Student Life

Capital And Largest City Of Greece

Athens is a place full of attractions

Athens is the historic capital of Europe as it has been inhabited since the Neolithic Era. Through the course of its long, fascinating history, it reached its zenith in the 5th century B.C. (the “Golden Age of Pericles”), a period when its values and its culture crossed the geographical borders of the city and spread worldwide. Political thinking, theater, arts, philosophy, science, architecture and so many other human intellectualities reached their zenith in a unique time coincidence and spiritual completion.

Hence, Athens became the core of western civilization, while many Greek words and understandings such as democracy, harmony, music, mathematics, art, gastronomy, architecture, logic, Eros, euphoria and many more, enriched various languages and inspired different civilizations.

Find out more here also here  and at Wikipedia. You can download a brochure for Athens at the official GNTO site here

Top 10 Attractions

1. Acropolis

The sacred rock of the Acropolis and its most recognized monument, the Parthenon, have withstood the test of time. Natives have often commented on its commanding presence that is instilled in their daily life.  But nothing compares to witnessing its grandeur up close and in person.  The archeological park, known as the Unification of Archaeological Sites, (4.7 km or 3 miles wide) that surrounds the Acropolis, encompasses some of the world’s most ancient treasures. Read more

2. The New Acropolis Museum

Years in the making, this museum and its creative use of natural Greek light is the new gem of Athens and has been heralded as a masterpiece in itself. The permanent collections present finds and artifacts from the sacred hill of the Acropolis, while smaller «vignette» temporary exhibits offer insight on the whole. Read more

3. National Archaeological Museum

One of the richest museums of ancient Greek art in the world, its collections span cultures that flourished in Greece from the prehistoric age and beyond. A bronze statue of Poseidon is here as are frescoes from ancient Thira. A comprehensive museum that is often overlooked. Read more

4. Greek Parliament

The Greek Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Every vacation portfolio should not be without a photo alongside the tall, commanding Presidential Guards, known as evzones or tsoliades.  It is worth the wait to witness the changing of the guards, a ten-minute ceremonial procedure that takes place every hour on the hour. The foustanela or skirt that is part of their uniform is made up of 400 pleats, each one symbolizing a year that Greece was under Turkish rule. Read more

5. Panathenaic Stadium

This must-see monument opposite Zappeion Gardens on Vassileos Konstantinou Avenue is the stadium that hosted the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896.  The stadium, first built in 330 B.C., is made of white marble from the mountain Penteli and has a seating capacity of 45,000 for the concerts and events. Read more

6. Lycabettus Hill

At a height of 277 m. (approximately 1,000feet), Lycabettus Hill is perhaps the best spot in which to get an aerial view of the city.  Visible from here is the Acropolis, the port of Pireaus, and the island of Aegina. If a mini-trek up is not appealing, take the cable car to the top (and back down). The entrance is on the corner of Aristippou and Ploutarchou streets. If you decide to walk down the forest path you will encounter Dexameni Square in Kolonaki, where you can grab a bite to eat. Read more

7. Ancient Agora, Monastiraki

It’s befitting that this monument, the center of commercial and business life in ancient times, would later give rise to the buzzing shopping district that surrounds it today. Of course, Monastiraki does not compare to the milieu of the Ancient Agora, but it still continues to inspire those who live, work and visit the area. Read more

8. Plaka

With its undisputable charm, this area is one of the most frequented by visitors and natives alike. Plaka’s winding pathways carry thousands of years of history. Walk amongst the buildings whose facades are dressed in 19th century neoclassical design and architecture. Dine at one or several of its restaurants. And explore the ancient monuments, contemporary museums and traditional souvenir shops throughout. The ELGS Premises for Postgraduate Studies are located in Plaka. Read more

