A day in Athens

Athens, Greece

Morning - Acropolis terrace

Cool morning air sits on the marble as pale light spreads over the city below. I step onto the terrace and take in the wide view. The Acropolis is the ancient citadel that still defines classical Greece, best visited in March, April or November when the heat stays kind.

Midday - Acropolis ruins

Massive stone columns throw hard midday shade along the ancient pathway. I move between them and look up at the broken temples around me. These ruined sanctuaries, temples and defensive walls have stood for millennia as a testament to ancient engineering and artistic ambition.

Midday - Acropolis pillar

The weathered marble feels warm and rough under my hand, with the city spread far below. I rest my palm on a column and study its worn surface. The Propylaea uses sweeping rows of Pentelic marble columns as the grand entrance, with the Temple of Athena Nike beside it on a steep bastion.

Afternoon - Plaka steps

Whitewashed walls catch the afternoon light as I take the stone stairway down through Plaka. My shoes tap on each step in the warm air. Lightweight linens and sunglasses suit these warm summer months, while leather jackets and smart layers suit the evening.

Afternoon - Plaka alley

Pink flowers hang low and scent the narrow cobblestone lane as I pass beneath them. I follow the tight lane through the neighbourhood and listen to the quiet between the walls. The historic centre holds village-style taverns such as The Traditional, serving seasonal vegetables, olive oil and regional cheeses.

Afternoon - Plaka market stall

Woven baskets and handmade crafts fill a small stall, and a dry smell rises off the baskets. I pause and look over the work on the table. Kostas Souvlaki, open since the mid-twentieth century, serves grilled pork in pita with tomatoes, parsley and a mild yoghurt sauce.

Golden Hour - Rooftop table

Orange and pink light falls across the small iron table as the sun drops. I sit here and watch the colour spread over the roofs. Krasopoulio tou Kokkora, a casual downtown eatery, serves house wine in traditional metal pitchers with casserole dishes and grilled meats.

Golden Hour - Rooftop terrace

Cold wine beads the glass in my hand as city lights begin to show and the air cools. I hold the glass and stay on the terrace a little longer. Smart layers and a leather jacket are what contemporary Athenians favour once evening arrives.

Night - Acropolis avenue

Street lamps throw a warm pool of light along the avenue, and the Acropolis glows behind me. I follow the lit road and glance back at the hill. The Parthenon, a marble temple of the fifth century BCE built to honour Athena, later served as a Christian church and an Ottoman mosque.

Night - Neoclassical square

Soft light lies on the neoclassical buildings, and the plaza is quiet under the night sky. I stop for a moment and let the square settle around me. Aspro Alogo, tucked away from the tourist corridors, serves classic homestyle Greek recipes with attentive service.