Athens: History & Highlights

About the destination: The island exudes a calm atmosphere and speaks directly to your senses. Despite its arid and wild land characteristics, Serifos is gracefully embraced by the deep blue colours of the Aegean Sea and has some magnificent beaches. The locals have respected the Cycladic architectural tradition by building white and blue houses making the islands towns and villages all the more wonderful. Apart from having a laid back and relaxed holiday, you will enjoy your outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, mountain biking and diving. Serifos is an ideal place for taking a stroll or making a stop by the nearby cafés, fish tavernas and pastry shops located next to the seashore is the Serifos main Port. This area has a beautiful sandy beach.

About the destination: Nestled in the heart of the Cyclades, Sifnos, Greece, is a treasure waiting to be discovered. With its charming white-washed villages, crystal-clear waters, and rich culinary heritage, this island is the quintessential Greek getaway for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure. Begin your journey in Apollonia, the island's capital, where narrow, flower-lined pathways invite you to explore at a leisurely pace. Here, traditional Cycladic architecture meets chic boutiques and lively tavernas. As the sun sets, the town comes alive with a vibrant yet laid-back nightlife, perfect for enjoying a glass of local wine under the starry Aegean sky. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the historic Kastro, an ancient village perched on a hilltop with breathtaking panoramic views. Wander through its labyrinthine streets to uncover centuries-old churches, such as the Church of the Seven Martyrs, which sits dramatically on a rocky outcrop over the sea. For beach enthusiasts, Sifnos boasts pristine beaches like Platys Gialos and Vathi, where golden sands and turquoise waters create a serene beach experience. Sifnos also prides itself on its gastronomic delights. Renowned for its pottery and culinary traditions, the island offers an array of dining options where you can savor local dishes such as "revithada" (slow-cooked chickpea soup) and "mastelo" (lamb or goat cooked in a clay pot). After indulging in the local cuisine, take a pottery workshop to understand the island's artistic heritage and perhaps create your own Sifnos-inspired souvenir. Whether you're exploring its historic sites, enjoying the sun-soaked beaches, or indulging in the local flavors, Sifnos is a destination that will capture your heart and leave you longing to return.

About the destination: Athens takes its name after the goddess of wisdom Athena, who is celebrated by the magnificent Acropolis, which overlooks the modern, cosmopolitan city that Athens is today. Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities and it is the birthplace of western philosophy, democracy and theater. Up to this date, the Greek capital remains a major worldwide centre of culture, with its historic centre, iconic classical sites and museums filled with ancient Greece artefacts. The Acropolis, crowned by the emblematic Parthenon, has been proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cars were banned from the historic centre, which has become the most striking pedestrian promenade in Europe. In this archeological Park, visitors will witness the contrasting nature of this ancient metropolis being able to visit the New Acropolis Museum, a high-tech modern structure with light and airy exhibition spaces as well as the National Archaeological Museum, the largest archeological museum in Greece built in the 19th century and devoted to ancient Greek art. The Acropolis and Mount Lycavittos, the city’s highest points, are used as orientation since they are visible from most places in the Plaka, the old historical neighborhood. The Plaka is under the Acropolis and stretches almost to Syntagma, home of to the Greek Parliament. For a taste of the hedonistic Athenian lifestyle one should visit Monastiraki, where locals go to eat, drink and mingle. The night time belongs to Psirri, a vibrant neighbourhood known for its bars, live music venues and exciting nightclubs. Southeast of the city centre, a glorious stretch of coast affords dreamy views over the glistening blue Aegean Sea. Surely few European capitals can claim sandy beaches and clean water for swimming within such easy access. Athens therefore offers the best of both worlds – a fantastic city break as well as a lazy beach holiday. Athenians are surprisingly friendly and outgoing and their enthusiasm for life’s pleasurable pursuits is so infectious that even the stiffest traveler will take time out for endless coffees and evening strolls, dine out until late and enjoy the city’s nightlife, long after the rest of Europe has gone to bed.