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  • Escape to Athens

  • Sponsored Editorial

  • The Greek capital may be rooted in its classical past, but it‘s striding confidently into the twenty-first century. Already featuring some of Europe‘s best nightlife, the 2004 Olympics brought renovated museums, pedestrianised streets and boutique hotels

  • Enter our competition and you could win return flights for you and a friend to Athens.

    The Acropolis
    Indisputably the symbol of Athens, this sacred hill is topped by the magnificent Parthenon temple, dedicated to the goddess Athena. Get here for the 8am opening to avoid the crowds and heat, and leave time to explore the splendid New Acropolis Museum. (www.newacropolismuseum.gr) .

    Syntagma Square
    This is the city’s central hub, with the museums of Vassilissis Sophias Avenue to the east and the shopping district of Ermou to the west. Catch the hourly Changing of the Presidential Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; it’s inadvisable to make fun of their clogs and pompoms.

    Monastiraki Market

    Off Ermou Street you’ll find this colourful and chaotic flea market. Shops and stalls are piled high with gems and junk; search and haggle hard enough and you’ll find the perfect memento. Come any morning; Sunday is best. The city’s ancient Agora (marketplace) is just round the corner.

    Lykavittos Hill

    Athens is built on seven hills, the highest of which is 263m Lykavittos. You can climb to the top using the seemingly endless stairs; mere mortals can take the funicular railway. Either way, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view of the city from the Acropolis to the Aegean Sea.

    Bouzouki
    Athens nightlife offers everything from the Acropolis Sound and Light Show to sleek, contemporary bars. Head for Plaka, the oldest district of Athens, where you’ll find the narrow streets lined with lively tavernas pulsing with traditional bouzouki music. Concerts are held regularly at the Perivoli t’Ouranou Club on Lysikratous.

    Fly easyJet
    Fly London Gatwick or Luton to Athens from £40.99. All fares are single and include tax.

    Win Flights
    Enter our competition and you could win return flights for you and a friend to Athens.

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    Book online at www.easyjet.com for great deals on easyJet holidays: from city breaks and golf trips to beach fun and family holidays.

     

     

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1 comment

  1. Posted by Tom Watts on 10 Mar 2009 20:56

    The Perivoli T’Ouranou Club - Warning to fellow tourists!
    The music is good but the management will ruthlessly fleece foreign visitors if they get the chance. Sample price: 60 euro for a bottle of wine, opened at your table before you have the chance to object, make a choice, or ask the price. As visitors we did not feel welcome, and that was before we got the (unwritten!) bill.

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