In the Shadows of the Gods: Traveling Athens and the Aegean Islands

When describing Greece from a traveler's point of view, two words spring to mind: life changing. From age-old relics and charming seaside villages to big-city attractions, Greece offers the perfect blend of sophistication, intrigue and history. Although many visitors journey to the romantic Aegean Islands, most Greek getaways begin or end in Athens.

Greece entices travelers with an array of attractions, from the historic to the romantic. Pleasant weather and lighter crowds make spring, early summer and autumn great times to visit – but really there’s something to see and do at any time of year.

Explore the richness of Athens and the Aegean Islands with our guide.

Athens’ Ancient Allures

Some people visit Athens by default, using it as a steppingstone to the less crowded Greek isles, while others go there specifically to see ancient history come to life. Either way, the city has much to offer.

Acropolis of Athens

In Athens, modern buildings spread as far as the eye can see, but the Acropolis radiates ancient history from the city's center. This sacred rock and ancient Greek citadel is home to several historic monuments and buildings, including the Propylaia, the Erechtheion, the temple of Athena Nike and the Parthenon. Featuring majestic, chiseled columns, massive stone blocks and magnificent statues, this site will take anyone's breath away.

After exploring the outdoor ruins, the Acropolis Museum offers even more antiquities indoors. The glass floor leading to the entrance reveals a look at the excavation site underneath. In addition to ancient treasures, the museum displays friezes and other priceless pieces pulled from the temples.

Additional stops for ancient history buffs include the Panathenaic Stadium – eight minutes east of the Acropolis – and the Temple of Poseidon, located roughly 70 miles southeast of the city on Cape Sounion. Dedicated to the god of the sea, this stunning temple greeted ancient sailors when they arrived home to Athens.

The Plaka

Along the northeastern base of the Acropolis, the Plaka District is like a village built exclusively for pedestrians, with the occasional cyclists, motorcyclists and delivery drivers. Lined with colorful neoclassical structures, this picture-perfect area allows visitors to shop, dine and relax in shaded courtyards and gardens.

Travelers looking for authentic dishes like moussaka or spanakopita can find delicious bites at To Kafeneio, Taverna Saita and Psaras Tavern. The Plaka's best-kept secret is Eugenia Restaurant, near the Electra Palace Hotel. Although it's not the most charming location, there's a reason many Athenians eat here – the delicious homecooked food, including juicy kebabs, fresh seafood and mouthwatering moussaka. Most eateries in the Plaka stay open until midnight or 1 a.m. to accommodate locals who customarily dine very late in the evening.

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More Athens Attractions

It's easy to spend days exploring Athens. But i you only have limited time, don't miss a few of the must-see attractions from a local's perspective:

• The sunset view from atop Mount Lycabettus
• An outdoor movie on a rooftop at Cine Paris
• Cafes and restaurants in the Thissio and Psyri neighborhoods
• Live music, art exhibitions and dance-til-dawn parties at six d.o.g.s

Escape to the Romantic Aegean Islands

The four major Aegean Islands offer innumerable possibilities for a spectacular visit. Three — Mykonos, Sifnos and Santorini — belong to the Cyclades, a cluster of 220 islands just southeast of Athens. The fourth, Lesvos, is situated in the Northeastern Aegean Sea.

Mykonos

Named after the grandson of the Greek god Apollo, Mykonos is the most cosmopolitan of the Greek Isles. Often compared to St. Tropez in France, the island's capital, Chora, features sandy beaches, narrow marble streets, beautiful Cycladic architecture and fragrant bougainvillea. After enjoying a little beach time, many visitors make their way to Matoyánni Street, lined with charming outdoor cafes and high-end stores.

Journeying to Mykonos from the mainland takes between three to five hours by ferry, depending on which ferry you take.

Best Local Dishes: Kopanisti (spicy cheese spread) and louza (thinly-sliced cured meat).

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Sifnos

Up to five hours from Athens by ferry, Sifnos oozes seaside charm and tranquility. The food may be the best in the Cyclades, but the nightlife is low key compared to other islands.

One of the prettiest villages on Sifnos, Artemonas, features bright blue rooftops, doors and shutters as well as old-world windmills and a cluster of intimate stone alleyways.

On Saturday nights, locals and visitors take in the sunsets on trendy rooftop bars in Apollonia, the hilltop capital located only a mile away.

Best Local Dishes: Kaparosalata (stewed capers and onions) and revithokeftedes (spiced chickpea fritters)

Santorini

From Athens, ferry passengers arrive in Santorini under 10 hours – after several stops along the way. With charming, whitewashed villages, an active volcano and exceptional food, Santorini is a popular pick for romantics.

For stunning sunsets and caldera views – especially near the hilltop castle – Oia is the village of choice. Alternatively, the community of Perissa features a long, black sand beach and connects to Perivolos, a village known for its nightlife.

Best Local Dishes: Tomatokeftedes (tomato fritters) and capers and fava

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Lesvos

The average journey from Athens to Lesvos by ferry can take around 10 hours. Located northeast of Athens, just off the coast of Turkey, Lesvos offers a mild Mediterranean climate, traditional villages and a quiet ambience.

A favorite seaside community, Molyvos, features quaint homes along the hillside and the remains of a castle perched at the apex. Inland, visitors can find mountains, streams, large olive groves and a petrified forest containing large, fossilized trees up to 20 million years old.

Best Local Dishes: Grilled sardines and fresh-baked bread

If you’re looking for more inspiration for your Greek island getaway, don’t forget to check out the Hertz blog for travel tips and tricks.