What words can we use to describe the importance of Athens? It is the bedrock of Western civilization; a cultural city around 3000 years old, the birthplace of art, philosophy and democracy in Europe; the starting point for myths, legends and stories that continue to provoke debate in classrooms all over the world, even today.

And yet, for all the words spent on Athens over the years, it continues to defy description.

Anyone who’s even glanced at a history book will be familiar with some of Athens’ archaeological treasures but, beyond these, modern-day Athens is a buzzing city with many fascinating neighborhoods to discover.

It could potentially feel a little bit overwhelming knowing how to plan your trip, so here is our comprehensive guide for those spending 3 days in Athens.

We’ll be discussing everything from how to travel there, where to stay, to all the best things to see as you walk those sun-drenched, ancient streets. So, let’s get started with your 3-day Athens itinerary!

Booking Cheap Flights To Athens

Here are 5 tips to help you book cheap flights for your trip to Athens:

Use Google Flights

I used to be a massive Skyscanner advocate. It was my go-to for looking for cheap flight deals.

But these days I’ve honestly had more success just using Google Flights. Recently, every time I’ve compared prices on Google Flights to Skyscanner, Google Flights has worked out cheaper.

Just like Skyscanner, Google Flights gives you multiple airlines to choose from, which is definitely a plus.

Be Flexible

If you have the luxury of traveling any day of the week, make the most of it! I usually find traveling on a Monday or Tuesday is quite inexpensive.

When searching for flights on Google Flights it’ll easily let you see the cost of flying on other days. Try checking out days around your optimal arrive/departure dates and see what savings you could make!

Book Early Or Last Minute

People usually suggest booking early (up to 90 days in advance) in order to get cheaper tickets, and I’d heartily agree with that.

But you can also book last minute too and see what flights to Athens are underbooked and leaving soon.

This option is only for the daring and adventurous who don’t mind forming travel plans quickly. The problem with this approach, however, is that you’ll still have to get accommodation sorted out quickly, and that may be harder to do so on a budget with such little time.

Fly To A Popular City First

Try booking plane tickets to popular cities such as London, Rome, Berlin, Paris, etc. first, and then booking tickets to Athens from these popular cities. Often smaller European airlines operate in these popular cities and will offer super cheap tickets to Athens.

Fly To An Airport Near Athens

Although it’s more convenient, you don’t need to fly directly to Athens. Popular alternative airports include the airport at Thessaloniki,  which is about a 6 hours drive north of Athens. This is a good option if you’re planning to see more of Greece than just Athens.

Be slightly wary of flying into airports located within random places in Greece though. There are many Greek Islands, and it’d be a nuisance (and expensive!) to have to catch a ferry after your flight in order just to finally reach Athens.

So do your research on where the airport is in Greece first before you book!

Traveling To And From Athens Airport

Athens airport is not far from the city center, as you can see from the map below showing alternative car journeys from Athens airport to the city center.

Taking A Taxi

To get to the city center, we definitely recommend taking a taxi since it’s quickest. It should take around 35 minutes depending on the time of day and traffic.

The taxi will cost 38€ during the day and 54€ from midnight to 05:00.

You could go with the regular yellow taxis, but we’d recommend going with Welcome Pickups (this is not an affiliate link!)

They cost the same (38€ at writing) and are more reliable, professional and comfortable. The drivers all speak English too.

Leave Exit 3 at the Arrivals Level at the airport and you’ll spot the yellow taxis. But better to book beforehand on Welcome Pickups where you will have someone waiting for you holding a card with your name on it in the arrival lounge of the airport.

Cost: 38€ (day-time), 54€ (from midnight to 05:00)
Duration: around 35 minutes (but will depend on traffic)

Taking The Metro

Taking the metro, at this time of writing, will cost 10€ one way and 18€ for a round-trip (children under 6 travel free), and will take you around 45 minutes to be dropped off at the center of Athens in Syntagma Square.

Take Metro Line 3, the line departs every 30 minutes from 06:30­ – 23:35, every day of the week.

The metro is clean and nice to use but, despite being also the cheapest way to get into Athen’s city center, I have to say it’s not the most convenient since its a 15-minute walk to the metro station from the airport. Luckily, there is signage pointing the way to the metro station from the airport.

Cost: 10€ (one way), 18€ (round-trip)
Duration: 45 minutes

Taking The Athens Suburban Railway (Proastiakos)

Also leaving the same metro station is an electric train, the Athens Suburban Railway (also known as the Proastiakos Athens).

Departing about every 20 minutes you can travel on it to Plakentias station, where you can get off and take the Metro Line 3 to Egaleo, which will take you to the city center. You won’t need to buy two tickets since you can use the same ticket you bought at the airport’s metro station.

Cost: 10€
Duration: 45 minutes

Taking The Bus

Buses run from the airport 7-days-a-week, 24 hours per day. The station is found between Exit 4 and Exit 5 at the arrivals level.

There are 4 different buses you can take:

• X95 — which will take you to the city center at Syntagma Square (60 minutes)
• X96 — which will take you to Piraeus so you can catch a ferry to a Greek Island (90 minutes)
• X93 — which will take you to Athen’s bus station (65 minutes)
• X97 — which will take you to Elliniko metro station (50 minutes)

Cost: 6€
Duration: Depends on the bus

Taking The Shuttle Bus

You could also book to take the shuttle bus. This will cost you around 20€ per person and will mean you don’t have to wait at a bus stop. Instead, you will meet in the arrival lounge of the airport and be taken directly to Athens City Centre Hotels.

The service can also be booked for the reverse journey to be picked up from Athens City Centre Hotels and taken to the airport.

Cost: 20€ per person
Duration: 40 to 55 minutes

The Athens Combined Ticket

There are so many archeological sites to see in Athens that it might be a good idea to consider purchasing tickets that allow entry to multiple sites.

The Athens combined ticket costs 30€ and is valid for 5 days after purchase. It will provide you access to the following 7 sites:

• The Acropolis (just the Erechtheion and Parthenon…the museum is NOT included)
• Kerameikos (museum included)
• The Ancient Agora of Athens (museum included)
• The Roman Agora of Athens (Tower of the Winds included)
• Hadrian’s Library
• Aristotle’s Lyceum
• The Temple of Olympian Zeus

We recommend purchasing the Athens combined ticket if you are planning to visit three or more sites, and especially if you plan to visit in the summer where prices are a bit higher.

For example, in the summer season, the Acropolis costs 20€, so this ticket could definitely help save you some money if you visit lots of sites.

Check out this website for more information on what this ticket offers exactly. It can be bought in person at any of these 7 sites listed just above.

Athens In 3 Days: Day 1

We’ve selected our favorite options for each day so that you can choose what stands out the most to you, and then personally tailor your itinerary for your 3 days in Athens.

