In Athens and around this town a lot.
Traveling in the region around Athens, the tourists will be rewarded with fascinating historical sights, beautiful scenery and peaceful traditional villages. Some of the main attractions can be visited during day trips from Athens, a short distance away by car or bus. Among them, a listed UNESCO the Monastery of daphni, Monastery of Kaisariani, a Paradise for travellers — mount Parnassus and a spectacular Temple of Poseidon on the shore of the Riviera in Attica. Other destinations located a little further away and it is best to stay the night. This romantic seaside town of Nafplion and the archaeological sites of Epidavros and Mycenae. Any of these unique excursions will be an interesting addition to Your Greek vacation in Athens.
The Coast Of Nafplio
Nafplion is located in a protected Bay, 139 miles from Athens. This is one of the most picturesque and romantic cities in Greece. According to mythology, Nafplio was founded by the son of the God Poseidon and the daughter of danaus. History of Nafplio refers to the time of the Expedition of the Argonauts and the Trojan war. The city was also ruled by Romans, Byzantine Empire, Venetians and the Ottoman Turks. This is due to the rich heritage of Nafplio, which unites charming Old world ambiance and many historic monuments: fortified medieval castles, sumptuous Venetian buildings and impressive Ottoman fountains. In the centre of the city is Constitution Square (Syntagma) with stunning historic monuments. Another landmark is the Palamidi castle, perched on a 200 meter hill. During the excursion to the castle you have to climb 1,000 steps. Another castle of Nafplio even more inaccessible — that is the Venetian Bourtzi fortress on the island of aghioi Theodoroi. It can only be visited by boat during the summer season. This iconic landmark of Greece is one of the most photographed places in Nafplio. Approximately 12 kilometers from Nafplio is the ancient city of Argos archaeological Museum and ancient ruins of the theatre, Roman baths and the medieval castle.
Excursion to Epidavros
This beautiful seaside city is located 129 kilometers from Athens and 35 km from Nafplio. The city is known primarily for its archaeological sites, especially Theatre Epidavros the 4th century BC. In this well-preserved monument, visitors can easily imagine the classical Greek drama, the audience gathers here more than two millennia ago. Other ancient ruins include a stadium, where they held sporting events and bridge the Mycenaean era, built in the 14th century BC Tourists bought a tour of the town’s archaeological Museum, which showcases found during archaeological excavations Epidavros exhibits.
The Monastery Of Daphni
Daphni monastery is a classic spiritual retreat only 10 kilometres from the centre of Athens. This attraction is easy to visit during day trips from Athens. The monastery is located on the territory of ancient temple of Apollo, guarded the sacred Laurel Daphne. This explains the origin of the name of the monastery. A pagan Shrine was transformed into an early Christian monastery, which was replaced by the existing monastery in 1080. The monastery is a world heritage site by UNESCO and famous for its gilded mosaics of the 11th century, adorn the Church interior. It’s a brilliant sanctuary is considered one of the most beautiful Byzantine churches in Greece, along with the Church of Hosios Lukas near Delphi and the Church of NEA Moni on Chios. The Monastery of daphni there is also a gorgeous courtyard.
Tour from Athens to Mycenae
Mycenae is a legendary city from Greek mythology. The legendary cradle of the ancient Mycenaean civilization, the archaeological ruins of Mycenae, located 120 km from Athens and 25 km from Nafplion. In Greek mythology this place was known as the city of Agamemnon. Mycenae was mentioned frequently by Homer and other Greek authors. The earliest archeological fragments dated to the seventh Millennium BC, encompassing the prehistoric era. During the tour visitors will see the remains of palaces, fountains, ramparts and the famous “Tomb of Agamemnon”, which is also called the “Treasury of Atreus”.
Attica, — The Athenian Riviera
Riviera of Attica stretches along the coastline between Athens and Cape Sounion, also known as the Coast of Apollo. In this area there are many archaeological ruins, Golf courses, groomed beaches, yacht clubs and marinas. The temple of Poseidon stands on a steep rock of Cape Sounion, approximately 70 kilometers from Athens. On this place referred to by Homer in the Odyssey, talking about the altar of the seventh century BC, but the current monument was built in 6-5 centuries BC, This magnificent marble temple built on the terrace with its fine Doric columns, 13 rows. The Church is distinguished by the classic style of the fifth century BC.
