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Hellenic Motor Museum

Hellenic Motor Museum (Ioulianou 33, Athens) – this museum occupies 5,000 sq meters in an architecturally unique building. Its exhibits are dedicated to the evolution of the car and display more than 110 cars from the 19th and the 20th century. It is located in the heart of Athens, just a few minutes away from the National Archaeological Museum. The visitor can admire masterpieces of the automotive industry, experience the driving speed of F1 in the F1 simulator, and drive through an old car workshop with all its features. This museum also gives the opportunity to its visitors to learn about the evolution of the car through the history of the wheel. While ascending the spiral ramp of the building, they can admire 72 unique exhibits dating from 300 B.C. to the end of the 20th century. Hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (Monday – Friday), 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm (Saturday), 11:00 am – 6:00 pm (Sunday). Admission: €8 (regular), €5 (reduced: seniors/students/children ages 6-12). Free for children under the age of 7.
Note: €7 charge for the F1 Simulator.

Greek National Opera

Greek National Opera (Akadimias 59, Athens 10679) – this state-owned entity presents operas, ballets, operettas, operas for children and music recitals, among others. The Opera itself tours both nationally and overseas. The building it’s housed in has the following sections: Olympia Theatre (with its Maria Callas Central Stage) – which acts as the main location for operas and ballets; Acropol Theatre – which hosts operas for children; and the Lyric Stage – an experimental studio theatre. See its website for upcoming events: www.nationalopera.gr/en/

Diving

Diving — Greek seas are well known for their rugged terrain and amazing sea life. Undersea caves, great reefs, ancient sunken towns, famous shipwrecks make up an invisible world, yet pulsating and alive. The entrancing iridescence of the sunlight, diffracted by the crystal-clear waters, the sense of peace and eternity prevailing beneath the surface of the sea, the reduction in human weight lending a sensation of flight and freedom, all make diving an exhilarating experience.

There is a diving club at Porto Rafti (Athina Diving Center: www.athinadiving.gr), just a stone’s throw from Athens, and the waters there are safe for a first underwater exploration as they are not particularly deep. One can dive from dry land, in the area of the so-called Erotospilia, and also from a boat at more interesting places, as one can sail out towards Agia Marina and the surrounding islets. Another worthy diving center is Aqua Divers Club (www.aquadiversclub.gr) at Saronida — located just a 45-minute drive south of Athens.

Also within close reach of Athens lies the island of Salamina (a short ferry ride from the Athenian port of Piraeus), where scuba diving is allowed in the marine archaeological site. Southern Evia has a wonderful rocky seabed and is a place favored by amateur fishermen as there are many octopuses. A very high-standard diving center is located in Chania, Crete – the second largest city on that island (Chania Diving Center: www.chaniadiving.gr).

The island of Crete (a 10-hour ferry boat ride or 50 minute flight from Athens) is one of Greece’s key diving destinations. The Aegean Sea and the Libyan Sea are two very different worlds. The waters in Kalatha and Palaiochora in south-western Crete are extremely fascinating. Apokoronas in Chania, Chora Sfakion, Platanias in western Crete, Kissamos and Gramvousa even further to the west all provide wonderful diving experiences. The Northern Sporades islands are a scuba diver’s heaven. Explorers are enchanted by the magnificent seabed, vivid colors and crystal-clear waters.

Delphi

Delphi – located 180 km. northwest of Athens (2 hours via car or tour bus), this is another popular ancient Greek destination for tourists. This site had significance to the Greek people in ancient times. Delphi was considered the center of the known world, the place where heaven and earth met. This was the place on earth where man was closest to God. The Oracle of Delphi was a spiritual experience whereby the spirit of Apollo was asked for advice on critical matters relating to people’s lives or affairs of the state. Questions were asked to the Pythia, or priestess who ‘channeled’ the spirit of the God, in the same way that people now channel Jesus. Along with a Doric temple, visitors will find a 4th century theater, and a stadium that once hosted chariot races.

Visitors will also want to visit the Delphi Archaeological Museum (which houses various artifacts from Delphi, including the ancient Oracle of Delphi (from its founding in the 18th century BC to its decline during the medieval era). Hours: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm daily. Admission: €6 (general), €3 (reduced: seniors, non-EU students). Free for students and children (under age of 18).

