×Greece Travel Secrets
2 Weeks in Greece
A trip by Sandy PapasGreece Travel Secrets2 Weeks in Greece
Two weeks is the right amount of time for a real Greek-islands trip – long enough to slow down on three contrasting Cyclades and still finish strong in Athens. Santorini opens with the caldera, Paros sits in the middle with its inland villages and long sandy beaches, Milos closes the islands with its volcanic geology and the Kleftiko boat day, and Athens caps the trip with the Acropolis and the markets.
Santorini
Days 1–5 of 14 · 5 nightsFive nights in Santorini – long enough to do the caldera mornings, the south coast (Akrotiri, the wineries, Red and Black beaches), the Fira-to-Oia hike, and a slow day or two at a caldera-edge hotel. Fly straight in to save half a day at either end.
White Pearl Cavalieri Santorini Imerovigli
Restored wine canavas on the caldera rim in Imerovigli, turned into suites.
9.8 Alternative places to stay
SantoriniDay 1
Oia & the caldera walk
Oia
World’s most iconic sunset on this cliffside village of astounding beauty. Narrow alleys wind their way through whitewashed buildings adorned with blue-domed churches and vibrant bougainvillea, while the island’s caldera and the azure sea, stretching out as far as the eye can see, offer a dramatic backdrop to the scene. Visitors can explore the village's charming streets, lined with boutiques and cafes, and soak in the laid-back atmosphere. Oia was the first village in Greece to become a heritage site as its greatest part has been built below ground level partly hewn within the rock. As the sun sets, the sky transforms into a riot of colors, making for an unforgettable experience that will stay with visitors long after they've left this magical place.
The Caldera Walk
Three kilometers along the volcanic rim – one of Europe's great walks. Fira through Firostefani to Imerovigli.
Lefkes Taverna
Lefkes Taverna in Oia is also hard to beat for food or service. It often books out well in advance. Quiet stone courtyard tucked away from the sunset crowds, slow-grilled lamb, a wine list that knows its Assyrtiko. Exactly the dinner you want on Santorini that isn't on the caldera edge.
SantoriniDay 2
Akrotiri & Red Beach
Red Beach
A huge attraction of the island and arguably the most famous beach lies on the southernmost part of Santorini. It is located in Akrotiri village, 12 kilometers south west of Fira. Red Beach is without a doubt worth a visit considering that it is a rare sight, probably unique in the whole world, where red is the dominant color. It is enclosed by steep red hills that create a captivating, wild scenery. If you stand on the top you will set eyes on enormous volcanic rocks situated in the sea, small pebbles and sand of various colors, mainly red, all along the beach and appealing dark blue waters. To reach the beach you have to walk a couple of minutes on a downhill path or you can access it by boat from Akrotiri port, Kamari or Perissa. The beach is semi-organized with white sunbeds and umbrellas. There are no facilities (make sure you provide yourself with the necessary supplies from the two canteens you can find right before the beginning of the path) or water sports on this small beach but you can take pleasure in snorkeling as there are interesting rock formations and rich marine life.
Ancient Akrotiri
Close by picturesque village Akrotiri, you can visit one of Greece's most important archaeological sites, a Prehistoric settlement that was discovered buried under the ashes of the volcano. It was first inhabited in the Late Neolithic Period and prospered during the Bronze Age. Its architecture shares many common elements with that of the Minoan cities. Observe the multi-storeyed houses, stone-paved streets and squares, the sewerage network and murals.
Pyrgos
Pyrgos is a big village, with many mediaeval houses and noteworthy churches offering an excellent view of the island
Dimitris Ammoudi Taverna
Taverna that defines Ammoudi experience – fresh-caught fish at water's edge.
SantoriniDay 3
Santo Wines & Domaine Sigalas
Wine Tasting Tour
Santorini's wineries cluster around Pyrgos and Megalochori on the south of the island – Santo (the biggest, with sunset terraces), Domaine Sigalas, Argyros Estate. A guided tour with a sommelier is the easy way to do four in an afternoon; finish at Santo for the sunset.
Santo Wines
Wine Enthusiast named this cooperative best place for volcanic wines at sunset. Founded 1947; largest Santorini producer; caldera-edge location; Assyrtiko white with minerality and saline finish. Tour before tasting recommended; basket-vine (kouloura) cultivation method; reserve sunset slots days ahead; Pyrgos.
Domaine Sigalas
Named world's top 100 wineries three times since 1994.
