Athens Greece Europe

Athens can seem overwhelming at first. First of all it is truly massive. The mountains, the rocks, the historic ruins, the panoramic views of valleys and sea: nothing is small. Secondly, it is not scrubbed and polished; it has an ancient, lived-in look as befits a city that has been inhabited for over 7000 years.

Yet, somehow it is simultaneously so modern.

An interesting feature of Athens is that it is a study in contradictions! At one moment you will be walking on modern streets with malls and superstores, then make a turn onto a side street and suddenly find yourself in another world with open air meat and fish markets, vegetable and fruit stands, huge pigs, rabbits, and cows hanging upside down by their feet, and large shiny, scaly fish being gutted right in front of you.

Athens is Greece's heart and the economic and industrial center, as well as the political and cultural center. No matter how crowded it becomes with residents and tourists, it is still hospitable and welcoming.