Attica is a peninsular territory with an area of approximately 2,200 sq. km, constituting the southeastern tip of mainland Greece, bordered to the north by Central Greece, and to the south by the waters of the Saronic Gulf. In the north of the nome there are mountains Kiferon (1400 m) and Parnifa (1413 m), forming its natural border. The relief of Attica is mostly mountainous. The small rivers Illissos and Kafissos flow through the Athenian plain. Athens, Eleusis and Marathon are located in the flat part of the region. To the southwest and south a low range of hills slopes gently towards the sea. Athens, which is the capital of the country and its main administrative center, is also located in the Attic region.
Attica has a mild, dry Mediterranean climate. The small plantations of Attica are densely covered with vineyards, fruit trees, not to mention the olive trees that grow everywhere.
Attica was formed around the 4th-5th centuries AD. This region was greatly influenced by Greece's stay under the Byzantine Empire, which is reflected in the architecture, painting and sculpture of Attica. Attica survived many wars and battles, famine, economic crisis, and at the same time retained its greatness and uniqueness.
Today Attica is the most industrialized region of Greece. The bulk of production is concentrated here and more than half the population of the entire country lives here. In addition, it is a major tourist center. Tourists coming here from all over the world have a unique opportunity not only to relax and enjoy the wonderful nature, clear sea, sandy beaches, the services of modern hotel complexes, the amazing hospitality of local residents, but also get in touch with the great past of this extraordinary country.
Attica has many interesting sights, many of which are not inferior in importance to those of Athens - for example, the famous Temple of Poseidon (440 BC) at Cape Sounion, one of the most impressive images of Greek architecture. The powerful columns of the temple, standing on a cape open to all the winds, are an unforgettable sight. The temple is located 69 km from Athens.
The Temple of Dimeter at Eleusis is an ancient temple dedicated to the mysterious cult of the goddess Demeter and her daughter Persephone. The famous Eleusinian mysteries took place here: everyone knew about the rituals performed there, but the details of the ceremony and sacred texts were passed down orally, and it was forbidden to write them down. Therefore, the essence of the mystery is still unknown to modern scientists. There is an archaeological museum at the temple. The temple is located 22 km from Athens.
The Daphne Monastery is located 11 km from Athens. Built on the site of the former sanctuary of Apollo and surrounded by a fortress fence. The 11th century church is very picturesque from the outside and attractive with its mosaics decorating its interior.
Nearby is the Kutuki cave. A natural cave with several halls in the vicinity of the town of Peania. The visitor can see the most beautiful stalactites and stalagmites of various shapes.
Fans of active recreation can go horseback riding, mountaineering, tennis, and sailing. There is a golf club in Glyfada.
Lake Volyameni is a miracle of nature. It is 50 centimeters above sea level and constantly overflows its banks due to the waters of hot springs filling it. The waters of the lake have medicinal properties, you can swim here all year round.
Piraeus has been the country's main port since ancient times. Now it's beautiful city, famous for its fish restaurants and entertainment venues. In summer, the Kastella Summer Open Theater (Veakio) is open, and in winter you can visit the Piraeus City Theater.
The beaches of Paleo Faliro, Kalamaki, Glyfada, Voula, Kavouri, Vouliagmeni, Varkiza, Lagonisi are magnificent.
The resort of Palio Faliro is located in close proximity to the sea. Convenient location, proximity to the center and the sea make this area attractive for lovers of active recreation. Tourists can enjoy: beaches, fish and meat taverns, restaurants, nightclubs, yacht clubs, cafes and bars. Here you will find everything you need for a comfortable holiday at sea.
The resort of Glyfada is one of the most fashionable coastal areas of Athens, located 15 km from the center, a favorite vacation spot for the Greeks themselves and tourists. Concentrated here large number hotels, restaurants, bars, taverns, sports centers and night clubs. There is Luna Park on the coast. Glyfada has excellent shopping: many large shopping centers and boutiques. To get to the center of Athens you will need only 20 minutes by bus.
Vouliagmeni resort - located in a green bay 24 km from the center of Athens, on the seashore. This is a picturesque, fashionable area with comfortable beaches, fish and meat taverns, restaurants, bars, yacht clubs, and an abundance of greenery - one of the most popular resorts among tourists. By regular bus you can reach the center of Athens in 35 minutes. In Vouliagmeni there is a unique radon lake.
The resorts of Kavouri, Varkiza, Voula - these resort areas follow one after another along the highway leading to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon. There are beaches, cafes, taverns, restaurants and other entertainment venues. Abundant coniferous groves along the coast give the air unique properties.