Metaxy Mas
In a hospitable and relaxing space, reminiscent of an island house porch, and an atmosphere full of the Aegean Sea's colors and aromas, you will savour excellent dishes inspired by the islands of Santorini and Creta. Enjoy cool Cretan salads with dakos (barley rusk) and caper, as well as krasotigania and pork from Creta. The friendly staff here uses fresh ingredients from the restaurant's kitchen garden, refreshing raki (the iconic grape-based pomace brandy of Crete) and handpicked wines to ensure that, upon leaving Metaxy Mas, you have a full stomach, and sweet memories!
SantoriniDay 4
Imerovigli & Skaros Rock
Imerovigli
Sandy's recommended Santorini base – quieter than Fira, higher on the caldera than Oia, and on the line of the Fira-to-Oia walk. The Skaros Rock viewpoint at the village's edge gives you the same caldera-rim panorama as Oia without the crowds.
Skaros Rock
This dramatic headland was once the medieval capital of Santorini, where a Venetian castle protected islanders from pirates for five centuries. Today the fortress lies in romantic ruin, but the 20-minute hike from Imerovigli rewards with the caldera's most spectacular viewpoint. The rocky promontory juts into the sea with the volcano islands spread before you, best timed for late afternoon when the cliffs glow amber. A small chapel dedicated to Theoskepasti clings to the rock face below.
Megalochori
A traditional inland village with vine-shaded squares, neoclassical mansions, and almost none of the cruise-ship traffic of the caldera. The neighbouring wineries (Boutari, Gavalas, Hatzidakis) make Megalochori a natural lunch and tasting stop. A welcome breath of "old Santorini" between the postcard villages.
Selene
A reference point for Santorini, iconic Selene has contributed significantly to the gastronomic upgrade of the island. In the center of the old town of Fira, in the narrow stone alleys, the old Catholic monastery that still operates today with twelve Catholic nuns, was renovated with respect and impeccable aesthetics, to host the historic restaurant of Santorini "Selini". Its exquisite courtyard with arched arches, pond and palm trees, exceptional art de la table and low lighting, subject the visitor to an exotic allure full of mystery. In this exceptional space with a special atmosphere, Michelin-starred Botrini creates an impressive modern Greek cuisine, with dishes that are original, harmonious, refined, different, with cutting-edge techniques. The very capable chef Vassilis Roussos perfectly executes the conception of Hector Botrini, with lightness and elegance. Among his best dishes, the marinated skaros with fig, strawberry and fennel, the ode to the Santorini tomato meatball, the bonito with tarama herring and katsouni, and the pitsouni with pumpkin and cherry. His vegetarian dishes are also very good. Excellent service, very good wine list.
SantoriniDay 5
Kamari & Perissa beaches
Kamari beach
Kamari Beach is one of the most popular and most visited beach resorts in Santorini. It is located in the seaside village of Kamari. The beach is composed of black volcanic sand and is 5 kilometers long, among the 3 longest beaches in Santorini, with deep crystalline waters and a series of trees. It is fully organized with hundreds of sunbeds and umbrellas, showers, a lifeguard on duty and numerous facilities.
Perissa beach
The beautiful Perissa Beach lies at the base of Mesa Vouno Mountain that separates Perissa from Kamari and on its top you can admire the eminent archaeological site of ancient Thera and a superb view. The scenery that the black lava sand along with the sandy sea bottom and the dark blue, crystal clear waters compose is impressive. It is one of the longest and most famous beaches in Santorini, a characteristic sight of the volcanic island. It is a fully organized, cosmopolitan beach with an abundance of comfy lounging chairs, umbrellas and other amenities, like lifeguards, showers and a playground.
Black Beach (Mesa Pigadia)
A black-pebble cove on the southwestern tip of Santorini, tucked under the towering cliffs of Akrotiri's lighthouse peninsula. Crystal-clear water, a single small taverna, and the kind of dramatic volcanic backdrop you came for. Easier access than White Beach and far less crowded than Perissa or Perivolos.
180° Sunset Bar
Built into the wall of an old Venetian castle on the caldera edge of Oia, with cocktails in your hand and the most famous sunset in the world a metre away. Yes, it's touristy. Yes, it's overpriced. And yes, when you're sitting there with the entire caldera blazing orange, none of that matters.
Paros
Days 6–8 of 14 · 3 nightsParos is the middle of the trip – Naoussa's little harbour, the long sandy beaches at Kolimbithres and Golden Beach, marble quarries at Marathi, and the inland villages of Lefkes and Marpissa. Hire a car for the Day 2 loop.