Monastery Of Kaisariani
It is divinely peaceful place located just eight kilometers from Athens. Monastery of Kaisariani is surrounded by serene wooded Park. These lush green spaces filled with shade trees, cypress trees, Mediterranean shrubs and colourful flowers. In the Park is the Botanical garden, where they grow seedlings of plants of the Greek flora. The monastery was named in honor of a source that once gave water to the sanctuary of Aphrodite. From this source the Emperor Hadrian sent the water to the aqueduct to provide fresh water to Athens. Clean, perfectly clear water source was considered healing and is especially useful for those who want to get pregnant women. Spring water still flows out of the ancient head of a sheep in the courtyard of the Monastery of Kaisariani. Make sure you make time for spiritual meditation in the Church of the 11th century — a beautiful domed sanctuary built in the year 1000.
Secrets Of The Ancient Elefsis
The wonders of Ancient Greece are not limited only to the Athenian Acropolis. This archaeological monument allows visitors to plunge into the legendary Eleusinian Mysteries — secret religious rites of the Mycenaean era (15-13 century BC). Elesis is 21 km away from Athens, where during the excursion tourists can see the ruins of ancient temples associated with the Cult Lesystem. Among them is a Sanctuary of Demeter 14th century BC.
The cult of the Eleusinian Mysteries was derived from the myth of the goddess Demeter, who was mourning the loss of her daughter Persephone, kidnapped by the God of the underworld Hades. According to legend, Demeter went to elefsis to reunite with her daughter. Since then, Demeter was revered as ensuring abundant harvests, the Goddess of Abundance. Lepsinskyi rites were performed annually from September to October to honor the goddess and to the fertile grain harvest. These religious rites included a procession from Athens to Elefsis, accompanied by ritual bathing in the sea, a three-day fasting and mysterious chants.
Tour from Athens to Piraeus
In Athens, both ancient Bay, modern port and cargo terminal. The largest modern port of Greece, Piraeus actually has a 2,000 year history. The port was built by Themistocles, approximately 482 BC, as a trading port and naval base of Athens. Located approximately 12 kilometres from Athens centre, Piraeus is an important stop for many ships sailing to Europe from the Middle East. This port is also the departure point for most of the domestic shipping lines, and travel routes and ferries to various Greek Islands. The main harbour of Piraeus is Cantaros. Still used less ancient harbours Pasalimani, Mikrolimano and Tourkolimano. The remains of ancient slipways for boats can be seen under water on the Eastern side of the harbour of Pasalimani.
Lake Marathon
In a peaceful area among extensive pine forest is a man-made lake Marathon, formed by the dam. The dam built between 1926 and 1931 years to create a reservoir of fresh water. The reservoir is 38 km away from Athens and is the main source of water supply of the city. Swimming in it is forbidden, but the area is perfect for Hiking in the woods, outdoors, or family picnics on Sunny days. The lake is located eight kilometers to the West from the village of Marathon, on the way to Aghios Stefanos. In the old days the village was regarded as the place where Theseus killed the bull of Marathon. Here also took place a great battle between Greeks and Persians in 490 BC
Excursion to mount Parnassus
10 kilometres from the centre of town is mount Parnassus is a wonderful destination for day trips from Athens. This idyllic region attracts numerous visitors for its pristine pine forests and pleasant climate. To get to mount Parnassus, it is necessary to travel about 10 kilometers from the remote suburb of Athens Acharnes. Scenic mountain trails with many steep curves and gives you a great walk. The road leads past the chapel of Agia Triada on the street Parnasos where right at the foot of the mountain there is a great hotel Parnis Palace. Nearby the mountain hut, where climbers start the climb to the top of mount Parnis. More opportunities for tourists include mount Parnon 200 kilometers from Athens. Here there is a relatively mild Alpine climate and the beautiful waterfalls and mountain streams for thousands of years has created dramatic gorges.
The temple of Apollo at Thermos
If You are interested in archaeology, take the time to get out of Athens and visit the Temple of Apollo at Thermos (approximately 300 kilometers from Athens). The temple ruins are in a picturesque location on the North shore of Lake Trichonida, in a few kilometers from the Thermos. Earlier the Temple of Apollo was built here in the 10th century BC, the Current ruins are more recent temple built at the same place in 625 BC For greater understanding of the ancient history of this region, visit Agrinion and its interesting archaeological Museum.
Mistras
In 218 kilometers from Athens lie the ruins of Mystras — a world heritage site by UNESCO. The village lies seven kilometers from Sparta and is a shining example of the city the last Byzantine period (13-15th century). The tour should start with a fortress on top of a hill, provides a panoramic view of the picturesque countryside. Other interesting attractions include the Mitropolis, the Episcopal Church of Mystras, the Despot’s Palace, the convent of Pantanassa, the Vrontokhion monastery and his Church Theodori (1296) and Afentico and Perivleptos monastery with its beautiful Byzantine paintings. Be sure to visit the archaeological Museum of Sparta and is located to the South of the village was Krokis. About the most popular sightseeing of Athens, see the separate article.