9. The Attica Coastline

Athens is surrounded by pristine beaches, where you can swim for many months during the year. Visit a beach in Athens and you are likely to feel like you’re on a Greek island, as you are greeted with stretches of crystal sands, fine pebbles and blue, clean waters. Both the tram and bus take you to nearby, organized beaches (some offer water sports) in Faliro, Alimos, Kalamaki, Glyfada, Schinias and Varkiza in less than an hour. A promenade at the Flisvos Marina  is a great destination for all ages, at any time of year. Read more

10. Temple of Poseidon-Cape Sounion

Take a road trip to the southernmost tip of Attica for a breathtaking drive along the coastal highway and you are rewarded with a visit to one of the most fascinating temples in ancient history.  It is no wonder that the ancient Greeks built the temple to their sea god Poseidon here in Sounion.  Situated on a plateau on the top of a cliff it welcomes ships and sailors even today. The ELGS premises where the undergraduate studies are held are located very close to Sounion and the temple of Poseidon.

Links of Interest

MUSEUMS, MONUMENTS, ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES:

http://odysseus.culture.gr/index_en.html
ACROPOLIS MUSEUM

Explore the Acropolis Museum
OPERATING HOURS
List of Museums and Archaeological sites with extended operating hours
MINISTRY OF CULTURE

Visit the Ministry of Culture site.
GREEK NATIONAL OPERA
Visit the official site of Greek National Opera and find out the program.
NATIONAL THEATRE
Visit the National Theatre’s site and find out the current theatrical plays.

www.athensattica.gr

GREECE: General Info

• Capital of Greece: Athens
• Official language: Greek
• The currency: Euro(€)
• Climate: Mediterranean
• Population: 10,384,971 (in 2022)
• The country is a Presidential Parliamentary Democracy
• Calling code: The international calling code of Greece is +30

Cost Of Living

Below you can check a list with indicative prices for a number of everyday products and services:

• Museum tickets 4-12€
• Theater tickets from 20€
• Cinema tickets 7-10€
• Sandwich from 2 €
• Souvlaki from 2.5€
• Big bottle of water 1€ ( small bottle 0.5€)
• Greek coffee “to go” from 2€
• Cappuccino coffee at a cafe 3-5€
• A refreshment at a kiosk 1.5€
• Drink at a bar from 8€
• Full meal (starter, main dish, dessert, not including drinks) between 25-50€
• 1, 5 hour ticket for all means of transport (metro, buses, trains) 1.4€

Events And Festivities

Athens has a full calendar of festivals throughout the year.

• New Year’s Day: 1st of January
• Epiphany: 6th of January. Sea water is consecrated in the area of Piraeus. The priests throw the Cross into the sea and young men dive to catch it.
• Ash Monday: 41 days before Easter. It is the day people begin the Lent. On Ash Monday Greeks fly kites, eat meatless food and celebrate Koulouma. Athenians gather on Philopappou Hill.
• Independence Day & Celebration of Evangelismos: 25th of March. Military parade.
• Easter: From Holy Friday until Easter Monday. On Holy Friday evening every church decorates the Epitaph (Bier of Christ). During the procession of the Epitaph the streets of every city or village in the country are full of people. It is a religious procession where everybody holds lit candles in their hands and sings hymns.
• Night of the Resurrection: It is celebrated in midnight before Easter Sunday with fireworks and candles.
• Easter Sunday: On Easter Sunday Greeks eat barbecue lamb. The celebrations include singing and dancing all day long.
• Labor Day: 1st of May. Flower feasts all around Athens.
• Pentecost: It is celebrated 50 days after Easter.
• Assumption of the Virgin Mary: 15th of August.
• 28th of October: National Celebration. Military parade.
• Christmas: 25th-26th of  December.

 

Links of Interest

WEATHER FORECAST

meteo.gr
Weather report for Greece

MUSEUMS

http://www.visitgreece.gr/en/culture/museums

ACCOMODATION

https://www.visitgreece.gr/accommodation/ 

Stay in Athens.com

https://www.airbnb.gr/legrena-greece/

https://www.spitogatos.gr/enoikiaseis-katoikies/legrena

https://www.spiti24.gr/en/to-rent/flats/legrena

BUSINESS FEDERATION OF RENTED ROOMS AND APPARTMENTS
Find rooms and appartments to rent in Greece.

