Useful information for tourists about Attica in Greece - geographical location, tourist infrastructure, map, architectural features and attractions.
The region of Central Greece, located in the southeast of the Balkan Peninsula and washed by the waters of the Aegean Sea. Three bays approach the shores of this peninsula - Euboean, Saronic and Petalian. A significant part of the peninsula is covered with low mountains of limestone and marble. The mountains are covered with coniferous forests.
Attica is a historical region of Greece; on its territory are the capital Athens, the legendary city of Marathon, the city of Eleusis, where the inhabitants worshiped Demeter, and the port of Piraeus. The first settlements on this land date back to the Neolithic era (3rd millennium BC). The ancient historians Plato and Herodotus wrote that the inhabitants of Attica were autochthons - that is, not alien conquerors, but original inhabitants who literally came from the land itself. In ancient times, on the territory of Attica, each city or region represented a small state that worshiped its own deity. There were 12 such states; they were united, according to legend, by King Theseus. Athens, the cradle of Greek statehood and democracy, became the main city of Attica. Already in ancient times, Attica was governed by nine elected officials, in whose hands the executive, military and judicial powers were concentrated. A year later, these nine transferred power to the newly elected magistrates, and they themselves transferred for life to the Areopagus - the body of power of the aristocracy. Athens itself became a place for the development of culture, arts, and philosophy.
The climate of Attica is mild, temperate Mediterranean. Average temperatures in summer are almost always above +30 degrees. The rainy season begins here at the end of September and lasts until April. The swimming season lasts from April to September; the sea warms up to its maximum by August (up to +26). In winter, despite above-zero temperatures, snow can fall here, melting almost immediately and not forming a snow cover.
Transport
Athens is home to the Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport, opened in 2001, serving as the air gateway to Greece and Attica in particular.
Inside Attica you can travel by rail (trains) and intercity buses. Buses to the eastern and western parts of Attica depart from two different bus stations in Athens. The first is located near the Acropolis, the second - on Egyptian Square. Ferries transport tourists to the islands of Aegina and Salamis. One of the fastest ways to travel around Athens is the metro with three lines, one of which is above ground. Athens also has express bus routes leading to the airport, city bus, trolleybus and tram routes.
Resorts of Attica
Administratively, Attica is divided into four nomes: Eastern and Western Attica. The most popular, both in terms of beach and cultural and historical recreation, is the city of Athens. The suburbs of the capital are resort towns with the general name “Athenian Riviera”. They are located along the coast and, in addition to hotels and beaches, contain yacht clubs, night clubs, golf clubs, and have their own specifics. Thus, it is considered a resort for the wealthy, Lagonissi - for families with children. Specialization and Vouliagmeni - health improvement.
A holiday in Piraeus will cost less than in Athens. Due to the location of the port, there is only one beach, but Piraeus guarantees beautiful views and ancient sites.
Sights and excursions
Let's start getting acquainted with the rich heritage of Attica from Athens and its sacred hill, the Acropolis. The second name of the hill is Kekropia, in honor of Kekrops, the first king of Athens. Acropolis was also called a well-defended place and a settlement located inside this fortress. In ancient times, the main city was located in the Acropolis. According to legend, it was the residence of Theseus, the collector of the lands of Attica. When the cult of the goddess Athena was established in Athens, a temple was erected here in her honor - the Parthenon.
On the territory of Attica, many sights from different eras have been preserved. The heritage of Hellas is the ruins of ancient cities and temples dedicated to the gods of the Greek pantheon. For example, at Cape Sounion, on the shore, the remains of the Temple of Poseidon have been preserved. Christian monasteries and temples have been preserved from the Byzantines. One of them is the Daphne monastery near Athens. At the base of the monastery lie the remains of the Temple of Apollo. Near Mount Imitos, surrounded by coniferous and cypress forests, is the Kesariani monastery, also of the Byzantine period.
The island of Aegina is visited to see Paleochora. It is called an abandoned city, but in fact it is a valley in which the buildings of about seven dozen churches and chapels from the Byzantine and later periods have been preserved. It is believed that each of these structures was built in fulfillment of a vow made for the salvation of a loved one. Relatives, wives of fishermen and warriors came to this place to pray.
