9781422271377

Not only is Athens the historical capital of Greece, but it is also the main city in the Attica region. The city has a population of around 660,000 people and is situated at the base of the old ruins of the Acropolis and the Parthenon. It is about five miles from the Bay of Phaleron, an inlet of the Aegean Sea with a large, active port called Piraeus that sees a constant stream of ships and fishing boats. Athens is touted as the birthplace of Western civilization. The modern Greek pronunciation of Athens is Athínai , while the ancient Greek is Athēnai . Many of the artistic and intellectual ideas that we still embrace today originated in Athens. The city has plenty of tall buildings along with small shops and cafés. Greek music fills the streets while many people enjoy their food at outdoor restaurants. The average temperature in Greece is around 78 degrees Fahrenheit (26 degrees Celsius), and there is rarely snowfall or even dew. It can get down to 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius) in Athens, although it rarely does, and the high temperature is usually around 99 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius). The dryer climate and warm temperatures lend themselves to many outdoor activities, including outdoor dining and shopping. Attica, Athens & the Islands CHAPTER

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