ATHENS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Athens International Airport – Eleftherios Venizelos.

EMBASSIES IN GREECE

Embassies and Consulates in Greece

 

DISCLAIMER: This information in this page is derived from the official site of the Greek National Tourist Organization http://www.visitgreece.gr/ , the official website of the Municipality of Athens for tourist information http://www.thisisathens.org/ and the website for Public Transport in Athens http://www.athenstransport.com/info/. The EPLO is just reproducing the information that appears in those sites. For more official and updated info please visit them accordingly.

Life In Legrena

 

Legrena is a small coastal village by the Aegean Sea. It does not offer the same amount of facilities and attractions Athens does. But, it boasts beautiful aspects of nature and is very peaceful.

LEISURE ACTIVITIES

ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES

TEMPLE OF POSEIDON

About 4km from the ELGS premises is the Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounion, perched about 200 feet above the sea. It is a beautiful sight especially at night, and can be seen at a distance from several places in Legraina. Visiting the temple makes for a fantastic and informative experience!

ANCIENT THEATER OF THORICOS

This archaeological site features remains of the unique Ancient Theater of Thoricos built in the late 6^th Century BC.

ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM OF LAVRION

This museum features exhibits of tools, statues, jewlery, and other archaeological sculptures from the Neolithic period (5,000 BC) till the Early Byzantine period (600 AD).

MINERALOGICAL MUSEUM OF LAVRION

This incredible museum houses natural minerals and elements specifically from the Sounion region…. Some extremely rare!

SPORTING / OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Cycling is a fairly easy and relaxing activity to do in Sounion. The terrain is not too difficult to maneuver and the views of the sea and the hills is exquisite! Most people prefer to ride to the temple of Poseidon, but you can ride to anywhere you would like in the area!

   

Diving is another dynamic and thrilling activity that can be done in the region. If you are brave enough, you must take the opportunity to explore the waters around the Lavrio and Sounion coastline- it is truly an experience like no other!

           

If you like horse riding there are many opportunities to do so in Sounio! At some of the ranches in the region, you can pay to ride some of the horses for fun once in a while, or pay monthly to have horse riding lessons if you are ready to be committed!

Sounion’s unique geography also provides the opportunity for other offer activities such as mountainclimbing,sailing, and stargazing!

BEACHES

Students can go for a swim or relax at one of the many beautiful beaches around. The beaches are frequented by locals, especially during the hot summer months.

 

BEACHES NEARBY:

KAPE BEACH

  

SOUNIO BEACH

   

During the summer months, there are a lot of beach cafes open, where you can have some drinks and relax by the sea at night. Beach cafes also provide you the opportunity to meet many people from around Greece and all over the world!

OTHER VISITS

In addition to the leisure activities listed above, there are some other interesting visits that can be done in Sounion. Please visit the following links for more information on these features:

National Park of Sounio

Founded in 1971, this park features incredible pine forests, interesting flora, and rare fossils of organisms dating hundreds of years back!

More at:  http://www.visitgreece.gr/en/nature/forests/sounio_national_park 

https://explorehellas.wordpress.com/2012/04/20/national-parks-of-greece-sounio/

Lavrion Technological & Cultural Park

 

This site was built in 1876 and features the facilities of the French Mining Company and its great industrial history. Visitors can take a tour around the park, and also attend various cultural events (theatrical performances and concerts) hosted here, especially in the summertime!

Modern Lavrio Sites

Visit the beautiful coastal town of Lavrio, which has more of an “urban” aura! There are lots of restaurants, shops, and bars around where people can stop for delicious food or drinks after a hard day’s work. There are also several leisure activities to indugle in!