The Acropolis Museum

Location: Dionysiou Areopagitou 15, Athens 117 42

Cost: 10€ (1^st April – 31^st October), 5€ (1^st November – 31^st March)

Hours: Generally 9am – 4pm (see here for exact times for different seasons)

You’re spending 3 days in Athens, so let’s face it, you NEED to climb the Acropolis at some point. It’s almost mandatory.

But before doing so, visiting the Acropolis museum beforehand is definitely a good idea as you’ll get so much more info and context about the Acropolis before going up there. It’ll make it more meaningful!

Not to mention…its also one of the highest rated museums in the world. So, yeah…no big deal or anything.

Located at the foot of the Acropolis, we recommend coming here first thing in the morning of Day One to eat a traditional Greek breakfast at the museum’s restaurant (they stop serving it at noon). You can read more about this breakfast here.

Blessed with elegant glass walkways, panoramic views of the Acropolis, the Elgin Marbles, and ancient Greek statues dotted all over, as museums go, this museum pretty much has it all.

You’ll also learn so much since the artifacts found around the Acropolis are explained in incredible detail, and there are people available if you’d like to ask questions and learn more.

Once done exploring, sit and get a caffeine boost in the form of a coffee at either the café that overlooks the excavation sites, or the Acropolis museum restaurant overlooking lush views of the Acropolis.

Book tickets for the Acropolis museum here.

Top tip #1: On Friday nights the restaurant’s 2^nd floor stays open until midnight serving gourmet food using the finest ingredients prepared in the traditional Greek way. Perfect for a romantic evening!

Acropolis

Location: Acropolis of Athens, Athens 105 58

Cost: 20€ (1^st April – 31^st October), 10€ (1^st November – 31^st March)

Hours: 8am – 6:30 pm (though hours can change depending on the season)

Now you’ve learned a lot about the facts and history of the Acropolis, you’re ready to climb and experience it yourself.

And it’s good to get really accustomed to it because it’s located near the city center of Athens (about a 15-minute walk from Syntagma Square), and it will be a constant companion as you explore Athens.

Seriously, you’ll get plenty of opportunities to glimpse it from every angle possible as you sip wine in a restaurant or explore the winding avenues across the city center.

The Acropolis was built in the 5^th century BCE and among the many marvels clustered on or around the Acropolis are the Temple of Athena (built 427 BC), dedicated to the city’s patron goddess, and the Theatre of Dionysus (first built in the 6^th Century BC), probably the world’s first theatre, and on the north side of the Acropolis, the Erechtheion, a temple dedicated to Poseidon and Athena.

The highlight, however, is undoubtedly the Parthenon (built 448 BC)—the emblem that best epitomizes the sophistication of ancient Greece and one of the most photographed structures on the Acropolis.

Top tip #1: Bring water!

Top tip #2: If you want perfect views away from the crowds then take a walk up Filopappou Hill, on the Acropolis’s South-West side, where you’ll have all the time and space you need to frame a perfect photo.

Top tip #3: If you want a tour guide for the Acropolis, then we recommend contacting respected tour guide Nadia Pavlikaki.

Top tip #4: Acropolis Athens tickets can be bought separately, but they are also included in the Athens Combined Ticket mentioned above (the combined ticket version only includes the Parthenon and Erechtheion though).

Top tip #5: Good places to eat nearby include Tzitzikas kai Mermigas (Mediterranean cuisine), Koi Sushi Bar (Japanese), Avocado (Vegetarian), Vegan Beat (Greek Vegan)

Here’s a map to give you an idea of walking distances from Syntagma Square to the Acropolis, to Filopappou Hill.

Pnyx

Location: Pnyx Archeological Site, Dimitriou Eginitou 14, Athens 118 51

Cost: Free

Hours: 8:30am – 3pm (Winter), 8am – 7:30pm (Summer)

At the foot of the Acropolis (about a 10-minute walk away) is a site that has played a role in Athenian democracy—one of the major developments of human history.

It’s called Pnyx (pronounced “p-nick”) and it was the first site of the assembly of Athens, and later played host to the great disputes between the most prominent speakers in Athenian civic life. As such, it has a strong claim to being the very place where democracy was born.

It’s also a pretty great place to take pictures of the city.

Top tip #1: Check out the Philopappos Monument just a stone’s throw away that is dedicated to a Prince of the Kingdom of Commagene, Philopappos.

Top tip #2: Also check out the Prison of Socrates that is also nearby. It isn’t that grand or impressive, but its worth it just for the historical significance.

Top tip #3: Good places to eat nearby include Kirios Who (Greek café & brewpub), Aschimopapo (Mediterranean & Greek), Kapari (Greek cuisine), Jaipur Palace (Indian)

Areopagus

Location: Areopagus Hill, Theorias 21, Athens 105 55

Cost: Free

Hours: Always open

Another spot at the foot of the Acropolis is the Areopagus (pronounced “ehr-ee-AH-puh-guhs”). It also is known as “Mars Hill” and is only about a 5-minute walk from the Acropolis.

Its fame comes from the fact that it was, first of all, in use as a sort of ancient public court, but moreso as the place from which the Apostle Paul stood to address ancient Athens, a moment that was hugely influential in spreading Christianity to Europe.

This site offers a spectacular view over Athens and is a popular spot for watching sunsets or sunrises. So if you’re wondering what to do in Athens on your first evening, seeing the sunset here is a brilliant idea.

So we recommend heading up there at dusk on Day One, grab a beer from one of the street vendors and reflect on the timeless quality of the city while the sun sets over you, just the same as it did for Pericles and St. Paul.

Top tip #1: Good places to eat nearby include Klepsýdra (Greek cuisine), Yiasemi (Mediterranean café)

Mount Lycabettus

Location: Athens 114 71

Cost: Free

Hours: Always open (but the restaurant closes at 1am, and churches will close late)

Located a 45-minute walk away from Areopagus is Mount Lycabettus—the highest spot in Athens (277 meters / 909 foot) and a mountain definitely worth experiencing!

Athens really does have some of the best sunsets I’ve ever seen. Another fantastic vantage point from which to view it is the summit of Mount Lycabettus, a small peak that rises in the middle of suburban Athens like a volcano from the waves.

It can feel like quite a climb to get to the summit in the Greek sunshine, but luckily there is a funicular railway (“the Teleferik”) that can carry you to the top and back if you don’t fancy the hike. Costing 7.50€ for a round-trip or 5€ one-way, it departs every 30 minutes and only takes about 3 minutes to reach the top.

Alternatively, you can set off on a Mount Lycabettus hike that, from the funicular railway, will take around 30 minutes to reach the summit depending on your fitness level. Wear comfy shoes since most of the way up is via lots of steps.

