10 Things you must do in Attica in autumn!
The mellow weather, the beautiful colours and intoxicating aromas of autumn form the ideal setting for unforgettable short breaks in the mainland and islands of Attica. We recommend 10 out of hundreds of things you can do in Attica in autumn. Pick the destinations, sights and activities that fit your personal preferences and add to the list your own favourite experiences in Attica!
1. Visit the Acropolis, the most prominent site in Greece, an Unesco world heritage monument and true wonder of ancient Greek architecture! Then walk to the Acropolis Museum to marvel at the most important artefacts found on the “Sacred Rock” and embark on a mental journey to 5th century BC Athens. Round off your visit with a beverage or lunch at the caf?/restaurant of the museum with the stunning view of the Parthenon and take in some more of the beauty and the splendour of the site.
2. Visit Mount Lycabettus, either by cable car or via the footpath that will take you to the top, and marvel at the astonishing view of the whole Attica region, as well as the most wonderful sunset you have ever seen! A great autumn hike through the many trails of the hill, among pines and bushes that will reveal hidden treasures: the chapel of Agioi Isidoroi that is built in a cave and the Lycabettus gorge… just 700 metres away from Syntagma square!
3. Visit Attica’s islands, a stone’s throw away from the port of Piraeus, and enjoy them at your own pace, without the crowds of summer. Each with its own, individual character and unique beauty! In enchanting Spetses you will stroll in picturesque narrow alleys with stunning neoclassical buildings and tour the island on a bicycle or a horse-drawn carriage! Aegina will charm you with its scenic promenade, with the floating grocery stores, the traditional coffee shops and the tavernas in the fish market area. With autumn’s briskness, you will walk up the beautiful stone-paved alleys of Hydra, all the way to the oldest neighbourhood of the town, where you will marvel at the majestic view. The lush green Agistri will generously offer you memorable experiences in its stunning nature, an ideal setting for hiking and cycling. Poros will absolutely thrill you with its picture-perfect little port, the neoclassical charm of the main town, the pine-covered hillsides and the miniature coves! You will fall in love with Kythera for its wonderful villages and its breathtaking nature, which you will explore through the available hiking and trekking routes for all.
4. Follow the majestic coastal route of Attica, all the way to the southernmost tip of the peninsula, Cape Sounio. The imposing ancient temple of Poseidon and the breathtaking view of the Saronic Gulf and the nearby islands will reward you with images of unparalleled beauty. An ideal spot to enjoy enchanting sunsets or the magical full moon of September. Combine your getaway to Sounio with a visit at the nearby Lavrio or – for nature lovers – the Sounio National Park.
5. A visit at Monastiraki and Plaka is a “must” in your to-do list during your stay in Attica! Wander around Ifestou street and Abyssinias square, at the famous open-air flea market in Monastiraki area, mainly if you seek vintage furniture, decorative items and clothes. After shopping, head to the enchanting and scenic Plaka in the shadow of the Acropolis, for a cup of coffee or a glass of ouzo, accompanied by delicious meze dishes, and travel back in time!
6. November in Attica is closely associated with one of the most important sports events in the world, Athens Marathon. The Authentic. Join in Attica’s great celebration that unites past with present, bringing together people from all over the world… in the land where the Marathon was born.
7. Excursions to the nature of Attica, just outside Athens capital city, are delightful in autumn. Visit Mount Parnitha for trekking along verdant paths and enjoy its unique flora and fauna. Take a break for rest, beverages and lunch at the two refuges of the area, Bafi and Flabouri, which organise exciting hiking routes and many activities for all.
8. Get a… taste of Attica, trying the local products and the delicacies that are associated with people’s everyday life: koulouri, spanakopita or tyropita, bougatsa or loukoumades, souvlaki or gyros, amygdalota from the Saronic islands, as well as spoon sweets. Savour Attica’s products of Protected Designation of Origin, such as the fistiki (pistachio) of Aegina and Μegara, Troezen extra virgin olive oil and Vravrona figs. Try Kythera’s excellent quality honey, olive oil rusks and cookies.
9. See the impressive Evzones up close, the Greek Presidential Guard at Syntagma square, in front of the building of the Greek Parliament. Don’t miss the official Changing of Guards ceremony that takes place every Sunday at 11.00 am, in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It is an extraordinary ritual full of symbolisms, in which the Evzones astound with their imposing stature, their perfectly tuned movements and their lofty pace.
10. Don’t miss out on the great autumn events in Attica, both in the mainland and the nearby islands. In September live the experience of grape harvest in Mesogeia, Attica. Visit one of the many wineries of the region and witness the transformation of grapes into must, and then into wine. In Spetses you will enjoy the major annual event of the island, the
Armata Festival, with the re-enactment of the burning of the Turkish flagship, while the annual Spetses Mini Marathon and Tweed Run will thrill sports and cycling fans. In Aegina, September is dedicated to the Fistiki Fest, the event that attracts crowds of visitors every year and highlights the top quality local product, Aegina fistiki (pistachio).
Photo Credits: Wanderlust Greece-Athens
