- Jul 27
- 7 min read

Travel report Athens and Paros

"IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF GREEK ANTIQUITY"

Overview of the report:

1. Athens

2. Paros

3. beaches

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Kalimera! (Greek for "good morning") was what I heard everywhere on my first trip to Greece. Sun, water, wind, good food and such great hosts! It's unbelievable how film-like everything was.

Ancient ruins, temples, lively alleyways, roaring streets, modern skyscrapers, sun, sea and countless cafés characterised my view of Athens.

From Athens I travelled on to...

Blue skies, white houses and turquoise sea... No, that's not Mykonos, but the cosy Cycladic island of Paros in the southern Aegean in Greece, which I found out about via social media.

But let me start quietly.

I travelled to Greece and my heart is full of warmth for the country and its wonderful people.

ATHENS

When I arrived in Athens after an entertaining flight, I took a taxi to Piraeus due to another general strike by the local public transport company. Piraeus is the harbour city at the gates of Athens and connects the Greek capital and all the islands worth seeing in the Aegean with countless ferry connections. As I arrived late in the evening, I first went to a hotel in Piraeus. I had chosen the Gallery Suites & Residences. After taking a look at my room and finally lying exhausted on the bed, I realised that I was very hungry.

While looking for something to eat, I discovered that there are two really good and relatively cheap bakeries at the harbour in Piraeus, not far from my hotel, which are open around the clock.

The next day I started by exploring Athens. Athens is a colourful mixture of ancient remains (such as the Acropolis), modern contemporary buildings and is more beautiful than its reputation. Even if you are only passing through Athens, you should explore the city for at least one day.

Here are a few impressions from my day in Athens:

And here some helpful information for you:

A journey to the cradle of civilisation

Welcome to Athens, the vibrant metropolis where history meets modernity and myth meets reality. The Greek capital is not only the scene of ancient wonders, but also a vibrant hub of culture, art and gastronomy. Let's delve into the heart of this fascinating destination and discover its secrets.

Wonders steeped in history

Let's start our journey with the icons of antiquity. The Acropolis hill towers majestically over the city and is the symbol of Athens par excellence. Here, on a limestone rock, rise the remains of monumental temples, including the Parthenon, a tribute to the goddess Athena. At sunset, when the golden light dances over the Ionic columns, you can feel the timeless magic of this place.

But Athens is more than just the Acropolis. The ancient Agora was once the political and commercial centre of the city, and today visitors can explore the ruins of the Stoa, temples and fountains. The Temple of Hephaestus stands out in particular, a remarkably well-preserved Doric temple that honours the god of fire.

Modern vibes

Athens is not just an open-air museum, it is also a vibrant metropolis full of life. Plaka, the historic neighbourhood at the foot of the Acropolis, is a labyrinth of narrow streets lined with picturesque houses, tavernas and souvenir shops. Here you can lose yourself and soak up the atmosphere of the city.

A stroll through the lively streets of Monastiraki leads to a colourful market selling handicrafts, antique relics and local delicacies. Here you can stock up on souvenirs or sit down in one of the cosy cafés and watch the hustle and bustle.

Ideal time to visit

When is the best time to visit Athens? The spring months of April and May and autumn from September to November offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds of tourists. It can get hot in summer, but the warm nights are perfect for late dinners outside and strolling through the illuminated streets.

Experience nature

Although Athens is a busy city, it also offers plenty of opportunities to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy nature. The National Park of Athens stretches across the Hymettos, Pendeli and Parnitha mountain ranges and offers hiking trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints. The Ymittos, or Hymettos, offers hiking trails with views of the Aegean Sea and the city of Athens. It is a favourite destination for locals who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Culinary delights

A trip to Athens would be incomplete without exploring its culinary landscape. Greek cuisine is famed for its simplicity and freshness, and Athens offers a wealth of opportunities to discover it. From souvlaki at street stalls to sophisticated mezedes (small dishes similar to tapas) in upscale restaurants, there is something for everyone.

For an authentic culinary experience, I recommend a visit to the central market, the Varvakios Agora. Here you can discover local delicacies such as feta cheese, olive oil, fresh fish and aromatic spices. Don't forget to stop off at a taverna and treat yourself to moussaka, souvlaki or a fresh Greek salad.

Insider tips

For a behind-the-scenes look at Athens, I recommend getting off the tourist trail and exploring the neighbourhoods off the beaten track. Exarchia, known for its alternative culture and art scene, is a melting pot of creativity where street art meets political activism.