Salamis, although it is called a "dacha" island, has such attractions as the cave of Euripides, another ancient Greek playwright. It is located at an altitude of more than a hundred meters; in the city of Salamis, a theater festival is held annually in honor of the ancient author. On the island you can also visit a museum dedicated to folk art and the history of the ancient fleet, the Faneromeni monastery and the ancient city of Ambelakia with the ruins of the acropolis.
Wellness holiday
Loutraki, Vouliagmeni, Sounion are resorts where people come for health and beauty treatments. In Loutraki there is a hydrotherapy center that specializes in the treatment of diseases of the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and cardiovascular system. Springs gushing out from underground are saturated with radon and trace elements.
The resort of Vouliagmeni grew up next to the lake of the same name, which is filled with water from thermal springs. Skin problems, joints, and diseases of the female reproductive system are treated here. The air is saturated with the aromas of coniferous forests and helps strengthen the respiratory system and nervous system.
Sounion specializes in cosmetology using preparations based on local herbs and minerals. Methods using sea salt and seaweed are also used here.
Beach holiday
Many Attica beaches have the highest European award for the cleanliness of the sea and coast - the Blue Flag. Many of the beaches are free. In the vicinity of Athens (the so-called Greater Athens), all the beaches are well-maintained - Faliron, Glyfada, Rocket and others. The beach in Piraeus is called Votsalakia. On the west coast, the sandy beaches of Lagonissi are good; on the east, Schinias near the city of Marathon is recognized as the best.
In Loutraki the beaches are covered with small pebbles. This resort features a variety of accommodation facilities: from five stars to inexpensive family hotels. The resort of Loutraki is also chosen due to the proximity of the cities of Corinth and Delphi with their famous attractions.
There are beautiful sandy beaches on the island of Aegina, located in the Saronic Gulf. It is a half-hour ferry ride away from Piraeus. Another Attica island that can be reached from Piraeus is Salamis. This island is popular primarily among the Greeks themselves. Salamis has beaches, but few hotels.
Vacation with children
Activities for children in Attica are mainly found in Athens. Perhaps it is worth starting with a sightseeing trip around the city on a sightseeing bus to get to know Athens as a whole, and then move on to activities that interest your child. As part of your educational leisure, it is worth planning a visit to the main Athenian attractions of the Acropolis and the Parthenon, to see with your own eyes household items and art created by the ancient Greeks.
Further relaxation may depend on the preferences of the child: animal lovers can visit the sea turtle rescue center and even feed them there, as well as visit the Attico Zoo. Young artists will be interested in the interactive museum of children's creativity. A visit to the Charimidos puppet theater can be combined with a tour of the Agora, the ancient city square located nearby. The Athens Planetarium awaits young astronomers.
And, of course, any child is unlikely to refuse visiting Athens confectionery shops, the National Garden with a park and a zoo, the Flisvos city park, the Allou Fun Park and water parks, two of which are located in Athens itself, one in the suburbs, the third near the city of Isthymia 20 km from the capital. Not far from Athens there is an Adventure Park with a rope course.
Active recreation and entertainment
Attica will offer the restless a variety of active leisure options. On the coast these are water sports: rafting, windsurfing, scuba diving. The ancient city of Megara, about 40 km northwest of the capital, is known to extreme sports enthusiasts as a center for parachuting. There is a parachute school here.
Tourists will be offered to explore mountainous Attica on foot and with the help of off-road vehicles: the routes are designed in such a way that they have the opportunity to see the history of this part of Greece, and the modern life of the inhabitants of small villages, and admire the beauty of nature. Some of the routes are laid along ancient roads.
The foot of the Acropolis, a 156-meter hill in Athens, serves as the starting point for the Acropolis racing competition, which takes place in early June.
Club life is in full swing in Athens and resort suburbs, for example, in Glyfada. Nightclubs host discos, concerts of world stars, parties and shows. Fans of gambling come to Loutraki - there is a casino there.
