Blog Topic: Athens Travel Tips

The Kalanda: Greece’s Timeless New Year’s Songs   As the new year begins, the streets of Athens come alive with the sound of Kalanda, traditional carols sung by children holding decorated triangles. This beautiful Greek custom, which heralds the new year, has roots that stretch back to ancient times. In antiquity, children would visit homes and sing praises to gods…

Harpy: Winged Terrors of Greek Mythology   Delve into the world of Greek mythology with a closer look at the harpies, fearsome creatures with the body of a bird and the face of a woman. Known for their swift and menacing nature, harpies were often associated with storms and sudden gusts of wind. One of the most famous encounters with…

Olympia: Where the Flame Was Lit   Delve into the historic origins of the Olympics by exploring the ancient sanctuary of Olympia, the birthplace of the Games. Nestled in the picturesque Peloponnese, this sacred site witnessed the inaugural Olympiad in 776 BC. Visit the Temple of Hera, where the Olympic flame was kindled, and the stadium, where athletes showcased their…

The Stoa Poikile: A Philosophical Stroll Through Ancient Athens Embark on a journey through the philosophical heart of Athens by exploring the Stoa Poikile, an ancient portico that served as a gathering place for some of the greatest minds in history. This covered colonnade, adorned with vibrant frescoes, witnessed the spirited debates of philosophers like Zeno and Epicurus. As you…

In the heart of ancient Athens, the arrival of March heralded the much-anticipated awakening of nature, marking the beginning of spring. Athenians celebrated the changing of seasons with vibrant festivals and rituals that embraced the renewal of life.   One of the most cherished traditions was the Anthesteria, a festival dedicated to Dionysus, the god of wine and fertility. During…

In the romantic tapestry of ancient Athens, the mischievous god Eros played a central role, armed with his bow and arrows to stir the hearts of mortals and immortals alike. Known as the winged archer of desire, Eros’s influence reached every corner of the city, leaving a trail of passion and connection in his wake.   The myth of Eros…

As the clock ticks towards the dawn of a new year, let’s take a journey back in time to discover how the ancient Athenians welcomed the beginning of a fresh chapter. In ancient Athens, the transition to a new year was a cause for celebration, marked by unique customs and rituals.   One of the most significant celebrations was the…

[vc_row el_id=”post-content”][vc_column][vc_column_text]Sounio is a rocky cape located at the southernmost point of Attica. It was the first point one saw when sailing from the Cyclades to Piraeus. Sounio is first mentioned by Homer in the Odyssey who describes it as the sacred cape of the Athenians. From the rock of Sounio the mythical Aegeus, king of Athens, when he saw…

The Iera Odos (the Sacred Road), with a length of 22 kilometers, was the road which in ancient times connected Athens with the Thriasian Field and the holy city of Eleusis. Eleusis, birthplace of the great tragic poet of antiquity, Aeschylus, was, together with Athens, Delphi, Olympia and Delos, the 5 holy cities of Ancient Greece. Its name comes from…

[vc_row el_id=”post-content”][vc_column][vc_column_text]1. Neolithic findings that were discovered on the slopes of the Acropolis show a continuous habitation on the hill, since at least 2800 BC, as it was a natural fortress, while there were water sources on its slopes.   2. The theater of Dionysos located at the foot of the Acropolis is considered to be the first theater in…