Lagonissi resort - the luxurious Lagonissi peninsula enchants with picturesque landscapes and azure sea waters. The attractive proximity to Athens (the capital of Greece can be reached by bus) makes this peninsula so attractive for tourists. The shallow coastline of Lagonissi is ideal for those traveling with children, making this resort ideal for families. While relaxing in Lagonissi, you can easily get acquainted with the sights of Athens.
Anavyssos resort is a picturesque green village on south coast Attica, located 49 km from Cape Sounion. This is a great place to vacation. It attracts tourists with its amazingly beautiful nature, clear sea and sandy beaches.
The Greeks themselves love this corner very much. Evidence of this is the many dachas, including government ones. The convenient location allows you not only to relax, but also to get acquainted with the sights of Greece. And the shallow sea and convenient shore created a good atmosphere for a family holiday with small children.
Sounion is a resort on the cape of the same name. Cape Sounion, or Cape Kolones, is one of the easternmost capes of Attica, stretching towards the Aegean Sea. In ancient times, a temple dedicated to the god of the sea, Poseidon, was built here. Cape Sounio is a landmark of Athens Attica, a beautiful and fertile land. It has a mild climate, generous soils with olive groves, clean coastline and beautiful views of the surrounding islands.
The resort of Sounion is located near the capital of Greece, thanks to which there is a great historical heritage and the rapid development of hotel infrastructure. Sounion is an expensive and well-kept resort, whose sandy beaches will give you an unforgettable experience of the sea, sun and Greece.
The resorts of Mati - Nea Makri are perhaps the most popular resorts in the eastern part of Attica. These resorts are located in the Marathon Valley area, where in 490 BC. e. The famous Battle of Marathon took place. Nature itself provides excellent conditions for relaxation here: beautiful beaches, clear sea, healing aroma of pine forest.
Nea Makri is one of the very first resorts in Attica, located 33 km from Athens. The history of Nea Makri began in ancient times, during the Stone Age. Now this resort area, located near the capital by the sea, is experiencing an economic and tourist boom. In Nea Makri you will find a lot of entertainment: discos, nightclubs, numerous bars and restaurants.
Mati is an area that is located 5 km from Nea Makri, 27 km from Athens. This is a quiet resort place suitable for a good rest. On the rocky pine coast you will find small, hidden gorges with sandy beaches.
The close proximity of the resorts to Athens will make it easy to complete the “obligatory” program for every tourist to explore the sights of this wonderful city.
A vacation in Attica is a great opportunity to combine acquaintance with Athenian antiquities and relaxation at sea.
Useful information for tourists about Attica in Greece - geographical location, tourist infrastructure, map, architectural features and attractions.
The region of Central Greece, located in the southeast of the Balkan Peninsula and washed by the waters of the Aegean Sea. Three bays approach the shores of this peninsula - Euboean, Saronic and Petalian. A significant part of the peninsula is covered with low mountains of limestone and marble. The mountains are covered with coniferous forests.
Attica is a historical region of Greece; on its territory are the capital Athens, the legendary city of Marathon, the city of Eleusis, where the inhabitants worshiped Demeter, and the port of Piraeus. The first settlements on this land date back to the Neolithic era (3rd millennium BC). The ancient historians Plato and Herodotus wrote that the inhabitants of Attica were autochthons - that is, not alien conquerors, but original inhabitants who literally came from the land itself. In ancient times, on the territory of Attica, each city or region represented a small state that worshiped its own deity. There were 12 such states; they were united, according to legend, by King Theseus. Athens, the cradle of Greek statehood and democracy, became the main city of Attica. Already in ancient times, Attica was governed by nine elected officials, in whose hands the executive, military and judicial powers were concentrated. A year later, these nine transferred power to the newly elected magistrates, and they themselves transferred for life to the Areopagus - the body of power of the aristocracy. Athens itself became a place for the development of culture, arts, and philosophy.
The climate of Attica is mild, temperate Mediterranean. Average temperatures in summer are almost always above +30 degrees. The rainy season begins here at the end of September and lasts until April. The swimming season lasts from April to September; the sea warms up to its maximum by August (up to +26). In winter, despite above-zero temperatures, snow can fall here, melting almost immediately and not forming a snow cover.
Transport
Athens is home to the Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport, opened in 2001, serving as the air gateway to Greece and Attica in particular.
Inside Attica you can travel by rail (trains) and intercity buses. Buses to the eastern and western parts of Attica depart from two different bus stations in Athens. The first is located near the Acropolis, the second - on Egyptian Square. Ferries transport tourists to the islands of Aegina and Salamis. One of the fastest ways to travel around Athens is the metro with three lines, one of which is above ground. Athens also has express bus routes leading to the airport, city bus, trolleybus and tram routes.
