Athens

ATHENS
The birthplace of the civilised world, the historic centre of democracy science, art, philosophy and spectator sport, Athens was, at one time, the capital of the civilised world. It lies within the prefecture of Attica, which is the mythological focal point for some of the most famous nautical legends known to man from Jason to Odysseus, the Sirens to mighty Poseidon himself. To this day the capitol of Greece remains inseparable from the ocean so it is only fitting that the greatest city in Europe is blessed with possibly the greatest marina in Europe.

Alimos Kalamaki Marina is located about seven miles from the city centre and is served by a superb system of public transport all within a few hundred yards. It boasts 1100 berths, with free water and electricity available from the pier. There are also shower and toilet facilities, restaurants, cafes and bars located in and around the marina. Athens has two other fantastic marinas both within 45minutes drive from the airport: Laviro (AKA Gateway to the Cyclades), which also has bars, restaurants, shops and a wide selection of marine services available. Paros Marina located in Paroika Bay has similar facilities and a ferry terminal. The nearby Islands of Poros and Syros also have superb marinas with plentiful moorings and excellent marine services.

Athens itself is one of the wildest, most exciting cities in the world. Forget those images of laid back, lazy Greece. Athens is Razzmatazz central and has more tourist attractions than any other city in Europe many of them amongst the most iconic in the world, including the Acropolis, Odeion of Herodes Atticus and Parthenon. Then there is the nightlife, which is almost as legendary as Odysseus himself. At dusk the city becomes alive with a different kind of animal altogether, colourful, decadent and searching for that unique Athens buzz. From incredible theatre to incredible food, bustling street cafes to all night ouzo bars you can forget those forty winks, if it ain’t happening in Athens it just ain’t happening.

With much TLC and intelligent regeneration Athens has gradually lost its 20th century image of a congested filthy metropolis and regained it’s stature of the definitive city, the holiest of holies, home of the Olympic Games and the greatest place of learning ever to exist. It is also one hell of a town. Go check it out. But be warned you may need some time out afterwards to indulge in that slower more relaxed Greece we all dream of.