Five years after my last visit in 2008, I decided to again take an end of the summer trip to Greece and the Greek Islands in September. 2013 was my year of Europe, with this being my 3rd trip in less than 4 months. My goal was another two days in Athens and then 3 days on Santorini, before taking the ferry from there down to Crete for a week of exploring and doing the world famous Samaria Gorge hike . I found Athens to again be wonderful the lst week of September, with ideal temperatures and nonstop sunshine. I stayed in a small hotel right in the downtown, about a 10 -15 min walk to the base of the Acropolis and its historic sights. The Agora with its combination park and ruins , the climb to top of the Acropolis, wandering the city , enjoying the ambience of dining in some of the many sidewalk cafes, experiencing the sights and sounds of the central market, roaming Athens famous flea market streets, spending much of a day in the world famous National History Museum and more made for a busy and unforgettable 2 days. Then it was out to the Athens airport and my short flight out into the Aegean and wondrous Santorini.
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| The Acropolis towering above central Athens |
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| The Acropolis from the opposite side in the Agora |
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| Athens huge, busy Central market with all its sights, sounds and smells |
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| the street scene in the famous Athens Flea Market area |
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| The best preserved Temple of Thesseion in the Agora |
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| The ancient little church in the Kerameikos area of the Agora |
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| The city of Athens sprawling off into the distance as viewed while climbing the Acropolis |
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| Below the Acropolis lies the ancient Theater of Atticus, still used for outdoor concerts |
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| The Propylaea entry area to the Acropolis being restored |
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| The Parthenon with its slow restoration under way |
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| The Caryatids with the famous statues seen in the right corner of the temple |
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| A closer view of the Caryatids opposite the Parthenon on the top of the Acropolis |
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| The beautiful new Acropolis Museum at the base of the Acropolis |
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| Typical side walk street scene while enjoying a drink stop and lunch |
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| The stunning night view up towards the Acropolis from its base near the city center |
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| The world famous Greek National History Museum |
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| Famous statue of Zeus or Poseidon |
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| One of the many beautiful, ancient big vases on display |
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| One of the museums more famous sculptures " Boy Jockey" |
