There's no escaping the gobsmacking examples of antiquity in Athens, and its worth spending a day or two there en-route the islands, for despite the modern city's charmless appearance, its raucous street vendors and colourful markets add to the city's bustling character. One of the most important archaeological sites in the whole of the Mediterranean, the elevated Acropolis stands sentinel over Athens and is visible from almost everywhere in the city. Construction was initiated by Pericles in 510 BC as a showcase of lavishly coloured and gilded buildings and gargantuan marble statues, intended as a tribute to the Gods. The stout summit is entered through the architecturally brilliant Propylaia gate, which formed the towering entrance to the Acropolis in ancient times. Crowning the hilltop is the recently restored Parthenon, the most recognisable historic icon seen today in Greece with its perfectly symmetrical multiple Doric columns. One of its original functions was to house the giant statue of Athena, Goddess of Love, after whom Athens is named. Unsurpassed in its grace and harmony is the adjacent Erechtheion, immediately recognisable for its much-photographed Caryatids, the six maidens who take the place of columns. It is here too that the Elgin marbles where pilfered by British antiquarians a century ago. The Ancient Theatre of Dionysos, where every Athenian citizen took their turn in the chorus of Greek tragedies, is on the southern slope of the Acropolis. Views of the city from the Acropolis are rewarding and immediately below its North face is the old village of Plaka, with its narrow labyrinthine streets. Today its full of souvenir and craft vendors while night-time sees it transformed into a ouzo guzzling, plate-smashing venue. There are also many conveniently located budget hotels here. Adjacent to the Plaka is the ancient Agora (marketplace) which formed the centre of social and civic life in ancient Athens.

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