Resorts of Attica
Administratively, Attica is divided into four nomes: , Eastern and Western Attica. The most popular, both in terms of beach and cultural and historical recreation, is the city of Athens. The suburbs of the capital are resort towns with the general name “Athenian Riviera”. They are located along the coast and, in addition to hotels and beaches, contain yacht clubs, night clubs, golf clubs, and have their own specifics. Thus, it is considered a resort for the wealthy, Lagonissi - for families with children. Specialization and Vouliagmeni - health improvement.
A holiday in Piraeus will cost less than in Athens. Due to the location of the port there is only one beach, but beautiful views and ancient sights of Piraeus are guaranteed.
Sights and excursions
Let's start getting acquainted with the rich heritage of Attica from Athens and its sacred hill, the Acropolis. The second name of the hill is Kekropia, in honor of Kekrops, the first king of Athens. Acropolis was also called a well-defended place and a settlement located inside this fortress. In ancient times, the main city was located in the Acropolis. According to legend, it was the residence of Theseus, the collector of the lands of Attica. When the cult of the goddess Athena was established in Athens, a temple was erected here in her honor - the Parthenon.
On the territory of Attica, many sights from different eras have been preserved. The heritage of Hellas is the ruins of ancient cities and temples dedicated to the gods of the Greek pantheon. For example, at Cape Sounion, on the shore, the remains of the Temple of Poseidon have been preserved. Christian monasteries and temples have been preserved from the Byzantines. One of them is the Daphne monastery near Athens. At the base of the monastery lie the remains of the Temple of Apollo. Near Mount Imitos, surrounded by coniferous and cypress forests, is the Kesariani monastery, also of the Byzantine period.
The island of Aegina is visited to see Paleochora. It is called an abandoned city, but in fact it is a valley in which the buildings of about seven dozen churches and chapels from the Byzantine and later periods have been preserved. It is believed that each of these structures was built in fulfillment of a vow made for the salvation of a loved one. Relatives, wives of fishermen and warriors came to this place to pray.
Salamis, although it is called a "dacha" island, has such attractions as the cave of Euripides, another ancient Greek playwright. It is located at an altitude of more than a hundred meters; in the city of Salamis, a theater festival is held annually in honor of the ancient author. On the island you can also visit a museum dedicated to folk art and the history of the ancient fleet, the Faneromeni monastery and the ancient city of Ambelakia with the ruins of the acropolis.
Wellness holiday
Loutraki, Vouliagmeni, Sounion are resorts where people come to improve their health and cosmetic procedures. In Loutraki there is a hydrotherapy center that specializes in the treatment of skin diseases, gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system. Springs gushing out from underground are saturated with radon and trace elements.
The resort of Vouliagmeni grew up next to the lake of the same name, which is filled with water from thermal springs. Skin problems, joint problems, and diseases of the female reproductive system are treated here. The air is saturated with the aromas of coniferous forests and helps strengthen the respiratory system, nervous system.
Sounion specializes in cosmetology using preparations based on local herbs and minerals. Methods using sea salt and seaweed are also used here.
Beach holiday
Many Attica beaches have the highest European award for the cleanliness of the sea and coast - the Blue Flag. Many of the beaches are free. In the vicinity of Athens (the so-called Greater Athens), all the beaches are well-maintained - Faliron, Glyfada, Rocket and others. The beach in Piraeus is called Votsalakia. On the west coast, the sandy beaches of Lagonissi are good; on the east, Schinias near the city of Marathon is recognized as the best.
In Loutraki the beaches are covered with small pebbles. This resort features a variety of accommodation facilities: from five stars to inexpensive family hotels. The resort of Loutraki is also chosen due to the proximity of the cities of Corinth and Delphi with their famous attractions.
There are beautiful sandy beaches on the island of Aegina, located in the Saronic Gulf. It is a half-hour ferry ride away from Piraeus. Another Attica island that can be reached from Piraeus is Salamis. This island is popular primarily among the Greeks themselves. Salamis has beaches, but few hotels.
Holidays with children
Activities for children in Attica are mainly found in Athens. Perhaps it is worth starting with a sightseeing trip around the city on a sightseeing bus to get to know Athens as a whole, and then move on to activities that interest your child. As part of your educational leisure, it is worth planning a visit to the main Athenian attractions of the Acropolis and the Parthenon, to see with your own eyes household items and art created by the ancient Greeks.
Further relaxation may depend on the preferences of the child: animal lovers can visit the sea turtle rescue center and even feed them there, as well as visit the Attico Zoo. Young artists will be interested in the interactive museum of children's creativity. A visit to the Charimidos puppet theater can be combined with a tour of the Agora, the ancient city square located nearby. The Athens Planetarium awaits young astronomers.
And, of course, any child is unlikely to refuse visiting Athens confectionery shops, the National Garden with a park and a zoo, the Flisvos city park, the Allou Fun Park and water parks, two of which are located in Athens itself, one in the suburbs, the third near the city of Isthymia 20 km from the capital. Not far from Athens there is an Adventure Park with a rope course.
