So lets travel back in time by visiting the neighborhood of Gods, Plaka, at the area of Acropolis for the whole day while try to relax and cease some blue moments at the athenian riviera!

Day 1

If you want to experience Athens admiring the magical view from the most iconic hills of the city center you must try taking a walking tour.

Beginning from Evangelismos (metro station), leading to Lycabettus, the limestone hill that boasts view of the city right beneath your feet. Heading back to Kolonaki, the Presidential Palace, National gardens, Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus before approaching the Acropolis museum and the Areopagus, a court for the nobles of the city. After visiting the prison of Socrates, continue to Philopappou Hill, the Hill of Muses and the 19th century National Observatory. Moving to the Pnyx and the Hill of Nymphs dedicated to the nature God. End your tour at Thissio area. For those having more time you can visit some of our beloved athenian districts too!

Get our suggested walking tour map.

Day 2

You Must take a scenic coastal drive around Vouliagmeni and explore the Athenian Riviera! Get up in the morning and start exploring Stacros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center. Swim alongside fishes and great mounty views at the Lake Vouliagmeni! Then you ll be witnessing a breathtaking sunset from the temple of Poseidon! There are many ways to get there but we do reccommend TravelPanda adventures so that you can experience adventure at first sight  “Sounio sunset”, they will take you on a journey through the Athenian Riviera, ending up in Cape Sounio to enjoy history, culture and most importantly no rushing! Take your time, relax, unwind and enjoy one of the best sunsets Greece has to offer along with a complimentary glass of chilled bubbly. At the end of the day wander in Glyfada for a taste of the local scene!

Othe options – Plan B

If none of the above makes you happy you can choose a day trip including a boat trip to Corinth Canal or a day cruise to Saronic Gulf!

For those of you who would like to book taxi services from airport we recommend one of the best, most trustworthy and convenient 5-star airport taxi companies for your airport transfer based on user reviews across various platforms such as Google, Tripadvisor and Trustpilot. Welcome Pickups offers a great experience and safety to its travellers.

For those of you who are lucky enough to stay for more days in Greece mainland you can choose to spend some days at the beautiful city of Kalamata in Peloponnese! Find out more about the 7 Best things to do in Kalamata city.

Enjoy Athens in 48 hours, we are sure that the alluring lights of this magic city will make you come back soon!

The post 2 DAYS IN ATHENS – THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN 48 HOURS appeared first on Nonstoptravellers.

Built on the site of ancient Pharai, the city took its modern name from a miracle-working icon of the Virgin Mary known as kala matia (good eyes).  It was discovered in the stables of an Ottoman aga (governor), who became a Christian as a miracle. The icon now resides inside the city’s oversized cathedral, the Church of Ypapanti.

Down town

Below the city’s castle, the small but attractive old town is located, a favorite meeting place for young people, because here is concentrated the nightlife (in winter). Old town was almost totally destroyed by the Turks during the War of Independence, rebuilt by French engineers in the 1830s, then levelled again by an earthquake in 1986. A lively Saturday food market at the old town is waiting for the visitors to try traditional products such us Kalamata olives, pasteli, olive oil etc.

Walk to find its castle and places of interests such us the hall that hosts every summer the prestigious International Dance Festival. The castle with the panoramic view is built on the site of the acropolis of Faron. Constructed in the 13th century by William Villehardouin and underwent subsequent additions and alterations by the Venetians and Turks. At the foot of the castle lies the  church of Ag. Ioannis which dates back to the post-Byzantine times. Visit the cathedral of the Visitation-Ypapanti (1873), the monastery of nuns (12th c.), the Byzantine church of the Agioi Apostoloi (13th c.), which received special historical value as here was celebrated the first thanksgiving in liberated Kalamata on March 23, 1821.

Visit also

The old Town Hall, the Gallery of Contemporary Greek Art, with paintings, sculptures and engravings, the Archaelogical Museum with finds dating from the Bronze Age to the Roman period, the Folklore and Historical Museum with traditional items, local costumes and relics from Greek Revolution of 1821, the municipal theater and Railway Park where exposed old engines and railroad cars, the meeting of residents and visitors walking point is the spacious central King George Square. From here starts the pedestrian part of the main road Aristomenous where you can find many shops and cafés. The district developed around the picturesque railway station with pedestrian network, small coffee bars and taverns. One of the gifts of Kalamata, is the huge beach (4km), clean waters (blue flag). The beach stretches along the boulevard Navarinou and is one of the most beautiful places in the city to walk or ride a bike. On the western beach there is a remarkable marina town with many tourist facilities, cafes and restaurants.

Ancient Messene (Messinia), Mani, Vergas Beach, Little Mantineia, the Avia,  town of Messina, the mountain villages of the western slope of Mount Taygetos, on the way to the city of Sparta (the route to Sparta is one of the most beautiful in Greece), Oreini Arcadia, Voidokoilia, Agios Andreas, Gargaliani (Marathopoli), Kardamili (New Suburb), Koroni, Methoni, Kyparissia, Petalidi, Pylos (Gialova), Stoupa and Finikounda. which in recent years have developed into resorts with significant tourist infrastructure and nightlife during the summer months,

Events

• The International Dance Festival, held every summer with his artistic radiation beyond the borders of the country and attracted dancers from around the world.
• Cultural events, theatrical performances and concerts at the castle amphitheater in the summer.
• The carnival events of the Municipality, with the standard “carousel” in the town square, every first Sunday of Carnival.
• The revival of impressive custom of “saitopolemou” Easter night of Resurrection (Western Kalamata Beach – Old Slaughterhouse).
• The big carnival in Messina last Sunday of Carnival.

Find out the 7 Best Things to do in Kalamata city. Other than this you can choose amongst:

Climbing, Mountain bike, Walks off road jeep, Excursion enduro, Sea sports, Bike, Running, Organized camping.

Accessibility: two hours and a half away from Athens.

What to buy – eat?

• pasteli
• honey
• herbs
• cheese (graviera – talagani – sfela)
• sygklino pork & sausages
• fresh yoghurt
• fresh fruit & vegetables
• sandals
• ceramics
• traditional neckerchief (silk texile)

Click the map with Kalamata’s places to see!

Things to do in Kalamata – nonstoptravellers

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