Museum of Cycladic and Ancient Greek Art has a fine collection of elegant marble figurines.
Located at the foot of the Acropolis is the lively and ancient Plaka district, loaded with Mediterranean restaurants and guesthouses. It's a good place to enjoy moussaka and other Greek specialties as well as to guzzle ouzo and break plates. Nearby is the ancient Agora (marketplace), a good place for picking up souvenirs and Greek handicrafts.
By car you can explore the historically important Peleponnese peninsula (2 hours drive), which includes the ancient sites of Epidaurus, Corinth and Mycenae. Also close to Athens are the popular Saronic Gulf islands (2 hours by ferry). Aegina, Hydra, Spetses and Poros are all relaxing and well equipped for visitors.
The brand new Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport is 21kms east of Athens and has flights to North America, Asia and certain Pacific destinations. Charter flights from European destinations are numerous in the season.
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