Athens Travel Information,Attractions in Greece

Athens Travel Information,Attractions in Greece

The historic centre of Greece and one of the oldest cities in the world, Athens is also the modern metropolitan capital of Greece. Once a powerful city state and the birthplace of Western Civilization and democracy, Athensis the hometown of many famous ancient philosophers, writers, and artists, and hosts a great number of interesting museums and historical sites as well as plenty of modern shopping and nightlife options.

Ancient sites and rich cultural life in Athens, the home city of the Olympic Games

Athens is a city rich with not just Greek history but also the history of the European and Western civilization. The first modern international Olympic Games were held in Athens in 1896, and the city also hosted the 1906 and 2004 Summer Olympics. Sightseeing in Athens is an unforgettable experience as there are so many historical sites and museums to visit. The majority of the tourist attractions in Athens are located around Plateia Syntagmos, the Syntagma Square.

Acropolis in Athens

The Akropolis Hill is a famous landmark of Athens, hosting important archaeological treasures. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Acropolis was built already in the Bronze Age. Located below the magnificent Akropolis, the beautiful Plaka is the old Turkish quarter of Athens and a popular tourist attraction, while the district of Monastiraki is a popular place for shopping in Athens. Many beautiful neoclassical buildings in Athens are situated at the foot of Acropolis or in Plaka.

Museums & sightseeing. The National Archaeological Museum of Athens is the largest and most popular museum in the city. Other museums in Athens include Greek National Gallery exhibiting Greek Art, National Historical Museum, the beautiful Numismatic Museum, and the National War Museum for those interested in the Greek military history. A visitor in Athens is spoilt with choices for sightseeing.Sightseeing tours in Athensare an easy way to explore the major attractions in the city.

Temple of Olympian Zeus (131 A.D.), Athens

The modern Athens is also a business centre with luxury hotels, cafés, pedestrian streets, fine dining, entertainment and more. Shopping in Athens is a pleasure as the city is dotted with small shops and boutiques. There are several venues for concerts in Athens as well. The luxurious spas in Athens are ideal for relaxing after sightseeing and shopping in the city. Beaches south of Athens offer some relief to the summer heat. The ancient sites of Olympia, Mycenae and Delphi are located relatively close to the city, and the nearby islands of the Saronic Gulf offer some relaxing day-trip destinations from Athens.

Practical information for your stay in Athens

Athens in located in Southern Greece by the Aegean Sea and surrounded by three mountains: Mt Parnitha, Mt Pendell, and Mt Hymettos. There are several hills on the area: Acropolis and Lykavittos being most remarkable of them with stunning views on Saronic Gulf.

The port of Athens, Piraeus, is located 10 kilometers from the city centre, offering ferries from Athens to many Aegean Sea Islands.

Climate. Athens enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot and dry summers and wet and mild winters. The heat and smog created by traffic can make the weather in Athens uncomfortable during the summer. Spring and autumn are ideal times to visit Athens as the weather is mild and pleasant. Also winter can be considered, as Athens is less crowded and the prices also tend to drop during winter months.

Boats in Athens

Traveling to Athens is easy by air. Flights to Athens arrive in the Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport situated approximately 30 km east of the city centre. The city can also be entered by train, ferry, or regular and comfortable buses from other parts of Greece.

Local transport. Athens has a good network of public transport consisting of buses, trams, trains, and a metro system. You can buy a single ticket which is valid in all these forms of transportation in Athens. Car rental in Athens is not very convenient way of travelling in the city, as the traffic in Athens is crowded and quite chaotic. Central parts of the city can also be toured on foot.

Landscapes of Athens with Zeus temple

Services & safety. There is a wide array of hotels in Athens suitable for every budget and interests. Restaurants in Athens are numerous from traditional Greek taverns and grill houses to trendy restaurants and restaurants serving international cuisines. Although suffering from occasional bomb attacks and violent demonstrations, Athens is generally a safe city where violent crime is rare, and many locals speak some English. However, keep an eye on your belongings and be aware of scam artists and pickpockets. While visiting Athens, stay away of political demonstrations, as they can get violent.

Coimbra Travel Information

Coimbra Travel Information

A historical city in Central Portugal, Coimbra was the capital of Portugal in the 12th century. Even though we have gone a long way from those times, the charm of the city has remained. Today, Coimbra is an important regional and cultural center famous for the tradition of fado-singing and for its World Heritage -listed University campus, which is among the oldest in Europe. More than that, this medieval inland town is good for shopping and outdoor sports such as golf and biking.