Throughout the tourist season, festivals are held in different cities of Attica. The largest of them is the Festival of Athens and Epidaurus in the capital. From June to September, performances and concerts take place in Athens, world stars come and Greek artists and groups perform. From April to October, the Acropolis hosts light shows dedicated to the history of the Greek capital. Eleusis becomes the site of a theater festival in honor of Aeschylus, the ancient playwright.
Kitchen and souvenirs
Called Greek in Russia, and peasant salad in Greece itself, this salad is served here with local kolomata olives. For dessert - local figs. Attica's rocky soils are best suited for growing olives and figs, and local honey herbs add their flavor to the honey produced here.
Residents of this part of Greece prefer avgolemono soup with the addition of egg and lemon juice, dolmadakya - a local version of dolma, grilled seafood, hot peppers stuffed with cheese. Among the alcohols here, it is worth trying, in addition to raki and ouzo, the liqueur mastiha, which acquires a special taste after adding resin from a tree from the pistachio family.
Clay is mined on the coast of Attica, so ceramic products here are beyond praise. The souvenir trade is concentrated mainly in Athens. Very often people come here to buy fur coats, leather clothes, and jewelry. Less expensive will be the purchase of natural cosmetics, herbal infusions, ceramics, gastronomic souvenirs - oil, olives, cheese, honey and traditional honey desserts.
Almost everyone associates the word “Attica” directly with the city of Athens - the capital of Greece and at the same time the oldest city in Europe, since the Attica region, first of all, includes the territory of Athens, stretching around the historical center of the city and its suburbs, including the main port of the country, Piraeus, the coastline of the Athens Riviera along the southern coast of the Argosaronic Gulf (from Paleo Faliro to Sounion), as well as the eastern coast, the islands close to Athens (Salamin, Poros, Hydra, Spetses, Aegina) and the Ionian Sea island of Kythira (Kythira), located south of Peloponnese, along with a small part of the Peloponnese around Tryzina (Trezen).
Here you can find absolutely everything - from luxury hotels and great restaurants to modern cafes, shopping centers, picturesque ancient markets, art galleries, antique shops, interesting museums and recreation areas, which makes Attica, in addition to an ideal destination for a city break, a convenient place for permanent residence.
Objects in the region
Story
Since ancient times, the Athenians have been proud of the fact that they are autochthons of this region. Later, during the so-called Geometric period, also known as the Homeric or “Dark Ages” in the history of Greece (XI-IX centuries BC), the Ionians moved here from the north of the Peloponnese. It is worth noting that Attica is a unique territory that represents all stages of the historical development of mankind from the Mycenaean period (1600-1100 BC) and the reign of the mythical kings of Athens Cecrops and Theseus to ancient times and our time.
The classical period of antiquity was marked by the construction of defensive fortifications at Elefteres, which have survived to this day, as well as at Inoi, Dhekelia and Afidnes. To protect the mines in Lavrion, from the sea side, a fortress wall was erected in Ramnunda, Forikos, Sounion, Anavyssos, Piraeus and Eleusis (Elefsis).
Eleusis is also one of the most important archaeological sites of Attica, since it is associated with the famous Eleusinian Mysteries, during which initiation rites into the cult of the fertility goddess Demeter and her daughter Persephone were held, while the Festival of Halcyon (copper craftsmen) was dedicated to Hephaestus and the goddess Athena Ergani - patroness of labor, etc.
The ancient times were replaced by Roman, Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman domination, while during the Byzantine period Athens fell into the hands of the Visigoths under the leadership of Alaric (396), while the 11th-12th centuries were marked by the dominance of the Franks. The presence of only one large monastery in Daphne, built under Justinian the Great (VI century), indicates the limited development of this region in the early Middle Ages. By the way, the monastery in Daphne, along with the Acropolis of Athens, is included in the list of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites.
With the liberation of the Greek people from the Ottoman yoke, the city of Athens became in 1834 (after Nauplion) the capital of the new Greek state.
