Attica is the cradle of Greek history. Attica - the historical region and the heart of Greece Greece resort towns of Attica
Attica is a peninsular territory with an area of approximately 2200 sq. km, constituting the southeastern tip mainland Greece, bordering on the north with Central Greece, and on the south it is washed by the waters of the Saronic Gulf. In the north of the nome there are mountains Kiferon (1400 m) and Parnifa (1413 m), forming its natural border. The relief of Attica is mostly mountainous. The small rivers Illissos and Kafissos flow through the Athenian plain. Athens, Eleusis and Marathon are located in the flat part of the region. To the southwest and south a low range of hills slopes gently towards the sea. Athens, which is the capital of the country and its main administrative center, is also located in the Attic region.
Attica has a mild, dry Mediterranean climate. The small plantations of Attica are densely covered with vineyards, fruit trees, not to mention the olive trees that grow everywhere.
Attica was formed around the 4th-5th centuries AD. This region was greatly influenced by Greece's stay under the Byzantine Empire, which is reflected in the architecture, painting and sculpture of Attica. Attica survived many wars and battles, famine, economic crisis, and at the same time retained its greatness and uniqueness.
Today Attica is the most industrialized region of Greece. The bulk of production is concentrated here and more than half the population of the entire country lives here. Moreover, it is large tourist centre. Tourists coming here from all over the world have a unique opportunity not only to relax and enjoy the wonderful nature, clear sea, sandy beaches, services of modern hotel complexes, amazing hospitality local residents, but also to get in touch with the great past of this extraordinary country.
There are many interesting sights in Attica, many of which are not inferior in importance to those of Athens - for example, famous temple Poseidon (440 BC) at Cape Sounion, one of the most impressive images of Greek architecture. The powerful columns of the temple, standing on a cape open to all the winds, are an unforgettable sight. The temple is located 69 km from Athens.
The Temple of Dimeter at Eleusis is an ancient temple dedicated to the mysterious cult of the goddess Demeter and her daughter Persephone. The famous Eleusinian mysteries took place here: everyone knew about the rituals performed there, but the details of the ceremony and sacred texts were passed down orally; it was forbidden to write them down. Therefore, the essence of the mystery is still unknown to modern scientists. There is a Archaeological Museum. The temple is located 22 km from Athens.
The Daphne Monastery is located 11 km from Athens. Built on the site of the former sanctuary of Apollo and surrounded by a fortress fence. The 11th century church is very picturesque from the outside and attractive with its mosaics decorating its interior.
Nearby is the Kutuki cave. A natural cave with several halls in the vicinity of the town of Peania. The visitor can see the most beautiful stalactites and stalagmites of various shapes.
Lovers active rest can go horse riding, mountaineering, tennis, sailing. There is a golf club in Glyfada.
Lake Volyameni is a miracle of nature. It is 50 centimeters above sea level and constantly overflows its banks due to the waters of hot springs filling it. The waters of the lake have medicinal properties, you can swim here all year round.
Piraeus - main port countries since ancient times. Now it's beautiful city, famous for its fish restaurants and entertainment venues. In summer, the Kastella Summer Open Theater (Veakio) is open, and in winter you can visit the Piraeus City Theater.
The beaches of Paleo Faliro, Kalamaki, Glyfada, Voula, Kavouri, Vouliagmeni, Varkiza, Lagonisi are magnificent.
The resort of Palio Faliro is located in close proximity to the sea. Convenient location, proximity to the center and the sea make this area attractive for lovers of active recreation. Tourists can enjoy: beaches, fish and meat taverns, restaurants, nightclubs, yacht clubs, cafes and bars. Here you will find everything you need for a comfortable holiday at sea.
The resort of Glyfada is one of the most fashionable coastal areas of Athens, located 15 km from the center, a favorite vacation spot for the Greeks themselves and tourists. Concentrated here a large number of hotels, restaurants, bars, taverns, sports centers and night clubs. There is Luna Park on the coast. Glyfada has great shopping: lots of big ones shopping centers and boutiques. To get to the center of Athens you will need only 20 minutes by bus.