Agrabeli Paros
Cycladic studios set in a vineyard just behind Naoussa bay.
9.7 Alternative places to stay
ParosDay 1
Parikia & the Ekatontapiliani
Parikia
The island's whitewashed capital and main port – where Venetian lanes, waterfront cafes, and Cycladic charm converge.
Panagia Ekatontapiliani
The Church of 100 Doors – one of the oldest continuously-functioning Christian churches in the world, with parts dating back to the 4th century. Sandy puts this near the top of her Paros list. Quiet, cool inside; the icons and mosaics reward a slow visit.
Archaeological Museum of Paros
From the Gorgon of Paros to the Fat Lady of Saliagos – five thousand years of Cycladic civilization in two rooms.
Mediterraneo
A family-run kitchen tucked into Naoussa's marina, just removed enough from the harbour bustle to feel calm. The menu builds modern twists on Greek-Mediterranean classics: black risotto with cuttlefish, grilled octopus, marinated anchovies. Boats bobbing twenty metres away, prices reasonable for Naoussa, service unhurried. Booking helps in high season, but the marina's distance from the main square means you're rarely in a queue.
ParosDay 2
Naoussa & Kolimbithres beach
Kolimbithres Beach
Paros's most renowned beach – surreal granite formations sculpted by wind and sea into a landscape from another planet.
Naoussa
Naoussa is Paros's second town and the trip's natural centre – a working harbour with a small Venetian castle ruin at the water's edge, a maze of whitewashed lanes inland, and the best concentration of tavernas on the island. Park outside the centre and walk in; the streets are too narrow for cars.
Venetian Castle of Naoussa
A half-submerged medieval fortress at the harbour's edge – Naoussa's most iconic silhouette and sunset vantage point.
Kima Restaurant
A modern seaside kitchen on Drios beach, the sleepy SE corner of Paros. Plate by plate it's contemporary Mediterranean – fish baked in salt, shrimp carpaccio, tuna tartare, seafood risotto. White Cycladic walls, sea-facing veranda, dialed-up service that suits the prices. Pricier than the village taverna on the next street, but the setting and the food earn it. Book for sunset.
ParosDay 3
Lefkes & the marble quarries
Golden Beach (Hrysi Akti)
A long, wind-blessed shore that hosts international windsurfing championships – Paros's sport beach with golden credentials.
Lefkes
The most beautiful mountain village on Paros – built amphitheatrically into a green valley, once the Ottoman capital.
Ancient Marble Quarries
The quarries that gave the world the Venus de Milo and the Nike of Samothrace – Paros's marble legacy runs seven cm deep in light.
Rada
The gastronomic concept of Gikas Xenakis, one of contemporary Greek cuisine's celebrated chefs, set on Agioi Anargyri beach a short walk from Naoussa centre. Modern interpretations of seasonal Greek ingredients in small-plate format; floor-to-ceiling glass framing the sunset. Limited tables and an intimate room – book early, and dress for the occasion. The wine list pairs Greek varietals with the menu.
Milos
Days 9–11 of 14 · 3 nightsMilos closes the islands – volcanic geology in primary colours, the lunar landscape at Sarakiniko, fishing-village pastels at Klima and Mandrakia, and the Kleftiko boat day along the south coast. Three nights here is the trip's landscape finale.
Cave Suites
Private-pool suites with wide sea views, built for quiet.
9.7 Alternative places to stay
MilosDay 1
Pollonia waterfront
Pollonia
Sandy's recommended Milos base – Pollonia is a quieter fishing village on the north-east corner of the island, with a sandy bay, a strip of tavernas right on the water, and quick access to Sarakiniko, the Kostantakis winery, and the Apollonia-Pollonia ferry to Kimolos. Stay here over the busier Adamas if you can.
Pollonia Beach
A lovely sandy crescent shaped beach with amazing waters in a quiet bay overlooking the boat harbor. Pollonia is a small mid-sized protected beach with lots of trees providing shade, so there is no need to hire sun loungers. A really relaxed beach, usually peaceful and uncrowded with good access to cafes and restaurants. Pollonia beach is absolutely brilliant for families. The water gradually becomes deeper and the water is still warm even in autumn. It is very safe for children and there is a play park on the promenade as well. An excellent beach for lazing in the sun and swim.
