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The sacred rock of the Acropolis dominates Plaka, and its different temples are clearly visible from all angles throughout the neighbourhood. Legend holds that it was on this rock that Athena (see Athena) won dominion of Athens from Poseidon, and it has been devoted to worshipping the goddess since 650 BC. (see Acropolis, Archaeological Sites - Acropolis)

An easy and rewarding day trip, only half an hour from Athens, with pleasant beaches, famously tasty pistachios, the Temple of Aphaia, and Agios Nektarios, one of the largest churches in the Balkans.

One of the most interesting archaeological sites in Greece, this is where Socrates “corrupted” youth, St Paul preached and converted his first followers, and the first decisions in the fledgling democracy were made. Don’t miss the wonderfully preserved Temple of Hephaestus, or the recreated Stoa of Attalos, now home to the excellent Agora Museum. (see The Agora)

From Freatida, a 3-km (2-mile) long lantern-lined coastal promenade, overlooked by modern apartment blocks and a string of informal fish restaurants, offers wonderful views across the open sea to the islands of Aegina and Salamina. The route, named after the 5th-century BC general and statesman Themistokles, who founded Piraeus, follows the course of the ancient seaward walls. Down below, a series of rocky bays offers the chance of bathing. The prettiest spot of all is Aphrodite’s Bay.

Clinging to the side of the Acropolis is Athens’ loveliest and quirkiest hidden neighbourhood. It was built in the 19th century by tradesmen from the Cycladic island of Anafi, brought to Athens after the War of Independence to build King Otto’s palace. They missed home so much that they decided to re-create a pocket of it here, all island-style, dome-topped blue-and-white houses, covered with banks of bougainvillea, in a maze of tiny passageways. Many descendents of the original Anafi workers still live here.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Most important 20th-century Greek artists are represented in this collection of 2,355 works of art. These include paintings and engravings, as well as several drawings by Bavarian architect Ernst Ziller, who designed many of Athens’ most important Neo-Classical buildings. Here you can see his plans for the National Theatre and designs for the city’s grandest private homes, now mostly converted to museums and public spaces.