Acropolis. Photo: Wikimedia
The
Acropolis ruin sitting prominently on a mountain in the centre of
Athens is one of the most recognisable monuments in the world, and one you identify immediately with
Greece. Why not escape to the
Mediterranean and see why visitors simply fall in love with the country.
Everybody has a different view of winter when it sets in. It's a great time to enjoy the time indoors by a roaring fire sipping various blends of red wine, or heading to the nearest snowfield. Others become experts in the kitchen, sharing their latest slow cooker recipes and tasty winter soups. For some, winter can bring on the blues and low energy levels.
I admit, I hibernate like a bear during winter. I have not one inch of fashion flair to simply piece together a winter wardrobe, and feel I need a college degree just to coordinate a fashionable trendy look to step out. Give me maxi dresses, bikinis and strappy shoes over scarves, boots and coats any day.
When I can, I like to escape towards the Mediterranean sun. Destination? The
City of Athens and the island of
Santorini in
Greece. It's like a craving, a longing and eagerness to return every summer. I hope I can persuade you to fall in love with this beautiful country as much as I have.
Acropolis at night
Before heading off to the island of
Santorini I suggest a day or two in
Athens to immerse yourself in the rich
Greek culture and history of this incredible city.
On my first visit to
Athens I was literally mesmerised the minute my eyes first caught a glimpse of the ancient historic ruins still standing tall in the city centre. Walking around the city felt as if I could sense the spirits of Gods from
Greek mythology on every street corner. A flashback to my history class where I first saw these images in text books, were now a reality.
I could not believe this ruin was in the middle of the city. It's the Temple of the Olympian Zeus. Fascinating. Photo: Rob & Lisa Meehan
The history of this city is clearly evident - neoclassical buildings draped in solid gold fixtures and statues, to the traditional changing of the guard at
Greek Parliament House depicting the pride Greeks clearly hold for their country. The most important civilisation of the ancient world, the buildings around
Athens are snapshots of this history.
I was absolutely captivated by this building. It's the National University of Athens main building, used for graduation ceremonies and other events
Changing of the guard outside Parliament House in Athens
is best known as the
"Neighbourhood of Gods," the oldest neighbourhood in
Athens that has retained its original buildings and charm. It's cluttered with fancy restaurants, bars, unique shops where you can buy
Greek pottery, and visit archaeological sites close by. Mansions are well preserved, and others that had deteriorated over time had me thinking just how many generations of families had once occupied them.
Monastiraki in the centre of
Athens has a delightful flea market where you can browse for hours, you may find an old piece of jewellery, rare book or many collectable antiques.
Kolonaki is a little more upmarket and modern, where I was picking up some stylish fashion tips from the locals walking by. Everything has its place in this city.
Monastiraki in the centre of Athens is stunning. Take a look around at the history you see walking around the city, it's unbelievable. Photo: Trip Advisor
Plaka untouched by modern civilisation
Attica one of the biggest department stores in Athens
I prefer to do my shopping in the huge department stores in
Athens like
Attica and the many boutiques that stock quality pieces from local and European designers.
Attica is the largest and most luxurious department store with 360 shops and 860 different brand names. Did I mention the shoes? I never had a shoe fetish until I visited
Athens. I felt like I was a kid in a lolly shop when I walked into shoe shops. On my first trip I bought 20kgs of shoes home with me.
"Shoe heaven". This is how my shoe fetish started. A window reeled me in!
Caught me every time!
Even the newspaper in
Australia caught onto my love of shoes and
Athens.
The article in 'Confidential' got it right about my love for Greece
The
Acropolis Museum is a must see, and I cannot stress how unbelievable this museum is. Celebrating its fourth year in 2013, it showcases archaeological finds and sculptures that once decorated the
Acropolis of Athens. I had a feeling of sadness come over me to see missing pieces, (replicas are made out of white plaster) namely the
Elgin Marbles not on display, but rather in the hands of
The British Museum of London. These were taken over 200 years ago by
Thomas Bruce, the 7th Earl of Elgin while serving as the British Ambassador. It stirred up emotions as I felt the pain my
Greek ancestors went through fighting for their country, and today, the country is still fighting unsuccessfully to retrieve the pieces back to compliment the collection. The debate still continues today whether they should stay in
Britain or be returned to
Greece.
Elgin Marbles on show at the British Museum. They are a collection of classical Greek marble sculptures inscriptions and architectural members that originally were part of the Parthenon and other buildings on the Acropolis of Athens. Photo: Andrew Dunn
Elgin Marbles on show at the British Museum. From 1801 to 1812, Elgin's agents removed about half of the surviving sculptures of the Parthenon and were transported by sea to Britain. In Britain, the acquisition of the collection was supported by some, while some critics compared Elgin's actions to vandalism or looting. Photo: Andrew Dunn
In the museum, I watched a captivating re-enactment presentation on the history of the
Acropolis. It also showed how archaeologists retrieved the pieces, and the process taken to get them on display - absolutely riveting.
Entrance into the museum where archaeologists are still excavating around the area for artefacts, finding another underground city under Athens
You can view the underground city as you enter the museum. Photo: Acropolis Museum
Two historic sculptures inside the museum
View outside the museum window (how clean is this window)?
After browsing for a few hours through the museum, I took a coffee break on the delightful outdoor deck, with striking views out to the
Acropolis. Judging by the conversations I was overhearing at nearby tables, the atmosphere was truly cosmopolitan.
