A beautiful city in Spain’s Andalusian region was named the most walkable city in Europe, according to travel experts at Preply.
However, a charming spot in Greece came in close ranking as a desirable destination for those who enjoy walking.
Athens is the fifth best European city for exploring on foot, following Seville, Venice, Porto, and Florence. Tourists can easily stroll between Athen’s renowned landmarks within a compact two-mile radius.
The city centre is easily traversed in less than 60 minutes, taking approximately 4,410 steps.
Perched on the Acropolis, the Parthenon stands out as Athens’ crowning jewel once a sacred temple dedicated to the goddess Athena back in the fifth century B.C.
One tourist ‘kattriprevus’ exclaimed on Tripadvisor: “Fabulous view, history and experience. The Parthenon was a highlight of our tour in Athens. The views are stunning.”
Meanwhile, ‘Michael and Gail Lenney’ shared: “Absolutely amazing place. So much history. Definitely a bucket list attraction.”
The Acropolis is adapting to modern times, implementing a fresh ticket system aimed at managing tourist numbers to safeguard the invaluable historic site.
For those keen to meander through Athens and soak up its less imposing sights, the Plaka neighbourhood should not be missed. With its quaint hillside village ambience, cobbled lanes rest beneath the watchful gaze of the Acropolis.
Holidaymakers will find a plethora of cafes and tavernas in Plaka, many offering late-night outdoor dining and an ideal spot for souvenir shopping.
Monastiraki neighbourhood, one of the oldest and busiest parts of the capital, boasts several top-notch rooftop bars. Don’t miss the area’s flea market for a good bargain.
A sightseeing itinerary is easy to plan even in autumn thanks to the warm climate. In October temperatures average 23C with lows of 16C, dropping to highs of 18C and lows of 12C in November.
As for getting to Athens, the city has an international airport with affordable flights from London. According to Skyscanner, direct return flights average £68 in October.
In November, flights are even cheaper from £43 per adult. However, the temperature does drop significantly during this month, so it’s best for those who prefer a cooler climate to explore.
Despite Athens’ vast expanse from sea to mountains, the city centre is surprisingly walkable. Most major sites can be discovered on foot during a city break. For those less inclined to walk, Athens’ metro system is highly efficient and runs frequently until just past midnight. An extensive bus network is also available.