Overall, the most popular attractions in Attica are:
- monuments of ancient Greece: the Sacred Rock of the Acropolis - literally, the cornerstone of European civilization, where the great creations of the Golden Age of Pericles (5th century BC) are presented, as well as the Theater of Dionysus, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus (Herodio), the Athenian hills Areopagus and Pnyx, necropolis at Keramikos, Ancient and Roman Agora, Temple of Olympian Zeus and Arch of Hadrian;
- the historical center of Athens - from Syntagma and the shopping street of Ermou (Hermes) to Monastiraki, Thissio and Keramikos, including the streets of Stadiou with the marble stadium of Kalimarmaro (Panathinaikos) and Panepistimiou with neoclassical buildings and the famous Athens trilogy: library, university and Academy;
- Plaka with its narrow traditional streets (Sokakia) and the picturesque Anafiotika area, characterized by the flavor of the Cycladic islands;
- the aristocratic district of the Athens center, Kolonaki, and the respectable Reina Sofia Avenue;
- Psirri and Gazi: famous hangouts for Athenian youth;
- Sounion - southernmost point of Attica: temple of Poseidon (c. 440 BC);
- islands of the Saronic Gulf: Hydra (captain's mansions of the 18th century), the cosmopolitan island of Spetses (Dapia, Old Harbour), Aegina (buildings from the time of John Kapodistrias, the temple of Athena Athea and the Church of St. Nektarios) and the island of Poros, one of the bays of which is called “Russian Military -naval base" (Rosikos Navstafmos), associated with the victory of Russia in the Russian-Turkish war of 1787-1791;
- Kythira Island: Venetian castle in Chora, Palechora; the fortress sacked by Hayreddin Barbarossa, and the sacramental cave of Hagia Sophia.
Best of Attica
Geography and climate
The territory of Attica is located on the peninsula of the same name, jutting into the Aegean Sea. In the north it is separated from Boeotia by Mount Cithaeronas, while in the west lies the Isthmus of Corinth. From the south, the region is washed by the waters of the Saronic Gulf, and the eastern shores are fenced by the island of Euboea (Evia).
It should be noted that Athens and Piraeus are located between the four main mountains of the region: Aigaleo, Parnitha, Penteli and Ymittos. The surroundings of the last three, including Mount Myrinnus (modern Merenda) and Lavrion, are covered with pine trees.
The largest river in Attica is Kifisos, and the main body of water for the region's water supply is the artificial lake Marathon.
The climate here is temperate, Mediterranean and generally mild throughout most of the year, with an average annual temperature of 18.3⁰C. The Athenians call it “sweet”, thanks to its warm winters and dry summers, without high humidity.
Athens Riviera, Astir Palace
Natural wealth
In addition to the largest green areas of the Greek capital, which are popularly called the “green lungs of Athens”: the hills of Stephi and Lykabettos (Lykabettos), the National Park (former Royal Garden), the Pedion tou Areos park (Campus of Mars), etc., Attica is famous sea coast of the Athens Riviera (Faliro, Glyfada, Voula, Vouliagmeni, Varkiza) with luxury villas, rich vegetation, numerous esplanades over the water, beach bars, well-equipped marinas (Zea, Flisvos, Faliro-SEF, Alimos, Glyfada, Vouliagmeni) and large resort areas (Astera beach and the healing lake with fish Garra Rufa in Vouliagmeni, Voula, Varkiza).
It is an ideal location for leisure activities and walks, from the seaside promenade in Glyfada to the trendy cafes, bars, restaurants and specialty shops, as well as all water sports. It is noteworthy that the Athens suburbs are easily accessible from the city center, thanks to the tram line stretching from Syntagma along the seashore.
Gastronomy
As for gastronomic delights, there are also surprisingly many of them, depending on the location. Thus, in Athens and its suburbs there are a wide variety of snack bars (mesedopoly) and wine bars (ouzeri), as well as taverns, kebab houses (suvladzidika), canteens (magiria) and Greek restaurants with live music. In addition, the city has many wine and tapas bars, all day café-restaurants, restaurants for vegetarians and gourmet restaurants serving international cuisine from famous chefs.
