Athens Attractions

Athens

Despite its history full of epic events, with its ups and down that seemed to be about to ruin the country, Athens has always revived! Moreover, to the credit of the Greeks, they were able to preserve much of their historical heritage: today, the remains of the Ancient Acropolis stay next to fashionable hotels and modern shopping centers.

History

Athens is the main city of both Ancient and Modern Greece. It's located on the shore of the Gulf of Saronikos, the Aegean Sea, in the southern part of Greece, on the Athenian Plain, framed by the mountains of Aigaleo, Parnis, Pendelicon and Imitos. It is one of the oldest cities in Greece founded in the VII millennium BC. The golden era of Athens was in the V century BC. This time Athens, along with Sparta, was one of the most powerful polises in ancient Greece, with its thriving philosophy, culture and democracy. In the second half of the V century BC there came the Pericles century - the peak of the heyday of Athens, when the Acropolis and Parthenon were built.

The subtropical, semi-desert climate makes summer in Athens very hot and dry. So, if you like a really hot summer, Athens is the city for you! Winter is quite warm with very few chilly days.

Located in the very heart of the country, the city is ideal for both entertainment and leisure.

What to see

Among a great variety of  attractions in Athens, I would like to draw attention to some of them.

The Acropolis is, perhaps, the most famous attraction. It is a symbol of the city and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. You should definitely see it! Originally, the Acropolis was a royal palace with the greatest temples and theaters. The Parthenon, Erechtheion, the holy place of the ancient Hellenes, associated with numerous Greek mythes, is also a part of the Acropolis, so is the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. The Acropolis is accessible for people with disabilities, you just need to use an accessible elevator, and to get to the elevator you'll need to use a ramp with a platform.

Accesstravel recommends you to check in advance whether the elevator works on a certain date: in bad weather it can be closed. The Acropolis Museum is also fully accessible. People with disabilities can use the WC for free.

Panathinaiko Stadio is also fully accessible for wheelchair users, seniors, and visually impaired people. 

Athenian agora - a once active political, cultural and commercial center - is worth seeing too. 

Wandering around the authentic areas of Monastiraki and Plaka, don't pass by the Lysicrates monument. The quarter of Anafiotika will amaze you with its colors and originality: after all, it is the oldest quarter of Athens.

Among the numerous museums of Athens, I would advise you to visit the Benaki Museum (famous for its Islamic exposition), the National Archaeological Museum of Athens (the name speaks for itself) and the Athens Numismatic Museum.

And you cannot miss Parnassus! For the lovers of antiquities, Parnassus has Delphi, and for the lovers of outdoor activities, there is a ski resort. Pastoral, picturesque villages on the slopes of Parnassus are waiting for those who prefer relaxing holidays in nature!

You won’t waste your time if you take an excursion to visit Cape Sounion! In addition to its picturesque landscapes, you can enjoy a well-preserved temple of Poseidon.

Beach vacation

The beaches near Athens are sandy, they are famous for their clear water. Surrounded by lawns Vouliagmeni Beach, for example, one of the most famous beaches of Athens, has a variety of playgrounds. It's an ideal place for families. Megalo Kavouri Beach is located in a small picturesque place. Travelers will be able to enjoy not only the standard beach holiday, but also see a lot of crabs.

Night life 

All nightly amusements of Athens are concentrated in the areas of Psiri and Gazi. Those who like to hang out will find a lot of night clubs, bars, discos, and interesting bohemian places.

Food

Gourmets of Mediterranean cuisine know that culinary tours can be arranged in Athens! Greek food is delicious and light. There is a great variety of restaurants and cafes where everyone can find something they will remember for a lifetime. Many of the places are accessible, in some places you can eat in the open terrace. According to Accesstravel, it’s even better because this way you can observe the course of life in Athens.

How to get there

Athens International Airport is fully accessible for wheelchairs as well as for seniors and hard of hearing visitors. From the airport, you can get to the center of Athens by metro, train, bus, transfer and taxi (you can book them on our website in the "Travel Services" section).

Accessible environment 

Although Athens is a hilly city, most of its attractions are equipped with accessible WCs, ramps, and elevators. Public transport is also accessible. Most metro station, buses, and trolleybuses are fully accessible for wheelchairs, seniors, and visually impaired people. Therefore, you'll have no problems with movement in Athens. If you wish, you can book a transfer or a taxi.

Where to stay

Athens has a huge variety of hotels and hostels. You can see our offers of comfortable, affordable hotels here.

Also Accesstravel offers travelers the services of guides. Sometimes, no one except them will be able to introduce you to a real life of the city! So think, maybe it’s worth taking a tour and learning something new, something you won't find in online guides and even in the Internet! Our guides know all the ways and paths for people with disabilities, and this is priceless.

Athens with all its millennial diversity and generosity is waiting for you!