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This is a series of blog entries from SkySurf.Travel’s first travel hiree, Romanna.

In the last article, I told you about the most touristic places in Athens. But there is more to see in the city and around!

The Panathenaic Stadium

It is one of the city’s most popular touristic attractions and one of Athen’s landmarks. Located on the site of an ancient stadium, is the Panathenaic Stadium; for many centuries the stadium hosted games in which nude male athletes competed in track events – athletics championships as we would call them today.

I have not entered the stadium. The ticket costs 5 euro, so I’ve decided not to go inside. There is also a small museum which shows previous Olympic torches, but if you are not interested in its history, it would be better to view it from the outside.

The Lycabettus Hill

Standing 277 meters above sea level, Lycabettus Hill is the highest point of Athens. A funicular or cliff railway can take you to the top of the hill. Lycabettus Hill is the best place to enjoy the sunset and see the lights of the Acropolis, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Panathenaic Stadium, and Ancient Agora. Reminded you will also be that Athens is surrounded by sea with spectacular views across the Aegean. The viewing platform in front of the Church provides sprawling views of Athens, stretching out to the city’s coastline.

The Church is a witness for the essence of the Hellenic culture, which has 360-degree views over all of Athens up to the Mediterranean sea; and the far mountains will carry you out to a completely different ambiance. The view is spectacular and is the highest point in Athens; it is worth the trip. In this magical place, I recommend you finish your acquaintance with Athens.

Athens new Cultural Center

Two years ago, in 2017 in the district of Kallithea, opened the new Greek National Opera and Library, situated in the south of Athens. Local guides never advise visiting this place. Maybe that is why there are almost no tourists.

These buildings are incredible! I came there twice – in the evening and during the day to enjoy the beauty of modern architecture in a different light. I think this place should be in the top-3 must-visit areas in Athens!

Besides the buildings, there is a park, garden, and a 400-meter sea-water canal, where you can sail, rent a kayak, or enjoy the coolness from water in the hot time.

The building projects are impressive – when you get to the top of the opera, you could look down – there are eight floors under you. And if you look to the left – there is a feeling you are on the same height as the city.

You remember, I told you all the books were taken from the national library in the city center? Now they are here!

Entrance to this place is free; you can quickly enter the library, get to the top of the opera, and have a coffee while enjoying the city view.

Food Market of Varvakios Agora

If you want to feel the soul of the city, you need to go to the market. Varvakios Agora is a great market where you can find meat and fish, see the real mood of locals and try some local food. There, some of the tavernas are open 24/7 where you can eat traditional food.

Weekend getaway to the mountains

After active sightseeing in the capital of Greece, my Couchsurfing host offered to move to the north of the mountains.

Highway Athens - Volos — Highway Athens – Volos

Our destination was Pelion mountain and its neighborhood. It took us 4 hours to get to the Volos city by a highway, and 1.5 more hours through narrow mountain serpentines.

If you are going to move by car, you need to be prepared to pay a fee for the toll road. There is no certain distance between payment points, and the amount is always different – from 1.20 euros to 4 euros. On our way, there were more than five payment points.

This region is popular during the winter because of skiing tracks. But in summer people are coming to enjoy the fresh air of mountains and to sunbathe in picturesque beaches.

Those days the weather was changeable, you can see it on the picture below – all the days I came to the same point over the Mylopotamos beach and took a picture. One day the sea was calm with amazing blue water, the next day there was a storm with huge waves, and on the third day calm again. Crazy nature!

Interesting fact, in this region there are tons of small villages. Some of them are touristic, and some are not. Every village has a small central square with an old platan tree.

All villages are different – smaller and bigger, with their style of buildings. But in all of them, there is an atmosphere of calmness. I enjoyed it so much!

Comparing to the prices in Athens, prices in this region are much lower. You could find local tavernas and try the most delicious traditional Greek food.

The average price for dinner to try 3-5 dishes is 15 euros per person. Usually, owners of tavernas are working there, and are happy to have a chat with you. I was surprised – every time they bring you complimentary wine, dessert, or fresh fruits.

To sum up, I want to say Greece is a unique country. Beautiful islands, stunning mountains, and noisy cities – such a contrast!

I am sure I will come back here more and more.

Hope you enjoyed it, it was my last article about the adventure of a lifetime!

With best wishes,

Romanna.

