Romantic Things To Do in Athens
Athens is an ancient city guarded by three mountains that faces the sea- crowned by a temple. One can find a bevvy of romantic things to do in a fairytale setting like that. Ancient sites, the garden pathways next to Parliament, hilltop views such as the one from Lykavittos, and walks along the Aegean coast are close at hand to stir your soul; best when shared.
Though it can be tough to feel the romance at the Acropolis when you're sharing it with a thousand other visitors, advance planning and some flexibility (early or late in the season; early or late in the day) gives you more intimacy. We recommend going up via the entrance at Dionysos' Theatre and exiting via the high gate, then continuing onto Philopappou Hill right of the traffic circle for an easier, crowd-free walk through the ancient green. Areopagos Hill, accessed near the Acropolis or via a back trail near Thissio, is an excellent place to scramble for a free seat with a million-dollar view of the city by night. A walk down Areopagitou is highly recommended, particularly at dusk into evening. The pavement sparkles with light from the lamps and the moon; street performers and the buzz of the crowded cafes offer the soundtrack.
Catch the tram from Syntagma Square and ride it through the coastal neighborhoods to reach Flisvos Marina, a seaside park where you'll get a good taste of how the locals imbue a bit of romance into their evenings with long stretches of seaside pathways, an outdoor movie theatre, ladders down to prime swim spots and a gorgeous sunset. Or continue far down the coast to the enchanting Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, one of the most romantic points of Attica.
You won't find the horse-drawn buggy ride around the Acropolis on the list as there are reports of dissatisfied customers and poor treatment of the horses, though horse-back riding can be arranged through the Hellenic Equestrian Federation.
Whatever you do, don't be caught indoors, away from a window at the golden hour around sunset, when a light specific to Athens emblazons the whole city. The beauty is liable to leave you breathless.
Though it can be tough to feel the romance at the Acropolis when you're sharing it with a thousand other visitors, advance planning and some flexibility (early or late in the season; early or late in the day) gives you more intimacy. We recommend going up via the entrance at Dionysos' Theatre and exiting via the high gate, then continuing onto Philopappou Hill right of the traffic circle for an easier, crowd-free walk through the ancient green. Areopagos Hill, accessed near the Acropolis or via a back trail near Thissio, is an excellent place to scramble for a free seat with a million-dollar view of the city by night. A walk down Areopagitou is highly recommended, particularly at dusk into evening. The pavement sparkles with light from the lamps and the moon; street performers and the buzz of the crowded cafes offer the soundtrack.
Catch the tram from Syntagma Square and ride it through the coastal neighborhoods to reach Flisvos Marina, a seaside park where you'll get a good taste of how the locals imbue a bit of romance into their evenings with long stretches of seaside pathways, an outdoor movie theatre, ladders down to prime swim spots and a gorgeous sunset. Or continue far down the coast to the enchanting Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, one of the most romantic points of Attica.
You won't find the horse-drawn buggy ride around the Acropolis on the list as there are reports of dissatisfied customers and poor treatment of the horses, though horse-back riding can be arranged through the Hellenic Equestrian Federation.
Whatever you do, don't be caught indoors, away from a window at the golden hour around sunset, when a light specific to Athens emblazons the whole city. The beauty is liable to leave you breathless.
Acropolis
Theorias
Dionissiou Areopagitou. Ticket booth, small post office, and snack bar are located slightly below the Acropolis entrance
The high city of the ancient Athenians...
National Gardens
Main entrance on Amalias Ave. Two other entrances from Vassilisis Sophias Ave. and Irodou Attikou Street.
Once the royal family's garden - now shared by all...
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