Holy cross church in Coimbra

Coimbra, a warm-hearted historical city in central Portugal

The first capital of Portugal and the main city of Central Portugal, Coimbra is famous mainly for its historical sights. Coimbra’s hilltop university area that overlooks the city and the river was built as early as 1537, making it one of the oldest universities in Europe. Thus, the area of the UNESCO World Heritage -listed university campus of Coimbra is an atmospheric place and a suitable target for a day walk.

Historical sights. Coimbra has also other historical attractions worth visiting. It is a city of churches and cathedrals as well as Roman age ruins, and the medieval downtown area is good for much more than just shopping in Coimbra. With all its winding cobblestone streets and medieval architecture, the old part of Coimbra is considered the heart of the city. Some of the best places for nightlife in Coimbra are also found inside the area.

Autumn colors in Coimbra

Cultural heritage. What else is there about Coimbra that meets the eye of a traveler? The National Museum of Macha Castro, which is found inside the old bishop’s palace, sure. The tradition of fado-singing, without a doubt! Coimbra is considered the birthplace of this traditional Portuguese music style that is known for its melancholic, blues-like shades.

Nature and sports. River Montego and its refreshing parks are a good place for walks in Coimbra, and also nice courses for golf around Coimbra are easy to find. If you don’t have time to tour Portugal extensively, the theme park Portugal dos Pequenitos in Coimbra offers a miniature version of Portugal. Suitable destinations for tours in the region would be for instance the historical towns of Condeixa-a-Nova and Montemor-o-Velho. The area is good also for biking around Coimbra.

Coimbra Old Town by night

Practical information for your trip to Coimbra

Located in Central Portugal along the main highway leading from Lisbon to Porto, Coimbra is easy to reach by road or rail.

As for flights and travelling to Coimbra, your main options are Lisbon and Porto, with the fist mentioned offering better connections. Lisbon is less than two hours away from Coimbra by train, and Porto can be reached in approximately one hour. Buses and trolleys are available for public transport in Coimbra, but getting around in the city is also easy by foot. Car rental in Coimbra is a good choice for exploring the area around the city.

Coimbra old town seen from water

The climate in Coimbra is quite warm all through the year, with average monthly high temperatures climbing to 15 degrees Celsius even at the coldest time of the year. Summers of Coimbra are warm with 25-30 degrees Celsius temperatures generally available. However, winters in the former capital of Portugal are quite humid, which makes the period between April and September the best time to visit Coimbra.

Cobblestoned street in Coimbra

Visitor services. A regional center full of historical charm, Coimbra is one of the most popular holiday cities in Portugal with all appropriate tourism services available. There are four tourist offices in the city, with the main office located in Largo da Portagem. Visit also the office along Avenida Afonso Henriques, with tourism information concerning the central region of Portugal available. Hotels in Coimbra cover a range of standards and styles, and local restaurants in Coimbra are best available in the old city part of Baixa.Nightlife in Coimbrais considered quite active, in spite of which Coimbra is a safe destination for travel.

Coimbra Travel Information

Coimbra Travel Information

A historical city in Central Portugal, Coimbra was the capital of Portugal in the 12th century. Even though we have gone a long way from those times, the charm of the city has remained. Today, Coimbra is an important regional and cultural center famous for the tradition of fado-singing and for its World Heritage -listed University campus, which is among the oldest in Europe. More than that, this medieval inland town is good for shopping and outdoor sports such as golf and biking.

Holy cross church in Coimbra

Coimbra, a warm-hearted historical city in central Portugal

The first capital of Portugal and the main city of Central Portugal, Coimbra is famous mainly for its historical sights. Coimbra’s hilltop university area that overlooks the city and the river was built as early as 1537, making it one of the oldest universities in Europe. Thus, the area of the UNESCO World Heritage -listed university campus of Coimbra is an atmospheric place and a suitable target for a day walk.

Historical sights. Coimbra has also other historical attractions worth visiting. It is a city of churches and cathedrals as well as Roman age ruins, and the medieval downtown area is good for much more than just shopping in Coimbra. With all its winding cobblestone streets and medieval architecture, the old part of Coimbra is considered the heart of the city. Some of the best places for nightlife in Coimbra are also found inside the area.

Autumn colors in Coimbra

Cultural heritage. What else is there about Coimbra that meets the eye of a traveler? The National Museum of Macha Castro, which is found inside the old bishop’s palace, sure. The tradition of fado-singing, without a doubt! Coimbra is considered the birthplace of this traditional Portuguese music style that is known for its melancholic, blues-like shades.

