A Postcard From Athens
By Heidi Roberts
A Postcard From Athens
by Heidi Roberts
Step back in time
A weekend in Athens in the low season is highly recommended, not least because the city’s most famous monument – the Parthenon – is nowhere near as crowded as it is in the summer. We walk up the hill to the Acropolis, which has towered over Athens since 447BC, to marvel at the epic Doric columns in the daylight, before retreating to the rooftop bar of our hotel, the Moon and Stars, to take in the view of the incredible monument at night (rooftop bars are a common feature of many city-centre hotels). With a drink in hand, it sparks thoughts of ancient Greece and the civilisation that lived here all those years ago.
We’re within walking distance of Monastraki Square, where we gaze at the ruins of the Roman Forum of Athens and Hadrian’s Library, before heading to Syntagma Square, which is home to the parliament building and where we catch the ornate changing of the guard (it takes place on certain Sundays at 11 am; check online for dates).
The temperature in Athens in spring is around 20°C - and it typically only rains four days a month.
Between the two, we spend a very enjoyable few hours browsing the Monastiraki flea market, a warren of shops and stalls selling everything from souvenirs to silverware, porcelain and bric-à-brac, as well as food and drink. We’re spoilt for choice on where to have dinner but settle on a place called A Little Taste of Home, about five minutes from our hotel.
As well as hot and colde meze don't miss trying fritters of all flavours, served at tavernas
The beef short ribs had been in the oven since 9.30 that morning and fell off the bone into delicious strands in a gorgeous gravy. The next day we head to the coast – the Athens Riviera, easily accessed on the red metro line. I love being by the waterfront, and there’s a small beach here as well as a couple of marinas. I could sit and watch the boats come and go all day. All too soon it’s time to head home, but we pack olive oil, salt and herbs in our suitcase to remind us of our #greekend – an Athens city break. For more of Heidi’s travels, visit her blog: kitchentalkandtravels.com
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This is a feature from Issue 15 of Charitable Traveller.
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