On the seashore you can taste fresh fish and seafood dishes. This also applies to the islands of the Argosaronic Gulf: the traditional taverns of the picturesque harbor of Perdika and the miniature island of Angistri on Aegina, the fashionable restaurants of the Old Harbor (Paglio Limani) on the island. Spetses, etc..
The Greek capital is rightfully considered an open-air ancient museum (from Thisio and the Pnyx to the pedestrian zone of Dionysius the Areopagite, including the Acropolis, the New Acropolis Museum and Plaka with Monastiraki), thanks to its cultural and historical wealth, which is successfully combined with the modern appearance of the city with a developed social , tourist and transport infrastructure (metro, tram, train, bus service). There is a network of commuter trains here, connecting the suburbs not only with Athens, but also with Piraeus, from where domestic and international flights take place, as well as with Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport.
Athens is part of the national highway network Patras-Athens-Thessaloniki-Evzono (PAFE), which, along with the Larisi railway station, fully provides connections with the entire country.
Thanks to direct connections with all foreign countries through sea routes, as well as regular and charter flights from Athens International Airport, Attica offers many options for both short-term holidays and permanent residence or professional activities. Direct communication with all corners of the world, in turn, is one of the most important advantages when foreign citizens purchase real estate in Attica.
There is a wide range of real estate here - from multi-storey residential buildings, commercial and business premises to modern mansions surrounded by greenery on the outskirts of the city and renovated ancient buildings in the historical center. This, in general, has a positive effect, first of all, on the large number of available offers for the purchase of real estate, which can be purchased at competitive prices and even below market value.
Video about Attica
Attica is the southern part of mainland Greece, bordered in the north by Central Greece, and washed by the waters of the Saronic Gulf in the south. There are a huge number of attractions here. The capital of Greece, Athens, is located in Attica, the main seaport of the country is Piraeus, and the Athenian Riviera is a series of beautiful beaches on the Aegean coast.
The climate here is Mediterranean, healing the body due to its dryness. There are plantations of vineyards, fruit and olive trees everywhere. Attica is distinguished by its extraordinary diversity of landscape: on the one hand, the majestic beauty of the mountains of Parnitha, Pendeli and Hymet, and on the other, the sea with its magnificent coasts and beaches.
On the territory of Attica is the capital of Greece, Athens, a city of amazing destiny with a rich history, which is evidenced by the sights of the city. There are also many historical monuments in the vicinity of the capital.
In Marathon, the memory of the victory of the Greek national spirit and weapons comes to life - on the burial hill of Marathon there is a museum built in honor of the soldiers who died in the Battle of Marathon in 490 BC.
At Cape Sounion, the southernmost point of the coast, which offers stunning panoramic views of the Saronic Gulf and nearby islands, you can see one of the most impressive images of Greek architecture - the Temple of Poseidon from the 5th century BC. and the ruins of the Temple of Athena.
Also worth a visit is the ancient Temple of Demeter at Eleusis, located about 22 km from Athens, dedicated to the mysterious cult of the goddess Demeter and her daughter Persephone. It was here that the famous Eleusinian mysteries took place, the essence of which is still unknown to modern scientists.
Nearby is the Kutuki Cave, a natural cave with several chambers in the vicinity of the town of Peania.
The monastery of Caesariani, immersed in the greenery of cypresses, olives and laurels, has preserved frescoes inside it belonging to the brush of masters of the Cretan school, and the world-famous monument of Byzantine art, the monastery of Daphne, is remarkable for its magnificent mosaics, unmatched in its beauty in Greece, decorating its interior .
The coast of Athens, known as the “Coast of Apollo” or the “Athenian Riviera”, stretches from the port of Piraeus to Cape Sounion. Glyfada, one of the closest areas to the center of Athens and the international airport, has excellent equipped beaches, an international golf club and a huge number of luxury restaurants, bars, nightlife centers and clubs.
