The ancient city of Athens is a must-see for any traveler and should be on the top of the list for any corporate incentive travel program. With its world-famous culture, breathtaking scenery, and ancient ruins, it’s easy to see why it ticks all the boxes. Here are 10 reasons why the team at Destinations LOVES coordinating incentive trips to Athens:
- An Epic Heritage: From every street corner in central Athens, the Parthenon is visible and must be seen up close to appreciate just how imposing the famous columns are. Fast forward a few millennia later, and you will find yourself at Panathenaic Stadium, made entirely of marble, where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896.
- Perfect Beaches: With 31 miles of coastline, we find some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. Incentive travelers can enjoy life just as the ancients did, with fresh seafood all year round while swimming in the crystal blue waters of the Aegean Sea for most of the year.
- Music and Theatre Beneath the Acropolis: From ancient Greek tragedies to magnificent ballets and arias, attending a performance at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus (June–October) are unforgettable. Despite being nearly 2,000 years old, the theatre is known for its near-perfect acoustics.
- Temple of Poseidon: Built in the 5th century BC and located at the tip of the Sounion Peninsula, this ancient temple was built to honor Poseidon, god of the sea. Watching the sunset here is one of Greece’s most magical moments.
- Evzones: Every Sunday morning, the Greek Presidential Guards (Evzones) march towards Hellenic Parliament with their heads held high. They are known around Greece for this spectacular ceremony that has become synonymous with Athens.
- Wines of Athens: The people of Attica are known for their love and appreciation of wine. Although this region has only small vineyards, it boasts talented winemakers who produce award-winning wines using the indigenous Savatiano grape.
- Farmer’s Markets: The farmer’s markets are a staple of Athenian life. The largest is the Varvakeios Market in downtown Athens, which operates daily and offers seasonal harvests and local delicacies.
- Byzantine Churches: Athens is home to some of the most beautiful churches in all of Greece. One that’s worth a visit for its impressive architecture alone is The Church Of Panagia Kapnikarea, built around 1050 AD. This ancient building houses rare frescos and breathtaking iconography.
- The Acropolis Museum is the perfect place to start a tour of Classical Athens. With floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the ancient city, visitors can see thousands of pieces ranging from sculptures and artifacts to Cycladic figurines or ceramic ware dating back three thousand years.
- Athens’ New Agora: The Agora, the central gathering space that typified ancient Greek cities like Sparta or Troezen, has found a contemporary home in The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center in Athens. This modern take on ancient tradition houses the National Library of Greece, the Greek National Opera, and the 50-plus acre Stavros Niarchos Park.