Active recreation and entertainment
Attica will offer the restless a variety of active leisure options. On the coast these are water sports: rafting, windsurfing, scuba diving. The ancient city of Megara, about 40 km northwest of the capital, is known to extreme sports enthusiasts as a center for parachuting. There is a parachute school here.
Tourists will be offered to explore mountainous Attica on foot and with the help of off-road vehicles: the routes are designed in such a way that they have the opportunity to see the history of this part of Greece, and the modern life of the inhabitants of small villages, and admire the beauty of nature. Some of the routes are laid along ancient roads.
The foot of the Acropolis, a 156-meter hill in Athens, serves as the starting point for the Acropolis racing competition, which takes place in early June.
Club life is in full swing in Athens and resort suburbs, for example, in Glyfada. Nightclubs host discos, concerts of world stars, parties and shows. Fans of gambling come to Loutraki - there is a casino there.
Throughout the tourist season, festivals are held in different cities of Attica. The largest of them is the Festival of Athens and Epidaurus in the capital. From June to September, performances and concerts take place in Athens, world stars come and Greek artists and groups perform. From April to October, the Acropolis hosts light shows dedicated to the history of the Greek capital. Eleusis becomes the site of a theater festival in honor of Aeschylus, the ancient playwright.
Kitchen and souvenirs
Called Greek in Russia, and peasant salad in Greece itself, this salad is served here with local kolomata olives. For dessert - local figs. Attica's rocky soils are best suited for growing olives and figs, and local honey herbs add their flavor to the honey produced here.
Residents of this part of Greece prefer avgolemono soup with the addition of eggs and lemon juice, dolmadakyu - local version of dolma, grilled seafood, hot pepper stuffed with cheese. Among the alcohols here, it is worth trying, in addition to raki and ouzo, the liqueur mastiha, which acquires a special taste after adding resin from a tree from the pistachio family.
Clay is mined on the coast of Attica, so ceramic products here are beyond praise. The souvenir trade is concentrated mainly in Athens. Very often people come here to buy fur coats, leather clothes, and jewelry. It will be less expensive to buy natural cosmetics, herbal infusions, ceramics, gastronomic souvenirs - oil, olives, cheese, honey and traditional honey desserts.
General description
Administrative region located at the southernmost point of Central Greece. This region covers a larger area than the historical prefecture of Attica and today has an area of 2,200 km².
Attica is a historical region of Greece, which includes Athens, the capital of this magical country. Attica has an astounding array of archaeological and cultural sites, including historically significant Greek temples such as the Parthenon Temple in Athens. Numerous artifacts discovered during excavations in Attica were unfortunately taken from Greece to other countries of the world, although the Greek government is still trying to return some precious cultural artifacts to their homeland.
Attica is an excellent place for a summer holiday; in the region you can find everything that even the most sought-after tourist wants: from wild, secluded beaches and wildlife to fashionable bars and nightclubs. The western coast of Attica is famous for its continuous line of luxury villas, hotels and restaurants, and the seaside resort of Paleo Faliro is famous for its picturesque promenade and many shops. From here it is organized most excursions to the islands of Poros, Aegina, Hydra and other islands of the Aegean Sea.
A triangular-shaped peninsula located in the endless Aegean Sea. In the west, Attica is bordered by the sea and the Corinth Canal, to the south of it is the Saronic Gulf, and off its northern and eastern shores is the island of Euboea. Mountain ranges separate the peninsula from the plains of Pedias, Mesogaya and Triasion.
The main one is the Temple of Poseidon, which is located on Cape Sounion. The Temple of Poseidon is considered one of the most significant and large-scale monuments ancient Greece. Vacationers in Attica will find a wide selection of interesting and educational excursions, opportunities for active recreation and sports, walks to the sights of the region and other entertainment. By the way, the largest casino in Europe is located in Loutraki and happily opens its doors to gambling tourists.
The best cities and resorts of Attica
The main attraction of Attica is Athens, a huge metropolis where all the most important architectural and cultural monuments of all periods of the development of Greece have been preserved. History and modernity are closely...
The climate in Attica is mostly Mediterranean or subtropical. The climate in Attica has a pronounced long dry period in summer and a short wet period in winter. The air temperature here in the hottest summer months - July and August - often rises to +38°C. The climate in Attica is generally quite arid, but pleasant for a summer holiday.
The swimming season in Attica is very long: it opens in April and ends only in mid-October. In the summer months, the region experiences heat, which is quite easily tolerated due to low humidity. The average summer temperature in Attica is +26..+28 degrees, and in winter the thermometer stays at about +5..+15 degrees. In the autumn-winter period, Attica is cool and windy; the region is not famous for heavy rainfall.