Medusa Taverna
In Mandrakia you will find Medusa Taverna – the only taverna in this tiny village but a very good one. With the traditional hanging octopus, sometimes in a screened box to protect it from insects and wind, you can't miss Medusa and you won't regret lunch here either. Very well priced in a truly unique and very special setting.
MilosDay 2
Sarakiniko & Plaka
Sarakiniko Beach
Sarakiniko is Milos's signature – white volcanic rock sculpted by wind and sea into a lunar landscape on the island's north shore. There's no shade and no facilities; bring water and a hat, and come at sunset for soft light. Sandy's tip: the cliff jumps are visible from the path; admire from a safe distance and stick to the swim-safe coves below.
Plaka Village
Plaka is the chief town in Milos, a Greek island in the Cyclades group. It is perched on the top of large rock, overlooking the gulf of Milos. No cars can enter the village because of the narrow spaces between walls and buildings. Motorbikes, mopeds and the like are the only usable vehicles.
Plaka Castle (Venetian Castle of Milos)
Plaka Castle, often referred to as the “Venetian Castle of Milos,” is the last remaining artefact on the Greek Island of Milos, which bears testament to the ancient times of Venetian rule. Make the short climb to the top of the mountain from the small town of Plaka below, and embrace the spectacular 360-degree views of the entire island, stretching as far as the eye can see. There is no better way to experience the entirety of Milos than here, and a visit is certainly a must-do for anyone traveling to the island.
Catacombs of Milos
One of the most important early-Christian monuments in the world – a 2nd-century underground burial complex carved into the volcanic hillside above Trypiti. Three connecting galleries, hundreds of arched tombs, and traces of original wall paintings. A short, atmospheric visit and an unexpected counterpoint to the island's beach reputation. Closed Tuesdays.
O Hamos Tavern
A garden courtyard buried in bougainvillea, clay plates with the restaurant's name fired into them, and kleftiko lamb that falls apart before you touch it. O Hamos is the kind of place that makes you wonder why restaurants anywhere else try so hard. The kitchen uses milk from the owners' own goats, cheese from their farm, and whatever the sea delivered that morning. The cheese pies are legendary; the fried artichokes appear only in season and disappear fast. Handwritten menu, no pretense, cash preferred. Just outside Adamas, a short walk from the port – arrive early or book ahead, because everyone on the island knows this place.
MilosDay 3
Kleftiko & Polyaigos
Daily Cruise to Kleftiko - Polyaigos
The Kleftiko boat day is the trip's highlight if the wind allows – a full day on a small boat along Milos's south coast, anchoring at sea caves and arches the pirates used as hideouts. Book early in the trip so you have a buffer day if the captain cancels for weather. Wear swim gear under your clothes; the swims at the caves are non-negotiable.
Fyriplaka Beach
Firiplaka with its towering volcanic cliffs, snow-gray fine sand, white pebbles and shallow turquoise waters is situated between the beaches of Provatas and Tsigrado. The extensive beach has umbrellas, sunbeds and a bar hut. There is also a cave under a huge rock in the water near the shore carved out of a volcano a long time ago. Access to the beach is possible by your own vehicle, taxi, bus or even by boat which goes around the island, starting from the port of Adamas. While most of the road is asphalt, the last part of it is a gravel paved driveway.
Tsigrado Beach
Follow the amazing paddling trail to Tsigrado. Visit the famous beach of Tsigrado the easiest way possible! Get a kayak or stand-up-paddle (SUP) from Fyriplaka beach and reach Tsigrado through the water. Have fun paddling and discoverevery hidden place!Do you want to visit Tsigrado without worrying about the tiring and sometimes dangerous climbing that is otherwise required? You can rent a kayak or stand-up-paddle (SUP)from our kiosk at Fyriplaka beach. Paddle along the shore for approx.1km (0.62 miles) and reach Tsigrado beach within 15 minutes. Not only is this the easiest and safest way to reach Tsigrado, but also during your paddling route you will come across many points of interest. You will have the chance to visitwonderful places that are accessible only through the water, swim in the unique clear-blue waters and explore hidden caves!
Yialos Restaurant
Tables on the sand, feet in the pebbles, the fishing boats of Pollonia bobbing a few meters away – Yialos is where seafood and setting conspire perfectly. Chef Achilleas Kamateris trained across Europe but cooks Aegean: raw fish preparations, grilled catch of the day, and creative plates that stay rooted in Cycladic simplicity. The sunset from the beachfront tables is an event in itself. Twenty years in, still the best restaurant in Pollonia and arguably the best seafood on the island. Northeast tip of Milos, about 10km from Adamas. Reservations are non-negotiable in summer.