A visit to
Athens is not complete until you visit the famous landmark sitting proudly on a hill above the city centre.
The Acropolis of Athens is one of the most monumental tourist sites. This is Greek history at its grandest, where you'll see ancient ruins best known as
Propylaea,
Temple of Athena Nike, the
Erechtheion, and the most recognisable ruin
The Parthenon. I'm sure Goddess Athena's spirit still lurks around the temple. Archaeologists are continually digging around the site, but to see it up close in its glory, was one of the most uplifting experiences I've ever felt.
Being this close to the Acropolis was absolutely 'exhilarating'
The Caryatids of the Erechtheion. One of the original six figures taken by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century, is in the British Museum in London. The Acropolis Museum holds the other five figures, which are replaced onsite by replicas.
The atmosphere around dinner time near the
Acropolis site is electric. On this warm summer night, I found myself dining at
Dionysos Restaurant visited by many celebrities and dignitaries, which boasts the most stunning view of the famous landmark. As I sipped on a glass of wine waiting for my 'mousaka', I was absolutely fixated on this battered ruin, flood lit at night, giving off an earthly spiritual glow. Over dinner as the sun was setting, masses started to fill restaurants, cafes, bars, and the ancient open air theatre. There's a vibrancy I felt among the people, definitely enchanted and embracing the history surrounding this city.
Dionysos Restaurant at night. Photo: Management
Pierce Brosnan and director Chris Columbus dined at Dionysos Restaurant in January 2010. They visited Greece to present the world premiere of the movie "Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief."
is a popular holiday destination for
Hollywood stars. Many have bought or are looking to buy homes.
Tom Hanks and his wife
Rita Wilson own a six-acre summer house on the small island of
Antiparos for the family to enjoy a quiet and natural escape.
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson own a holiday home on the island of Antiparos. Photo: mangostar
owns a home at
Porto Cheli near the island of
Hydra and
Spetses, and
Bruce Willis is rumoured to have bought land on the island of
Corfu.
Bruce Willis has bought land in Greece
is said to have an interest in purchasing a luxury villa on the island of
Ithaca where she frequently visits. The villa is part of a glamorous resort complex that is currently in the works on the island by Greek-Australian entrepreneurs. The name of the resort will be
"Odyssey 6* Resort" and will be built southeast of the island offering breathtaking views of the sea and the coast. In July 2013 while on holiday in
Greece, Madonna asked for the walls in her residence to be painted her favourite colour white, with white flowers in every room and white carpets.
Madonna adores Greece, it's one of her favourite holiday destinations. Photo: Hollywood Greek Reporter
Sarah Jessica Parker is looking to buy a holiday home in Greece. Photo: David Shankbone
and
Sarah Jessica Parker are looking to buy holiday homes to escape to on their breaks.
Julia Roberts and
Richard Gere often visit
Greece, as they enjoy meditating on the island of
Patmos. Richard Gere has been visiting the island for 17 years and is also looking to buy his slice of heaven.
Julia Roberts meditates in Patmos. Photo: David Shankbone
The
Greek islands of
Santorini and
Mykonos also attract
Hollywood stars,
celebrities, and the rich and famous from all over the world including
Sofia Vergara, Leonardo Di Caprio, John Travolta, Kelly Preston, Demi Moore, Harrison Ford, Shakira, Lady Gaga, Michael Jordan, Steven Spielberg, Melanie Griffith, Hugh Jackman, Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Liz Hurley, George Michael, Russell Crowe, and
Johnny Depp.
Sofia Vergara on the beach in Mykonos 2013. Photo: Instagram
Johnny Depp visited Mykonos in 2010. Photo inclassicstyle.com
Russell Crowe on a quad bike with a friend in Mykonos 2013. Photo: Mykonos Live TV
bought a villa in
Santorini, where
Jolie shot scenes for the movie
Tomb Raider, after being enchanted by the island's beauty.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie often visit Greece with their family. Photo: gossipbeast.com
Brad and Angelina's villa in Santorini. Photo: Kleearchos Kapoulis
As it was getting late, it was time to call it a night to head to
Santorini the following morning. After dinner I took a final stroll around the cobblestone streets at the base of the
Acropolis. While admiring the historic buildings, bars and cafes packed with people, I spotted the newly renovated
Thissio View Restaurant. With its inviting rooftop area and an awe-inspiring
Acropolis view, I ordered a coffee and devoured a
'kataifi,' (a
Greek dessert), within a minute. A brisk walk back to the hotel was the perfect nightcap,
Athens by night is purely enchanting.
Thissio View Restaurant view at night. Photo: Management
has been labelled a 'concrete jungle' but it's far from that. Even though the country is in crisis, it's still rich in culture and history. Marble is a dominant feature in and around many buildings, and since the
Athens Olympics in 2004 the city underwent an unbelievable transformation, including a new
airport and
subway system.
I've never seen such incredible bathrooms in hotels, resorts, cafes, restaurants, bars and clubs. The style and designs are top class, and are reminiscent of what I believe you would see in the homes of the rich and famous.
There's so much more to do and see in
Athens, and I've only highlighted what you can see in one or two days before heading off to the island of
Santorini.
Click here to read about one of the most popular island in
Greece - Santorini, and the stars and celebrities who have holidayed there.