Previous post: What to See in Athens, Greece

Romanna’s trip to eight cities (five islands) in Europe cost a total of $815 (flights only). To build your own cheap multicity itinerary, visit SkySurf.Travel.

View more photos of Romanna’s European SkySurf.Travel adventure on Instagram

This is a series of blog entries from SkySurf.Travel’s first travel hiree, Romanna.

Welcome to Athens!

Today I will show you the essential places in the capital of Greece.

So, let’s start from the Syntagma square. The name Syntagma means Constitution. The square has a long history, and it seems that every major event in Greece was either mourned or celebrated here. It has held some of the most significant political pep-rallies ever seen on the planet.

Syntagma Square is back and better than ever. Well, maybe not better than ever. It was probably at its best in the early 1900s when no cars and buses were whizzing around it, and when towering trees shaded it. But with the re-routing of the traffic, the opening of the new metro, and the removal of the wooden billboard covered walls, Syntagma looks better then it has in many years. At the top of the square are two stairways and an elevator leading to the Syntagma Metro Station, one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world, with its museum of artifacts found at the construction site. There is also the Parliament Building, formerly the King’s Palace, built between 1836 and 1840 by King Otto and financed by his father Ludwig I of Bavaria.

Guarded by the elite soldiers Evzones, chosen for their height and strength, is the tomb of the unknown soldier and the Palace. They are like the guards at Buckingham Palace with the big furry hats and are treated the same way by tourists who come to take their pictures and see if they blink. Every so often they do a little march and dance to break the monotony of standing still all day. They occasionally do this small kick step with their slouchy shoes with the pom-poms. The pleated skirt, the foustanela, was worn by the Greek fighters of the 1821 revolution and today it serves as the official uniform of the Evzones. Otto established it as the formal court dress in the middle of the 19th century. At 6 pm, you can see the changing of the guard while dodging pigeons. If you have children, they will probably enjoy feeding them with the nuts sold there. On Sunday at 11 is a big ceremony for the changing of the guard with a marching band and a whole troop of Evzones. Syntagma Square is the most famous in Athens if not all of Greece. No matter where you have to go to Athens if you can find Syntagma Square, you can find your way.

National Library of Greece

The National Library of Greece is situated a 15-minute walk from the Syntagma square. The building itself is imposing and designed to mimic the ancient architecture. It is part of Hansen’s famous Athenian Neoclassical Trilogy of buildings that include the National University of Athens and the Academy of Athens.

It is a beautiful sight only spoiled by the view of dilapidated modern buildings across the street covered in graffiti. Established in 1888 was the library. Unfortunately, the historic building is no longer functioning as a library. Rendered from it were all the books. In the funds of this library were thousands of books in all languages of the world.

The Plaka district

We continue our acquaintance with the sights of Athens in the old Plaka district with the village of ruins and the view from Parthenon. The Plaka is the most previous section of Athens. Most of the streets have been closed to automobile traffic, though you should still keep a watchful eye for a speeding motorcycle or delivery truck. First of all, you need to get your bearings. The Plaka is under the Acropolis and stretches almost to Syntagma.

There are two main pedestrian streets which intersect at what is generally considered the center of the Plaka: Kydathineon and Adrianou. The Plaka is full of street musicians, flower sellers, photographers, and people who sell beads or will write your name on a grain of rice.

There is the Cine Paris in Plaka. The Cine Paris, the best outdoor movie theater in Athens. Of course, you haven’t come to Greece to go to the movies, but if you are not ready for a wild night out and want to sit back for entertainment, you are in for a treat. Almost all the movies are in English with Greek subtitles, and when you go inside, you will discover the theater is on the roof with a view of the Acropolis.

Whether you like hanging out watching people, shopping, eating, or wandering around, the Plaka is a great area to be in or near. From it, you can walk to all the desirable parts of central Athens.

If to say a few words about The Parthenon, dedicated by the Athenians to Athena Parthenos, the patron of their city, is the most magnificent creation of Athenian democracy at the height of its power. It is also the most elegant monument on the Acropolis in terms of both conception and execution, built between 447 and 438 BC. Conservation and restoration of the Parthenon took place in 1896-1900 and again in 1922-1933.

– Romanna

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Romanna’s trip to eight cities (five islands) in Europe cost a total of $815 (flights only). To build your own cheap multicity itinerary, visit SkySurf.Travel.

View more photos of Romanna’s European SkySurf.Travel adventure on Instagram