In this post I want to highlight an attractive destination Athens, Athens with the famous sights I have already highlighted in the photo slide

I have divided the route that I describe on the route map over several days and always take the metro to the various departure points.

In particular, I would like to pay attention to the Plaka district, the oldest district of Athens, under the entire district are the remains of earlier Greek and Roman buildings, largely untouched.

Plaka sits against a hill, in the shadow of the Acropolis and its ancient temples. The narrow, cobbled streets lined with small shops selling jewellery, clothing and local ceramics give the neighborhood a village feel. The terrace cafes and family-run tavernas stay open late, while Cine Paris shows classic films in the open air.

The nearby Anafiotika district is reminiscent of a Greek island with its whitewashed houses.

One of the nicest things about Athens is the variety, one moment you are marveling at ancient ruins, on the next street corner you will suddenly find fantastic street art. Something I certainly didn't expect in this busy, energetic city was the tranquility of the whitewashed neighborhood of Anafiotika, at the foot of the Acropolis.

It's not a neighborhood you run into, you really have to look it up. The neighborhood is located at the foot of the Acropolis and to get there you walk down Thrasillou Street in Plaka. That street turns into the Stratonos and if you walk down it, you'll be at the only entrance to Anafiotika. And then you are immediately in another world.

Gone are the busy streets of Athens, the bustling city and the swarm of tourists. We walked into the narrow street, lined with whitewashed houses on either side. Next to cast-iron blue doors stood earthenware pots with large green plants.

From the street I had a beautiful view on one side of the Acropolis, which towers high above Anafiotika. On the other side, the huge city spread out and I could enjoy a wide view. I imagined myself on a relaxed Greek island.

Anafiotika was built in the nineteenth century by residents of the island of Anafi, who came to work in Athens. They built houses in the style of the island they came from. Soon workers from other Greek islands also came to settle here. Today there are only 45 houses left, located in narrow winding streets that you sometimes just barely fit through. It is a wonderfully quiet neighborhood to stroll through, pet the many dozing cats and escape the hustle and bustle of Athens. And you don't have to be afraid to get lost: the streets automatically lead you back to the place where you entered Anafiotika. Anafiotika was really one of the surprises of Athens for me.

After the seat of government was moved to Athens in 1834 under King Otto of Nafplion, the new capital experienced intensive construction activities. Basically they rebuilt Athens that had been completely destroyed after the war of independence against the Turks that ended in 1821.

The district was built according to the Cycladic architecture. At the same time, two 17th-century churches in the area were renovated, the churches of Agios Symeon and Agios Georgios ton Vrachon. The composition of the population changed after 1922 due to the influx of Greek refugees from Asia Minor, who had to leave their country as a result of the Greco-Turkish War.

Anafiotika is reminiscent of an island village with its small whitewashed houses, narrow alleys, steep stairs and flower gardens. There are many nice taverns and cafes in the district. It is a neighborhood where Athenians like to drink a cup of coffee.  We ended our route a few times at Cafe Plaka, in the middle of Plaka, but in complete tranquility on the roof terrace where we could relax in the shade or sun.