Athens
Days 12–14 of 14 · 3 nightsThree nights in Athens to close – the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum, Plaka and Monastiraki for markets and tavernas, and a final rooftop bar before the flight out the next morning.
Noble Suites
A 1901 neoclassical house under the Acropolis – four suites of marble and old wood.
9.7 Alternative places to stay
AthensDay 1
Plaka & Monastiraki
The Ultimate Food Tour
Plaka
Plaka, also known as the "neighbourhood of the gods," is the oldest neighbourhood of Athens. Walking on its paved narrow streets you get the feeling that you are travelling back in time. The origin of the name of the neighbourhood is unknown, although theories abound. According to popular belief, Plaka was named after a slab of stone that was found near the church of Ayios Georgios Alexandrias, in the vicinity of the theatre of Dionysos. The beautiful neoclassical style colour of the houses, the architecture, the well-kept gardens, and the beauty and atmosphere of the neighbourhood are enchanting. In Plaka the air you breathe is different; it is lighter, cleaner, and fragrant, like a gift of the gods. When you visit Plaka you should bring a map, because you might get lost in the labyrinth of narrow streets and alleys. In Adrianou Street, the central street of the neighbourhood, as in other streets in the area, you will find shops selling traditional products, souvenirs, Greek folk art and handicrafts, etc.
Monastiraki
A distinctive old Athens area, with narrow, irregularly criss-crossing streets, and small buildings, characteristic of Ottoman and to some extent Byzantine urban planning. On the outdoor stands of street sellers, or the small shops on the central roads you can find anything, such as shoes, clothes, old and new furniture, old books and magazines, souvenirs, jewellery, hats, bronze objects, new and used records and CDs and traditional Greek instruments (bouzouki, touberleki). Shopping or walking in Monastiraki is an unforgettable experience. You will be stunned by the variety and quality of things you can buy in the market
Central Municipal Athens Market
Varvakeios Municipal (Central) Market is a rectangular building (1886) with a large covered court. There are a total of 73 food stalls (meat market, fish market, vegetable market and groceries) in the interior and exterior sections. The market is covered with a glass and metal roof and has symmetrical windows. You will find here small restaurants (eating-houses) with fresh food, attracting Athenians especially after midnight. There is a small grove on the square (Varvakeios Square) across the street.
Kostas
Amazing gyros – a tiny grill on Agia Irini Square that has been doing pork souvlaki the same way for decades. A handful of stools, a queue that moves fast, and the smell of charcoal two streets away. Grab one (or two) in the pita, open the wax paper on the square, and you've understood why this is the Athens food pilgrimage.
Grande Bretagne Rooftop
Enjoy sunset drinks at the Grande Bretagne rooftop bar – the floor-to-ceiling view takes in the Acropolis, Lykavittos and the whole spread of the old city going gold. The cocktail list is serious and the service is old-world; jacket optional but it lifts the room. Book ahead for a sunset table in high season.
AthensDay 2
The Acropolis & its museum
Acropolis
The Acropolis is the symbol of Athens, the sacred rock, linking the fabulous ancient civilisation with the modern city. The monuments on the Sacred Rock date back to the prehistoric era and antiquity. The grandeur and beauty of the Sacred Rock attract Greek and foreign visitors. A visit to the Acropolis is a unique experience.
Acropolis Museum
It is one of the most important contemporary works of architecture in Athens. Its construction, designed by architects B. Tschumi and Mih. Fotiadis was completed in 2007. Standing only 300m away from the Acropolis, its total area covers 21,000 sq.m, while it offers a display area of 14,000 sq.m. It is made of steel, glass and concrete; it uses natural light efficiently so that its 4,000 exhibits would show off. The last level (The Parthenon room) has the dimensions and the direction of the Parthenon and it has been rotated by 23 degrees in relation to the rest of the building so that the visitor would have an immediate view of the monument. The surrounding area, visible from the glass floor of the ground level, functions as an openair museum-excavation. The main entrance is on Dionyssiou Areopagitou Street. In addition, the imposing Weiller building stands in the vicinity. Having been built by German architect W. Von Weiller, it combines Byzantine style masonry and neoclassical decorative patterns. Initially it was used as a military hospital and later as police unit headquarters, whereas since 1987 it houses the Acropolis Research Centre
Ancient Agora
The Ancient Agora – the civic heart of classical Athens, walking distance from the Acropolis. The Stoa of Attalos houses a small archaeological museum; the Temple of Hephaestus on the far side is the best-preserved Greek temple anywhere. Combine the visit with the Acropolis on the same day; the joint ticket covers both.