Vouliagmeni resort - located in a green bay 24 km from the center of Athens, on the seashore. This is a picturesque, fashionable area with comfortable beaches, fish and meat taverns, restaurants, bars, yacht clubs, an abundance of greenery - one of the most popular resorts among tourists. On regular bus the center of Athens can be reached in 35 minutes. In Vouliagmeni there is a unique radon lake.
The resorts of Kavouri, Varkiza, Voula - these resort areas follow one after another along the highway leading to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon. There are beaches, cafes, taverns, restaurants and others entertainment venues. Abundant coniferous groves along the coast give the air unique properties.
Lagonissi resort - the luxurious Lagonissi peninsula enchants with picturesque landscapes and azure sea waters. The attractive proximity to Athens (the capital of Greece can be reached by bus) makes this peninsula so attractive for tourists. The shallow coastline of Lagonissi is perfect for those vacationing with children, so for family vacation this resort is perfect. While relaxing in Lagonissi, you can easily get acquainted with the sights of Athens.
Anavyssos resort - picturesque green village on south coast Attica, located 49 km from Cape Sounion. This beautiful place for vacation. It attracts tourists with its amazingly beautiful nature, clear sea and sandy beaches.
The Greeks themselves love this corner very much. Evidence of this is the many dachas, including government ones. The convenient location allows you not only to relax, but also to get acquainted with the sights of Greece. And the shallow sea and convenient shore created a good atmosphere for a family holiday with small children.
Sounion is a resort on the cape of the same name. Cape Sounion, or Cape Kolones, is one of the easternmost capes of Attica, stretching towards the Aegean Sea. In ancient times, a temple dedicated to the god of the sea, Poseidon, was built here. Cape Sounio is a landmark of Athens Attica, a beautiful and fertile land. It has a mild climate, generous soils with olive groves, clean coastline and beautiful views of the surrounding islands.
The resort of Sounion is located near the capital of Greece, thanks to which there is a large historical heritage and rapid development of hotel infrastructure. Sounion is an expensive and well-kept resort, whose sandy beaches will give unforgettable experience from the sea, the sun and Greece.
The resorts of Mati - Nea Makri are perhaps the most popular resorts in the eastern part of Attica. These resorts are located in the Marathon Valley area, where in 490 BC. e. The famous Battle of Marathon took place. Nature itself provides excellent conditions for relaxation here: beautiful beaches, clear sea, healing aroma of pine forest.
Nea Makri is one of the very first resorts in Attica, located 33 km from Athens. The history of Nea Makri began in ancient times, during the Stone Age. Now this resort area, located near the capital by the sea, is experiencing an economic and tourist boom. In Nea Makri you will find a lot of entertainment: discos, nightclubs, numerous bars and restaurants.
Mati is an area that is located 5 km from Nea Makri, 27 km from Athens. It's quiet resort place, suitable for complete relaxation. On the rocky pine coast you will find small, hidden gorges with sandy beaches.
The close proximity of the resorts to Athens will make it easy to complete the “obligatory” program for every tourist to explore the sights of this wonderful city.
A vacation in Attica is a great opportunity to combine acquaintance with Athenian antiquities and relaxation at sea.
Greece has everything you are looking for modern tourist. This country enjoys the sun 300 days a year, its borders are washed by 4 seas and surrounded by 1,400 islands.
Greece invites you on exciting trips to ancient ruins and museums where ancient treasures are kept. This sunny country attracts with its fruit groves and delicacies prepared from the gifts of the Mediterranean Sea.
Greek beaches have earned the title of the best for relaxation in the whole world. Tourists flock here to sunbathe, spend time at youth discos, take unique photo sessions and enjoy the taste of aromatic olives.
One of these tourist places is Attica. It is located in the heart of the country. This is the area where statehood was founded and where the capital of Greece is located.
