What to Do in the Anafiotika Neighborhood of Athens
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Located on the northeastern side of Acropolis Hill, the idyllic neighborhood of Anafiotika is the ideal place to begin your Greek adventure. This quaint area perfectly exemplifies Cycladic architecture with its white exterior and cozy spaces. The intoxicating scent of the bougainvillea flowers welcomes you into this charming neighborhood, inviting you to stay and get comfortable.
Here are some things that you should make time to do when visiting Anafiotika:
Browse Through the Plaka
Anafiotika is contained within the bustling confines of Plaka, making it a great place to immerse yourself in the vibrant and colorful Greek culture. While in Anafiotika, you must make time to browse through Plaka. As one of the oldest neighborhoods in Athens, Plaka boasts a rich history and authentic character. Plaka is easily reached from the center of Athens, making it an accessible area to explore on foot. The narrow alleyways of Plaka lead to a cornucopia of historic Byzantine churches, the Ancient Agora, the Temple of Zeus, the Monument of Lysicrates, the Tower of the Winds, and many more culturally significant buildings.
There are also museums located in the Plaka that are worth visiting, including the Museum of Greek Folk Art, the Canellopoulous Museum, and the Museum of Folk Instruments. An eclectic mix of cafes and taverns offer the perfect place to put your feet up and soak up the ambiance of this quintessential Athens neighborhood while you nosh on traditional Greek cuisine.
Spend Time at the Acropolis
The iconic Acropolis is the symbol of the entire Greek nation and culture, making it a must-see destination while visiting Anafiotika. As one of the most important monuments in all of the world, this ancient temple was once a military fortress rising high over the city of Athens. There is an abundance of places to explore while visiting the Acropolis, so be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to check out all of the sites in this fascinating region. Created sometime between 447 and 432 B.C., the Parthenon is the most recognized part of the Acropolis. The Temple of Athena Nike and the Erectheiona are two temples that demonstrate the grandeur of Ionic architecture. The ruins of the Theatre of Dionysos is a 5th-century theatre that still haunts those that visit it.
Glimpse the Cycladic Architecture
The patented Cycladic architecture of the Anafiotika neighborhood is extremely reminiscent of the beautiful Greek islands. The stark white buildings contrast beautifully with the magenta bougainvillea flowers. Many of the buildings feature rooftop terraces, perfect for taking in the magnificent views of this neighborhood. Winding your way through the narrow alleys marveling at the unique architecture is a fun way to spend a day taking in the character of this historic neighborhood and its grand churches and archaeological sites.
This lovely neighborhood is the perfect home base for your adventures in Athens. Offering sweeping views of the city and the water surrounding it, the personality of Greece truly shines through in the tranquil oasis area of Anafiotika.
Categorized in: About Athens, Greece, Greek Travel Guide
This post was written by Greek Boston