At the top, you’ll find the small but charming white Chapel of St. George (an ornate place with lots of history to pray in and light a candle), and a large open-air amphitheater, as well as spectacular views from the Acropolis to the Aegean sea. On the west side, you’ll find the underrated Holy Church of Saint Isidore, which is the hidden gem of Mount Lycabettus.

There’s even a Mount Lycabettus restaurant up there called the Orizontes restaurant, which is sometimes affectionately called the “terrace of Athens”. It’s quite expensive but eating up there in these surroundings is something pretty special. Seriously, I can’t think of a more picturesque place to eat Greek food! Romantic? Yes, just a wee bit.

Top tip #1: Good places to eat nearby include Scala Vinoteca (Mediterranean & European cuisine), 5F (Mediterranean & Vegetarian)

Athens In 3 Days: Day 2

Panathenaic Stadium

Location: Vassileos Konstantinou Avenue, Athens 999-20

Cost: 5€ (adults), 2.50€ (children and over-65s)

Hours: 8am – 7pm

To kick-off with Day Two as you explore Athens in 3 days, we recommend checking out The Panathenaic Stadium (pronounced “pan-ah-thay-nay-ic”).

It’s an ancient Greek Olympic stadium that opened in 566 BC and is also the site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. It is basically the site at which our concept of athletics can be said to have originated, as early as the 4^th Century BC.

Even if you’re not much of a sports fan, the site of an arena made entirely from marble and its 204-meter track length is sure to knock your socks off.

The entry price includes an audio guide you can listen to as you walk around, so you’ll be sure to learn a lot of the history and facts surrounding this impressive stadium.

Top tip #1: Toilets cost about 50 cents, so bring change.

Top tip #2: Come here from 7:30am to 9am and you’ll be able to start your morning right on Day Two by jogging around the Panathenaic Stadium’s track! You just need to fill out this form here to get started.

Top tip #3: Good places to eat/drink nearby include Αρbarοριζα (Cocktail bar), Mystic (Mediterranean & Italian), Colibri (Italian & Pizza)

Temple Of Olympian Zeus

Location: Leoforos Vasilisis Amalias & Leof. Vasilissis Olgas, Athens 105 58

Cost: 6€ (1^st April – 31^st October), 3€ (1^st November – 31^st March)

Hours: 8:30am – 3pm (Winter), 8am – 7:30pm (Summer)

The Temple of Olympian Zeus was built by the Greeks in dedication to Zeus, whom they believed was the “father of gods and men”. Accordingly, it was built with the express purpose of being the most colossal structure in classical civilization.

Though the temple was also used for the purpose of boosting the gravitas of its main benefactor, Emperor Hadrian, who was honored pretty much to the same level of Zeus from what we can deduce about the design of the temple.

The gargantuan Temple of Olympian Zeus took some 640 years to build and, once complete, stood in use for only around 100 years.

After first being sacked by Barbarians it fell into further disrepair in subsequent years, as a result of being pillaged for building materials and damaged by natural forces. It was around this time that the Statue of Zeus at Olympia was destroyed too.

Nonetheless, it remains a truly impressive structure today, even if it does require a little imagination to visualize what the temple would have looked like in all its glory.

The columns that remain leave you in no doubt of the vast scale of the building, and the ambitions/hubris of the men who began building it around 2550 years ago.

Top tip #1: Also check out the Arch of Hadrian which is just a 2-minute walk away across the street!

Top tip #2: Temple Of Olympian Zeus tickets can be bought separately, but they are also included in the Athens Combined Ticket mentioned above.

Top tip #3: Good places to eat nearby include Jaipur Palace (Indian), Duende (Mediterranean & European), Veganaki (Greek Vegan)

Ancient Agora Of Athens

Location: Adrianou 24, Athens 105 55

Cost: 8€ (1^st April – 31^st October), 4€ (1^st November – 31^st March)

Hours: 8:30am – 3pm (Winter), 8am – 7:30pm (Summer)

The Ancient Agora of Athens is the ancient marketplace where much public life was carried out. (The literal meaning of the word agora means “meeting place”.)

It’s not as well-preserved as the Forum in Rome, but it’s still breathtaking to think you are stood on the streets where Socrates once walked and interrogated his fellow citizens.

Another good thing about this place? It’s way less crowded than the Acropolis of Athens, but many people consider it the second-best thing to do in Athens (after the Acropolis, of course!)

Top tip #1: There are rocky paths here that will probably be difficult for people using strollers.

Top tip #2: Ancient Agora of Athens tickets can be bought separately, but they are also included in the Athens Combined Ticket mentioned above.

Top tip #3: Good places to eat nearby include Dinner in the Sky (Mediterranean & European cuisine), Cinque Wine & Deli Bar (Wine bar & deli, Greek cuisine), Little Kook (Patisserie), Nancy’s Sweet Home (Desserts), Aleria (Mediterranean & Greek cuisine)

Aristotle’s Lyceum

Location: Rigillis 11, Athens 106 75

Cost: Free

Hours: 8am – 8pm

Aristotle’s famous Lyceum school can be found a 15-minute walk away from the central Syntagma Square, but unfortunately, not much of it remains in the present day. If you weren’t aware of its history, you might just pass it by as insignificant.

However, we’ve included it just for its historical and cultural value. This is the exact place where Aristotle taught Macedonian Nobility in the 4^th Century BC…One can only wonder what it must have been like to attend Aristotle’s school!

After he had finished tutoring Alexander the Great from 339 to 335 BC, he opened this school in 335 BC, and it quickly gained renown. Aristotle would go on to teach here for 12 more years, leaving it in 323 BC, and passing away in 322 BC.

As you’ll probably already know, Aristotle was the student of Plato, who in turn was the student of Socrates (whose prison is only about a 15-minute walk from here). Aristotle’s philosophy would go on to impact the world for generations.

Aristotle’s Lyceum is worth visiting if you have a keen interest in philosophy or archaeology, but perhaps not worth adding to the top of your list unless you have plenty of time to explore.

Top tip #1: Aristotle’s Lyceum tickets can be bought separately, but they are also included in the Athens Combined Ticket mentioned above.

Top tip #2: Good places to eat nearby include TGI Fridays (American cuisine), Chez Michel (European café), Katsourbos (Mediterranean & Vegetarian)

Tower Of The Winds

Location: Aiolou, Athina 105 55

Cost: 3€

Hours: 8am – 5pm

Located in the Roman Agora, the Tower of the Winds, sometimes called Aerides, is considered the world’s most early meteorological station that was, according to some sources, built in 47 BC by Andronikos of Cyrrhus.

It has a really elegant, understated design and is made of white Pentelic marble. It also has 8 sides with each side facing a point on the compass.

With restoration work only recently completed in 2016, do try stopping by here if you’re in the area…it’s worth it!

Top tip #1: Tower of the Winds tickets can be bought separately, but they are also included in the Athens Combined Ticket mentioned above.