Attica means "coastal country". Attica is located on a peninsula, which is washed on three sides by the bays of the Aegean, Euboean, Petalian and Saronic seas.
How to get to Attica
The best way to get to Attica is from Athens, where tourists are delivered regularly international flights from any country in the world.You can get to know this historical area better with the help of a developed public transport system.
Station commuter buses located at 100, Kiffissou Street. From here, KTEL Attikis transport will deliver to Attica bus stations, one of which is located near the Acropolis, and the second on Egyptian Square.
Schedule local trains available at Athens stations. In addition, there are ferry and air connections to Attica.
Royal Olympic Hotel located within walking distance of the Acropolis. The hotel's luxuriously furnished rooms offer magnificent views of the Temple of Zeus or the fragrant garden with swimming pool.
Poseidonion Grand Hotel located on the island of Spetses and is its landmark due to its rich architecture. The rooms are stylishly furnished and feature wooden floors for added luxury. The rooms' balconies offer views of the seascape or flower garden.
Hotels 4*
Amalia Hotel is within walking distance to the Acropolis and central square city of Plaka. For the use of natural toiletries, cleaning products and organic products, the hotel has been awarded the Green Key eco-label.
Herodion located at the foot of the Acropolis. Each room at this hotel is decorated in an elegant style. The hotel has a magnificent rooftop garden where you can relax in hot tubs and sun loungers with views of Athens.
Hotels 3*
The hotel rooms are furnished with modern furniture and the interior is done in light colors.
Plaka Hotel is located in historical center capital of Greece. There is a café-bar on the roof of the hotel with an impressive view of the Acropolis.
Things to do in Attica: Sightseeing
The lands of Attica have absorbed ancient legends and myths that come to life in the eyes of impressionable travelers.
Read also: Thermal springs in Greece: list, features, best resorts, indications and contraindications
Walking through the sights, you can easily be transported to ancient times, when the land of mortals was inhabited by omnipotent deities. Once in Attica, do not deny yourself the pleasure of visiting the following temples and monasteries and simply interesting places:
-
Temple of Poseidon
A unique building located on Cape Sounion. In this temple, sacraments and rituals were performed to appease the formidable sea god. The slender columns of the temple, which frame the massive structure, amaze the imagination. The building combines subtlety and grandeur, embodying the connection between land and sea. -
Monastery of Daphne
It can be found 10 kilometers from Athens. This structure was erected on the site of the pagan temple of Apollo Daphne in the 6th century. Today the monastery has the status of a monument. -
Engina Island
This small island attracts with its luxurious beaches and transparent sea water. It is located in the middle of the Sardonic Gulf. In history, this island is known for the fact that about 360 temples were built on it. Most of them have been wiped off the face of the earth, but travelers who love antiquity can get to the city of Paleochora, considered a ghost, in which no one has lived for a long time.
What should you spend your precious vacation time on - getting a chocolate tan or exploring unexplored places on our planet? What a way to combine business with pleasure! Such a vacation is quite possible, and in Europe. In the center of civilization and technical progress managed to save cultural heritage distant ancestors - the beautiful coast of Attica, the peninsular territory of Greece.
Shopping is very developed in Athens. This pleasure will become expensive in the Kolonaki area, economical and practical - on Ermou Street, where the best shops of Greek companies are located. In the shops of Metropoleos Street you will find furs and jewelry. The shopping streets of Eolou, Patision, the Monastiraki area and Athenas Street, famous for their markets and bazaars, will not miss their customers.
But antiques, souvenirs, and handicrafts await their buyers in the area of the old part of the city, on Plaka. At the same time, you can eat here by choosing one of the many Greek taverns near the Lysicrates memorial. To describe the atmosphere of this square, it is enough to imagine the Moscow Arbat or Parisian Montmartre. Distinctive features: a leisurely endless stream of tourists, national music coming from crowded cafes, antique tubs with olive trees displayed along the boulevards, an atmosphere of a relaxed holiday.
