DK Travel : Athens

Athens is simultaneously known as the Classical, marble-pillared cradle of Western civilization and as a modern urban sprawl of concrete and traffic. Between the extremes lies a kaleidoscopic city, where the influences of East and West entwine in the markets, cafés and tavernas, built upon ancient ruins and rubbing shoulders with gold-leafed Byzantine churches.

Ancient Corinth

Corinth’s location, between the Peloponnese and mainland Greece, made it a rich and powerful trading centre from Mycenaean times onwards. Material wealth was accompanied by a reputation for wild and licentious lifestyles, including polygamy and orgiastic cults, which St Paul addressed with great concern in the biblical Book of Corinthians . After the 19th century, Corinth declined into a small, unattractive city. Its attraction resides in the extensive remains of the ancient glories, especially the 6th-century BC Temple of Apollo, and the Roman Agora and Odeon.
Ancient Olympia

Olympia is known for having been the site of the Olympic Games in classical times. The sanctuary consists of an unordered arrangement of various buildings. Enclosed within the temenos are the Temple of Hera and Temple of Zeus, the Pelopion and the area of the altar, where the sacrifices were made. The hippodrome and later stadium were also to the east. To the north of the sanctuary the Prytaneion and the Philippeion can be found, as well as the array of treasuries representing the various city states. The Metroon lies to the south of these treasuries, with the Echo Stoa to the East. To the south of the sanctuary is the South Stoa and the Bouleuterion, whereas the West side houses the Palaestra, the workshop of Pheidias, the Gymnasion and the Leonidaion. Olympia is also known for the gigantic ivory and gold statue of Zeus that used to stand there, sculpted by Pheidias, which was named one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World by Antipater of Sidon.
Andros

A favourite of Greece’s shipping magnates; golden-beached Andros is lovely, exclusive, and expensive. The Goulandris Museum of Modern Art holds world-class exhibits every summer.
Angistri

This tiny islet off Aegina is even more of an escape from it all. Quiet beaches, clear beautiful water, a handful of small hotels and fish tavernas, and not much else.
Antonios Markos

As well as his quirky own-label tailoring, Markos imports an eclectic mix of items from both world-famous and lesser-known brands.
Aphrodite

Voluptuous Aphrodite was Artemis’s polar opposite – the temperamental goddess of love had dozens of affairs.
Apokries (Feb–Mar)

The Greek Orthodox Carnival begins 58 days before Easter. Festivities, especially glamorous masquerade parties, last for days. In Athens, the colourful celebrations centre on Plaka, where the streets are packed with celebrants and masked musicians.
Apollo

The handsome god of music and poetry presided over the Muses.
Arachova

This mountain village makes a good alternative base for visiting Delphi and Parnassos. It is an extremely popular winter destination for rich Athenians, and room prices are higher here in winter. Though the main thoroughfare is lined with shops hawking local rugs, honey and cheese, the best way to explore is to get lost in its stone-lined passageways.
Archaeological Museum of Piraeus

Standing by the remains of the 2nd-century BC Theatre of Zea, the showpieces here are two Classical bronze statues found in Piraeus in 1959: the proud and perfectly proportioned 5th-century BC Piraeus Apollo and the 4th-century BC Piraeus Athene. Also on display is a collection of 5th-and 4th-century BC marble stele (classical gravestones) with touching reliefs of the deceased.