Travel to the historical city of Athens

One of the oldest cities in the world, Athens is the capital of Ancient and modern Greece and is considered the birthplace of Western civilisation. The Parthenon shines brightly up on the Acropolis, overlooking the city as one of the world’s most famous monuments – instantly recognisable and celebrated as a symbol of Classical Greek architecture. When Athens was preparing to host the 2004 Summer Olympics, construction of the underground metro encountered so many archaeological significant sites that delays lasted for years. The city is home to dozens of archaeology institutes and museums, with academics studying the best of Hellenic art, culture and architecture. Today, the economic crisis, high unemployment and unpopular austerity measures have depressed prices across the Greek property market. However, the finance minister recently announced that the recovery should start to be seen in 2014.

“Currently, prices are at very attractive levels,” said Theo Bosdas, managing director of Engel & Völkers Athens. “The real estate market for foreign buyers is starting to show its strength.” Districts close to the Acropolis, such as Plaka, are in demand by foreigners who want to be near the heart of the tourist areas. However prices are still low. “These areas have not experienced a solid stream of demand that would allow prices to show an uptick,” Bosdas explained. Other popular areas include the luxury districts in city’s north, such as residential Dionysus and upmarket Kifissia, which includes the quarter of Politia and nearby Ekali. Also very desirable is the area south of the city known as the Athens Riviera, with seaside suburbs such as posh Glyfada, Voula and Vouliagmeni. A two-bedroom house or flat in these areas rents for four to 10 euros per square metre, and similar properties in these areas cost between 2,000 and 6,000 euros per square metre.