The night panorama of Athens sparkling with lights is a reward for those who reached the top of Lykabettos Hill, which is crowned by the white chapel of St. George. To save effort and time, it is better to use public transport by purchasing single ticket by bus or trolleybus, or by going down to the metro.
The cost of a one-time ticket, which must be validated within 70 minutes from the date of purchase, is 1.4 EUR, a daily ticket costs 4.5 EUR, a 5-day ticket costs 10 EUR. Trying to ride a hare is risky; the fine for such a prank is too high - 60 times the cost of the ticket.
Monastery of Daphne
Having explored Athens, let’s turn our inquisitive gaze to the suburban areas. 11 km from Athens is the Daphne Monastery - a monument of Byzantine religious architecture in Greece. His story is unique. Created as a sanctuary of Apollo Daphne, the monastery welcomed Christian pilgrims, then was used as a fortress wall and, to top it off, became a psychiatric hospital. Now the restored monastery has the status of a monument. You can visit it daily from 08:30 to 15:00.
Temple of Poseidon
The second bright pearl in the collection of attractions of Attica is the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion. A powerful giant, framed by slender columns, symbolizes the harmonious union of land and sea. Sailors and rulers of Greece made sacrifices to their patrons, believing in the connection between mere mortals and the inhabitants of Olympus.
Temple of Demeter
Another recommended place to visit is the Temple of Demeter in Eleusis. Here, in ancient times, mysterious rites were performed dedicated to the cult of the goddess Demeter and her daughter Persephone. You can visit the museum daily from 08:30 to 15:00, except Mondays and holidays.
Attica is the southern part of mainland Greece, bordered in the north by Central Greece, and in the south washed by the waters of the Saronic Gulf, here great amount attractions. The capital of Greece, Athens, is located in Attica, the main sea port countries - Piraeus, Athens Riviera - series beautiful beaches on the coast of the Aegean Sea.
The climate here is Mediterranean, healing the body due to its dryness. There are plantations of vineyards, fruit and olive trees everywhere. Attica is distinguished by its extraordinary diversity of landscape: on the one hand, the majestic beauty of the mountains of Parnitha, Pendeli and Hymet, and on the other, the sea with its magnificent coasts and beaches.
On the territory of Attica is the capital of Greece, Athens, a city of amazing fate with rich in stories, as evidenced by the sights of the city. There are also many historical monuments in the vicinity of the capital.
In Marathon, the memory of the victory of the Greek national spirit and weapons comes to life - on the burial hill of Marathon there is a museum built in honor of the soldiers who died in the Battle of Marathon in 490 BC.
At Cape Sounion, the most southern point coastline, which offers stunning panoramic views of the Saronic Gulf and nearby islands, you can see one of the most impressive images of Greek architecture - the Temple of Poseidon from the 5th century BC. and the ruins of the Temple of Athena.
Also worth a visit ancient temple Demeter in Eleusis, located about 22 km from Athens, dedicated to the mysterious cult of the goddess Demeter and her daughter Persephone. It was here that the famous Eleusinian mysteries took place, the essence of which is still unknown to modern scientists.
Nearby is the Kutuki Cave, a natural cave with several chambers in the vicinity of the town of Peania.
The monastery of Caesariani, immersed in the greenery of cypresses, olives and laurels, has preserved frescoes belonging to the brush of masters of the Cretan school, and worldwide famous monument Byzantine art, the monastery of Daphne is remarkable for the magnificent mosaics, unrivaled in its beauty in Greece, decorating its interior.
The coast of Athens, known as the “Coast of Apollo” or the “Athenian Riviera”, stretches from the port of Piraeus to Cape Sounion. In Glyfada, one of the closest areas to the center of Athens and international airport, there are excellent equipped beaches, an international golf club and a huge number of luxurious restaurants, bars, nightlife entertainment centers and clubs.