Crete

Crete – this land mass, an 11-hour ferry ride from Athens/Piraeus (or a 50-minute flight from Athens) is the largest of the Greek islands, and the fifth largest in the entire Mediterranean Sea. Minoan Lines and Anek-Superfast Consortium ferry lines transport travelers from Piraeus to Crete. Here, one can admire the remnants of brilliant civilizations, explore glorious beaches, impressive mountainscapes, fertile valleys and steep gorges, and become part of the island’s rich gastronomic culture.

Centuries before the rise of Alexander the Great in the Greek mainland, Crete has its own distinct, thriving culture (the Minoan civilization, which existed from 3,000 BC to 1,100 BC – the Bronze Age). That civilization is still evident in a number of local archaeological sites, in particular the Palace of Knossos (which is now a major tourist attraction). Knossos was also the capital of ancient Crete and home of the legendary local king Minos. It is also considered Europe’s oldest city. Knossos is located just 10 minutes south of the island’s main town (Heraklion) – located on the north coast of Crete.

Ayia Marina

Ayia Marina (Ayia Marina, Spetses 18050) – located on the picturesque island of Spetses (one of the Saronic Islands), this is actually a popular beach, frequented by fashionable Greek socialites. The water’s shallow level makes it ideal for families with children. First-time visitors to Greece can use this island as an introduction to Greek island life. Those visiting during the second week of September will likely come across the Armata Festival (which celebrates the Greek people’s revolt against Ottoman Turkish rule in 1821 – which ultimately led to the country’s independence).

Those staying in Athens can go to Piraeus and book a ferry (Hellenic Seaways) to take a 3-hour ride to Spetses island: www.hellenicseaways.gr

Athens Olympic Stadium

Athens Olympic Stadium – a.k.a. Spyros Louis Stadium, this is actually the modern arena used for the 2004 Summer Olympics Games that took place in Athens. This arena (named after the man to win the first modern Olympic marathon race in 1896) acted as the main stadium for those games (including the opening & closing ceremonies), and can accommodated about 70,000 spectators. The eye-catching roof was designed by world-renown architect Santiago Calatrava. Since then, it’s been used as a home ground for the major Athenian football clubs AEK Athens, Olympiacos, and Panathinaikos. Along with these and other sporting events, various pop & rock concerts have been held here, such as Madonna, U2, Bon Jovi, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lady Gaga, and many others. See the stadium’s website for info on upcoming events:
www.oaka.com.gr

Athens Concert Hall

Athens Concert Hall (Leoforos Vasilissis Sofias, Athens 11521) – this concert hall (a.k.a. Megaron), opened in 1991, originally consisting of two main areas: Christos Lambrakis Hall (a 1,961-seat concert hall) and the Dmitri Mitropoulos Hall (a 494-seat venue that’s used for operas, ballets and other musical events). Since 2004, the International Conference Centre opened within the Athens Concert Hall, adding the Alexandra Triani Hall (a 1,750-seat venue used for operas, ballets, and other musical events), Nikos Skalkottas Hall (a smaller venue for concerts and conferences), and the Lilian Voudouri Music Library of Greece (which houses 126,000 titles and multimedia resources). Visitors can check the Megaron website for a calendar of upcoming events and ticket info: www.megaron.gr

Athens Classic Marathon

Athens Classic Marathon — s a well-known international event, open to anyone who wishes to participate in this unique race held on the Original Olympic Marathon Course, starting from the city of Marathon and finishing in the Panathinaikon Stadium in Athens. This event offers everyone the opportunity to experience the joy of participating, competing in and completing a race in the Panathinaikon Stadium. he Athens Classic Marathon also includes a Power Walking race, also held on the Marathon course, as well as two more races (10 km and 5 km Road Races) held in the historical centre of Athens.

Asteras Beach

Asteras Beach (58 Poseidonos Avenue, Glyfada 16674) – this is another popular beach outside the metropolitan Athens area – attracting both hip young locals, as well as families with children. After paying an entry fee of €5, patrons will have available lounge chairs, umbrellas, pools, lockers, changing rooms, showers, trampolines, a playground, a self-service restaurant, three bars, and water sports. There’s also a trendy poolside café-club, Balux Café, which serves a variety of international dishes inspired by Asian fusion cuisine and delicious sushi delicacies.