Authors: Veronika1993, Alexander Gordiets (editor-in-chief)Video from Attica
Attica - the heart of Greece - video tour of Attica!
Excursions and activities in Attica will certainly appeal to lovers of picturesque landscapes and untouched nature. Attica is famous for its interesting places away from central cities and noisy streets. Excursions in Attica allow tourists to explore secluded, unique beaches, archaeological sites and quaint seaside towns.
The most popular excursion in eastern Attica is the sightseeing tour, which includes a visit to the archaeological site of Tymbos, meaning "vaulted tombs", where Athenian soldiers who died in the historic battle with the Persians in 490 BC were buried. Next to the mass grave there is a small archaeological museum, which is visited with great interest by tourists. In a beautiful village in eastern Attica there is an artificial lake Marathon, which harmonizes well with environment and attracts weary travelers.
With an excursion in southern Attica, you can visit Cape Sounion, not far from which the Temple of Poseidon, the construction of which dates back to the 6th century BC, is comfortably located. Cape Sounion is extraordinarily beautiful during sunset. Near Sounion is the port city of Lavrion with interesting exhibits collected in the Mineralogical Museum. A very important and famous sanctuary in ancient times, but not very popular today, is the Amphiarion sanctuary, located in the north-eastern part of Attica, near the modern village of Oropos. Built in the 5th century BC, it was dedicated to the local hero Amphiaraos. Another important site in the southeastern part of the region is the Temple of Artemis. A major festival was held in this temple in ancient times every four years. Ancient Eleusis (Eleusis) is also an important site on the western side of Attica, and from the 17th to 4th centuries BC. Secret Eleusinian rites were held here.
An excellent walking tour in Attica starts in Athens. The tour begins with a walk along Apostle Paul Street and follows in the footsteps of the Roman Emperor Hadrian along the route along which he took part in the opening ceremony of the Temple of Olympian Zeus. The path of this excursion passes by Roman ruins, a mosque, some temples and houses of the Greek gods.
Authors: Veronika1993, Alexander Gordiets (editor-in-chief)History of Attica
The rich history of Attica is reflected in the region's many attractions and priceless finds from the ancient world. No other region can boast such...
Where is the best place to stay when traveling around Attica?
Accommodation options in the region are quite varied and are represented by various hotels in Attica, from hotel rooms in the city center to beautiful secluded apartments in resorts near the cape...
Active holidays in Attica
Attica opens up all the possibilities for active recreation, because the region has all the conditions for this: endless plains, winding paths, rocky mountains, endless sea and small cozy bays, wild beaches, sports grounds, large sports centers and the like. On the large beaches of Attica there are water sports centers offering opportunities for windsurfing, jet skiing and inflatable boats, water skiing and parasailing.
Athens has a huge Olympic Sports Center, which is located in the north-eastern part of Maroussia and consists of no less than five separate sites with a series of sports facilities.
In addition to sports, active recreation is very popular in Attica. Among the active holiday destinations in Attica, the most famous are walking tours of the region's attractions, for example, walking tours in Athens in the Monstiraki area and walks to Cape Sounion. Also in Attica, sailing tours to the islands of the region are often organized; both amateur beginners and professionals can take part in the tours.
Authors: Veronika1993The Attica region has well-developed transport links, the routes are designed quite carefully and even the most secluded corners of the area can be reached quite easily.
In Attica, the most popular means of transportation is public buses. There are several types of tickets for city buses in Athens: discounted (for children, the elderly and disabled), integrated (valid for 90 minutes on any type public transport), daily and weekly travel tickets (valid for a certain period without limit), as well as separate one-time tickets. Bus tickets start from 1.40 euros per trip.
In Athens, along with buses, trams and trolleybuses are also popular, the routes of which are very diverse. There is also a metro in Athens, which consists of three lines. The tram network connects the center of Athens (Syntagma, Constitution Square) with the southern (coastal) suburbs.
Among transport features Attica is worth noting taxi yellow. All taxis also have an internal meter that records the distance of the trip and determines its cost. Travel tariffs vary depending on the time of day, so travel after 24 pm to 5 am is considered at double tariff. Renting cars is also popular in Attica. By renting such a car you can drive around all the attractions of the region yourself and save a lot of your time and effort.
Authors: Veronika1993, Alexander Gordiets (editor-in-chief)Getting to Attica and Central Greece is quite simple: first you need to fly to Athens. Regular flights from Russia and from anywhere in the world will take you to the capital of Greece, from where you can travel to any part of this amazing country.
You can go to Attica from Athens by one of the types of public transport: comfortable buses or high-speed trains. The Athens commuter transport stop is located at the following address: 100, Kiffissou Street, where bus number 051 goes. Route number 051 departs from a stop located near Omonia Square, at the intersection of Menandrou and Zinonos streets. Bus intervals are 15 minutes.
