Go hike the Acropolis

Another late evening arrival, from the hour-long flight from Corfu. In the morning we waste no time exploring the glories of classical Athens. It's a steep walk in continuing blistering heat but some young visitors are taking it coolly, echoing the poses of the ancient Caryatids. The Parthenon was damaged in a 17th-century explosion of gunpowder that was being stored by the occupying Turks; the site is still being renovated but it's impossible to ignore its grandeur. Down the hill we can see the Temple of Hephaistos, better preserved than the Parthenon and surrounded by trees, so one would hardly know this was in the middle of a bustling city. Nearby lie some remains added by the Romans after they took over Athens.

Modern Athens looks less well kept than other capital cities I have seen this year like Madrid and Warsaw. But it does boast one of the finest covered markets I have seen anywhere. The fish displays are endlessly rewarding, while just outside the covered area lies an incredible bric a brac stall where it would be tempting to replenish my photographic equipment!

The local architecture can be beautiful too. Here are some churches, one near the market and the other in Piraeus, which has been the port of Athens since ancient times and said to be the largest in the Mediterranean. If we had more time, we would probably use it as a base for island hopping but that would have to be for another visit.......Read more