Top tip #2: Good places to eat nearby include Yiasemi (Mediterranean café), Hard Rock Cafe (American cuisine), Ydria Cafe (Mediterranean & Vegetarian)

Walk The Streets Of Plaka

Location: Athens 10556

Cost: Free

Hours: Always open

Athens’ most visited residential district is famous due to its proximity to the Acropolis, its host of museums, street performers, and a dizzying array of architectural styles. The streets here burst with color, and dozens of shops, restaurants and bars compete for your attention.

A personal highlight was the bar, “Brettos”, on Kydathineon Street. Here, a 15ft wall of brightly-lit, colorful liquor bottles is a stunning backdrop for a glass of ouzo. It’s also Athens’ oldest distillery.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to Plaka’s many delights, put together by AthensGuide.

Top tip #1: Also check out the neighborhood of Psyri (about a 15-minute walk from Plaka), it’s a great place to drink and dine with delicious food found in tavernas that often includes live rembetika music playing in the background. Psyri is also a good place to check out come nightfall — finishing off Day Two here would be our recommendation.

Top tip #2: Good places to eat nearby include Smak. (Greek pizza), Yiasemi (Mediterranean café), Zorbas Restaurant (seafood), Taqueria Maya Athens (Mexican)

Don’t forget that nearly all of these attractions listed above are included in the Athens Combined Ticket which can be bought at any of the 7 sites included in the ticket.

Athens In 3 Days: Day 3

Some of the best places to visit on a trip to Athens lie outside the city limits but can be reached easily, although it’s usually best to book a tour. Here are three of our favorites day trips from Athens that you can choose from on Day Three of your 3 days in Athens!

1. Day Trip From Athens: Delphi

The famous priestess of Apollo changed the classical world with some of her prophecies, and the site is still well-preserved today.

If you’ve read Plato, Ovid, Sophocles and the like, you may already be familiar with the legends and mysteries surrounding her unique gifts, but if not, you can brush up here.

The ruins are spectacular and impressive—just seeing them will tell you why so many people visit here each year.

Athens to Delphi usually takes around 3 hours and a half by coach. It’s a long coach ride from Athens, but well worth it. By car, it can often take around 3 hours.

The whole trip, featuring exploring the ruins, seeing the museum, including a guided tour from a knowledgable guide, eating at the restaurant in Delphi, and heading back often takes around 10 hours. So it’ll be a full day of exploration!

You can buy tickets to the Delphi tour here.

2. Day Trip From Athens: Cape Sounion

Perched on a hill-top above the Aegean Sea, the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion (built between 444 – 440 BC) is yet another Greek landmark that combines history, legend and natural beauty. It is another serious contender for your bucket list while in Athens.

The temple is mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey and is also said to be the place where King Aegeus drowned himself, giving the Aegean Sea its name.

You can also see another piece of history: Lord Bryon’s signature etched on a column here in the 1800s. Furthermore,  it’s also quite nice to combine all the history with a swim at one of the exquisite beaches nearby. What more could you want?

The coastal drive passing the Saronic Gulf on the way to Cape Sounion is beautiful; especially if you catch a nice sunset overlooking the sea.

Since this day trip lasts around 4 hours in total, it’s not as long as the day trip to Delphi, meaning you’d have more time to continue exploring Athens on Day Three.

You can buy tickets to the Cape Sounion tour here.

3. Day Trip From Athens: Dive The Devil’s Hole At Vouliagmeni

If you love diving then this is how you finish exploring Athens in 3 days in style.

This natural undersea sinkhole, around 45 minutes drive from Athens (we recommend paying around $30 for an Uber taxi), is thirty feet deep, surrounded by natural walls and reefs, and is thought to connect to nearby Lake Vouliagmeni by a series of tunnels, though this has never conclusively been proved.

The Devil’s Hole, as this undersea sinkhole is called, has been raved about by countless divers. Just watch the video above to get an idea of how amazing this dive is.

If you have your PADI Open Water certification you can book your dive here.

If you aren’t a certified diver you won’t be able to dive the hole, but if you’re keen to have a try diving anyway then consider booking a “discover scuba” session here.

If you’re not into diving, then Lake Vouliagmeni is worth seeing anyway since this beautiful lake will feel like your own personal water hole to enjoy a peaceful afternoon reading a book, going for a swim, and eating a picnic.

Only about a 30-minute Uber trip from the city center of Athens, you can also even take the bus or metro to get there.

By metro and bus, simply take the Red metro line to Elliniko metro station and then take the E22 bus from there. The bus comes there 4 or 5 times every hour during the day and the route name is Stathmos Elliniko – Saronida. Once on the bus, get off at the stop called “Limni” (which is Greek for lake).

So why not wind down from all that busy time spent exploring Athens and enjoy Day Three sitting back and relaxing on Lake Vouliagmeni? Also, consider enjoying an evening meal in Vouliagmeni before heading back to Athens.

Great restaurants include BlueFish (Mediterranean cuisine & seafood), or Panorama (Mediterranean cuisine & seafood) or the brilliant but pricier options of Ithaki Restaurant (Mediterranean & European cuisine & seafood) or Moorings (Mediterranean & European cuisine & seafood).

If you have a sweet tooth also check out Waffle House which is the Greek answer to Ben & Jerry’s ice cream—lovely ice cream flavors  (e.g. Mosaic chocolate and Aegean SeaSalt) served over possibly the best waffles you’ll have ever tasted. Not a bad way to conclude your 3 days in Athens if you ask me!

Where To Stay In Athens, Greece

Between April to mid-November places to stay in Athens are usually in high demand. Book early to avoid this and to also obtain the best prices.

Here are our choices of the best accommodations for three nights in Athens, Greece, arranged by location. As is common these days, all these places offer free WiFi.

Near Syntagma Square (City Center)

3-star hotels:

• Hermes Hotel — a great option for people visiting Athens for 3 days on a budget. Location is perfect and the quality is still pretty great. Check out prices here.
• Attalos Hotel — another great and cheap play to stay in Athens, Attalos Hotel’s prime central location is within walking distance from the metro and Monastiraki Square. Check out prices here.

4-star hotel:

• MET34 Athens Hotel (Travellers’ Choice 2019 Winner) — our recommended choice if you’re in Athens. Good for families or solo travelers. A bit on the pricey side though. Check out prices here.

5-star hotel:

• Wyndham Athens Residence — a newer hotel with some great staff. Reasonably priced considering its 5 stars. Check out prices here.

Near Pnyx

3-star hotel:

• Acropolis Hill — clean and cozy, and only around a 5-minute walk from the Acropolis, this hotel comes with a pool, delicious free Greek buffet-style breakfasts and is good for families too. Check out prices here.

5-star hotel:

• Divani Palace Acropolis — a bit of a hidden gem in the city, this luxurious hotel is great for the family, and will also make you feel like royalty (seriously, the staff treats you so well here!) Great for people on honeymoons or on wedding anniversaries. Check out prices here.