Temple of Olympian Zeus
According to the geographer Pausanias, the temple of Olympian Zeus was founded by Deukalionas, a mythical ancestor of the Greeks. In the age of tyranny, circa 515 BC, Peisistratos the younger grandson of the tyrant Peisistratos, attempted to replace the old temple with a new, more impressive temple. The tyranny, however, was abolished and construction work was terminated. The construction of the new temple was later assigned to the Roman architect Decimus Cossutius by the king of Syria Antiochus IV, Epiphanes. Antiochus died in 163 BC and the construction of the temple was once again abandoned. The structure did not have a roof and pediment. The construction of the temple, which ranks among the biggest in antiquity, was completed in 131 AD by the Roman Emperor Hadrian. It is of Corinthian order (110m in length and approximately 44m in width), three rows of eight columns at the narrow sides and two rows of twenty columns at its long sides. Inside the temple there was a gold and ivory statue of Zeus which does not exist today.
Lithos Taverna
Tucked into a Psirri side street, Lithos does my favourite Moussaka in Athens – layered the way your grandmother would approve, sitting in front of you within minutes of ordering. The room is stone-walled and unfussy, the wine comes in carafes, and the kitchen turns out the Greek classics with just enough finesse to make the regulars regulars.
AthensDay 3
Panathenaic Stadium & Lycabettus
Panathenaic Stadium
Panathenaikon [Panathenaic] Stadium, a remarkable construction, was made of white marble. The horseshoe shaped stadium faces the National Garden. In 330 BC a stadium made of wood was built at this location. Herodes Atticus constructed a marble edifice, which was the model for the edifice of the stadium that stands today. It was used as a space for athletic competitions, which took place during the Panathenaea festival. The stadium that stands today has a capacity of approx. 60,000 spectators. It was built in 1869-1870 and it was the venue of the first Olympic Games in modern history (1896). Surrounding the stadium is the wooded Ardittos Hill, where locals love to go for a walk.
National Garden
The National Garden, open from dawn to sunset, is an oasis in the centre of the city. It has a total area of 160,000 m2. Some five hundred different kinds of plants, bushes and trees from various locations around the world are grown here (in total, it has 7,000 trees and 40,000 bushes). At the same time, it comprises an important natural life reserve in Athens as many different species of birds, hedgehogs, turtles, ducks and even bats are gathered here. The National Garden – which was formerly the palace garden - was laid out from 1838-1860. There are six entrances: at Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, Irodou Attikou Str, Vasilissis Amalias Avenue, and two entrances connecting the National Garden to the Zappeion. You will also find here a small pond, a small zoo, the Botanical Museum, a traditional café, a children's library, a playground, various monuments of antiquity, and the busts of important personalities of modern Greece (among others, politicians and authors).
Lycabettus Hill
It is a forest in the heart of the city, and among the Athenians' favourite places for hiking or relaxing in the local cafés and restaurants. According to mythology, goddess Athena wanted her temple in Acropolis to be closer to heaven. One stormy night she went to Mount Penteli, and took a large rock with the purpose of placing it on the existing rock. As she transported the rock, two black birds approached her, bringing her bad news regarding something she had to take care of immediately. In her rage and haste, the rock fell in the centre of Athens. The rock, which is 278 metres high, is located in the centre of Athens. In ancient times the hill was covered by lush vegetation and on its top stood a temple dedicated to Zeus. By the time Athens was liberated from the Turkish occupation, Lycabettus Hill had no trees at all. Reforestation started in 1880 and was completed in 1915. Don't miss the view of the Acropolis and of the entire city extending up to the sea. You will also enjoy walking along narrow paths all the way to the top of the hill.
Yiasemi
Yiasemi is a café in Athens, Greece on busy Mnisikleous -a steep, stepped, pedestrian street in the Plaka area that leads down from the Acropolis and is lined with cafés and restaurants. It feels like one of the more characterful offerings on the street, with two separate indoor spaces, seating outside on the steps (of course), tons of plants and flowers, and adorable mismatched furnishings and décor. There's a selection of meze and other dishes but your best bet is to grab a tea or Greek coffee and something sweet to snack on – one of the homemade pies or the honey-drenched, big-enough-to-share baklava. Yiasemi is a nice mix of locals and tourists, buzzy and busy without feeling rushed, and offers superb people-watching