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Try to erase your memory. What you think you know about Greece goes beyond beautiful islands and clear blue waters.
The rich history is as appealing as the laid-back lifestyle and picturesque shores.
Travelers often skip Greece’s big cities in favor of sun and sand, but those who do overlook the heartbeat of this fascinating country.
Yes, Athens can be a little rough around the edges, but once you’re fully immersed in the graffiti-lined streets and amazing sites, Santorini will be far from the forefront of your mind.
Summer was quite a season for Greece, including bustling Athens. So much so that at one point the old town put its foot down and said, “No more tourists!”.
But now the calendar has turned to fall, and it’s a phenomenal time to visit.
In fact, Athens is one of them popular destinations for Americans right now, according to AAA.
Where old-world charm meets Mediterranean bliss
Athens is more than a gateway to Greece’s great afterlife. Like many other cities in Europe, you feel like you have gone back in time.
The difference here is the effort to maintain such ancient sites and the prime location with beautiful views of the cityscape.
Those who have been to Athens will find themselves close to the world-famous Acropolis, perched atop a rocky outcrop as if it has been central for centuries.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most fascinating places in Europe and shows the deep roots of Greece and how it came to be.
Within the Acropolis is perhaps the better known Parthenon, a site dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena Parthenos that dates back to the 5th century, and it’s hard to fathom how it still stands tall today.
I was lucky enough to visit myself.
Admittedly, I’m not much of a history buff, but even for me, I was amazed at the meticulous detail and preservation of all the structures on the hilltop.
While these are undoubtedly the top attractions that tourists seek out, Athens’ history runs deep through the city.
Certain streets feel edgy, while others feel timeless, lined with cobblestone walkways and charismatic architecture, such as Plakaone of the oldest neighborhoods in the city.
Wherever you go, know that this time of year is so much more fun than the hordes of summer tourists and unbearable heat waves.
In Athens you will never go hungry
Enjoying the cafe culture in Athens is a must, but you can also literally taste history through age-old recipes that have been passed down century after century.
Don’t be afraid to wander the streets you might pass in the Bronx, for example, which is completely normal in Athens.
Graffiti is the most normal thing in the world here, and in essence it is the wallpaper of many neighborhoods, so to speak.
When I visited it was a bit off-putting at first, until I realized it’s almost everywhere and eventually just becomes a background blur.
Often my favorite food was in unsuspecting traditional tavernas where Greek classics like moussaka, souvlaki and yes, piping hot gyros are served as fresh as possible (and cheap too)!
While I couldn’t find any photos to share my favorite entrees, I can tell you my favorite place to satisfy my sweet tooth.
You must come visit Nancy’s sweet home and order the Galaktobourekoa sweet custard pastry that is forever etched in my foodie memory.
And remember, you’re on vacation: it’s always okay to eat dessert first!
Athens has everything your taste buds could ever want, in every price range. For a savory splurge, try the city’s variety of delicious dishes Restaurants with Michelin starsbut keep in mind that Athens is the ultimate street food destination, where cheap gyro stands are a must!
Main residence or stopover: Athens is always a good idea
Athens is easier to reach than ever. Despite being much further away than Paris, Barcelona and London, there are several direct flights from the US, including budget airlines such as Norse Atlantic Airways.
Athens is always a fun adventure that stimulates all your senses, but let’s be honest: many travelers use Athens as a springboard to the big islands of Greece.
Once here, flights are often very cheap to island hopping or you can take a ferry. Greece is home to thousands of islands, but the most popular are Santorini, Rhodes, Mykonos and Crete.
I’ve been to both Santorini and Crete and can’t recommend visiting either enough. They both appeal for their own unique charm, but Santorini’s views and lavish villas far exceed the hype, especially now that the summer crowds have subsided.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
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