Mel and I awoke early and drove to London Luton airport for our 8am Easyjet flight to Athens.
After about three and a half hours we landed in Athens, after security etc we walked out across the road and into the Metro station. It cost 9 euros each to catch the metro into the city. We had just missed one so it was a 20 odd minute wait for the next one. Its a 50 euro cab ride otherwise that takes just as long.
We change from the blue line onto the red at Syntagma and alight at Neos Kosmos station to walk to the Ibis Styles Hotel.
We check in and straight into our room. We are informed that Agios Ioannis station is nearer, so we walk five minutes to this station and buy a 5 day travelcard for 9 euros each and catch the metro into the city.
Outside Agios Ioannis station is the above Church. The Church of Agios Ioannis.
The Church of Saint John the Hunter (Agios Ioannis o Kinigos) is a historic Greek Orthodox church located at Leoforos Vouliagmenis 126 in Athens, Greece. It is a well-known,, long-standing parish in the area of Leoforos Vouliagmenis 126, Athens, 117 44.
Historically linked to the Monastery of Saint John the Hunter on Mount Hymettus. The church is historically associated with the ministry of Saint Nikolaos Planas, a modern-day saint whose relics are kept there. It is described as a "dysipostatos" (two-altar) church, dedicated to Saint John the Baptist and Saint Basil the Great. The church features frescoes from the 17th century.
We alight at Syntagma Square and its already starting to get dark. Behind us is the Athens Parliament and its guards. We'll visit this another day.
We walk on to find somewhere for dinner. We walk down the Street called Ermou which is full of High Street names shops.
We decide we want to eat on the Mniskleous Stairs in the Plaka District of Athens.
We stroll through the Plaka District and its many tourist shops to reach the stairs.
The Mnisikleous Stairs are an iconic set of steps located in the historic Plaka neighbourhood of Athens. They serve as a picturesque connection between the bustling streets and the breath-taking views of the Acropolis. The stairs are lined with charming cafes, vibrant eateries, and boutiques, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. The area is known for its rich history, adding to the allure of this enchanting pathway. Visitors often come here to enjoy a leisurely stroll, admire the architecture, and capture stunning photographs of the surrounding landscape.
We find a restaurant, Mel has the Chicken Fillet and I try my first Chicken Souvlaki paired with a Mamos beer from Athens. It was very nice too!
Considering we were in a trendy part of the City, it was very reasonably priced too!
After dinner we walk up the steps a bit further into the Anafiotioka District.
Anafiotika is a tiny, scenic, "island-style" neighbourhood located on the northeast side of the Acropolis hill within the historic Plaka district of Athens. Built in the mid-19th century by craftsmen from the island of Anafi, it features whitewashed, cubic houses, narrow paths, and vibrant flowers, offering a tranquil Cycladic atmosphere in the city centre.
We don't venture too far into Anafiotika as its dark and we are tired, we'll save it for another day!
So we walk back the way we came.
We walk through into Monastiraki Square and has a quick look. Here is the Holy Church of St Mary. Again this will be visited on another day!
Back in Syntagma Square we visit a dessert place on Mitropoleos. Mel had a Chocolate fudge type cake of some sort and I tried the Baklava. Both were amazing but very sickly sweet towards the end as they were so big!
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| Fountain in Syntagma Square. |
We caught the Metro back to the hotel from Syntagma Square, been a long day!
