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Attica Holiday Guide

Attica, an agricultural and wine-growing region in Greece, is home to some spectacular beaches especially along the Apollo coast and at Shinias near Marathon. Yet the region's major claims to fame are Greece's greatest attractions, Athens, Olympia and Piraeus.

Attractions in Attica

• Pireaus
  Located in the West of Attica, Pireaus is Greece’s main port and also one of the main ports of the Mediterranean. The port is the main hub of the Aegean ferry network and people hurrying to catch a ferry is a common sight. You can wander through the picturesque and tranquil Mikrolimano (Small Harbour) lined with cafes, restaurants and bars and enjoy a drink of Ouzo served with Greek appetizers.

• Olympia
  Olympia enjoys a unique place in the history of not only Greece but the rest of the world for it is here that the Olympic Games originated. Even today, the Olympic flame of the modern-day Olympic Games is lit by reflection of sunlight in a parabolic mirror at the restored Olympia stadium and then transported by a torch to the place where the games are held. Tourists can visit the Ancient Olympia, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. See the ruins of a gymnasium that dates back to second century. Another place of interest is the palaestra, or the wrestling school. You can also see the Sacred Precinct of Zeus with its immense 5th century Doric Temple of Zeus.

• Athens
  One of the oldest cities in Europe, Athens is an intriguing mix of the old and new. History has left its imprints in this great civilization and no where is it more apparent than the magnificent Acropolis. Infact Acropolis is the reason why tourists come to this Greek capital. This distinctive citadel perched on a rock, lords over the city. The Parthenon, the greatest surviving monument of Doric architecture, is the biggest draw on the Acropolis. Also worth a visit are the Agora - a grand, ruined Roman building that was funded by Roman emperors, the Temple of Zeus - built around 1,500 years ago for the worship of the Greek God Zeus and the Hadrian's Arch - originally the city gate linking the Roman quarters with the original town of Athens.

• Nightlife in Athens
  Athens has moved ahead with the times and how. Its famous nightlife ensures that the city is awake well after the rest of Europe has gone to bed. Athens boasts a vibrant nightlife and offers something for all tastes; you can take your pick from sex shows and gay bars to traditional Greek music and dancing to classical concerts. Once the sun sets, you can head to the many music bars, clubs, rock and jazz venues, and Rembetika clubs to hear the traditional Greek music. For concerts you can check out the theatre on Mount Lycavettos.

• Dining in Athens
  The best place to dine in Athens is Plaka, the old quarter of Athens, an alluring maze of pedestrianised streets lined with bars, cafes and clubs. Street vending is extremely popular in Athens, which means you can eat to your fill 'en route' to any destination. Among the culinary delights on offer are Koulouri (sesame seed bread ring), Galaktoboureko (custard-filled pastry dusted with icing sugar) and Tyropitta (cheese pies).

• Spas in Athens
  Divani Athens Spa & Thalasso Centre: Experience the timeless Greek traditions of wellness and a good life at the Divani Athens Spa & Thalasso Centre. The centre is well equipped and staffed for wellness and beauty treatments.

• Glyfada Golf Club of Athens:
  The Glyfada Golf Course is located in the seaside town of Glyfada which is a suburb of Athens. Designed by Donald Harradine, this 18 hole, Par 72 course has continually hosted such events as the World Cup Tournament in 1979, the Mediterranean Gamers in 1992, and the PGA Senior Greek Open. Facilities include pro shop, driving range and putting green.