Urban public transport routes that run between the resort cities of Attica are served by the carrier KTEL. There are two bus stations in the region: the Western Attica bus station, which is located in the Acropolis area near the Fiseos ISAP station, and the Eastern Attica bus station, located near the Egyptian Square at the intersection of Alexandra Avenue and st. Patision.
Authors: Veronika1993, Alexander Gordiets (editor-in-chief)Souvenirs in Attica
Shopping in the Attica region is best done in Athens. Many shopping centers and small cozy shops are located throughout the city, but the largest and most sophisticated of them are concentrated on...
Attica is a geographical, historical and administrative region in southeastern Greece, which includes the capital of Greece and the port of Piraeus. From a geographical point of view, the region is a triangular peninsula, bordered in the north by central Greece and surrounded by the mountains of Aigaleo, Parnitha, Pentelikon and Hymetae, and in the south, washed by the waters of the Saronic Gulf, the southern tip Attica- Cape Sounio.
Nature of Attica features an extraordinary variety of landscapes. On the one hand, this is the majestic beauty of the mountains, the greenery of the intermountain plains, and on the other - endless lace coastline, stretching into the bright blue of the sea and sky.
Not far from Attica is the island of Evia (Euboea), which stretches along the eastern coast of continental Greece and is separated from the mainland by the northern and southern Euboean gulfs, which converge near the city of Chalkis, forming the Euripus Strait. In ancient times and to this day, this strait continues to amaze with a mysterious phenomenon: every 5 - 6 hours the current changes its direction due to the periodic change of tides and the formation of so-called “standing” waves. Aristotle, and later many other researchers, including modern ones, tried to unravel the mystery of this phenomenon, but so far to no avail.
Most beaches of Attica and o. Evia has been awarded EU Blue Flags for many years.
Mythology and history
Little is known about the early history of Attica. Within the 2nd millennium BC. The Ionian Greeks settled in this territory. However, according to some dialogues of the philosopher Plato, who mentions that “the inhabitants of Attica are not aliens, but autochthons (indigenous inhabitants), that the soil of Attica is birth mother them, not the stepmother,” it can be assumed that they are indigenous people. Archaeological excavations have shown that in ancient times throughout Attica there were fortified settlements, which then formed independent separate communities, which were all subsequently annexed to Athens. Each such community had its own patron god, and the war between communities was, in their minds, a struggle between gods. The god of the defeated community also became the god of the winner, but in the pantheon he was given a secondary place. And as independent regions on the territory of Attica united with Athens, sanctuaries of the gods of the conquered regions appeared on the Athenian Acropolis next to the temple of the goddess Athena.
Athens believed precious stone Greece. Here the basic moral values of humanity were formed. Philosophy, science, literature, art and drama are just some of the concepts born in ancient Athens. Democracy, freedom, justice - the ideals that arose in this city are the basic principles of our modern society.
Resorts of Attica
south of Athens to Cape Sounio Along the western coast of Attica there is a continuous line of luxurious villas, restaurants, hotels, shops and beaches. A rainbow kaleidoscope of geographical names flashes by: Paleo Faliro, Alimos, Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, Varkiza, Lagonissi, Anavyssos. Paleo Faliro and Alimos areas are the closest coastal areas to the capital.
Paleo Faliro is located just 5 km from the center of Athens. This is a densely populated seaside resort with a beautiful promenade, many cafes, bars, restaurants, shops, which allows guests to have a wonderful holiday. From here excursions are organized to three islands (Aegina, Poros, Hydra), as well as to other islands of the Aegean Sea.
Alimos- one of the largest marinas in Greece, located 15 km from the center of Athens and 30 km from the international airport. Moving south from the Alimos area, you will reach the picturesque resort of Glyfada, located 18 km from the center of Athens and 25 km from the international airport. Glyfada is ideal for sailing and is also famous for its golf club, which is considered the best in Greece.
Vouliagmeni- the pearl of Attica, located 25 km from the center of the capital. Today Vouliagmeni is a prestigious resort with high-class hotels and the most expensive place on the coast, where luxury villas are built. This most beautiful place allows you to combine business with pleasure: coniferous trees grow everywhere, and not far from the sea there is a lake of the same name Vouliagmeni, known for its mineral springs, which help in the treatment of skin, rheumatic, neuralgic and some gynecological diseases.
Varkiza- a resort area 25 km from the center of Athens and 22 km from the international airport - popular among windsurfers. Here is one of the largest sandy beaches in Attica. Not far from the resort center there are two music halls where famous Greek singers perform during the summer season.
