Visiting Lycabettus Hill & Syntagma Square
After arriving back in Athens from Kalamata, we booked a taxi with BEAT and headed in search of our third Airbnb. While waiting for the apartment to get ready, we sat in a small café; had a toasty feta pastry with a lovely shot of coffee to while away the time, while keeping ourselves entertained swiping left and right on the locals. Much to my embarrassment, the attractive waiter caught us in the act of giggling over some interesting captions and descriptions, which resulted in an uncontrollable fit of further giggles.
Imperfect Traveller Tip – Always book taxis in Greece through BEAT. It’s the local version of Uber.
Our third and final Airbnb was less appealing than the first two. Located on the top floor; we had the whole balcony to ourselves, however the downside was having to carry our overweight suitcases up a flight of stairs. Yet another reason you should pack light when travelling to Greece – but when travelling in winter, it’s almost impossible to do. The room was icy cold and we couldn’t figure out how to switch the heater on, so for the next two days, bestie and I froze half to death in the room instead.
Our goal for the rest of the afternoon and evening was to watch the sunset from Lycabettus Hill; the highest point in Greece that offered splendid, beautiful views of the Acropolis, the Aegean Sea and the maze-like-crowded city below us.
Lycabettus Hill
Lycabettus Hill was fairly easy to get to. However, we supposedly took the wrong route. And ended up walking around half the base of the hill – missing the whole sunset too. Thank you Google Maps.
Imperfect Traveller Tip – When searching for it on Google Maps, look for the Funicular stop instead of Lycabettus Hill.
We walked to some point; past plenty of eye-candy police and guards – so I’m assuming it was a high-profile zone, and around the base of half the hill until we realised there was no entrance. Begrudgingly dragging the bestie around until we found the entrance to the Funicular station. Too exhausted to consider hiking up the hill, we rode the cable car to the top instead.
Funicular Ride & The Summit of Lycabettus Hill
The funicular ride cost approximately 10 Euros for a two-way transfer, and it operates every 30 minutes. Boy oh boy, when we finally reached the top; I swear it was so windy and cold, my face froze up and there was no way to stop the wind from getting to my bones too! Barely able to stand in one place for too long; we admired the stunning views from the summit – the Acropolis at night, the looming shadows of the Aegean Sea glistening under the moonlight and the haphazard city of Athens, all lit up and sparkling- looked ever so stunning!
You’ll also find a restaurant and a 19th century Chapel of St.George at the top; the latter offering a few seconds of warmth to defrost our shivering bones!
Our pictures came out somewhat blurry – but hey, that’s why my blog’s called Imperfect Traveller! But to spare you from my blurry pictures- here are the bestie’s pictures instead.
Syntagma Square
We headed back down a little after 7pm and were famished from navigating the hills and slopes of downtown Athens; so, we headed to Syntagma Square to treat ourselves. With what? Why, with a performance from the strong Evzones; a.k.a. the Presidential Guards who protect the Monument of the Unknown Soldier; of course! We watched them march, pivot, march, pivot and salute all over again – our most favourite and memorable thing to do in Athens was watching this ceremonial ritual of the changing of guards.
A Greek Feast
Cold and famished, we walked past Syntagma Square in the opposite direction of the Hellenic Parliament until we found a local restaurant to dine in. Though I was adamant to eat yet another gyro, the waiter convinced me to try another Greek dish instead – I gave in and listened to him. BUT boy did I regret listening to a man again! About 20 minutes later he showed up at our table with HALF a grilled chicken, some pita bread and a salad. Growing up in our household, we were taught not to waste food; so yes, my challenge for the day; was to conquer this mountain and finish the whole chicken.
Half way through I felt my stomach expand and my pants getting tighter, yet I was adamant to demolish this mountain before me. Besides, the waiters were all watching and secretly judging me for my poor appetite and inability to not finish my plate, and since my momma didn’t raise a quitter, I powered through! I did ask him about how he expected me to finish this; but he told me it was the average portion for ONE person, and he, himself, can easily finish it. Liar.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t finish the whole thing despite my determination. Towards the end, I started feeling like a chicken, both on the inside and out, which eventually made me too nauseous to continue eating. So, I had to leave a chunk back.
On the plus side, after dinner, they gave us a complimentary shot of Mastic Tears; that was sweet and much needed after a hefty dinner.
We walked back to Syntagma Metro Station rather slowly as I had a hard time waddling along – and headed back home. Syntagma Metro Station was built around and within a historical site; and as you walk through you’ll be able to see tons of relics preserved and on display – including this old burial tomb.
The apartment was freezing cold when we got back, but with two layers of thick blankets we tucked ourselves in and watched some local TV until we fell asleep. Our beauty sleep was essential as we planned to explore more of Athens the next day!
Yours truly,
Imperfect Traveller