A 30-minute drive from Athens is another resort area of Vouliagmeni, which is much quieter and calmer, but also has well-maintained beaches that allow you to feel the warmth of the Greek sun, the tenderness of the sea, and also try yourself in a variety of water sports. Tourists in Vouliagmeni are also attracted by the thermal lake, the water of which is recommended for the treatment of rheumatic and neuralgic diseases. You can spend the evening in a beautiful bay, dining in a gourmet restaurant or fish tavern.
Many towns (Faliro, Alimo, Kalamaki, Yabanaka and others) offer vacationers a large selection of water and sailing sports. There are many places with the most bizarre names for the Russian ear: Voura, Varkiza, Kavuri, Mati, Marathonas, Vravrona, Lagonisi, Nea Makri, Loutraki - and all of them are ready to offer a first-class beach holiday in Greece. The best discos and night bars of the Athens Riviera are concentrated in the coastal areas of Elliniko and Glyfada. The swimming season begins in April and ends at the end of October.
Chinyas is one of the best beaches in Attica, located in the southeastern part of the famous Marathon. It is very popular and, accordingly, quite crowded; there are many windsurfers among the vacationers. There is also a surf club located here.
Vavrona. A small town that previously belonged to the mythical king Kekrops, the founder of Athens. This is an interesting area with many cozy sandy beaches and the amazing Sanctuary of Artemis.
All these are favorite holiday destinations for Greeks and tourists from all over the world. The disadvantages of this resort area include the fact that holidays here, due to the proximity of Athens, turn out to be more expensive, while most hotels in this region are located across the road from the sea and the beach.
Attica literally means “coastal country”. This is the land where ancient Greek myths come to life, where ancient gods live, where harmony and beauty fill all living things, where you are born again and find happiness under the wonderful azure sky, in the warm, gentle waters of the Aegean Sea.Attica is a peninsular territory with an area of approximately 2,200 sq. km, constituting the southeastern tip of mainland Greece, bordered to the north by Central Greece, and to the south by the waters of the Saronic Gulf. In the north of the nome there are mountains Kiferon (1400 m) and Parnifa (1413 m), forming its natural border. The relief of Attica is mostly mountainous. The small rivers Illissos and Kafissos flow through the Athenian plain. Athens, Eleusis and Marathon are located in the flat part of the region. To the southwest and south a low range of hills slopes gently towards the sea. Athens, which is the capital of the country and its main administrative center, is also located in the Attic region.
Attica has a mild, dry Mediterranean climate. The small plantations of Attica are densely covered with vineyards, fruit trees, not to mention the olive trees that grow everywhere.
Attica was formed around the 4th-5th centuries AD. This region was greatly influenced by Greece's stay under the Byzantine Empire, which is reflected in the architecture, painting and sculpture of Attica. Attica survived many wars and battles, famine, economic crisis, and at the same time retained its greatness and uniqueness.
Today Attica is the most industrialized region of Greece. The bulk of production is concentrated here and more than half the population of the entire country lives here. In addition, it is a major tourist center. Tourists coming here from all over the world have a unique opportunity not only to relax and enjoy the wonderful nature, clear sea, sandy beaches, services of modern hotel complexes, amazing hospitality of local residents, but also to get in touch with the great past of this extraordinary country.
Attica has many interesting sights, many of which are not inferior in importance to those in Athens - for example, the famous Temple of Poseidon (440 BC) at Cape Sounion, one of the most impressive images of Greek architecture. The powerful columns of the temple, standing on a cape open to all the winds, are an unforgettable sight. The temple is located 69 km from Athens.
The Temple of Dimeter at Eleusis is an ancient temple dedicated to the mysterious cult of the goddess Demeter and her daughter Persephone. The famous Eleusinian mysteries took place here: everyone knew about the rituals performed there, but the details of the ceremony and sacred texts were passed down orally; it was forbidden to write them down. Therefore, the essence of the mystery is still unknown to modern scientists. There is an archaeological museum at the temple. The temple is located 22 km from Athens.
The Daphne Monastery is located 11 km from Athens. Built on the site of the former sanctuary of Apollo and surrounded by a fortress fence. The 11th century church is very picturesque from the outside and attractive with its mosaics decorating its interior.
