Greece had always been one of my top places to visit for my entire life. The first time I stepped foot on it’s ancient ground I was with two of my girlfriends and we had an absolute blast. From Athens to Santorini to Crete, it was one of the most spectacular girls trips I’ve taken and I fell so head over heels with the country. A few years later I signed a professional volleyball contract in Athens where I got to live for seven months and ultimately feel like a local. I always try to find the best kept secrets in the city I am exploring although I don’t often have months on months. Dive into the history of Athens and all it’s gateways to other amazing parts of the beautiful country of Greece.

What To NOT miss in Athens

1. ACROPOLIS + PARTHENON

2. ACROPOLIS MUSEUM

3. PLAKA

A DARLING LITTLE TOWN WITH SHOPS AND STREET VENDORS AT THE BASE OF THE ACROPOLIS HILL.

4. FILOPAPPOU HILL

Walk to the top for the best view in all of Athens

5. MONASTIRAKI

A GREAT PLACE TO COME GRAB A bite to eat or a drink. Find a rooftop bar and watch the sunset over the Acropolis hill. They also have a very fun flea market

6. ANCIENT AGORA OF ATHENS

Iconic Greek ruins with a really awesome museum

7. TEMPLE OF HEPHAESTUS

Be careful not to miss this amazing temple! Down in the bustling city of Athens you can find some spectacular ruins intermingled within the city dwellers. Right across from the Ancient Agora.

8. ARCH OF HADRIAN

9. KERAMEIKOS

Located to the northwest of the Acropolis, it includes an extensive area both within and outside the ancient walls known as the potters’ quarter of the city (this is where the word “ceramic” is derived).

10. PANATHENAIC STATIUM

11. VOULIAGMENI

One of my favourite places to spend an afternoon! There are some amazing shops and green spaces you can spend a few hours wandering around, finding a nice brunch spot, and enjoying the sunshine. A hop skip and a jump can take you to my absolute favourite restaurant in all of Athens: Moorings. The surrounding area is beautiful too so make sure you leave some time for exploring!

12. PIRAEUS HARBOUR

13. TOWER OF THE WINDS

14. CHURCH OF THE ASSUMPTION OF THE VIRGIN MARY

A beautiful Greek Orthodox Church which is one of the oldest churches in all of Athens

15. LIMANAKI

Me and my teammate’s favourite spot: “The Watering Hole.” We were lucky enough to experience this little slice of heaven during the off season but during the summer this hidden gem is bustling with locals wanting to cool off.