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Excursions

For a Half Day

Temple of Poseidon:
Built in 444BC, the temple stands on the tip of Cape Sounion overlooking the Aegean and is a spectacular sight, particularly when there is a good sunset. The site is open from 1000 until sunset daily and admission is Dr800. The coastal road from Athens offers a dramatic route to the ruins, which can be reached by bus from the centre.

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 (which offers the best view of the site), a stadium and an excellent museum. The site is open daily in summer 0730-1900; in winter 0800-1700. Admission Dr1200. Museum (tel: (0265) 82312) open summer Mon 1200-1830 and Tues-Sun 0730-1900; reduced hours in winter, ring to check. Admission Dr1200.

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 is 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 takes just 40 minutes. Alternatives to Aegina include Ydra (Hydra) - 90 minutes by 'Flying Dolphin'; 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 harbourside 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, Mycenae and Epidaurus. 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 nineteenth century and is still used today for the Athens Festival in July and August. The site, which is open daily 0800-2100 (closes in winter 1700), includes the ruins of an extensive spa and sanctuary, and a museum. Admission is Dr1500 and regular buses make the journey from the Kifissou 100 terminal in Athens.

Although research suggests Mykínes (Mycenae) was probably not the home of Agamemnon as the archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann famously claimed, the site 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 Athens and is open daily 0800-1900 (in August until 2100 and in winter 1700 in). Admission Dr1500.

Fresh air: For visitors who need a break from so much culture, there are reasonable beaches south of Athens at 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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