Our Kraxe-Wien adventure began in Athens, where we spent just over 24 hours soaking in the city's rich history and vibrant culture. Although our time in the Greek capital was short, it was packed with unforgettable moments. Athens is a city that seamlessly blends the ancient with the modern, and we couldn't wait to dive in.
Arrival at The Pinnacle Hotel
We arrived early in Athens and were warmly welcomed at The Pinnacle Hotel, located right in the heart of the historic center. Even though it was early, the staff greeted us with warm smiles and a delicious breakfast, giving us the energy we needed to start our day.
- Location: The Pinnacle Hotel’s central location is perfect for exploring Athens. Within walking distance of major historical landmarks, it was an ideal base for our short stay.
- Breakfast: Fresh pastries, fruits, yogurt, and the unmistakable taste of strong Greek coffee — the perfect start to an exciting day.
Exploring the Acropolis
Just a 15-minute walk from the hotel, the Acropolis is the crown jewel of Athens. This ancient citadel sits atop a rocky hill, towering over the city as a symbol of Greece’s glorious past. The Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena, is its most famous monument, though the entire complex is filled with wonders.
- Parthenon: Built in the 5th century BC, this temple remains one of the most iconic symbols of ancient Greece.
- Erechtheion: Another highlight, known for its Caryatids, columns sculpted in the form of women.
- Odeon of Herodes Atticus: A stone theatre on the southwest slope of the Acropolis that still hosts performances today.
The Agora, once the heart of ancient Athens, is nearby. It was the social, political, and commercial hub of the city. Walking through it, we could almost imagine Socrates and Plato debating philosophy in the open spaces. A little farther away is Areopagus, a rocky outcrop that served as a court for trying high-profile cases in ancient times. Climbing it gives you a fantastic view of the Acropolis and the surrounding city.
Visiting the Olympic Stadium
After immersing ourselves in history, we made our way to the Panathenaic Stadium—the site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. This magnificent stadium is built entirely out of marble and remains one of the most iconic sports arenas in the world.
- Fun Fact: It’s the only stadium in the world made entirely of marble.
- Historical Significance: While it hosted the first modern Olympics, its history dates back much further to ancient athletic competitions.
Walking through the stadium felt surreal. The Melk travel backpack continued to shine, offering the perfect mix of convenience and durability. It served as a great laptop rucksack, safely housing our tech gear when we needed to take a break and sit down.
A Stroll Through the Plaka Neighborhood
From the stadium, we wandered into the Plaka neighborhood. Known for its lively atmosphere, Plaka is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Athens and feels like a village within the city.
- Bars and Restaurants: Plaka is full of cozy cafes, restaurants, and bars, where you can sip traditional Greek coffee or enjoy local cuisine.
- Shops: Wander through the many little boutiques selling handmade crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs.
- Monuments Everywhere: Ancient ruins and monuments pop up unexpectedly as you stroll through the winding streets.
The vibe in Plaka is alive and vibrant. You can feel the history in every corner, yet it’s also filled with the energy of modern Athenian life. We highly recommend this area for a leisurely afternoon stroll.
Tip: If you're just passing through Athens like we were, it’s not worth buying the ticket that covers access to multiple monuments. Many of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Acropolis, are visible from the outside, and you can enjoy the view without needing to enter each site.
Dinner with a View at Kuzina Restaurant
As the sun began to set, we made our way to Kuzina Restaurant for dinner. Located in the bustling center, Kuzina offers some of the best views in the city. As we enjoyed our meal, we had a breathtaking view of both the Temple of Hephaestus and the illuminated Acropolis.
- Food Highlights: The lamb ribs were tender and full of flavor, the prawn tempura was perfectly crispy, and the saffron risotto was delicate yet rich. Every dish was a delight.
- Unbeatable View: Watching the Acropolis light up while dining on delicious food was a magical experience.
Late Night at Kalamaki Beach
After dinner, we decided to wind down with a visit to Kalamaki Beach. Even though it was late, the beach had a cozy, relaxed vibe. The warm night air and the gentle sound of the waves created the perfect ending to our whirlwind day in Athens.
Morning at the Meat and Fish Market
The next morning, before boarding our bus to Kyllini, we had time to visit the Athens Meat and Fish Market. This market is a lively, authentic experience, where locals buy their fresh produce.
- Vibrant Atmosphere: Vendors call out their daily specials, and the hustle and bustle of the market is infectious.
- Fresh Seafood and Meats: It’s the perfect place to observe local life and see the best of Athens’ culinary scene up close.
Friendly Athenians
Throughout our short stay, we were struck by how friendly, helpful, and relaxed the Athenians were. Whether it was giving directions, recommending local spots, or just chatting with us, the people we met were always warm and welcoming.
With our Kraxe-Wien Melk Eco line backpack in Forest/Ochre by our side, we set out for our first destination. This travel backpack was the perfect companion for navigating the streets and ancient sites of Athens. Its spacious interior allowed us to carry our water bottles, camera, and guidebook comfortably.
- Waterproof Backpack: Kept all of our belongings dry, even during the unpredictable moments of travel.
- Laptop Rucksack: Safely stored our tech gear with its padded compartment, making it easy to take our work with us.
- Travel Backpack: With plenty of room for essentials, yet compact enough to carry around all day without being too bulky.
- City Backpack: Stylish and functional, it fits right into the urban vibe of Athens.
Looking Forward
Though our time in Athens was short, it left a lasting impression. The combination of ancient history, vibrant neighborhoods, and warm hospitality made it an unforgettable experience. But this was only the beginning of our Kraxe-Wien adventure.
Next stop: the Ionian Islands—Zakynthos and Cephalonia! Stay tuned for the next part of our journey.
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