Near The Temple of Olympian Zeus

4-star hotels:

• NLH Fix – Neighborhood Lifestyle Hotels — another great option, immaculately clean, comfortable queen-sized beds, great location. Check out prices here.
• AD Athens Luxury Rooms and Suites — with a great rooftop bar, location, and rooms, the AD Athens Luxury Rooms and Suites is a worthy contender to stay at near the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Quiet and modern, many people have loved staying here. Check out prices here.

Near Mount Lycabettus

5-star hotel:

• St. George Lycabettus Lifestyle Hotel — incredible views of the surroundings including the Acropolis, great breakfasts, good for families, and a bit calmer since away from the city center. Check out prices here.

In The Plaka District

3-star hotel:

• Arethusa Hotel — coming with a free breakfast buffet, air-conditioned old-fashioned rooms, and near Plaka and Syntagma Square, Arethusa hotel is reasonably priced and easy to get to from the airport. Check out prices here.

4-star hotel:

• Plaka Hotel — within walking distance of pretty much everywhere, Plaka Hotel offers a rooftop bar and garden, a central location, and amazing views (and not to mention a yummy Greek yogurt included in the breakfast!) Check out prices here.

Cheap Places To Stay In Athens

• If you’re on a bit of a budget consider staying at Victory Inn (a 2-star hotel). It’s away from the city center and the attractions in this article but it’s at a good price, so any money spent on transport will be easily minimized with your savings. Many people have really enjoyed their stay here. Check out prices here.
• For budget travelers, also consider using Airbnb (if you’re unsure about this idea, check out this positive article we wrote about using Airbnb).
• For people seeing Athens in 3 days on a strict budget, consider staying in hostels such as Chameleon Youth Hostel or Athens Backpackers.

Other Travel Tips For Your 3 Days In Athens

1. For evening meals, just round up the bill to tip (but tipping is optional here)
2. Carry some cash, Athens still uses it quite a bit
3. Uber works great here, download the app on your phone before arriving to use it to hire taxis
4. Expect to see people smoking, Athenians smoke a lot of cigarettes!
5. Use the metro, it’s cheap and easy-to-use (but be on guard for pickpockets)
6. Learn some basic and essential Greek phrases

Even if human life carries on for millennia, it’s hard to imagine any city leaving a greater legacy behind than this one.

It’s a happy coincidence that the birthplace of some of our most enduring buildings, stories and ideas should be in such a gorgeous natural environment.

We hope you enjoy seeing Athens in 3 days, and we’re sure you’ll see why there’s really nowhere on Earth quite like Athens!

Suggested next reading: 7 Very Best Greek Islands You Need To Experience

The post The Ultimate Guide To A Perfect 3 Days In Athens appeared first on Modern Trekker.

In here, I’ve gone for Tavče Gravče, Srpska Salata, Kebapci, Mămăligă, Byrek, Pleskavica, Štruklji, and Mekici. I’ll be explaining more about each one just below! But first…

What Counts As “Balkan”?

The Balkan region itself covers mainly the countries of former Yugoslavia (Serbia, Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Slovenia) as well as the post-communist countries of Romania, Bulgaria, and Albania. While from a geographic point of view, only parts of Romania, Croatia, or Slovenia are part of the region, many records nonetheless consider these countries as Balkan.

Some records also include Greece and the European part of Turkey (including half of Istanbul) in the Balkan region. From a gastronomic point of view though, Greece’s gastronomy is mostly related to Mediterranean food while Turkey has influences from the Middle East.

This debate of whether somewhere is Balkan or not can be infinitely discussed. For the sake of some common features though, I’ll focus on the traditional Balkan dishes that historically and genuinely represent the essence of the Balkans. This is mainly because, until two hundred years ago, most of the countries in this region were part of the Ottoman Empire. Therefore many traditional dishes in the Balkans have Ottoman influences, use similar types of ingredients, and similar recipes.

The Best Balkan Food

Here are 8 of the most popular and best Balkan foods that you will find throughout the region. Some of them can be found in a variety of forms in multiple countries, whereas some are popular only in a certain region. Make sure you’ve eaten before reading this article!

1. Tavče Gravče

Tavče gravče is oven-cooked white fresh beans, in a sauce flavored with dry red pepper and bay leaves. The dish has a special taste if cooked and served in special earthenware. It’s a classic comfort-food and simply one of the best foods in the Balkans.

Tavče gravče is a national and staple dish in Macedonian cuisine (and popular in the Northern part of Greece too), but it is also a staple of Serbian food and Bosnian cuisine as well.

2. Srpska Salata

Srpska salata is very popular in Serbia and it is made of raw peppers, onions, and tomatoes, dressed with oil, vinegar and sometimes even hot chili.

A similar, more widespread variant is the Šopska salata, which is made of tomatoes, cucumber, and onion, topped with grated or diced white brine cheese (sir or sirinje). This is the traditional Bulgarian salad and also the national Macedonian salad, so you will find it extensively in these two neighboring countries.

Šopska salata is very similar to the traditional Greek salad, but this last one is served with diced feta cheese which gives a slightly different taste.

3. Kebapci, Ćevapčići / Ćevapi

Kebapci, Ćevapčići / Ćevapi are some of the favorite foods in the Balkans. They are spicy minced meatballs of lamb, beef or pork, well grilled. Usually served in groups of five to ten pieces, they can be paired with fried potatoes or simply with bread (in some regions flatbread) and often chopped onions, kajmak (a special type of sour cream), or ajvar (a pepper-based condiment made from red bell peppers and oil).

Kebapci have their origins during the Ottoman period and this is why they are so popular in southeastern Europe (which was under the Turkish rule for quite a long time).

They are easy to find especially in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Macedonia, but can also be ordered on menus in Slovenia, Montenegro and Albania…not to mention this is also a Croatian food too. You can’t miss this food in the Balkans!

In Romania, mici are similar to kebapci, but they are bigger in size and the recipe and taste are slightly different, so you should try both of them to accurately experience the difference. Which one is the best Balkan food? We’ll let you decide!

4. Mămăligă Cu Brânză Şi Smântână

Mămăligă cu brânză și smântână is one of the national Romanian dishes. It is basically polenta or boiled cornmeal mush served with white sheep cheese and fresh sour cream. Polenta is usually hearty and fills your stomach, but just be on the safe side, you can also order it topped with fried eggs and paired with scallions or chopped red onion.

You can find polenta with cheese as a main dish in many restaurants throughout Romania, but simple polenta is also popular as a side dish for other courses. It is also cooked a lot in family homes and, if you hike in the mountains, stop at a sheepfold and ask for their polenta—it has a special flavor when cooked on a wood fire.

Be curious and read more about different variants of serving polenta and other Romanian foods here.

