A lively southern city with a laid-back resort atmosphere woven from summer heat and sea breeze. Add ancient ruins, legends that still feel alive, Mediterranean cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and colorful storefronts – perhaps that cocktail is the mythical secret of Greek charm.

Athens is not just the capital of Greece – it is the birthplace of the Olympic Games and of ancient heroes. No one really knows when this city first appeared on the map, but everyone firmly believes that divine intervention had something to do with it. According to legend, the sea god Poseidon and Athena, goddess of wisdom, fought for the right to become its patron. Both offered gifts: whichever gift proved more important would decide the winner. Poseidon struck the rock with his trident and water poured from the stone, while Athena drove her spear into the ground and an olive tree sprang up. The goddess’s gift was judged more valuable because Poseidon’s water was seawater – salty and undrinkable. So Athena won the dispute, and the city took her name.

Preparing for a trip to Athens is quite simple – just use the interactive attractions map. Save the places you would like to see and spread them across a few days. And do not forget to download the free Ever.Travel mobile app. If you sign in with the same account you use on the website, your trip plans will sync and turn into a personal mobile guide that works even without an internet connection, which is especially important when roaming. To learn more about how convenient this way of traveling can be, read on...