A 30-minute drive from Athens is another resort area of Vouliagmeni, which is much quieter and calmer, but also has well-maintained beaches that allow you to feel the warmth of the Greek sun, the tenderness of the sea, and also experience a variety of sports. water sports. Tourists are also attracted to Vouliagmeni thermal lake, the water of which is recommended for the treatment of rheumatic and neuralgic diseases. You can spend the evening in a beautiful bay, dining in a gourmet restaurant or fish tavern.
Many towns (Faliro, Alimo, Kalamaki, Yabanaka and others) offer vacationers a large selection of water and sailing sports. There are many places with the most bizarre names for the Russian ear: Voura, Varkiza, Kavuri, Mati, Marathonas, Vravrona, Lagonisi, Nea Makri, Loutraki - and all of them are ready to offer a first-class beach holiday in Greece. The best discos and night bars of the Athens Riviera are concentrated in the coastal areas of Elliniko and Glyfada. The swimming season begins in April and ends at the end of October.
Chiñas is one of the best beaches Attica, located in the southeastern part of the famous Marathon. It is very popular and, accordingly, quite crowded; there are many windsurfers among the vacationers. There is also a surf club located here.
Vavrona. small town, previously owned by the mythical king Kekrops, the founder of Athens. This is an interesting area with many cozy sandy beaches and the amazing Sanctuary of Artemis.
All this favorite places holiday for Greeks and tourists from all over the world. To the disadvantages of this resort area It can be attributed to the fact that holidays here, due to the proximity of Athens, turn out to be more expensive, while most hotels in this region are located across the road from the sea and the beach.
The region of Attica borders Central Greece in the north and is washed in the south by the waters of the Saronic Gulf. Athens, the capital, is located here Greek state, and Piraeus is the country's main seaport. Athens, its suburbs and the city of Piraeus form an urban complex with a population of 3.5 million people.
Climate
The Mediterranean climate of Attica is not only pleasant, but also healthy due to its dryness. The swimming season begins in April and ends at the end of October, with the peak in August.
How to get there
Aeroflot and Aegean airlines operate regular flights to Athens from Moscow (travel time 3 hours 30 minutes).
Airport
Located 27 km from the center of Athens.
Transport
The bus is the main form of urban transport. Opening hours from 5.00 to 24.00. Bus tickets can be purchased at special kiosks. There is a single form of ticket for buses and trolleybuses. The Athens metro has three lines. At each station you can familiarize yourself with the lines and routes of trains. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance to the metro - either at the ticket office or from a machine. Having purchased a ticket, you need to validate it at the train exit in a composter.
Souvenirs and shopping
Shopping areas are concentrated in the central part of the city. On Ermou Street you can buy the best goods from Greek and European companies. Metropoleos Street is famous for its jewelry and fur shops. Other popular shopping streets are Eolou, Patission, Monastiraki area and Athinas Street, where the city's largest market is located. Around Omonia Square is also concentrated most of inexpensive fur coat stores. The most fashionable and expensive boutiques can be found in the Kolonaki area. Plaka is famous for its shops selling folk art and souvenirs.
Attractions
Flooded with the rays of the bright sun, Attica is full of memories of the past: the many faces of Athens, the majestic temple of Poseidon on Cape Sounio, the Byzantine monasteries of Daphne and Caesarea... Athens is rich in unique monuments of art, Byzantine churches, museums and exhibitions.
Resorts
The outskirts of Athens are a delightful place to sea trips and bathing. The coast of the Saronic Gulf, from Piraeus to Cape Vouliagmeni, is an area of luxurious villas and residential buildings for wealthy Athenians, amazing beaches and marinas, expensive shops and prestigious sports. Athenians come here on weekends to enjoy nature and dine by the sea, and wealthy tourists from all over globe for amazing beach holiday, new experiences and purchases. The beaches of Glyfada, Voula, Vouliagmeni, Varkiza, Lagonissi and Sounio attract thousands of visitors every year. Vouliagmeni is home to the most luxurious hotels of the Athens Riviera. Abundant coniferous groves along the coast give the air unique properties. And the lake with healing mineral springs, located here, helps in the treatment of skin and rheumatic diseases.