Athén

Athens is one of Europe’s most profound cultural foundations: a city where the concepts of democracy, philosophy, and classical art are not just textbook chapters but can also be experienced as urban spaces. The memories of the 5th-century BC ‘Golden Age’ (the era of Pericles) – sanctuaries, colonnades, and squares – still shape the city’s rhythm today, while Athens also embodies all the energy and diversity of a modern Mediterranean metropolis. Traces of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods are as present as the nation-building of the 19th–20th centuries, the café culture, or the contemporary Greek creative scene. The must-see landmarks – icons and ‘hidden’ urban layers Begin your exploration of Athens at the Acropolis: the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Propylaea are not only architectural masterpieces but also offer exceptional panoramic views of the city. The nearby Acropolis Museum organises the artefacts into a modern, comprehensible narrative, helping to make the ruins ‘readable’. For insights into ancient urban life, the Agora (and the Temple of Hephaestus) provide a strong anchor, while the Roman period’s remnants – such as the Roman Agora and Hadrian’s Library – add further layers to the story. The city’s atmosphere is enriched by the narrow streets of Plaka and Anafiotika, the bustling market vibe of Monastiraki, and the terrace culture of its cafés, offering a slower pace. The symbolic space of modern Greek statehood is Syntagma Square, where the changing of the guard ceremony can easily be included in a city-centre stroll. If you wish to delve deeper into the classical theme through museums, the National Archaeological Museum is unmissable. The connections between sports and urban history are made tangible at the Panathenaic Stadium (the site of the first modern Olympics). For panoramic views, Lycabettus Hill is a great choice, while contemporary Athens reveals itself through cultural spaces and neighbourhoods opening towards the sea – such as the port and the ‘Athenian Riviera’. One of the city’s fresh, modern cultural focal points is the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre area, which complements the city-centre experience with programmes, green spaces, and a waterfront vibe. Sustainable Athens – responsible tourism without losing the experience Athens’ tourism stakeholders and city development organisations are increasingly addressing the challenges of overcrowding, heatwaves, and mobility with greater awareness. At the most visited heritage site, the Acropolis, visitor management solutions (time slots/zones, electronic ticketing and entry systems) have been introduced to reduce congestion and protect the heritage. Additionally, the city’s long-term resilience and climate adaptation strategies emphasise strengthening green spaces and promoting sustainable transport – tangible benefits for visitors include improved walkability, public transport, and the quality of public spaces, all contributing to a more liveable city. The ‘This is Athens’ (Develop Athens) initiative treats sustainability as a strategic priority, and the city is also involved in international professional collaborations. The modernisation of the transport system and the expansion of greener fleets are part of the effort to make Athens more accessible for visitors with a smaller environmental footprint. Athens’ sustainable tourism efforts are supported not only by local programmes but also by international professional connections: the city’s destination management organisation (This is Athens / Develop Athens) is part of the GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council) destination membership network, and according to the city’s communication, the GSTC-related destination assessment process was completed on 31 March 2022. Furthermore, a good practice linked to Athens appeared in the Green Destinations TOP100 ‘Good Practice Story’ selection in 2022 (such as the Kypseli Agora initiative). - editorial content -