5. Burek / Byrek

Burek or byrek is a delicious filo-pastry pie stuffed with cheese, spinach, potato, minced meat or even mushrooms. Byrek is traditionally prepared in a large pan, then cut into smaller pieces after baking and served as individual pastries (usually they have the form of a triangle).

This ubiquitous snack is mostly served cold or hot with yogurt for breakfast. It’s so hearty that you can eat it for lunch too if you’re in a hurry.

Byrek is originally from Anatolia (a province in current Turkey) and it is widely found in the cuisines of the Balkan countries. In the former Yugoslavian countries, stop at the shops with pekara (this means “bakery” in Slavic languages) written on the street-front and snack cheaply on a burek or two. If you try a burek of each type, you’d have to be very hungry as they are quite filling and nourishing.

Burek can be also found in Albanian cuisine in different variants. It is usually stuffed with cheese, ground meat, spinach and eggs, as well as with tomato and onions, peppers and beans, potato or pumpkin.

6. Pleskavica

Pleskavica is spiced meat patty made of pork, beef or lamb, which is well grilled on both sides. It is a hearty main course, usually served with chopped onions, a big spoon of kajmak (a type of very tasty, clotted milk cream), French fries or simply with bread (in some regions it is popularly paired with a big flatbread, like a hamburger). When stuffed with cheese it’s called pleskavica sharri, and the melted cheese has a special taste that can’t be compared with anything else.

The origin of this Balkan food is Serbia, but this spicy hamburger is easy to find in one form or another throughout the Balkans. You can find it in all of the former Yugoslavian countries, but it’s popular mostly in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, and Kosovo.

It is big enough to fill your stomach for half a day, and sometimes even for a whole day. So keep that in mind when you order it and don’t choose anything for the dessert until you have eaten the big pleskavica in your plate!

7. Štruklji

Štruklji are rolled pastries that are either baked or cooked and, depending on the filling, can be sweet or savory. Particularly popular in Slovenian cuisine, it was once a Balkan food reserved for special occasions but now is one of the most featured foods in Slovenian homes.

Zagorski Štrukli is its traditional Croatian relative since Štruklji itself goes all the way back to the 16^th Century and probably beyond. However, it is in Austria that it first makes its definitive appearance in history in a recipe left behind by a chef in Graz, Austria’s second largest city, in the year 1589.

Fillings that are typical for Štruklji include tarragon (this was actually used in the aforementioned chef’s original recipe), poppy seeds, walnuts, cottage cheese, and apple.

8. Mekici

Mekici are soft, traditional Bulgarian donuts, with the kneaded dough made with deep fried yogurt. In Serbian cuisine they are called mekike. The best way to describe them is perhaps to compare them to a British Yorkshire pudding, although Mekici are usually eaten in the morning, whereas Yorkshire puddings are eaten for lunch or dinner.

The risen dough is torn into pieces, then fried in oil and, once fully fried, powdered with icing sugar. Jam is usually garnished on the top. If you’re looking for the best Balkan food for dessert or a snack, this is a great contender.

They are quite similar to lángos, which is a deep-fried dough popular in Hungarian cuisine. However, lángos are usually served with ketchup or mayonnaise, whereas mekici are not since they tend to be sweet. Despite this, sometimes mekici are garnished with sirene (brined white cheese).

 best Balkan food comes in all shapes and sizes and can be found throughout the whole region…did we miss any on our list? Comment below if you know of other authentic Balkan foods, or want to share your impression of eating these foods with us!

Suggested next reading: 6 Amazing Locations In The Balkans You Might Not Know About

The post 8 Best Balkan Foods That’ll Make Your Mouth Water appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Unfortunately, many think of the region still being war-torn, but those times were well over 20 years ago in the 1990s. Today, Dubrovnik is becoming a hotspot for travelers. With its beautiful architecture, friendly locals, incredible seafood, and laid back way of life, it’s no wonder that Dubrovnik is high on any travelers bucket list.

Most visit during summer, but I’d recommend heading there in either early Spring or in Fall when the crowds calm down. You’ll be able to get so much out of your experience in the “Pearl Of The Adriatic”.

Here are the 5 best things to do in Dubrovnik:

Old Town

When people think of Dubrovnik, they immediately think of Old Town. The UNESCO World Heritage site was originally built in the 13^th Century and made Dubrovnik an important port on the Dalmatian coast.

The Old Town was damaged by an earthquake in 1667 and a lot of the town had to be rebuilt. The war in the 1990s also destroyed parts of the Old Town, but you would never know it today. The interesting part about this area is that it features many different architectural styles such as Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque.

The city today is looking at ways to reduce the number of visitors coming to this part of Dubrovnik. Still, if you have a chance to visit Dubrovnik, you have to walk around Old Town. Be sure to take an after-dinner stroll, it is magical.

Lokrum Island

This ancient island was first mentioned in writing in the year 1023, but has always been in the background of Old Town. Today, however, the UNESCO World Heritage site is now having its moment in the spotlight.

Only a short 15 minute ferry ride away or a longer kayak ride, Lokrum has plenty to offer those that visit. One of the first things you’ll notice when you arrive on the island is the peacocks that greet you. They were brought onto the island well over 100 years ago and now they are all over.

Be sure to see the ruins of the old Benedictine Monastery that was originally built during the Medieval period. They are a little difficult to find, but if you walk around long enough, it’s impossible to not run into them. The flora and fauna are protected so that’s why you’ll notice that nothing is trimmed or cut.

Overall, Lokrum Island is a fascinating day trip to take from Dubrovnik and is certainly not to be missed.

War Photo Limited

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Unfortunately, many people think that Croatia is a war-torn country. Sure, it had its issues over 20 years ago, but today, you’d have no idea when you visit.

The political situation in the Balkans is extremely complicated so I’d recommend that everyone take a visit to War Photo Limited to learn more about the history of the region. Starting with the end of Yugoslavia, you’ll learn why Balkans entered a war and how it got to where it is today.

While most museums have a lot of reading to do, War Photo Limited walks you through the history using pictures. They currently have a fascinating exhibit on how Kosovo won their independence and what that means for the world.

Beyond the breakup of Yugoslavia, War Photo Limited explores other wars from around the world. They do a great job of objectively explaining the conflict and what the current situation is in these regions.

Be sure to stop by for an afternoon and soak in the work from some of the best photojournalists on Earth.

Hike To The Peak (Mount Srd)

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Once you’ve properly explored the smaller streets of Dubrovnik, it is time to get a bird’s eye view of the city. Mount Srd looms over the northern part of Dubrovnik and is the tallest peak at 412 meters (1,315 feet).

Depending on how active you want to be getting to the top, there are 3 ways to access the peak. The first way up is via cable car that leaves from Petra Kresimira Street and takes a few minutes to reach the top. The second way up is with a car. The final (and best way up in my opinion) is to walk up.