More at:

http://istoriko.lavreotiki.gr/index.php/2015-03-30-18-00-33

https://www.yougoculture.com/virtual-tour/lavrion-sounion/experience

 Honey Festival

This local festival organized by the municipality and local producers highlights the long tradition of beekeeping and honey production. During the two-day festival, visitors have the opportunity to feast their eyes on beehive products and sample sweets and delicacies made with honey!

https://www.yougoculture.com/virtual-tour/lavrion-sounion/experience/honey-festival

FOOD & DRINK

  

There are a few restaurants in Legraina, a few minutes’ walk from the ELGS premises, which serve nice, fresh food to eat. Seafood is a specialty of many of the restaurants in Legrena, as a result of  Legrena’s proximity to the sea. However, every restaurant serves meat options as well!

Legraina offers stunning views, thrilling outdoor activities, and relaxing peace and quiet (which can be essential every once in a while). The Sounion region is one in which you can truly embrace and appreciate nature in special ways that bigger towns and cities may not provide!

Cascais

• Athens is one of the most interesting European capitals, filled with juxtapositions of new and old, east and west. It is at once cosmopolitan and marked by its extensive history, and on the other hand extremely populous and full of contradictions. One thing is obvious to all travelers: its warm and hospitable people. Once visited, it quickly becomes your home.
• Greeks are known for a form of hospitality called “filoxenia”, a word that has no translation in the English language, but which can be sensed and felt by visitors. It is a form of friendliness and service that goes far beyond a gesture of good will. It is a behavior rooted in ancient times and traditions, which projects the pride of a people considering hospitality a sign of culture and education. Watch a video about Athens here.

When In Athens…

There are many activities you can enjoy with limited or no cost, such as:

STROLL AND SHOP

Monastiraki, will definitely please your pocket, since the Flea market and the vintage stores are just around the corner. Our ELGS Worldwide famous souvlaki is celebrated down town offering plethora of choices to please your appetite on a couple of coins!

THE LOCALS’ HUB

Exarheia, is the place where street art, youth and artists blend to mix a community of people who care for alternative choices away from main streams and typical cafes. Ethnik cuisine, mainly from the region of the Middle East is served on the streets and greek raki drink, is the queen around here.

HOT NEIGHBORHOOD

Keramikos and Metaxourghio, emerging neighborhoods full of artistic potential with those lovely buildings hanging out there, beautiful architectural gems across the way and tasteful “tapas” on the square offer a delicious culinary experience on a budget.

WHERE TO WALK

The National Gardens offer the perfect free green getaway in the middle of the bustling city. Take a long walk through the old Royal Gardens and let your imagination travel back in time through palm trees and high tree-shadowed alleys.

EAT & DRINK

When in Athens, get ready to discover a wide range of eateries representing the country’s gastronomic scene, from traditional tavernas serving homely Greek cuisine to elegant restaurants serving up great dishes with a modern twist. Moreover, Athens has many wine and cocktail bars that will satisfy even the most discerning of visitors. Finish your day with a stroll around the city center which offers whatever your shopping heart might desire – from high-end designer stores and shiny malls to the traditional flea markets and bustling street markets.

To get into the rhythm of the city, enjoy an early evening promenade in the old city center, where you can enjoy some early drinks during happy hour, followed by a late dinner. There are plenty of nice restaurants and typical Greek taverns where you can taste world-famous Greek cuisine. Keep in mind that if you don’t want to dine in a nearly deserted restaurant—or among other tourists only—plan to arrive in your chosen restaurant sometime after 9pm. There are also taverns with live Greek music especially in Plaka, Psyrri and Monastiraki. If you are in the mood for a Greek night out following your dinner plans, there are numerous options to choose from.

LEISURE AND CULTURE

Cultural events including dance and theater, recitals, concerts, conferences, public lectures, gallery exhibits, sports events and marathons are an integral part of the cosmopolitan capital.

Major Theatres in Athens: