Ioannina – A journey in a magical land

Ioannina, the capital of Epirus, spreads out around beautiful Lake Pamvotida. The natural environment, the climate and character of the town are defined by this stretch of water – the area’s trademark. The lake, with its still waters and its small island, is a natural monument, around which the entire area lives and breathes. The strong cultural traditions of the town, home to a number of great novelists and poets, and the artistic and intellectual events which are organized throughout the year, give visitors the opportunity to get to know the roots of the intellectual life of Epirus.
A walk through the city has the feel of a bygone era, full of secret places and legends still living. Wonderful buildings like the House Matei Hussein, the Ottoman mosque of Veli Pasha and the entire historic centre of the town are unique attractions.
Ioannina was always multicultural, dominated mainly by Christian, Islamic and Jewish influences. This coexistence of cultural influences is clearly evident in the historic city centre. The Stoa Louli arcade is one of the locations where the three communities worked together and prospered. The arcade was originally an inn and then became a mercantile exchange of great importance throughout the whole of Epirus.

With a view of Lake Pamvotida

The routes around the lake offer exquisite scenery and plenty to explore. A tour by car is an experience to suit all kinds of traveller – there is much to see, much to learn about, and there is the serene calming effect of the lake.
Towards the north exit from Ioannina, on the Metsovo arterial road, is the church of Agios Nikolaos ton Kopanon (‘St Nicholas of the Beaters’), named for the women who beat the clothes as they did their washing in the nearby traditional stone watermills by the lake. Tradition has it that Kyra-Frosini, the notorious mistress of Ali Pasha, was imprisoned here.
As the road continues on, it leads to one of the most beautiful caves in Europe, Perama. The cave, a product of karst formation, dates back about one and a half million years. The beauty of the chambers defies description. It seems impossible that the hall of the Cross, with its limestone worshippers, was formed without human intervention, and yet, it is a natural sculpture of truly stunning proportions. The Hall of Legendary Palaces looks like a fairy house.The stalactites projecting from the ceiling look like surprisingly complex yet harmoniously constructed chandeliers.
The area around the cave is an ideal spot from which to look out over the lake and feel the magic of nature. The small train that runs from Ioannina to the picturesque village of Perama is a nostalgic choice of transport.

The Ionian fjord!

Βlue and green, representative of Thesprotia’ s Prefecture, is the main reason why Syvota is considered as one of the most exotic destinations within Greece; lacy shores, luscious green islets, long sheltered beaches with crystal clear waters and secret coves, are just some of the settlement’s characteristics that nature has open handedly offered. It is the perfect stop for sailors of the Ionian archipelago, nevertheless it is a must destination for all.
At a short distance from the coast you’ll find the small islands of Mavro Oros (meaning Black Mountain) Agios Nikolaos, Mourtemeno as well as other smaller islets. Take note that it is worth it to rent a boat and sail the calm waters of the area. Discover your own secret coves or shores (our favourite ones are the beaches Diapori and Alati (meaning salt)) and let the magic of paradise overtake you.

Beaches

The most renown beach is located in Agios Nikolaos and is no other than Pisina (meaning pool); You’ll enjoy its fine white sand nad green blue transparent waters nestled in a luscious green surrounding. In Mourtemeno head for the second ‘5 star’ beach of the region, Bella Vraka, which you can approach by foot by crossing over a narrow strip of golden sand from the mainland.

Near the settlement’s center visit Zavia Beach with its green surrounding and turquoise waters. Don’t miss the northern part of Syvota where Zeri and the sandy white Gallikos Molos Beaches (meaning french pier) stand out! Leaving Syvota and heading towards Perdika you’ll have two more lovely beaches waiting for you; Mikri and Megali Ammos (meaning small and big sand) where you can engage in sea sports.

The Riviera of the Epirus Region

Parga is a renown maritime town of Epirus as well as a famous holiday destination. It is amphitheatrically built nestled in a picturesque bay, where the wooded small island of Panagia lays under the shadow of the towns’ Venetian castle. Take a stroll up to the old town where you’ll enjoy some distinguished architecture, wander around its cobbled stone streets with beautiful arches, discover flower-filled neighborhoods where picturesque little houses and colorful mansions and end up by drinking in the mesmerising sunset view of the emerald waters of the Ionian Sea from the Venetian walls.
By nightfall take a romantic walk by the waterfront lined by tourist shops, beautiful stylish restaurants and little bars to drink or eat with a view to the lit up castle and Panagia islet.

Resembling a painting

The area’s lacy shores are excellent for your refreshing dives and sea water sports, not to mention that beaches offer various services and facilities to make your stay even more pleasant. Krioneri Beach (from where you can swim over to the small island of Panagia) and Piso-Krioneri Beach located within the town’s settlement, the cosmopolitan golden beach of Valtos, the wooded Lychnos Beach with the sea caves, the little bay of Agios Giannakis and finally Sarakiniko Beach with its fine sand and an olive orchard in the background. Starting from Parga pay a visit to the Acheron River Springs, the Αrcheological site of Nekromanteio (Oracle of the Dead), the historic area of Souli as well as to the islands of Paxi-Antipaxi which are reachable with the small boats departing from the town’s port.
Preveza town is located at the mouth of Amvrakikos Gulf, in Western Greece. It is an area blessed with beautiful landscapes, green areas, great beaches, a rich history, ancient sites and monuments; in short you will find here numerous options for memorable holidays. Stroll along the harbour and the old town and see the beautiful traditional buildings; walk on the seaside pedestrian street and enjoy the island-like atmosphere; taste local dishes in a picturesque taverna or coffee shop which line the narrow slab-paved backstreets. It is the capital of Preveza Regional Unit where you will find the local administrative, commercial, cultural and tourist services.

Present day Preveza was built on the site of ancient Vereniki town, which was founded by Pyrrhus, the Greek King of Epirus in 290 BC. Preveza was built during the late 11th c., after ancient Nikopolis town was deserted. It was conquered many times across the centuries, until it became part of Greece in 1912.

The Land of Epirus

Visit its castles: the 18th c. Agios Andreas Castle; the mid to late 19th c. well preserved Laskara Castle; and the early 19th c. Pantokratoras Castle, which is built at the mouth of Amvrakikos Gulf. The view from the last one at dusk is spellbinding.
The 18th c. Agios Charalampos cathedral is quite impressive with lovely murals and decorations on the inside and an imposing clock tower on the outside. The ceiling and walls were painted by 18th c. icon painters of the so-called Ionian Islands School of Painting, where the Western European Artistic influence is evident. Notice the marvellous wood-carved iconostasis (icon screen), created by a local craftsman and gilded during the 19th c., the pulpit and the cathedra (the bishop’s throne).
Those of you interested in museums can visit the Municipal Maritime Museum, the Ioannis Moralis Municipal Art Gallery, the Municipal Museum of Natural History (open to groups of visitors, by appointment) and the Folklore Museum of the local community of Kamarina, near Zalongo town. The windmill in the location called “Lighthouse” is also worth a visit.
Enjoy a two wheel ride the way locals do it: on a bicycle. Try a seaside route, starting from Androutsou Sq. towards Vathy, or the route from the slab-paved waterfront towards Kyani Akti, the area around Pantokratoras castle, Alonaki where there is a beautiful beach, and then Drosia area, where you can drink in the marvellous view of the Ionian Sea. Take a trip to Margarona, a picturesque area near Neochori, Agia Triada and Agios Thomas villages, close to Preveza. The experienced bikers among you can enjoy a demanding route which starts from Louros River towards the Gate of Hades (the ancient Greek mythical entry point to the underworld) on Acheron River.
There are 12 hiking routes for you to choose from, if you enjoy walking in nature. You can follow the course of Acheron River from the Gate of Hades all the way to Glyki, Thesprotia region, through green mountains and enjoy a refreshing swim in the river. It’s a favourite destination for rafting and canoeing & kayaking fans, too.

