Athens for self-catering holidays in Greece, stay in a rented villa or apartment

People tend to visit Athens to see the Acropolis with its partially restored temples and ancient artefacts. Sited on a hill in Athens, the Acropolis looks out over the city. The major attraction of Athens has to of course be the Acropolis.  On a hot summer day, the sun glistens off the white marble of the Acropolis and gives this historical site quite a magical feel.  The views from the Acropolis of Athens are really quite spectacular.  It is amazing to think that this impressive structure has been around for thousands of years.  History buffs should simply adore looking around the Acropolis museum.  It's within walking distance from the centre of Athens and Syntagma Square and the Greek Parliament where guards in their white skirted uniforms march up and down in front of flocks of pigeons.

Many visit Greece in the summer time but if you want to enjoy seeing the cultural attractions in a moderate temperature you may find it better to visit Greece during the cooler months of April or September.

If you are after outstanding views of Athens, the best viewpoint is arguably from Lykavittos hill.  This hill offers you the highest viewpoint from Athens and on a good day you can see for miles and miles.  It is possible to climb up this hill or alternatively for a fee you can take the funicular which will take you all the way to the top.  At the top there is a stylish café where you can enjoy a glass of wine or cappuccino and marvel at the views.

The best shopping in Athens is arguably in Plaka.  In Plaka there are jewellery shops galore and many shops selling souvenirs for tourists.  Plaka itself is not too far from the Acropolis and is considered by many to be the most charming area in Athens.  There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes in this part of the city.  The buildings in Plaka are old and have considerable charm and character, quite different from many parts of Athens where you will find modern apartment block after modern apartment block.  Also in Plaka there is the Jewish Museum and a host of other museums, the Stadion which was rebuilt to seat people watching the modern Olympic games, the modern Olympic stadium and venues.

The Agora and various other excavated sites in Athens await rediscovery by tourists interested in classical history.

It's easy to book day trips from Athens to visit Delphi, Meteora, Marathon and a host of other places of interest for day trips or weekend breaks.  Being a city, self catering in Athens tends to be in apartments.  If you are looking to holiday elsewhere in Greece, such as on a Greek island, it is often possible to find a self catering villa.