10 Things to do while visiting Athens in autumn.
The sweet weather, beautiful colors, and intoxicating aromas of autumn create the perfect setting for unforgettable short breaks in the countryside and islands of Attica. We recommend 10 of the hundreds of things you can do in Attica during the fall months. You choose the destinations, sights, and activities that suit you and add your favorite experiences in Attica to your list!
Visit the Acropolis, Greece's most important landmark, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a marvel of ancient Greek architecture! Then, walk to the Acropolis Museum, admire the significant finds of the Sacred Rock up close, and travel back in time to 5th-century BC Athens. Conclude your visit with a coffee or meal at the museum's café/restaurant with its stunning view of the Parthenon, and soak in even more of the site's beauty and grandeur.
Climb Mount Lycabettus, either by cable car or by following the path that leads to the top, and marvel at the breathtaking view of the entire Attica region, as well as the most magnificent sunset you have ever seen! A wonderful autumn stroll along the many paths of the hill, among pine trees and bushes, will reveal hidden treasures: the chapel of Saints Isidoros, built inside a cave, and the Lycabettus gorge... just 700 meters from Syntagma Square!
Visit the islands of Attica, just a breath away from the port of Piraeus, and enjoy them at your leisure, without the summer crowds. Each island has its own unique character and beauty! In charming Spetses, you’ll enjoy strolls through picturesque streets lined with beautiful neoclassical buildings, explore the island by bike or carriage! Aegina will enchant you with its scenic promenade, floating vegetable markets, traditional cafés, and taverns around the fish market. In the cool autumn weather, you’ll wander through the narrow, picturesque streets of Hydra and reach the oldest neighborhood in town, where you can enjoy a magical view. The green island of Agistri offers unforgettable experiences in its beautiful nature, an ideal setting for hiking and biking. Poros will captivate you with its lovely harbor, the neoclassical charm of its town, pine-covered slopes, and tiny coves! You’ll fall in love with Kythera for its stunning villages and breathtaking nature, best enjoyed through walking trails suitable for everyone.
Follow the beautiful coastal route of Attica that ends at the southernmost cape of the peninsula, Sounion. The imposing ancient Temple of Poseidon, along with the enchanting view of the Saronic Gulf and nearby islands, will provide you with images of unparalleled beauty. It's the perfect spot to enjoy idyllic sunsets or the magical full moon of September. Combine your visit to Sounion with a stroll in the nearby Lavrio or, for nature lovers, in the Sounion National Park.
A visit to Monastiraki and Plaka should not be missed during your stay in Attica! Explore Ifestou Street and Avyssinias Square, the famous outdoor market in Monastiraki, especially if you’re looking for vintage furniture, decorations, and clothing. After shopping, head to the beautiful, picturesque Plaka under the shadow of the Acropolis for a coffee or ouzo with tasty meze and travel back in time!
November is associated with one of the most significant sporting events worldwide, the Athens Authentic Marathon. Join in the great celebration of Attica, which connects the past with the present and brings together people and nations from all over the world... in the place where the marathon race was "born."
Excursions into the nature of Attica, just outside the capital, are especially enjoyable in the fall. Choose Mount Parnitha for a hike along green paths and enjoy the rich flora and fauna of the mountain. Stop for a rest and a drink or meal at the two mountain refuges in the area, Bafi and Flabouri, which organize exciting hiking routes and many activities for everyone.
Get a taste of Attica by trying local products from the Attica land and the delicacies that are intertwined with the daily life of the people here: koulouri (sesame bread rings), spanakopita or tyropita (spinach or cheese pies), bougatsa or loukoumades (sweet pastries), souvlaki or gyro, almond sweets from the Saronic islands, as well as spoon sweets. Enjoy the certified, high-quality products of Attica, such as Aegina pistachios and Megara pistachios, excellent virgin olive oil from Troizina, and figs from Vravrona. From Kythera, get top-quality honey, as well as olive oil rusks and cookies.
See the impressive Evzones, the Presidential Guard, at Syntagma Square, in front of the Greek Parliament building. Don’t miss the official Changing of the Guard ceremony that takes place every Sunday at 11:00 a.m. in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This is a splendid ritual full of symbolism, with the Evzones impressing with their imposing stature, coordinated movements, and dignified march.
Don’t miss the major fall events in Attica, both on the mainland and on the islands. In September, experience the grape harvest in Mesogeia, Attica, visit one of the local wineries and watch the live transformation of grapes into must, and then into wine. In Spetses, enjoy the island’s biggest event, the Armata, with the reenactment of the burning of the Turkish flagship, while for sports enthusiasts, the Spetses Mini Marathon and Tweed Run are held annually. In Aegina, September is dedicated to the Pistachio Festival, an event that attracts crowds every year and highlights the island's unique product, the Aegina pistachio.
Sourse: Region of Athens