Short distance trips by car

Head to Nikopolis, 7 km north of Preveza town, where there is an important archaeological site, founded by the Roman Emperor Octavian, in commemoration of his victory at the Naval Battle of Actium against Mark Anthony and Cleopatra of Egypt (31 B.C.) Construction took place on a 3.5 km wide strip of land between Mazoma Lagoon formed by Amvrakikos Gulf and the Ionian Sea. During the Roman and the Byzantine times, it flourished as the capital, the administrative, and the religious centre of the roman province of Old Epirus. Nikopolis was deserted after the Bulgarian invasion, during the early 10th c. The archaeological site includes the Roman city walls, an odeum and a theatre (1st c. A.D.), the Monument of Augustus, Nymphaion, the Byzantine city walls, an early Christian mansion, and the king’s house, a Roman building which was used in the early Christian period too. Last but not least, make sure you visit the Archaeological Museum of Nikopolis, where you’ll see exhibits dating to the Roman, Early Christian and Byzantine years and you will learn about local life during the medieval and later times.
Plan your next trip at the estuaries of Louros and Arachthos Rivers, where the Amvrakikos wetland is located. The area is part of the Natura 2000 Network and it is protected by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. Enjoy a day trip on the tourist boat that tours the gulf, or hire a sailing boat at the marina, and look for the dolphins who roam these waters.
Visit Kamarina and Kryopigi villages, 25.5 km NW of Preveza; the location affords wonderful views of Amvrakikos Gulf and the Ionian Sea. Stop by the archaeological site of ancient Kassopi, the capital of the land of the Kassopeans, an Epirote tribe; the town was established just before the mid-4th c. BC, and it was gradually abandoned when Nikopolis was founded.
Continue NW to Zalongo, located at a 29 km distance from Preveza. An act of great bravery took place here, in December 1803. Local women from Souli village chose to dive off Zalongo’s steep rocks holding their kids in their arms to escape being captured by Ali Pasha’s forces who were chasing them. In honour of these heroic women, a monument was raised in 1961 by sculptor G. Zongolopoulos and architect P. Karantinos.

Other activities

Near Kyani Akti (meaning Blue Coast), there are hot springs you can visit. Paliosaraga is the location’s name, and their waters are beneficial to rheumatism and arthritis conditions.
Pick among the long list of wonderful beaches for swimming or for playing beach volleyball, such as Kyani Akti, Pantokratoras, Alonaki, Kalamitsi, Mytikas, and Monolithi. If you head east, go for swimming in Psathaki, Skafidaki and Agioi Apostoloi beaches.

Corfu- One of the most cosmopolitan Mediterranean destinations

With the passage of time the island may have changed, but we can still feel the spirit of a distant glorious past. Its rich multi-cultural heritage, its historic monuments, its stunning natural landscape, its crystal clear seas, and its excellent weather all year round explain why Corfu is one of the most cosmopolitan Mediterranean destinations weaving a powerful spell on its visitors.

Corfu (Kerkyra in Greek), unlike the rest of Greece, never fell under the Ottoman oppression. Due to the successive dominations of the Venetians, the French and the British over the centuries, the island has primarily become part of the Western rather the Levantine world. Their culture wielded strong influence in the city: it was here that the first Greek University (the Ionian Academy), the first Philharmonic Orchestra and the First School of Fine Arts were founded.
With the passage of time the island may have changed, but we can still feel the spirit of a distant glorious past. Its rich multi-cultural heritage, its historic monuments, its stunning natural landscape, its crystal clear seas, and its excellent weather all year round explain why Corfu is one of the most cosmopolitan Mediterranean destinations weaving a powerful spell on its visitors.
Corfu (Kerkyra in Greek), unlike the rest of Greece, never fell under the Ottoman oppression. Due to the successive dominations of the Venetians, the French and the British over the centuries, the island has primarily become part of the Western rather the Levantine world. Their culture wielded strong influence in the city: it was here that the first Greek University (the Ionian Academy), the first Philharmonic Orchestra and the First School of Fine Arts were founded.

