There’s something inherently sensual about Greece—maybe it’s the culture that grew around idolizing beautiful and powerful gods and goddesses; maybe it’s the warm weather and the delectable dishes; or maybe it’s the fact that any culture seems sensual in comparison to the Puritans that founded America. Regardless, Greece is bringing sexy back, and Athens is where it all gets started. As the heart of ancient Greece, the city is dominated by architecture dating back to 5th-century BC that juxtaposes with the raw power and unmatched beauty of the ancient Greek culture. It’s a city sure to ignite your inner flames of desire—for sightseeing, of course!

Athens Planning Guide

• Where to stay: Hotel Attalos or Hotel Phaedra
• Flight details: Fly into Athens Eleftherios Venizelos (AIA)
• Time of year visited: Summer
• Time in Athens: 3 days
• Greece itinerary: 3 days in Athens; 3 days in Mykonos; 3 days in Santorini (1 week off of work!)

Save this map to use on your Athens trip:

1. Click the star to the right of the map title
2. Open the Google Maps app on your smartphone
3. Click on the three lines in the upper left corner and select “Your Places”
4. Select “Maps” and the map will be saved there for you to use on your trip. Have fun!

Favorite Moments

Hottie with a Body

Statues of the ancient Greek gods and goddesses are everywhere in Athens, their muscles and curves cut into stone to live on forever. The best sites for ogling these shapely figures are the Acropolis, a hilltop citadel where you can just imagine Zeus and his cronies doing all kinds of manly strategizing about conquering Sparta, and Ancient Agora, where no doubt Athena and her squad would use their womanly guiles to hold court among Athens see-and-be-seen crowd (or something more historically accurate). Regardless, these are the big two in terms of must-see sights in Athens, so make time to get better acquainted with them.

Don’t Miss:

There’s so much to take in at the Acropolis and Ancient Agora. At the Acropolis, the Parthenon is the star of the show, and it’s easy to see why, but don’t neglect some of the smaller monuments like the Erechtheion and the Temple of Athena Nike. These monuments don’t have as many people crowded out front for photo opps, so it’ll be much easier for you to get up close and check the details, like the statuesque (literally) ladies holding up a piece of the Erechtheion. The Odeon of Herodes Atticus, an ancient open-air theater, was also a favorite of mine. As you look over it, you can just imagine how epically romantic it would have been to witness anything on the stage.

At the Ancient Agora, spend time in the Stoa of Attalos, featuring rows of fine young (stone) thangs, including a headless Emperor Hadrian in a skirt (sexy, kinda) and the Temple of Hephaestus with all types of gods, goddesses, and mythical creatures (centaurs and mermen, anyone?) carved into the stone below the roof.

Logistics:

 

Date Night

For some quality time out with your honey (or buddy), Athens doesn’t disappoint in offering some dining options with a side of eye candy, including breathtaking views over the city, wine grape vines growing overhead (in the middle of the city!), and a view of the city’s centerpiece, the Acropolis, illuminated against the dark night sky.

Don’t Miss:

Lycabettus Hill, the tallest point in the city, is the perfect location for watching the sun dip behind the mountains and into the sea over dinner and drinks. I recommend Cafe Lycabettus, the more casual of the two restaurants, both boasting the same great views.

On another night, snag a seat at Thissio View Restaurants, either on the street level or their amazing roof deck. Either spot gives you a prime location to watch the Acropolis lights come alive.

If you’re in the market for a lazy lunch, head over to the Plaka District, the oldest area of Athens, which is mostly closed off to car traffic. Sit outside on the Plaka Stairs underneath the winding grape vines at Geros Tou Moria Tavern, where you’ll wine, dine, and embrace the sensual atmosphere.

And if you just want a respite for some R&R (refueling and recharging) while you’re visiting the ancient sites, stop into the Acropolis Museum Cafe and Restaurant, where you and your boo can lazily rest away from the afternoon heat, sipping yummy coffee drinks and sharing a one of their sweet treats.

Logistics:

 

Do Not Disturb

Ready for some action between the sheets? Hotel Phaedra and Hotel Attalos are your spots. Both are small boutique hotels that have the same old-world charm you’ll find all over Athens, and both have fantastic views of the Acropolis.

Hotel Phaedra is in a quieter area in the Plaka neighborhood, giving you the opportunity to see locals on the car-free streets in the early morning picking up their newspapers. Ask for a room with a view of the Acropolis. Some of their rooms have shared bathrooms, so make sure to get a standard (not budget) room for some privacy.

Hotel Attalos is more geared towards the vibrant crowd, in a much more hopping area of the city, with the best views of the Acropolis from its shared roof deck, where you can enjoy some cocktails before turning in for the night.

The post Athens, Greece appeared first on Mari on the Map.