Goldenbackpacker.com

ATHENS - STAY FOR LESS "EURO"

ATHENS, Capital of Greece, is not a graceful City as the modern sprawl is dire & traffic clogs the streets but 2500 years ago it was the birthplace of our Modern Civilisation. Athens has been inhabited continuously for 7,000 years reaching its apotheosis in the 5C BC when the Athenians launched themselves into radical Democracy. This was the “Classical Period” when the flourish of Art, Architecture, Literature & Philosophy, promoted by Pericles, became the influence for Western Culture ever since, even the Romans used the Greek lifestyle as a model for their own Heritage. Today it’s a modern metropolis & with the improvements made for the 2004 Olympic Games, especially around the Icon Acropolis, it is now a good experience.

ACCOMMODATION

NO1 – ATHENS BACKPACKERS, 12 Makri Street, 11742 (near to Acropolis & Metro Stn around corner) tele +30 210 9224044 – www.backpackers.gr – E22in top class (en suite) 6 x dorms, incl. linen & help-self breakfast. Fully equipped self–catering Kitchen on ground floor with evening Bar & upper “Billabong Room” to relax, sometimes with mega TV shows. This stylish Hostel is family owned & run with best staff, great social atmosphere & its superb location makes it the Best for visiting all the main Athens sites. At night you can climb to the roof top patio to see the spectacular Acropolis illuminations.
Also ATHENS STUDIOS nearby, for groups etc wanting privacy & luxury, www.athensstudios.gr

Reserve – The Student & Travellers Inn at 16 Kydathineon Street, Plaka, (start at same Metro as No 1 Hostel & walk into Plaka) tele +30 210 3244808 – www. studenttravelsinn.com – E18 dorms + 2,3or 4 rooms. No kitchen although food available incl. breakfast, sitting area limited to outside Bar & garden, TV room.

FOOD is available at the hideaway SPAR Supermarket in Parthenenos St. (10mins from Hostel) for all self-catering supplies - fresh fruit & veg, meat &deli counter, frozen foods & hardware, wine & beers (although the local Cretan wine is a bit rough!)

GETTING AROUND, from the Airport is easiest on the X95 Bus (E3) outside, direct to Syntagma Square then walk to Hostel (get map at Airport Info) City travel is best on foot with No1 Hostel so near to the Acropolis & the fascinating Plaka District. The excellent Metro System can be used to get in & out of Athens & the best deal here is a E4, 1-day ticket for both Bus and Metro including 1 trip to or from the Airport. City Bus tickets cost 50c from Kiosks & Metro 80c from Stations.

FREE SIGHTS TO SEE

1. ACROPOLIS – walk round it on the excellent perimeter pathway & see amazing Rock mass up close.
2. AREOPAGUS ROCK – Socrates spoke here, overlooking Agrola & superb views of Lykavitos Hill
3. NEW ACROPOLIS MUSEUM – replica of Parthenon & Marbles plus window view to Acropolis
4. PLAKA – a maze of alleyways & stepways, with Roman Sites, Tourist Shops & Graffiti
5. FILOPAPPOU HILL – best vantage point for Athens vista, Acropolis & distant Piraeus Port beyond
6. SYNDAGMA SQ – fronting 1838 Parliament Building with Greek Guards wearing “Pom Pom” shoes
7. NATIONAL GARDENS – laid out by Queen Amalia it’s a rare open space in this busy metropolis
8. CENTRAL MARKET – meat, meat & more meat, raw & bloody but a hive of local activity
9. TEMPLE OF ZEUS – vast & isolated, finally finished by the Romans with Hadrians Arch
10. ROMAN, TOWER OF WINDS – a BathHouse with intriguing sculptures around the roof eaves

CHARGE SIGHTS NOT TO MISS

1. PARTHENON – one of the few remaining Wonders of the Ancient World, walk this ancient site
2. AGORA – Greek Market established 3000 years ago, with main Ceremonial Route to Parthenon
3. WAR MUSEUM – displays of Greek Wars & an array of models of the Acropolis & Castles

* Elspeth & Nick, Daniel, Edward, Paul, Gareth, Bob – Deter (Swiss) John (ChicUS) – Geoff (NZ)