Where ancient history meets modern hedonism
Athens, Greece
The charismatic capital of Greece is an intoxicating mix of ancient and modern. The towering Acropolis and its crowning glory, the Parthenon, look down on the city from a lofty perch. And wherever you wander, you come across centuries of architecture, from Byzantine churches to Ottoman mansions. Yet Athens is also surprisingly modern with edgy neighbourhoods packed full of rooftop bars and trendy boutiques. Best of all: everything is within walking distance. Are you ready to discover the past and present of this magical metropolis?
The amazing Acropolis
Built in the 5th century BC, the Acropolis is simply unmissable. Of course, the glorious marble monument can get busy but Cosa can arrange for you to commune with the stones without the crowds. After marvelling at the Parthenon & Co, make sure you get the back story on the sacred rock at the excellent Acropolis Museum.
The magnificent museums
To delve deeper into Greek culture, amble along Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, aka Museum Mile. Start at the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture, an elegant edit of local arts through the ages. Close by lies the Museum of Cycladic Art, home to more than 3,000 artefacts of Cycladic, Ancient Greek and Cypriot origin. Round off with religious art at the Byzantine and Christian Museum.
The dynamic districts
Explore the hip neighbourhoods of Kypseli, Neos Kosmos and Keramikos. These areas of Athens are being revived by young creatives and you can discover their hip cafes and design studios with us. Our Athens experts have insider knowledge of what to see and do in the up-and-coming districts that are off from the tourist trail.
The exclusive exercise
Get to grip with Athens’ sporting history at the horseshoe-shaped Panathenaic Stadium, home to the first modern Olympic games in 1896. We can arrange for you to jog around the stunning marble track, before discovering the origins of the Athens Marathon, courtesy of a local athlete. It’s a unique opportunity to gain Olympic insight through exercise.
Essential Athens
Home to Plato and Aristotle, Athens is considered the birthplace of both democracy and Western civilisation. History still reverberates around every corner but it’s also a modern city that’s home to over four million people – more than a third of the Greek population – and one of few European capitals to enjoy a sparkling coastline. Athens owes its name to Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, who became the city’s patron after winning a contest with the god of water, Poseidon.
Where it is
Southern Europe
When to go
September to June
Why go there
Mystical history
Ancient culture
Delicious food
What to see
The Acropolis
Museum Mile
Hip neighbourhoods
