Felt very lucky to have visited the Acropolis before then, and most of Athens was closed. . It's a spectacular sight to behold. . . Minimum crowd in mid March so no tickets pre-booked for us. . . just came in. I highly recommend Rick Steves audio tour to give you a basic, light and engaging background to what you're actually seeing. . . I'm not a huge history buff so didn't want too much information. We left at 3pm. . sunlight is perfect for photos. . . . The marble stones are very slippery so watch your step around the area. . . 1 hour is more than enough for a walk. . . it's not a very large area. . . A must visit on your next trip to Athens. . As for the museum, we got around really fast. . only 5 euros in winter. . . Amazing building and view. . but too much for our sake. . . if you are a student or interested in archeology I imagine this would be like Disneyland for you. . . but for me it is not so charming. #themepark#zoo#nationalpark#lakes#beaches

Vouliagmeni Lake in the heart of the Athenian Riviera, is the hidden treasure of Attica’s nature. Situated on an idyllic landscape, a rare geological phenomenon is included in NATURA 2000 network. Its brackish waters, rich in salts and minerals, have a temperature between 22o-29o degrees all year roundand meets the requirementsof EXCELLENT category. Waters are continuously replenished by the sea and the underground thermal springs, 50 to 100 meters deep, offer a natural and unique thermal spa experience. Swimming in the lake is more than pleasurable, it’s a holistic experience stimulating the swimmers’ energy and balancing their wellness. The Garra Rufa fish – known as spa fish –are part of the ecosystem. Sunbeds and umbrellas are offered around the Lake’s shoreline. An all-day restaurant offers a culinary experience. Prive Area promises moments of lavishness and complete relaxation. Lifeguarding/medical services, Parking, Cabins, Lockers, Showers, Accessibility, Wi – Fi, Kids corner. #themepark#zoo#nationalpark#lakes#beaches

Athens, Greece Though now a powerhouse of the global bar community, fame never changed The Clumsies. This is the bar that always put the important things first – the quality on the plate and in the glass, never forgetting the warm Athenian hospitality. Set in a townhouse downtown, The Clumsies is homely, with friendly, joyous vibes freely flowing through the building. theclumsies.gr #café

Perched above present day Athens, the Acropolis draws you up and in. Follow in the footsteps of ancients as you walk up the same steps that have been walked on since 438 BC - 2,500 years. Views out over the city are incredible as you walk between the meticulously restored ancient buildings. Near the end of the day, you'll want to linger and watch the sunset from the stairs near the entrance. This is a nightly ritual in Athens. The site is also impressive looking up at it from the city below. Spend an evening dining on a rooftop patio to soak in the view of the hilltop ruins lit up at night. #themeparks#nationalpark

The Acropolis of Athens and its monuments are universal symbols of the classical spirit and civilization and form the greatest architectural and artistic complex bequeathed by Greek Antiquity to the world. Acropolis, (Greek: “city at the top”) central, defensively oriented district in ancient Greek cities, located on the highest ground and containing the chief municipal and religious buildings. Because the founding of a city was a religious act, the establishment of a local home for the gods was a basic factor in Greek city planning. From both a religious and a military point of view, a hilltop site was highly desirable: militarily, because an acropolis had to be a citadel; religiously, because a hill was imbued with natural mysteries—caves, springs, copses, and glens—that denoted the presence of the gods. An archaeological wonder, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and one of the world's most instantly recognizable landmarks, the Acropolis is the star attraction of ancient Athens. Dramatically perched on a jagged clifftop—the so-called sacred rock of Athens—the ruins.Operating hours; Nov–March daily 8:30am–3pm. #mynovgetaway

Plaka, also known as the “neighborhood of the gods,” is the oldest neighbourhood of Athens. Walking on its paved narrow streets you get the feeling that you are travelling back in time. The origin of the name of the neighborhood is unknown, although theories abound. According to popular belief, Plaka was named after a slab of stone that was found near the church of Ayios Georgios Alexandrias, in the vicinity of the theater of Dionysos. The beautiful neoclassical style color of the houses, the architecture, the well-kept gardens, and the beauty and atmosphere of the neighborhood are enchanting. In Plaka, the air you breathe is different; it is lighter, cleaner, and fragrant, like a gift of the gods. When you visit Plaka you should bring a map, because you might get lost in the labyrinth of narrow streets and alleys. In Adrianou Street, the central street of the neighbourhood, as in other streets in the area, you will find shops selling traditional products, souvenirs, Greek folk art and handicrafts, etc. #mynovgetaway #mynovgetaway

Benaki Museum in Athens, Greece: Originally the home of Emmanuel Benakis, the Benaki museum was handed over to Greece by his heirs after his death in 1929. Meant to house the collection of the son of Emmanuel Benakis, Antonis, the Benakis Museum was opened up to the public in 1931. The building was constructed in 1867-1868 by Ioannis Peroglou, a wealthy merchant. The building then transferred into the hands of businessman Panagis Charokopos and then in 1910, it was again sold to Emmanuel Benakis, who made significant changes to make the house more suitable for his family. Finally, architect Anastasios Metaxas made the final alterations that came into effect when the building was converted into a museum in 1931, this included extending its west side. After Antonis Benakis death in 1974, many more items were added to the museums already extensive collection. Some of its more prominent collections include photographic and historic, Neo-Hellenistic, architecture archives and also a Department of Childhood which includes an interesting collection of toys and games. Also showcased are various pieces of modern and modernistic art by Greek artists. There are also exhibitions of the Cycladic, Minoan and Mycenaean art, as well as items from the Byzantine period. The modern collection in the museum consists of artifacts more religious in nature, as compared to the earlier collections. This includes wooden paintings, decorative items, textiles, traditional costumes, jewels and much more. The religious artifacts date to the post-Byzantine era and have been retrieved from all over Greece and also Greek communities in other parts of the world. #mynovgetaway #mynovgetaway

Athens, with its tall buildings and contemporary shops, is the first European city when approached from the Middle East.Athens remains on the world stage to this day. Close to this lively quarter is the Pláka, on the north slope of the Acropolis. Small, one-story houses, dating from about the time of independence, are clustered together up the hillside in peasant simplicity. #mynovgetaway #unforgettableexperiences #instagramworthydestinations #mynovgetaway#awesomepic#instagramworthydestinations

Hydra, one of the most cosmopolitan Greek islands, is located in the heart of the Argo Saronic Gulf. One of the main reasons why Hydra is a popular destination is its proximity to Athens, as a ferry from Athens to Hydra, will get you to the beautiful island in just 2 hours. It’s the perfect option for a quick getaway! Having been a filming location of “A girl in black” and “Boy on a dolphin” movies, as well as a holiday destination for Leonard Cohen, Hydra stands out for its classy beauty! On Hydra island, you won’t see any cars! Everyone uses their foot, boats or donkeys to get around the island. The cars ban, along with the elegant stone mansions of the island, create a charming atmosphere and make the island one of the most serene destinations near Athens.The island of Hydra is a popular small island of the Saronic Gulf, just a couple of hours ferry ride from Athens. It is famous for its picturesque architecture, the vivid nightlife, and cosmopolitan character. Except for relaxing at cozy beaches, there is not much sightseeing on Hydra island. In spring and autumn, hiking is a popular thing to do as the island is crossed by many walking paths that lead to impressive spots with sea view and historical monasteries. Hydra Town is also a picturesque place to stroll around, with elegant mansions and a museum at the port. #mynovgetaway #mynovgetaway