The main islands of the Saronic Gulf are within easy reach of Athens, either by ferry or hydrofoil.
The ferry boats take about 2 1/2 hours to Poros and between 4-5 hours to Spetses,
while the hydrofoil (flying dolphin) will take I hour to Poros and just under 2 hours to Spetses.
However you will pay about twice as much for the flying dolphin. Call the harbourmaster
for details: 4226 000.

At first sight Poros sees to be surrounded by mountains, as though the sea is a big inland lake,
this gives a sensation of calm, which the busy harbour- front tends to dispel.

Read more: Beyond Athens and Attica

When you first arrive in any city be it on a bus, plane, train or boat, your first concern is accommodation. This may have already been arranged in advance, but if not we provide a short list of hostels and hotels, some near the airport, to get you settled in before you start to look around and see what the city of Athens has to offer. Choose a hotel carefully with your map in hand and request upper floors to avoid noise.

Next you will want something to eat. There are restaurants in Athens of all kinds to cater to every taste, from African to Chinese, French to the ubiquitous "international," and of course, lots of taverns in Athens and restaurants with really good Creek food. The ancient Creeks were renowned for their culinary skills,just as the French chefs are now, and the whole tradition of food as a pleasure shared with friends continues today. Don't be put off by the package tour versions offered in some of the hotels, but search around for yourself, its not difficult to find.

Read more: How to get about in Athens

THE MUSEUMS OF ATHENS

The  Akropolis  Museum: As its name suggests the Acropolis Museum contains finds, from the Acropolis; the glory of the collection lies in its sculpture, particularly the archaic sculpture. Visitors should be sure to see the Ramping Horseman, and the series of figures of korai, or young girls. The girls look as they would have done when taking part in the Panathenaic Procession. Also on display are those bits of sculpture from the Parthenon frieze which Lord Elgin did not take to England, as well as The Caryatides from the Erechtheum.

The new Akropolis Museum:

 The impressive building of the new museum hosts some of the most important archaeological treasures! The five main themes of the collections are:

• The Gallery of the Slopes of the Acropolis
• The Archaic Gallery
• The Parthenon Gallery
• Propylaia, Athena Nike, Erechtheion
• From the 5th c. BC to the 5th c. AD

Read more: THE MUSEUMS OF ATHENS