Athens

CITY OF GODESS ATHENA

Our Greek adventure continued with a ferry ride from the island paradise of Santorini to the historic heart of Athens. Saying goodbye to Santorini's blue-domed cliffs, we boarded our ferry at Thera port early in the morning. As the ferry pushed off, the sense of anticipation grew—we were about to follow the path of ancient mariners across the Aegean, making our way to one of the most storied cities in the world.

The journey was as scenic as it was relaxing, and the ferry made brief stops at four other Cycladic islands: Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, and Syros. Each island brought its own charm to our voyage. At every port, we were surrounded by a flurry of activity—locals and travelers, families with kids, couples with pets, and a surprising number of cars, trucks, and motorbikes all awaiting their turn to board. Watching people going about their daily routines, with boats unloading crates of fresh produce and travelers loading bags, was like watching small snapshots of life on the islands. Each island tempted us with its unique beauty, but the draw of Athens kept us on board.

As we sailed closer to Piraeus, the sunlight began to take on a golden hue, transforming the landscape. We arrived around 5:50 pm, just as Athens was bathed in a warm, golden light. The buildings sparkled under the sun’s fading rays, and the whole city appeared like a sprawling, sunlit painting set against the mountains. The sight felt like an invitation from Athens itself, welcoming us to a city that has witnessed millennia of human history.

Once we disembarked, we took a taxi from Piraeus to our apartment in the center of Athens. Driving through the bustling streets of Athens was its own experience—the city was alive with energy, modern life pulsing alongside ancient ruins and neoclassical architecture. Our apartment was ideally located, within walking distance of many of Athens' most iconic sites, which was a huge relief for us as we were traveling with our young child. The convenience of being in the heart of the city allowed us to explore without the pressure of extensive travel between sites.

The next morning, we were up early, eager to make the most of our first full day in Athens. Our destination was the legendary Acropolis. The walk toward the Acropolis was surreal, with glimpses of the majestic structure appearing between the buildings, drawing us closer with each step. Climbing up the ancient paths, we passed olive trees and sweeping views of the city until, finally, we stood before the Parthenon. This architectural marvel, with its massive columns and graceful design, felt like a doorway to ancient times. We could almost picture the city as it was thousands of years ago, with the Parthenon as its crowning jewel.

We spent hours wandering around the Acropolis, soaking in the details—the sculptures, the carvings, and the incredible views of Athens below. The whole experience felt like walking through a living museum, with layers of history woven into every stone and every pillar.

In the afternoon, we made our way to the Acropolis Museum, a modern yet elegantly designed space that houses countless artifacts from the Acropolis site. The museum itself was a marvel, with expansive glass floors revealing archaeological digs beneath our feet. As we moved from room to room, we were entranced by statues, pottery, and relics dating back centuries. Each piece held stories of Greek gods, myths, and daily life in ancient Athens. It was the perfect complement to our visit to the Acropolis, adding depth and context to everything we had seen earlier.

As evening approached, we set our sights on Philopappos Hill. We strolled through narrow streets and green pathways until we reached the summit, where Athens unfolded beneath us in all its glory. From here, we could see the Parthenon illuminated, casting a warm glow over the city as the sun began to set. The view was breathtaking, with the orange and pink hues of the sunset blending into the deep blue of the Aegean Sea in the distance. It was a peaceful moment, watching the city transition from day to night, and it gave us a sense of connection to the many others who had stood in this very spot over the centuries.

Our first day in Athens was everything we had hoped for and more. From the monumental beauty of the Parthenon to the quiet serenity of Philopappos Hill at sunset, the city had already woven itself into our memories. It was just the beginning of our exploration of Athens, but already we felt the magic of this city—a place where ancient history and vibrant modern life coexist in perfect harmony.

As we strolled through the charming neighborhood of Plaka in Athens, it felt like stepping into a different world. The cobblestone streets were lined with quaint shops, vibrant cafes, and historic buildings draped in bougainvillea, each turn revealing another picturesque scene. Wandering along Plaka’s winding paths, we found ourselves lost in its timeless beauty, with the distant hum of Greek music and the aroma of freshly baked pastries making the experience all the more enchanting.

Here’s a helpful tip: if you're visiting the Acropolis, it's best to go early in the morning or in the evening to avoid peak crowds and enjoy a cooler atmosphere. Tickets are available both online and at the gate, though I recommend booking online to skip the long lines at the entrance.