Lagonissi And Anavyssos- small villages on the southern coast of Attica, 40 km and 50 km from the center of Athens, respectively, and 20 km from the airport - attract tourists with the extraordinary beauty of nature and large sandy beaches. This part of Attica is loved by the Greeks themselves.
Cape Sounio- the southernmost point of Attica. Here is the temple of Poseidon, standing 60 m above sea level on the edge of a steep cliff. A beautiful legend is associated with this cape about King Aegean, who met ships from Crete. Of the 34 columns of the Temple of Poseidon, only 15 have survived. The Temple of Poseidon must be visited at sunset; catching the sun setting directly on its ruins is an unforgettable sight.
Vravrona is located 35 km from Athens and 15 km from the airport. Vravrona was dedicated to the hunter goddess Artemis. On the eastern slope of Mount Hymettus at an altitude of 540 m from sea level there is the cave of Paeania. Due to the variety of rocks and the bizarre shapes of stalactites and stalagmites, this is one of the most interesting caves in Greece.
Loutraki, located in the west of Attica on the shores of the Gulf of Corinth - a medical resort, famous for its healing mineral waters, rare beauty of nature and unique climatic conditions.
Tolo- a small resort town on the eastern coast of the Peloponnese, 11 km from Nafplio and 140 km from Athens - combines a landscape of extraordinary beauty with small picturesque islands.
Evia (Euboea) is the second largest island in the Aegean Sea after Crete. The island as a whole has not suffered from the influx of tourists and is perfect for combining a quiet, relaxing holiday with a rich excursion program on the mainland.
Sights of Attica
Famous Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion - one of the most impressive monuments of Greek architecture. The powerful columns of the temple, standing on a cape open to all the winds, are an unforgettable sight.
Temple of Demeter in Eleusis, dedicated to the mysterious cult of the goddess Dimeter and her daughter Persephone. The famous Eleusinian mysteries took place here: everyone knew about the rituals performed there, but the details of the ceremony and sacred texts were passed down orally, and it was forbidden to write them down. Therefore, the essence of the mystery is still unknown to modern scientists. There is an archaeological museum at the temple.
Monastery of Daphne, dating from the 11th century, is a world-famous monument of Byzantine art. The walls of the monastery church are decorated with magnificent mosaics, unmatched in their beauty in Greece.
The archaeological territory of Vravrona is interesting. Here you can see monuments from various historical eras: ruins of the ancient Greek temple of Artemis adjacent to a 15th-century Christian church dedicated to St. George. Unfortunately, only the podium of the ancient sanctuary has survived to this day, so we are not able to get an idea of what it looked like as a whole. After crossing the bridge, which was built in classical times and led to the temple, you can visit the partially restored stoa (covered colonnade).
Entertainment
Tourists are offered a whole range of educational excursions, good walks and wonderful entertainment.
Gambling fans have the opportunity to try their luck in the largest casino in Europe, located in Loutraki. At night, discos and youth clubs open their doors. A variety of children's attractions and a water park, located 8 km from the city, attract parents with children to the resort. A diving center is available for scuba diving enthusiasts.
Transport
The bus is the main form of urban transport in Attica. Opening hours from 5.00 to 24.00. Bus tickets can be purchased at special kiosks. There is a single form of ticket for buses and trolleybuses. International Airport located 27 km from the center of Athens.
Attica cuisine
Piraeus is famous for its fish restaurants, where they will prepare your dish before your eyes. Throughout Attica, wherever you go, you will find a luxurious restaurant with Greek cuisine or cuisine from other countries. There are also many cafes, taverns and kebab houses, where the national spirit of Greece is felt more fully than in restaurants with mixed cuisine.
What to bring
Shopping is more interesting in Athens. Shopping areas are concentrated in the central part of the city. The most popular area for shopping is Ermou Street. Expensive shops are around Kolonaki Square. As gifts you can buy bee honey, olives, Greek coffee, herbal teas, and leather goods. Metropoleos Street is famous for its jewelry and fur shops. On Plaka you can choose souvenirs. Maroussi, a potters' district famous for its ceramics, is located 12 km from Athens. There are many pottery shops here.
The Attica Triangle is a tiny but very rich concentrate of Greece. Here there was a place for ancient gods, brave heroes, outstanding philosophers. Democracy was born here and culture was created. A peninsula with stunning history and picturesque nature. The southeastern tip of the Balkan Peninsula, washed by three gulfs: Euboean, Saronic and Corinthian. Cape Sounion, which is the tip of the triangle, completes the beautiful picture of nature. Three mountains separate the base of Attica from the mainland: Pastras, Parnitha and Kythenonas (all over a kilometer high).