Sightseeing

Spianada, the largest square in the Balkans, is the centre of the city, adorned with 19th-century remarkable works of French architecture. Here you can watch cricket games, or attend in musical concerts organised throughout the year.

Liston, the city’s trademark, where the aristocrats used to enjoy their evening promenades. The characteristic arcades form the most romantic background setting for a welcome cup of coffee at one of the town’s cosy cafés.

The smart suburbs: Mandouki, Garitsa and Saroko.

The most important city’s attractions bear eloquent witness to its rich history

The impressive 15th century Old Fortress, as well as the New Fortress.


The Saint Michael and George Palace at the northern part of Spianada, built during the British occupation.


A considerable number of churches. The most imposing one is the city’s Cathedral, the Church of St. Spyridon, the island’s patron Saint, whose relics are kept here. The church’s immensely tall bell tower certainly reminds us of that of San Giorgio dei Greci in Venice. Four processions are held every year during which the body of Saint Spyridon is carried around the streets of the city (on Palm and Easter Sunday, on April 11th and the first Sunday in November). All the philharmonic bands of the city accompany the processions creating a remarkable awe-inspiring spectacle.

Coming down from the Acropolis you arrive at the Areios Pagos, the most ancient law court of the world. Opposite it is Philopappou Hill, with its beautiful cobbled little roads and the Roman monument by the same name on its top, while close by is the Pnyx, where the citizens of ancient Athens used to assemble and exert their democratic rights. Walking farther along the pedestrian road you arrive at the Ancient Agora, which was the commercial, political and religious centre of ancient Athens. A visit to the archaeological site will give you the opportunity to become acquainted with the workings of Classical Athenian democracy and visit the stunning Temple of Hephaestus.

Call in at the city’s fascinating museums

The Museum of Asian Art: Being the only one of its kind, it was founded in 1927 after the donation of 10.500 items by Gregorios Manos. Until 1974 it was a Chinese and Japanese Art museum, but it was then enriched with other private collections.It is housed in Saint Michael and George Palace.

Archaeological Museum: Here you can admire important finds from the temple of Artemis and excavation finds from the ancient city of Corfu.

Byzantine Museum: It is housed in the Church of the Virgin Mary Antivouniotissa and houses an interesting collection of icons and ecclesiastic items from the 15th to the 19th century.

The Banknote Museum showcases a collection of Greek coinage from 1822 to the present day.

Dionysios Solomos Museum: The national Poet of Greece left Zakynthos and moved to Corfu, important intellectual centre of the Ionian islands in those years. Solomos lived in a state of self-imposed isolation, and Corfu offered him the ideal environment to work on his studies in poetry. Today his house hosts a museum dedicated to his honour.

These five sites located around the city of Corfu used to be the aristocracy’s favourites

Mon Repos Palace was built by the British Commissioner Adams as a gift to his Corfiot wife. It is a small but beautiful palace with colonial elements, which today operates as a museum. In this luxurious dwelling, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and husband of Elisabeth the Second, was born in 1921. The park around the palace is ideal for long romantic walks.

Kanoni (meaning canon) offers from its circular terrace an amazing view across the island of Pontikonissi (meaning Mouse Island), one of the most photographed spots of Corfu! According to the legend, this rocky islet was a Phaeacian ship that was turned into stone.

Paleopolis (at Mono Repos estate) stands where the Agora of the ancient city of Corfu was located. Admire the remains of several public buildings erected there along with sanctuaries, workshops and residencies.