The hike takes about 90 minutes but offers stunning views of Dubrovnik and the Adriatic Sea below. The path starts at Jadranska Cesta so you’ll have to walk a good bit just to get to the trailhead.

I would recommend doing this trail earlier in the morning since the second part of the trail offers no protection from the sun. Be prepared with sunblock, water, and a hat if you choose to hike it in summer. At the top is Fort Imperial, which offers incredible views as your reward.

If you have time, be sure to check out the Museum of Croatian War of Independence. The museum walks you through how Croatia achieved its independence during the 1990s and houses over 500 different pieces from its history.

Mount Srd is well worth the trip up and is so much more than just incredible pictures for your next Instagram post.

Trsteno Arboretum

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If you haven’t had enough nature yet, be sure to head to the oldest arboretum in the world. Located just 30 minutes north of Dubrovnik city center, Trsteno Arboretum was built in the 15^th Century by a local family who wanted sailors to bring back seeds and plants with them from their travels.

Some of you might recognize it from a little show called Game Of Thrones as it has served as one of the many filming locations in and around Dubrovnik. Among the plants from around the world, there are beautiful sculptures and works of art.

After you’ve had enough of walking around the gardens, take a dip in the sea and cool off. In my opinion, there is no better to watch the sunset than at Trsteno.

Suggested next reading: The Best Croatian Islands You Need To Visit

The post 5 Perfect Ways To Get The Most Out Of Dubrovnik appeared first on Modern Trekker.

A normal meal in Romania comprises two courses: a warm soup as the first dish (especially during the cold season), and then a cooked meal or a barbecue as the main course. Of course, there is also the dessert if you can eat more.

Beware that Romanian cuisine has warm and hearty dishes, meant to satisfy and fill your stomach. So don’t overate your capacity to eat three dishes for a meal.

Some of these traditional Romanian dishes have borrowed certain recipes and ingredients from neighboring or occupying cultures (such as Saxon, Slav, Hungarian, and Turkish) but most of them use pork meat in some form, paired with potatoes, polenta, or cooked vegetables.

Now that you are already hungry, let’s see what to order and what to expect from the Romanian dishes.

1. Mămăligă cu brânză și smântână

Mămăligă cu brânză și smântână is basically polenta or boiled cornmeal mush with salty sheep cheese and fresh sour cream.

This is maybe the most unusual Romanian recipe but very quick to cook. I cook it a lot because it’s hearty, easy to prepare, and also tasty if you add the right proportion of ingredients.

ÊIt can be also topped with fried eggs and paired with onion (spring onion or chopped red onion). Polenta is cooked in family homes and households as well as in inns and restaurants.

Another version of polenta with cheese is the bulz ciobănesc. Bulz is traditionally made in a sheepfold and is the everyday food of the shepherds. A medium-sized ball made of hot boiled polenta is filled with bellows cheese (one of the oldest Romanian foods), which melts inside and becomes very tasty.

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2. Sarmale or sărmăluțe (it means smaller sarmale)

Sarmale or sărmăluțe are rolled cabbage or vine leaves stuffed with spiced meat, rice, and herbs. They are usually cooked with pork meat but in different parts of Romania, you may find them filled with sheep meat, chicken, or even fish (in the region close to the Black Sea).

In order to be tasty, sarmale have to be well boiled for several hours. They are served three to four pieces per portion and traditionally paired with simple polenta (just the maize mush), sour cream on top, and maybe a red hot pepper.

This is the national Romanian dish, although the recipe was imported from the Ottomans who ruled the south and eastern part of the country for centuries. For similar reasons, you can find sarma in different sizes throughout the Balkan region, in the Slav neighboring countries.

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3. Mici or mititei cu muștar

Mici or mititei cu muștar are grilled rolls of spiced minced meat. The mixture can have pork or beef but you will also find mici made with sheep meat. They are always served with mustard or a hot horseradish cream.

You can find mici as a street-food option and in this case, they simply come with a few slices of bread and two toothpicks to grab them. Restaurants serving Romanian food always have mici on their menus and you can serve them paired with French fries or simple polenta.

This is one of the Romanian delicacies and during summer, many people go out for a picnic and make a barbecue with mici. Of course, they go very well with beer!

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4. Ciorbă de burtă

Ciorbă de burtă means tripe soup and it is a common dish throughout the Balkans.

In Romania, parts from the stomach of a cow are sliced and boiled with vegetables for almost three hours. The result is a creamy yellowish soup, which is served with a welcome dollop of sour cream and a hot pepper.

Some restaurants bring a small cup of hot garlic sauce too but this is not a rule. All Romanian restaurants have tripe soup on their menu, especially for lunch. In the evening, it is possible you won’t find it because we usually eat soup only as the first dish for a lunch meal.

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5. Salata de boeuf

Salata de boeuf is a salad made of boiled root vegetables, eggs, and finely chopped beef meat, all of them mixed with a lot of mayonnaise. The salad turns out very colorful and it is garnished with thin slices of pickled vegetables or eggs.

Even if the name seems French (boeuf is the French name for beef meat), this is actually among the traditional Romanian dishes that are perfect to eat during winter. It is usually cooked for the winter celebrations and festive meals (i.e. for Christmas and the New Year’s Eve).

You will never find it in restaurants. It is prepared only in family homes so if someone invites you to a Christmas dinner, say “yes” in order to taste this delicious salad.

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6. Papanași

Papanași are fried or boiled pastries, doughnut-shaped, topped with sour cream and different kinds of fruit jams.

The dough is prepared with flour, eggs, and sweet soft cheese (usually cow cheese or urdă—cheese made of cow, sheep, or goat milk). As additional ingredients, some women add cinnamon or vanilla powder to give a special flavor to the papanași.

Besides crepes and a wide assortment of pies, this is the most popular dessert in Romania. They are made in family homes and many households in the rural area but also in the restaurants throughout the country.

In a Romanian restaurant, a normal portion comprises two big papanași so keep this in mind when you order them at the end of your meal.

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This is just a limited number of our traditional Romanian dishes but I assure you that if you step into a Romanian restaurant, you will be overwhelmed and won’t know what to choose from because of the wide range of courses.

Many restaurants have “the special dish of the house” and this is usually a combination of many traditional Romanian dishes and will be the chef’s best invention. So it’s always good to ask what they recommend and you might have a great surprise.

Don’t forget the beer or the vine, and maybe also try small shots of țuică or palincă (flavored fruit alcoholic drink…very strong though, so be careful how much you drink!)

In 2019, the Sibiu county is going to be a European Gastronomic Region and culinary events will take place in towns and villages in Sibiu throughout the year—so it will be an ideal time to visit!

Many old recipes will be reinvented and this is a good chance for foodies to try a wide range of various traditional Romanian dishes.

