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Excursions For a Half Day Temple of Poseidon: Built in 444BC, the Temple of Poseidon stands on the tip of Cape Sounion, overlooking the Aegean Sea, and is a spectacular sight, particularly when there is a good sunset. The site (tel: 22920 39363) is open daily from 1000 until sunset and admission is €4. The coastal road from Athens offers a dramatic route to the ruins – by car or bus. From the city centre, the regular local bus departs from Mavromateon, a side street next to the National Archaeological Museum. For a Whole Day Delphi: Pilgrims visited Delphi until the fourth century AD, to seek advice from its famous oracles. Situated on dramatic cliffs to the west of Athens, the site includes the Temple of Apollo, the Sacred Way, a vast amphitheatre (offering the best view of the site), a stadium and an excellent museum. The site is open daily in summer 0730-1900 and in winter 0800-1700. The museum (tel: 22650 82312) is open Mon 1200-1830 and Tues-Sun 0730-1900 in summer, with reduced hours in winter. Admission to both site and museum costs €9. Regular buses make the three-hour journey from terminal B at Liossion 260 in Athens. Argo-Saronic Islands: Aígina (Aegina) is the closest island to the city and therefore gets very crowded on summer weekends. However, for visitors based in Athens, Aegina can make a pleasant and accessible day trip. The island boasts good beaches, the pleasant town of Aegina and a beautifully preserved Doric temple – the Temple of Aphaia (490BC). There are frequent ferries to Aegina from Piraeus and the journey by hydrofoil (see Getting There By Water) takes just 40 minutes. The tourist office in Aegina (tel: 22970 25690 or 23613) can provide further information. Alternatives to Aegina include Ydra (Hydra), which is 90 minutes by hydrofoil, Póros, one hour, and Spetsai, just over two hours. Each has its own appeal. Hydra has a beautiful harbour and several delightful fishing villages, the capital of Póros is a pleasant harbour-side town with an archaeological museum, while Spetsai benefits from a partial ban on cars, a covering of pine trees and good beaches. Peloponnese: It is possible to take trips from Athens to the major classical sites in the Peloponnese, including Corinth, Epidaurus and Mycenae. Although the modern town of Kórinthos (Corinth) is fairly unpleasant, the surrounding attractions include Ancient Corinth – the Roman capital of Greece – the acropolis of Acrocorinth and the Corinth Canal. The vast ancient theatre at Epidaurus enjoys a spectacular setting, pin-drop acoustics and is remarkably well preserved. It was built in the fourth century BC, rediscovered in the 19th century and is used for the Epidaurus Festival in July and August (website: www.greekfestival.gr). The site (tel: 27530 22009), which is open daily 0800-1900 in summer (0800-1700 in winter), includes the ruins of an extensive spa and sanctuary, as well as a museum. Admission is €6 and regular buses make the journey from terminal A, Kifissou 100, in Athens. Although research suggests Mykínes (Mycenae) was probably not the home of Agamemnon, as the archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann famously claimed, the site (tel: 27510 76585) is undeniably impressive and remains one of the most popular in Greece. Highlights include the Lion Gate, the Royal Cemetery and the Treasury of Atreus. Mycenae can be reached on the Náfplio bus from terminal A, Kifissou 100, in Athens and is open daily 0800-1900 in summer (closes 2100 in August but 1700 in winter). Admission is €6. Outdoors: For visitors who need a break from so much culture, there are reasonable beaches south of Athens at Glyfada, Vouliagméni and Varkiza. Bus A3 from Syntagma Square goes to Glyfada, Vouliagméni and Varkiza. Alternatively, the mountains that surround the city offer excellent opportunities for walking and hiking and are delightful in spring when the slopes are covered with flowers and wildlife. Mount Párnitha, an hour’s drive north of the city, is easily accessible and has well-marked paths. |
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