Achilleion is a fairy palace built among cypresses and myrtles by the Empress Elisabeth of Austria, who wished to escape from the Austrian court. Elisabeth truly fell in love with the island, and she dedicated this palace to Achilles as she cherished the belief that he represented the very soul and fairness of Greece.

The island where Ulysses met Princess Nausicaa in one of Homer’s Odyssey most celebrated scenes is a magical destination all year long: colourful music events, culinary feasts, religious festivals, carnival celebrations –known for their deep Venetian influences–, and the most joyful Easter in Greece form an exquisite mosaic of experiences. Edward Lear vividly describes the magic of Corfu: “Anything like the splendour of olive-groves and orange-gardens, the blue of the sky, the violet of the mountain, rising from peacock-wing-hued sea and tipped with lines of silver snow, can hardly be imagined”.

And don’t leave before you pay a visit to the nearby islands of Paxi and Antipaxi!

Lefkada – Is surrounded by a total of 24 islets

Lefkada is surrounded by a total of 24 islets – Aristotle Onassis’ Skorpios being one of them. It connects to the opposite coast of Central Greece via a floating swing bridge (length: 50 m). The bridge offers easy access to Lefkada to visitors from all over Greece. On Lefkada you will find noteworthy sights, churches and monasteries, picturesque villages, lush vegetation, idyllic coves of transparent, turquoise waters, busy and secluded beaches of stunning beauty, a significant cultural heritage and hospitable locals.

Lefkada is the island’s capital and port town. The town planning is a very particular one and resembles a “fish backbone”. There are picturesque alleys, small squares, traditional houses, elaborate belfries and paved pedestrian zones that give this town its character. The city is surrounded by a canal and a lagoon, while, farther north, lies Gyra, a thin stretch of a sandy beach forming a circle, dotted with windmills and scant vegetation.

Town Promenade

To the lagoon, one of the Ionian Sea’s most significant wetlands, protected by the Ramsar Convention as a wetland of international importance. There is also an ivari, a fish farm where fish grow in their natural environment.

To Agia Mavra fort, at the town’s entrance, constructed by a Sicilian named Giovanni Orsini in 1300.


To Bosketo Park, where busts of the island’s eminent scholars are to be found.

To the pedestrian zone along the coast lined with the younger generation’s hangouts.

To the central square with many restaurants and cafés where Agios Spyridonas church is located (late 17th c.) with an interesting iconostasis and icons. The main town mall (along Melas Street) starts from this point.

To Kouzounteli (or Kouzoumpei) area, where age-long plane trees stand next to traditional coffee shops that serve freshly ground coffee and soumada drink made from fragrant almonds.

To the Archeological Museum. Finds (mid-Paleolithic times – 4th c. AD) come from tombs excavated at Nydri, burial grounds of the ancient town of Lefkada, etc.

To the Public Library. There is a wide collection of printed documents and post-Byzantine icons painted in the style of the Eptanesian iconography school by eminent religious iconographers such as Doxaras, Roussos, etc.

To Charamogleios Eidiki Lefkadiaki Library (a library treating exclusively local themes) exhibiting rare books, gravures and maps. The art gallery is often the venue for painting and photography exhibitions. The library’s collection has been included in the Guiness Book of Records.

To the “Pantazis Kontomichis” Folk Art Museum. Exhibits include a wide and rare collection of items related to local everyday life and work.

To the Phonograph-Memorabilia Museum whose exhibits include old phonographs, vinyl records, decorative antique items, old banknotes etc.

To the agelong Elaionas (Olive Grove).
To Megalos Avlaimonas and Mikros Avlaimonas wetlands, two natural-habitat fish farms near the city.

To the windmills at Gyra.

Events

International Folklore Festival. As of 1962, bands and artists from all over the world meet in Lefkada every August and exchange the product of their cultural and artistic folklore in the fields of dancing, music, and traditional heritage.

