My friend Liz, who visits Greece on a fairly regular basis, was insistent that the one thing we had to do in Athens was to sit at the top of Lykavittos Hill and watch the sun set over Athens. All week I've been getting e-mails from her wondering why I hadn't done it yet.
It turns out that yesterday was the day.
Lykavittos Hill looms large over Athens. At just under 1000 feet above sea level it can be seen from everywhere in the city. Pine trees cover its base, and at its peak are the 19th century Chapel of St. George, a theatre, and a restaurant that hs the best views in town - although I wouldn't know about the food.
There are two ways up to the top - walking or the funicular railway. The railway station can be found at Aristippou street. We were almost completely winded from the walk to the funicular station (no wonder there were so many cabs there!) - there was no way we were going to walk up to the top. WE paid our 6 euro, got in a car and soon we were headed up though the hill. Thank goodness for modern technology.
From Lykavittos you really have the best view in the city. There is an exceptional view of the Acropolis, which steals the scene just like a film star who is always wanting to be at the centre of attention. The view is set against the backdrop of the splendid blue Aegean sea, dotted with ships and sailing boats heading towards the ports. Gorgeous.
From the top you really get a sense of the immense size of this sprawling metropolis. From this height it seems as if it has no central plan to it, which was nice to have confirmed because it feels that way from foot too! It is a rush of energy coming from every direction.
At night the view becomes even more intense. It’s a sea of lights broken only by the light of the main roads which seem to be even brighter… The beauty of the whole picture is intensified by the Acropolis which once again, dominates the scene.
We decided to sit in the cafe and watch the view. We sipped wine and munched on a cheese and cold meat platter as the sun dipped behind the mountains to the west of the city. The sunset was amazing. Once the sun was gone the lights of the city came on. It was amazing to watch the monuments being lit up - in some places a switch would be turned and they'd all come on at once - not here, gradually they were lit up with the acropolis being last.
So happy you made up to this spectacular looking hilltop. What a grand view. It gave me chills to keep scrolling down and each photo, more amazing with the change of daylight into night. Simply breathtaking. Thank you Jerry.
Posted by: Barb Cabot | October 09, 2009 at 08:47 AM
Now THAT's a memory that you will carry with you!
Thanks for sharing it.
Posted by: sandi @ the whistlestop cafe | October 09, 2009 at 11:27 AM
I'm glad you are having such a wonderful time. The pictures are beautiful! It seems as if Athens does deserve more than a couple of days!
Posted by: Kendall | October 09, 2009 at 12:10 PM
Incredible pics Jerry. Now my daughter is really clamoring for a trip to Athens!
Posted by: Laura | October 09, 2009 at 12:21 PM
Those photos are gorgeous. I'm so glad you listened to your friend. Amazing setting for a sunset!
Happy Cruise. Spring for the internet at least once or twice!
Posted by: Palma | October 09, 2009 at 12:40 PM
WOW, Jerry. Incredible photos! Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Eden | October 10, 2009 at 12:43 AM
Jerry, I am really enjoying your posts from Athens!
Posted by: Amy | October 11, 2009 at 01:14 PM
Beautiful views and an amazing sunset!
Posted by: girasoli | October 12, 2009 at 04:14 AM
Fantastic photos, Jerry. What an amazing experience!
Posted by: sandrac | October 18, 2009 at 07:07 PM
It really was one of the most memorable experiences of the trip. It was while we were sitting watching the sun set over the mountains to the west that Paul said 'I wish we had more time in Athens. I can't imagine why people would only see Athens as a day trip.'
I think he 'gets' slow travel!
Posted by: JDeQ | October 23, 2009 at 08:39 AM