Another insider tip is the Psiri district, a former working-class neighbourhood that has developed into a hip district with trendy bars, restaurants and boutiques in recent years. Here you can experience authentic Athens away from the tourist crowds.

Conclusion

Athens is a city of contrasts, where antiquity and modernity merge harmoniously. From the ancient wonders of the Acropolis to the vibrant neighbourhoods full of life and culture, the Greek capital offers a wealth of experiences for every visitor.

PAROS

At 7 a.m., we set off from the harbour in Piraeus on the Blue Star ferry to the Cyclades island of Paros. Equipped with plenty of provisions, I boarded the ferry, which was more reminiscent of a cruise ship than the ferries of my childhood in terms of comfort and equipment. I booked the tickets for the ferry online some time before the journey directly with the ferry company Blue Star Ferries. Shortly before boarding, I bought some snacks at the harbour in Piraeus from the two bakeries that are open around the clock. The puff pastry snails (filled with spinach and feta cheese) and orange cake are particularly recommended. The ferry is large and offers countless different seating options, depending on whether you want to chill out, sleep or work. After almost 4 hours travelling with calm waves and great scenery, I finally arrived in Parikia, the capital of Paros.

As soon as I arrived, I realised that the bus from the local bus company Paros K.T.E.L. was leaving Parikia for Naoussa in just a few minutes. Thanks to the help of the friendly bus drivers, I quickly found the right bus and found out the best place to get off in Naoussa to reach my hotel quickly. By the way, "efcharistó" means thank you in Greek.

After a short journey in a full bus, I finally arrived at my hotel Adonis in Naoussa. It is located almost directly on a small bay with an underrated beach (Piperi Beach). From there, it's only a few minutes' walk to the harbour and the picturesque old town. Almost every alley offers a great insta-moment. You almost have to pull yourself together not to keep pulling out your camera. Here are a few snapshots of my wanderings through Naoussa:

Naoussa offers a wide range of culinary delights. We particularly recommend the Greek tavernas, which are a little off the beaten track, e.g. To Takimi, Allas Souvlaki, Soso. We also recommend loucoumades, deep-fried dough balls with delicious toppings, which can be found in a small snack bar in the old town.

The famous beaches of Kolimbithres and Monastiri, for example, are just a short boat trip or car journey away. I took a boat to Monastiri from Naoussa harbour. The first thing that awaits you there is a beach club catering for American tourists. I walked a few metres along the rocky coast and immediately discovered a small, idyllic beach. Turquoise-coloured water and no wind, which felt like being in a pool.

You can also discover other small bays and an old lighthouse on this peninsula. If you want to do a bit more hiking, you can really let off steam here. So my tip would be to pack enough provisions and explore the peninsula on your own (there are no roads, only footpaths).

From Paros, you can also take the ferries to the other Cyclades islands, in particular Naxos, Antiparos, Mykonos and Santorini.

Paros: The seduction of the Aegean

Between the sparkling blue of the Aegean Sea and the gleaming white cubes of traditional Cycladic architecture lies this island full of beauty and history. Paros is more than just a great motif for a postcard; it is a place that tantalises the senses and touches the soul.

The beauty of Paros

You can feel the magic of the island as soon as you arrive on Paros. The picturesque harbours, such as Parikia and Naoussa, greet visitors with their colourful fishing boats and the smell of fresh fish. Stroll through the narrow alleyways, where whitewashed houses combine with vibrant bougainvillea vines to complete the picture of a perfect Aegean idyll.

Jewels of the island

Paros is rich in historical treasures, starting with the ancient marble quarries of Marathi, which once produced the finest marble in ancient Greece. A must for history buffs is a visit to the monastery of Panagia Ekatontapyliani, one of the oldest and most impressive Byzantine churches in Greece. The breathtaking architecture and spiritual atmosphere make this place a highlight of any trip to Paros.

For nature lovers, the island offers a variety of ways to explore its wild beauty. Hiking trails wind through fragrant pine forests and lead to hidden coves with crystal-clear waters, ideal for snorkelling and relaxing.

Culinary delights of Paros

The culinary scene on Paros is as diverse as it is tempting. From freshly caught fish and seafood in the waterside tavernas to traditional Greek specialities such as moussaka, souvlaki and tzatziki. Don't forget to savour the local delicacies, such as the famous Paros cheese and delicious honey pastries.