The historical region of Attica is the most visited and most populated place in Greece. The capital city of Athens is not only a famous city break destination but also a modern European city with lots of cultural events and exhibitions going on all year round. The great number of hotels of every type and category in areas like the historical centre of Athens around Acropolis, the Athens Riviera by the seaside and the northern suburbs of Kifissia offer a wide range of accommodation facilities to choose from. The restaurants are also inviting for their cuisine and sometimes even more for their spectacular views.
Geography of Attica
Attica or Attiki is a region situated in the southeastern part of the Central Greece and its neighbouring regions are Viotia to the north and Corinthiato the southwest. The region spans an area of 3.808 sq. km. and a total population of 3.812.330 inhabitants. The capital city of the region is Athensbut also well known is the busy port of Piraeus, the main ferry gate to the Aegean Islands and the Saronic Gulf Islands. The region is surrounded by mountains: Parnitha, Penteli, Aigaleo, Ymittos while is embraced by the sea on the south.
History of Attica
The history of the region of Attica is well linked to that of the city of Athens and no wonder why as Athens has always been the centre of the political, economical and cultural developments. In antiquity, apart from Athens, there were also other important settlements or worship places like Piraeus, Eleusis, Sounion, Brauron and Acharnes. After the peak of civilization and economic growth in the 5th century BC Attica declined especially after the defeat of Athenians from Spartans. The region in the Roman Period received respect for its past glory and historical importance but the invasion of Goths later diminished the population of Attica. Attica came also under Venetian and Ottoman Rule and since 1829 has belonged to the Greek State. In 1834, Athens was chosen as the new capital city of Greece which was the city of Nafplio by then. Nowadays, one third of the total population of Greece lives in the region of Attica.
Sightseeing in Attica
The city of Athens is the main sight seeing place to be in Attica but if you have enough time it is worth exploring some less famous places in Attica. Apart from the trademark of Athens, Acropolis and the New Museum of Acropolis, the historical centre of Athens offers the chance of quiet neighbourhoods or intense nightlife. During summer the heart of the city beats by the seaside in the southern suburbs in Athens Riviera and further on till Cape Sounio and the archaeological site of The Temple of Poseidon. The important site of Eleusis is also worth a visit, yet it is situated in the industrial zone of Attica. For outdoor activities visit one of the mountains of Attica for a short excursion in nature.
Useful Phone Numbers in Attica
Tourist Police: 171
Athens International Airport: +30 210 3530000
Port Authorities of Pireaus: +30 210 4511311-9
Port Authorities of Rafina: +30 22940 22300
Port Authorities of Lavrio: +30 22920 25249
Buses Services: +30 210 8808080