 

The Discourse & Art Festival. It has been organised by the Cultural Centre of Lefkada and involves theatrical and musical events, exhibitions, conferences, and poetry nights. It is one of Greece’s oldest cultural institutions along with the Athens Festival.

Wine festival that takes place in Sfakiotes Municipality on Frya Square, around the historic Frya Well.

Representation of a traditional wedding in Karya (August 11th).

Activities

Swimming. If you stay in Lefkada town, you can swim at Kastro, Gyra, Myloi, and Agios Ioannis Antzousis. You will discover there are amazing beaches almost everywhere and to the island’s east you will find numerous beautiful, wooded isles.

Visiting the sea caves. Kalamos and Kastos isles are within a short distance and can boast beaches and sea caves of great beauty.

Bicycling: The town of Lefkada as well as the nearby coastline are ideal for a bicycle ride. Go round the lagoon, following the exceptional scenic route: Agia Mavra – Gyra – Myloi – Ai Giannis – Lefkada.

Marina: it is located at the town’s east side, and is considered to be the best equipped marina in Greece.

Sports

Kite surfing in Myloi beach.

Mountain biking: the island’s tall, green mountains are criss-crossed by routes and trails that are ideal for this sport. Rent your mountain bike in Lefkada town.

Paragliding (parapente) over Kathisma beach.

Visit also

Kariotes, a seaside village with modern tourist facilities, lying on the island’s east shores. At “Spasmeni Vrysi” location there is a well equipped camping site.


Nikiana, a picturesque fishing village, built at the foot of Mount Skaros near a forest of age-long oak trees.


Nydri, The island’s biggest tourist resort can boast an intense nightlife and an ultra-modern marina. Nydri faces Prigkiponisia (i.e. Madouri, Cheloni, Skorpios, Skorpidi and Sparti islands). There is a ferryboat service running to Meganisi, Ithaca, Kefalonia and Central Greece. You can go scuba diving; Try one of the local scuba diving centres that organise underwater explorations. You can also opt for other water sports such as sailing or choose mountain biking, hiking, even swimming at the waterfalls cascading in Dimosari ravine.


Poros, the southeastern Lefkada’s “balcony” offering a fine view of Arkoudi, Oxies, Ithaca, and Kefalonia islands. Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Mikros Gialos, where you can also find a well-equipped camping site.


Vasiliki is a place with abundantly flowing waters and a vibrating nightlife. Take the ferry for a visit to the captivating Porto Katsiki beach, Agiofylli beach, Kefalonia and Ithaca. Vasiliki bay is a destination widely known for the particular climate conditions and favourable winds that make it very popular among windsurfing fans. You will also find horse riding farms that organise outings on horseback in the country.


The lighthouse (within a short distance from Athani village) and the ruins of Apollo’s sanctuary in cape Doukato (Lefkata or Cape Kyra). That breathtaking location of rugged cliffs and magnificent sea view is also known as “Sappho’s Jump”; Legend has it that this was the spot where Sappho, the lyric poetess of antiquity jumped off from, taking her own life.


Agios Nikitas, a beautiful seaside village.
Karya, a well known mountain village with a picturesque plane tree shaded square. The exquisitely crafted traditional “karsanika” embroideries have won the place a fine reputation.


Egklouvi, another beautiful traditional mountain village. It is famous for producing delicious lentils that are one of the top varieties in Greece. Other cultivations include chickpeas, broad fava beans, and a rare grape variety called “vertzami” possibly introduced to the area by the Venetians in 1684.

Nearby islands

Meganisi
Ferry runs connect this green island to Nydri. There are three traditional villages, namely Katomeri, Vathy and Spartochori. Visit Giovani’s Cave and Papanikolis Cave, (accessible only by sea).

Kalamos
Kalamos Island is covered with pine trees, especially the north part. There is a ferry connection with Mytikas, Central Greece. Visit Episkopi, Kastromonastiro and Porto Leone, a small scenic bay.