Nature and sports. River Montego and its refreshing parks are a good place for walks in Coimbra, and also nice courses for golf around Coimbra are easy to find. If you don’t have time to tour Portugal extensively, the theme park Portugal dos Pequenitos in Coimbra offers a miniature version of Portugal. Suitable destinations for tours in the region would be for instance the historical towns of Condeixa-a-Nova and Montemor-o-Velho. The area is good also for biking around Coimbra.

Coimbra Old Town by night

Practical information for your trip to Coimbra

Located in Central Portugal along the main highway leading from Lisbon to Porto, Coimbra is easy to reach by road or rail.

As for flights and travelling to Coimbra, your main options are Lisbon and Porto, with the fist mentioned offering better connections. Lisbon is less than two hours away from Coimbra by train, and Porto can be reached in approximately one hour. Buses and trolleys are available for public transport in Coimbra, but getting around in the city is also easy by foot. Car rental in Coimbra is a good choice for exploring the area around the city.

Coimbra old town seen from water

The climate in Coimbra is quite warm all through the year, with average monthly high temperatures climbing to 15 degrees Celsius even at the coldest time of the year. Summers of Coimbra are warm with 25-30 degrees Celsius temperatures generally available. However, winters in the former capital of Portugal are quite humid, which makes the period between April and September the best time to visit Coimbra.

Cobblestoned street in Coimbra

Visitor services. A regional center full of historical charm, Coimbra is one of the most popular holiday cities in Portugal with all appropriate tourism services available. There are four tourist offices in the city, with the main office located in Largo da Portagem. Visit also the office along Avenida Afonso Henriques, with tourism information concerning the central region of Portugal available. Hotels in Coimbra cover a range of standards and styles, and local restaurants in Coimbra are best available in the old city part of Baixa.Nightlife in Coimbrais considered quite active, in spite of which Coimbra is a safe destination for travel.

Braga Travel Information

Braga Travel Information

Historical city in the northernmost part of Portugal, Braga is a pilgrimage site famous for its baroque stairway. Additional historical charm is given to the city by the presence of several remarkable churches and cathedrals. Braga is known as the home of Portuguese archbishops and as a developing shopping city. Good for the outdoor people, the mountains around Braga hide the only national park in Portugal.

Braga cathedral against the sky

Braga, a Portuguese pilgrimage city and the main gateway to Portugal’s only National Park

A city originally built by the Roman Emperor Augustus, Braga has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Today this lively inland city that is known as the home of Portuguese archbishops hosts several interesting historical sights, the most important of which is Bom Jesus de Monte, an astonishing baroque stairway climbing 115 m/380 ft above the ground. Among other famous historical sights of the area are the 12th century Braga Cathedral that mixes different styles, and the many renaissance and neoclassical churches of Braga. Go to see also the roman fountain, the 18th century Raio Palace, the sanctuaries of Sameiro, and the Palace of the Archbishops.

Bom Jesus stairs near Braga

City activities. Besides all its historical charm, Braga is also about modern-day tourism. The city lies in Portugal’s most dynamic growth area with lots of new investments made to develop facilities for shopping in Braga. Visit also the many museums in Braga that help you to get to know the rich history of the region.

Braga city center

The natural surroundings of the city are fascinating. Braga is situated in forested Cavado Valley, only a short drive away from the only national park in Portugal, Peneda-Gerês. This photogenic area offers lovely surroundings for trekking around Braga and biking around Braga, with courses for golf in Braga offering additional joy to outdoor people. The region around Braga is famous also for its wine, melons, and other fruits. For tours in Braga region, try the World Heritage –listed city of Guimaraes with its popular castle.

Practical information for your trip to Braga

Located in the northernmost corner of Portugal, Braga has no commercial airport of its own.

Guimaraes, Braga

For flights and travelling to Braga, try the connections offered by Porto and Lisbon, both of which offer possibilities to reach the city of Braga by bus or train. The area of the inner city is quite small, which makes walking the easiest way to get around in Braga. For independent tours to Peneda-Gerês National Park and to the many interesting historical towns found in Cavado Valley, car rental in Braga is the best choice.

The climate in Braga is warm in the summer and mild in the winter. Average monthly high temperatures in Braga rise shortly above 25°C during the hottest summer months, July and August. During the winter the inner city of Braga meets 15°C high temperatures. In general, the best time to visit Braga is between April and October.

The view over braga from Bom Jesus

Visitor services. A popular Portuguese pilgrimage city and a lively university town, Braga offers tourist services to suit most tastes. Hotels in Braga range from high class city hotels to cheap inns. Restaurants in Braga are famous mainly for productions of local wine industry, but also local tastes such as Francesinha are worth testing. Although you should be aware of pickpockets, Braga is a safe travel destination that is suitable also to families travelling with small children.