Nearby is the Kutuki cave. A natural cave with several halls in the vicinity of the town of Peania. The visitor can see the most beautiful stalactites and stalagmites of various shapes.
Fans of active recreation can go horseback riding, mountaineering, tennis, and sailing. There is a golf club in Glyfada.
Lake Volyameni is a miracle of nature. It is 50 centimeters above sea level and constantly overflows its banks due to the waters of hot springs filling it. The waters of the lake have healing properties; you can swim here all year round.
Piraeus has been the country's main port since ancient times. Now it is a beautiful city, famous for its fish restaurants and entertainment venues. In summer, the Kastella Summer Open Theater (Veakio) is open, and in winter you can visit the Piraeus City Theater.
The beaches of Paleo Faliro, Kalamaki, Glyfada, Voula, Kavouri, Vouliagmeni, Varkiza, Lagonisi are magnificent.
The resort of Palio Faliro is located in close proximity to the sea. Convenient location, proximity to the center and the sea make this area attractive for lovers of active recreation. Tourists can enjoy: beaches, fish and meat taverns, restaurants, nightclubs, yacht clubs, cafes and bars. Here you will find everything you need for a comfortable holiday at sea.
The resort of Glyfada is one of the most fashionable coastal areas of Athens, located 15 km from the center, a favorite vacation spot for the Greeks themselves and tourists. A large number of hotels, restaurants, bars, taverns, sports centers and nightclubs are concentrated here. There is Luna Park on the coast. Glyfada has excellent shopping: many large shopping centers and boutiques. To get to the center of Athens you will need only 20 minutes by bus.
Vouliagmeni resort - located in a green bay 24 km from the center of Athens, on the seashore. This is a picturesque, fashionable area with comfortable beaches, fish and meat taverns, restaurants, bars, yacht clubs, and an abundance of greenery - one of the most popular resorts among tourists. By regular bus you can reach the center of Athens in 35 minutes. In Vouliagmeni there is a unique radon lake.
The resorts of Kavouri, Varkiza, Voula - these resort areas follow one after another along the highway leading to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon. There are beaches, cafes, taverns, restaurants and other entertainment venues. Abundant coniferous groves along the coast give the air unique properties.
Lagonissi resort - the luxurious Lagonissi peninsula enchants with picturesque landscapes and azure sea waters. The attractive proximity to Athens (the capital of Greece can be reached by bus) makes this peninsula so attractive for tourists. The shallow coastline of Lagonissi is perfect for those vacationing with children, so this resort is ideal for a family holiday. While relaxing in Lagonissi, you can easily get acquainted with the sights of Athens.
Anavyssos resort is a picturesque green village on the southern coast of Attica, located 49 km from Cape Sounion. This is a great place to vacation. It attracts tourists with its amazingly beautiful nature, clear sea and sandy beaches.
The Greeks themselves love this corner very much. Evidence of this is the many dachas, including government ones. The convenient location allows you not only to relax, but also to get acquainted with the sights of Greece. And the shallow sea and convenient shore created a good atmosphere for a family holiday with small children.
Sounion is a resort on the cape of the same name. Cape Sounion, or Cape Kolones, is one of the easternmost capes of Attica, stretching towards the Aegean Sea. In ancient times, a temple dedicated to the god of the sea, Poseidon, was built here. Cape Sounio is a landmark of Athens Attica, a beautiful and fertile land. It has a mild climate, generous soils with olive groves, clean coastline and beautiful views of the surrounding islands.
The resort of Sounion is located near the capital of Greece, thanks to which there is a great historical heritage and the rapid development of hotel infrastructure. Sounion is an expensive and well-kept resort, whose sandy beaches will give you an unforgettable experience of the sea, sun and Greece.
The resorts of Mati - Nea Makri are perhaps the most popular resorts in the eastern part of Attica. These resorts are located in the Marathon Valley area, where in 490 BC. e. The famous Battle of Marathon took place. Nature itself provides excellent conditions for relaxation here: beautiful beaches, clear sea, healing aroma of pine forest.