The peninsula is part of Central Greece. Attica is one of seven administrative-territorial units, which is also a historical and geographical region. Attica consists of the southeastern part of Greece, Peloponnesian Trizinia (the Argolid peninsula, the vast majority of the Argosaronic islands, as well as Kythira and Antikythira. The peninsula shares its western border with the Peloponnese. The area of the region is 3808 sq. km (this is about 3% of Greek lands). By There are two rivers flowing through the territory: Kafisos and Ilisos.
The population density of Attica is the highest among Greek regions. This is explained by the fact that the capital Athens is located on the peninsula, where a third of the state’s population lives. From a geographical point of view, Attica is divided into the Athenian periphery and other lands of the peninsula. The first category includes all metropolitan municipalities.
Attica is an extremely important region for the country's economy. More than a third of the national gross product (38%) comes from the peninsula. The largest share here is the service sector, which is not surprising for a tourist country. Industry occupies a little less, and a small, but not least important, part is the agricultural sector (almost 2% of cultivated land is located here). Attica accounts for 71% of the country's construction companies, 69% of processing companies and 58% of commercial organizations. Guests of the country also often choose Attica as their place of residence.
Story
Historical data indicate that the settlement of Attica occurred during the Neolithic. Then its name was slightly different: Akti, Aktiki. The first king of the lands was Kekrops, who united 12 separate tribes. It was then that the capital Athens was created.
History of the region, according to by and large, represents the history of Athens. Then Athena argued with Poseidon over the patronage of the city. By presenting the inhabitants with an olive branch as a gift, she earned the favor of the people, and the city was named after her. No less useful was the gift from the god Dionysus, which became a real symbol of Attica - the grapevine.
The finds discovered on the Acropolis and in the numerous city-states located here only confirm the various myths telling about ancient history region. The lands near Athens united around 800 BC. e. Starting from the 8th century, Attica became the largest maritime and economic center. Under the tyrannical rule of Pisistratus, the active development of the region began thanks to the promotion of trade to Sicily, Pontus Euxine (now the Black Sea) and Egypt. Athens reached an artistic and cultural flowering during this period; numerous monuments were erected to decorate the city.
Under a democratic government, Athens becomes the main city of Greece, being the center of the Attic state. This is where the fighting with the Persians breaks out. The “golden” period of the capital is considered to be the era of the reign of Pericles. Science, art, culture, power - everything has reached its peak. Ancient Greek civilization received the most powerful centers: Eleusis, Megara, Egosthenon, Pages. It was destroyed during the Peloponnesian War, and at the same time the naval power of Athens also declined. From now on, Salamis and Attica were subordinate to the capital. Such a weakening of the Greek forces led to the conquest of territories by Macedonian troops. Almost 200 years later, the state passed to the Romans, who, however, treated Athens with great respect, recognizing their significant contribution to the development of education.
The advent of Christianity became a difficult period for Attica. Numerous destructions due to the raids of the Goths affected the appearance of Athens. The introduction of the Byzantine religion led to the closure philosophical schools, and ancient temples became Christian shrines. After this, Attica passed into power many times to various conquerors: Catalans, Neapolitans, Venetians, Turks. The latter went beyond what was permitted, making the Parthenon a mosque and the Erechtheion a harem. 1834 was the year when Athens was declared the capital of Greece. At that time the city was a small village, and the number of inhabitants did not even reach a thousand. All that was visible around was ruins and stones. However, it was on the ruins of its former greatness that they began to rebuild the city. New buildings harmoniously intertwined antiquity with modernity, and the Acropolis was restored. Following Athens, they began to bring back to life other parts of Attica, the importance of which was great in the ancient period: Sounion, Ramnund, Thorikos, Vravron, Eleusis, Marathon, Oropos, Porto Rafti.
Attica combines all the elements of Greek history. The Romans, Byzantines, Franks, Ottomans left their mark here, and modernity has also touched the region. These prints are fresh, as if history is moving along with the present time.
The proximity of beautiful resorts is a feature of Attica that tourists will appreciate. Paleo Faliro is located just 5 kilometers from the capital. There is not only a magnificent promenade and wonderful beaches, but also numerous cafes, bars, taverns, and restaurants that open their doors to everyone who wants to have a good time. The resort's shops allow you to find souvenirs that will remind you of your trip when you return home, local goods and products renowned for their quality. Organized excursions to the Greek islands are another advantage of Paleo Faliro.
Vouliagmeni
Vouliagmeni is a luxury resort. Luxury hotels, luxury apartments, expensive villas are not the only advantage. A unique lake with mineral healing springs allows you to relax with health benefits. Coniferous trees make the air clean and rich in healthy aromas.
Those wishing to receive treatment can go to Loutraki. There are healing springs here, and the wonderful beneficial climate helps you feel complete fusion with nature. An interesting location is Cape Sounio. The extreme southern point of Attica gives the opportunity to see the Temple of Poseidon, especially beautiful at sunset.
