Top Romantic Things to Do in Athens
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Athens is by far the biggest city in Greece, but don’t let its size fool you! It is incredibly charming because it is both an ancient city and a modern one. It is also close to a pristine coastal area with some wonderful beaches and some excellent nightclubs. It is also a romantic city, and couples find that they adore spending time here. Here are some activities that couples love doing while they are in Athens:
Watch the Sunset on Lycabettus Hill
At over 900 ft. above sea level, Lycabettus Hill is the highest point in Athens. Most people take the funicular railway which leaves from the Kolonaki neighborhood. At the top is the church of St. George (Agios Georgios) which is open to visitors and offers cooling shade during the day. A viewing platform in front of the church gives spectacular views of the city. A café offers breakfast, lunch, and snacks. An amphitheater hosts concerts by Greek and foreign performers in summertime. The restaurant is perfect for a romantic dinner with a view of the entire city.
Meander Through the National Gardens
The National Gardens are a verdant oasis of 38 acres amid central Athens. The gardens were created in 1838 by the first queen of Greece and initially only for royalty until the 1920s when they were opened to the public. The gardens are home to 519 species of plants including 7,000 trees and 40,000 bushes and other plants. The majority of species are native to Greece but there are varieties from places such as Australia and China and the Pacific Islands. Six lakes dot the gardens, where you can feed the ducks that call the gardens home. The gardens also have a conservatory, a children’s library, and a café.
Visit the Athens Riviera
The Athens Riviera is a picturesque stretch of coastline filled with beaches, coves, and resorts. Swim in the sea, stroll along pedestrian shopping streets, or enjoy your favorite watersports only a 30-minute drive from central Athens. Five-star resorts offer spas, water sports, and golf. Gourmet restaurants and traditional tavernas serve fresh seafood. Beach bars and nightclubs offer music, dancing, and nightlife activities. Marinas offer sailing enthusiasts many opportunities for boating to nearby islands and beaches. One of the most popular destinations is the temple of Poseidon where legend says King Aegeus, thinking he had lost his only son Theseus to the Minotaur in the labyrinth, jumped to his death.
Watch a Film at the Open-Air Cinema
Athens neighborhoods have many open-air cinemas all around the city for a romantic summer movie night. Visit a cinema with a view of the Acropolis or in fragrant gardens or next to the sea for a unique Athens experience. A few things to know before you go: theaters usually offer two showings, one at 9:00 p.m. and one at 11:00 p.m.; purchase tickets ahead of time to avoid lines; there are no reserved seats; theaters usually have snacks and drinks available for purchase; most movies have intermissions.
Whether you’re a cinema buff, a horticulturist, a lover of scenery, or just a romantic at heart, Athens has something to make your visit special.
Categorized in: About Athens, Greece, Greek Travel Guide
This post was written by Greek Boston