Nea Makri is one of the very first resorts in Attica, located 33 km from Athens. The history of Nea Makri began in ancient times, during the Stone Age. Now this resort area, located near the capital by the sea, is experiencing an economic and tourist boom. In Nea Makri you will find a lot of entertainment: discos, nightclubs, numerous bars and restaurants.
Mati is an area that is located 5 km from Nea Makri, 27 km from Athens. This is a quiet resort place suitable for a good rest. On the rocky pine coast you will find small, hidden gorges with sandy beaches.
The close proximity of the resorts to Athens will make it easy to complete the “obligatory” program for every tourist to explore the sights of this wonderful city.
A vacation in Attica is a great opportunity to combine acquaintance with Athenian antiquities and relaxation at sea.
Greece has everything a modern tourist is looking for. This country is caressed by the sun 300 days a year, its borders are washed by 4 seas and surrounded by 1,400 islands.
Greece invites you on exciting trips to ancient ruins and museums where ancient treasures are kept. This sunny country attracts with its fruit groves and delicacies prepared from the gifts of the Mediterranean Sea.
Greek beaches have earned the title of the best for relaxation in the whole world. Tourists flock here to sunbathe, spend time at youth discos, take unique photo sessions and enjoy the taste of aromatic olives.
One such tourist destination is Attica. It is located in the heart of the country. This is the area where statehood was founded and where the capital of Greece is located.
Attica means "coastal country". Attica is located on a peninsula, which is washed on three sides by the bays of the Aegean, Euboean, Petalian and Saronic seas.
How to get to Attica
The best way to get to Attica is from Athens, where tourists are transported by regular international flights from any country in the world.You can get to know this historical area better with the help of a developed public transport system.
The commuter bus station is located at 100, Kiffissou Street. From here, KTEL Attikis transport will deliver to Attica bus stations, one of which is located near the Acropolis, and the second on Egyptian Square.
Local train schedules are available at Athens stations. In addition, there are ferry and air connections to Attica.
Royal Olympic Hotel located within walking distance of the Acropolis. The hotel's luxuriously furnished rooms offer magnificent views of the Temple of Zeus or the fragrant garden with swimming pool.
Poseidonion Grand Hotel located on the island of Spetses and is its landmark due to its rich architecture. The rooms are stylishly furnished and feature wooden floors for added luxury. The rooms' balconies offer views of the seascape or flower garden.
Hotels 4*
Amalia Hotel is within walking distance to the Acropolis and the central square of Plaka. The hotel has been awarded the Green Key eco-label for its use of natural toiletries, cleaning products and organic products.
Herodion located at the foot of the Acropolis. Each room at this hotel is decorated in an elegant style. The hotel has a magnificent rooftop garden where you can relax in hot tubs and sun loungers with views of Athens.
Hotels 3*
The hotel rooms are furnished with modern furniture and the interior is decorated in light colors.
Plaka Hotel located in the historical center of the capital of Greece. There is a café-bar on the roof of the hotel with an impressive view of the Acropolis.
Things to do in Attica: Sightseeing
The lands of Attica have absorbed ancient legends and myths that come to life in the eyes of impressionable travelers.
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Walking through the sights, you can easily be transported to ancient times, when the land of mortals was inhabited by omnipotent deities. Once in Attica, do not deny yourself the pleasure of visiting the following temples and monasteries and simply interesting places:
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Temple of Poseidon
A unique building located on Cape Sounion. In this temple, sacraments and rituals were performed to appease the formidable sea god. The slender columns of the temple, which frame the massive structure, amaze the imagination. The building combines subtlety and grandeur, embodying the connection between land and sea. -
Monastery of Daphne
It can be found 10 kilometers from Athens. This structure was erected on the site of the pagan temple of Apollo Daphne in the 6th century. Today the monastery has the status of a monument. -
Engina Island
This small island attracts with its luxurious beaches and clear sea water. It is located in the middle of the Sardonic Gulf. In history, this island is known for the fact that about 360 temples were built on it. Most of them have been wiped off the face of the earth, but travelers who love antiquity can get to the city of Paleochora, considered a ghost, in which no one has lived for a long time.