Suggested next reading: 6 Amazing Locations In The Balkans You Might Not Know About

The post 6 Authentic Romanian Dishes That’ll Send Your Tastebuds Soaring appeared first on Modern Trekker.

There are countless ways to see how the Balkans has become one of the relatively new tourist regions of Europe. Although some of these countries are part of the European Union (e.g. Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary), largely, they are still not part of the Euro Zone. This means they are still budget destinations compared to countries in Western Europe. Not to mention other Balkan countries (e.g. Albania, Macedonia, Serbia), which haven’t yet joined the European Union. In short, the Balkan Peninsula features remarkable places that are extremely accessible on a very low budget.

Here is my short list of lesser-known places to go in the Balkans, why they’re worthy to be visited, and some cultural and historical information about each of them:

1. The historic center of Sibiu, Romania

Sibiu was the first European Cultural Capital in southeastern Europe in 2007. It was an effervescent year, full of cultural events that helped the city to become an important destination on the tourist map. This part of the country (South-East Transylvania) has a strong imprint of the German settlers that came here 800 years ago. Sibiu has the largest and best-preserved urban historic center in Romania. It was nicknamed ‘Little Vienna’ while it was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The combinations of medieval architecture and baroque elements have created an authentic cultural mix over the centuries.

Living in Sibiu has been the most rewarding period of my life. The moment I moved here, I couldn’t believe how many day-trips were easily accessible in the area. Transfăgărășanul, one of the most spectacular mountain roads that cross the Carpathians is only one hour away from Sibiu. In addition, more than 200 fortified churches spread throughout the Transylvanian tableland, in villages founded by German settlers during the Middle Ages. Between these villages, there are infinite bike routes that cross a wild countryside scenery. And in Mărginimea Sibiului, one can taste the most delicious cheese in this part of the country, called caș.

2. The Ohrid Town and Lake, Macedonia

Lake Ohrid is one of the deepest (300 meters deep) and oldest (some say 3 million years old) lakes of tectonic origin in Europe. It has no less than 200 endemic species of flora and fauna. The Galičica Mountains border the eastern shores of the lake. At the feet of these mountains, traditional villages are perched on the steep slopes or sit near the pebbled beaches of the lake.

Known as the town of 365 churches (one for each day of the year), Ohrid has been thought of as the second Jerusalem. Listed as a UNESCO heritage site for its unique heritage values, the town is considered the oldest architectural ensemble in the southeastern part of Europe. Formed on the shores of Lake Ohrid between the 17^th and 19^th Centuries, Ohrid is also well known for its local pearls, manually produced by the Talevi and Filek families from the scales of the plashica (an endemic fish in Ohrid Lake). What has impressed me in the old town of Ohrid is the cultural and ethnic combination that exists between the Christian neighborhood and the Turkish Bazaar.

3. Veliko Tarnovo old town, Bulgaria

Situated in the valley of the river Yantra, Veliko Tarnovo is one of the oldest towns in the country. The medieval fortress Tsarevets was a real medieval town, with a palace, church, residential and economic buildings, water reservoirs, and defense towers. In the historic center, the pedestrian streets (Gurko and Samovodskata Charshia) feature craft workshops and have a lively atmosphere, similar to the old Turkish Bazaars. There, I bought a traditional headscarf made of silk, with vivid colors.

In the surroundings of Veliko Tarnovo, there are many options for rock climbing. If extreme sports aren’t on your bucket list, the tiny village of Arbanasi, tucked in the mountains, is an authentic example of the Balkan lifestyle from the countryside. And some of the most popular Orthodox monasteries in the region (Patriarsheski, Preobrazhenski) are a proof of the ancient Christian faith.

4. Climb to the top of Mount Triglav, Slovenia

The National Park Triglav has been listed as a UNESCO heritage site in the network of biosphere reserves. Mount Triglav (meaning “Mount Three Heads”) is the highest peak in the Julian Alps (2864 meters altitude). Climbing this mountain has become a tradition to confirm one’s Slovene identity since the 19^th Century when Slovenia was part of the Habsburg Empire. The trails pass glacial lakes and valleys, karst springs and waterfalls, as well as herdsmen’s settlements scattered at the feet of the mountains.

The most popular route to climb Triglav is from Pokljuca (near Lake Bled) or from Savica Waterfall (near Lake Bohinj). The trek lasts at least two or three days and there are mountain huts that make it possible to stay overnight in the mountains. Mount Triglav is not easy to climb though—especially in winter. Therefore, the best time to hike Triglav is in autumn (September – October) once the summer rains have stopped.

5. The fortress of Berat, Albania

Named the “town of the 1000 windows”, Berat has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the rare examples of Ottoman architecture that it still preserves. In particular, the old town of Berat features the hilltop medieval fortress (kala) that is still lived in to this day. This has a strategic setting overlooking the valley of the Osumi River from atop. After I climbed down from the fortress, I couldn’t miss the old neighborhoods sitting at the foot of the hill—Mangalan (situated below the fortress) and Gorica (located across the Osumi River). Both neighborhoods are a genuine journey into the picturesque Ottoman architecture, with whitewashed houses made of stone and hidden courtyards shaded by green lush vines.

From a cultural and religious point of view, Berat still witnesses the coexistence of different communities. The traditions of the Ottoman Islam merge and respect those of the Christian Orthodox, creating a cityscape marked by the existence of mosques and churches.

Nearby Berat, I ventured on winding mountain roads and reached the Grand Canyon of Albania, the Osumi Canyon. The canyon is perfect for a rafting trip in spring. In summer, though, swimming in the azure waters of the river might be the best idea when it is 45℃ (113°F).

6. The cultural city of Novi Sad, Serbia

Another lesser-known place to go in the Balkans is the laid-back city of Novi Sad. Novi Sad is one of Serbia’s main cultural hubs and lies on the riverbanks of the Danube. The historic center of the city is interspersed with old kafanas (traditional Serbian taverns), where you can taste the Vojvodinian cuisine and experience tamburitza bands (a traditional string instrument). I remember the delicious cabbage rolls with meat (sarma) that I ate at a small restaurant on Dunavska Street. These are a must-try.

On the other side of the Danube, the old neighborhood of Petrovaradin sits at the feet of the imposing Vauban fortress, which dates from the 17^th Century. Home to the EXIT Festival (one of the best music festivals in Europe), the fortress is aptly nicknamed the “Gibraltar of the Danube”. Wandering through the countless moats (once filled with water) of the fortress was a priceless experience for me, and I received an enriching and genuine history lesson.

Near Novi Sad, the Fruška Gora mountain has been considered “the Serbian Mount Athos”. Here you can find a complex of no less than 17 Christian Orthodox monasteries, some of them dating back to the Middle Ages.

Suggested next reading: 6 Not Well Known Places You Should Visit In The Middle East

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