Kastos
Kastos is an elongated isle covered in olive trees. It provides safe anchorage for boats sailing the Ionian Sea. There are very few roads on the island, so there are no cars. Sarakiniko, the island’s west natural bay has a small jetty that allows mooring even during bad weather. There is a small shuttle boat service running to Central Greece. Visit Kastos village, Fokotrypa and Agios Aimilianos country chapel.

Athens – The historical capital of Europe

Welcome to Athens, the historical capital of Europe. Welcome to the birthplace of democracy, arts, science and philosophy of western civilisation. Home of Plato, Socrates, Pericles, Euripides, Sophocles, Aeschylus. Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities. It’s recorded history spanning around 3.400 years and it is being inhabited since the 11th millennium B.C. E. Today, under the shadow of Parthenon, the contemporary urban scenery of the sprawling city reflects its exciting history, its multi- cultural modern personality as well as the infrastructure and facilities.

The perfect Mediterranean climate with the legendary greek sunlight, the unique combination of glorious history with modern, urban innovation, the coexistence of great culture with astonishing natural beauty, the high standard hotel accommodation, modern means of transportation such as the cutting edge modern metro, the vibrant rhythm of life, the wide choice of opportunities for shopping, dining and night life and of course the warmth of the Athenians people feature Athens as the ideal all year round city break destination. The city of Parthenon is an open air museum. A large part of the town’s historic center has been converted into a 3 km pedestrian zone, one of the largest in Europe. It leads to the major archaeological sites (“archaeological park”), reconstructing – to a large degree – the ancient landscape. Either on foot or by bike, the ‘’Grande Promenade’’ around Acropolis is an unforgettable journey through history.

Historical Walkings in the city centre

The tour starts at the Temple of Olympian Zeus (6th c. B.C.), one of the largest in antiquity and close by Hadrian’s Arch (131 A.D.), which forms the symbolic entrance to the city. From there, walking along Dionysou Areopaghitou Street (on the south side of the Acropolis) you pass the ancient Theatre of Dionysos (5th c. B.C.) where most of the works by Sophocles, Euripides, Aeschylos and Aristophanes were performed. Continuing, you will reach the ruins of the Asklepieion (5th c. B.C.) and the Stoa of Eumenes (2th c. B.C.) and from there the Odeion of Herodes Atticus, which was built in 161 A.D. and is nowadays the venue of the performances of the Athens Festival.

From there you climb up to the sacred rock of the Acropolis, the site of some of the most important masterpieces of worldwide architecture and art, the most renowned of which is the Parthenon temple. Apart from this, also impressive are the Propylaea, the temple of the Athene Nike and the Erechtheion, while you must not skip a visit to the Museum, located close to the Parthenon. Moreover, from the rock you have an impressive view of the city. Only 300m away from the sacred rock of Acropolis stands the impressive Acropolis Museum, one of the most important contemporary works of architecture in Athens. It is made of steel, glass and concrete and it houses 4,000 priceless finds from the Acropolis monuments that represent its history and function as the most important religious centre of ancient Athens.

Coming down from the Acropolis you arrive at the Areios Pagos, the most ancient law court of the world. Opposite it is Philopappou Hill, with its beautiful cobbled little roads and the Roman monument by the same name on its top, while close by is the Pnyx, where the citizens of ancient Athens used to assemble and exert their democratic rights. Walking farther along the pedestrian road you arrive at the Ancient Agora, which was the commercial, political and religious centre of ancient Athens. A visit to the archaeological site will give you the opportunity to become acquainted with the workings of Classical Athenian democracy and visit the stunning Temple of Hephaestus.

From there, via Ermou Street, you arrive at the Kerameikos, the largest cemetery of the ancient city, with impressive tomb sculptures and stelae. The Iridanos River, sacred in antiquity, runs through the archaeological site. However, our tour of enchanting Athens does not restrict itself only to these unique archaeological sites.