Athens’ Secret Island: A Self-Guided Walk in Anafiotika and Plaka

This self-guided audio tour blends Athens' ancient history with 5 fun optional challenges and quizzes woven in along the way to keep things playful as you explore. You'll start at the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian's Arch. From there, you'll walk one of Europe's oldest continuously used roads through Plaka. you'll climb into Anafiotika — a whitewashed Cycladic village said to have been built overnight in the 1830s by stonemasons from the island of Anafi. You'll walk past the cursed Tzisdarakis Mosque and the antique stalls of Yousuroum Flea Market. Along the way, you'll also pass the Roman Agora, the Tower of the Winds, and the Temple of Hephaestus, Greece's best-preserved ancient temple. Perfect for history buffs, photo lovers, and independent travellers who want a hidden side of Athens with a bit of fun built in. After booking, install the VoiceMap app and enter your ticket code to download and start touring.

1. 1

   Temple of Olympian Zeus

   Pass by

   Pass by one of the largest temples of the ancient world, dedicated to Zeus, king of the Olympian gods. From here, you'll enjoy impressive views while discovering how this monumental sanctuary shaped the history of ancient Athens.

2. 2

   Arch of Hadrian

   Pass by

   Walk through one of the most iconic Roman landmarks in Athens, the Arch of Hadrian, which once marked the boundary between the ancient Greek city and the Roman city of Emperor Hadrian. From here, you'll get a clear view of how Athens transformed during the Roman period while continuing your journey toward the historic heart of the city.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   Pass by

   Discover the hidden charm of the Church of Saint Catherine, a peaceful Byzantine gem tucked away in the heart of Plaka. As you pass by, you’ll hear how this quiet corner reflects the layered history of Athens, where ancient, Byzantine, and modern life exist side by side.

4. 4

   Choragic Monument of Lysicrates

   Pass by

   Admire the elegant Monument of Lysicrates, one of the finest surviving examples of Classical Greek architectural decoration, standing proudly in the streets of Plaka. As you pass by, you’ll learn how this beautifully preserved structure reflects Athens’ classical past and its tradition of celebrating artistic achievement.

5. 5

   Anafiotika

   Pass by

   Discover Anafiotika, a hidden Cycladic-style village tucked beneath the Acropolis that feels like a secret island in the middle of Athens. As you wander through its maze-like whitewashed alleys, you’ll step into one of the city’s most magical and unexpected neighbourhoods, where time seems to slow down completely.

6. 6

   Stop 6

   Pass by

   Perched on the slopes of the Acropolis, the Church of Agios Georgios of the Rock feels like a hidden sanctuary above the city. As you pass by, you’ll experience a peaceful moment that contrasts with the energy of central Athens, while learning how deeply spirituality is woven into this historic landscape.

7. 7

   Roman Agora

   Pass by

   Step into the Roman Agora of Athens, once the commercial heart of the ancient city, where trade, daily life, and civic activity took place under Roman rule. As you pass through this historic site, you’ll also see the famous Tower of the Winds, an ancient clock and weather station that reveals the scientific ingenuity of classical Athens.

8. 8

   Ancient Agora of Athens

   Pass by

   You'll walk by the Ancient Agora of Athens, once the political, commercial, and social heart of classical Athenian life. As you pass by, you’ll discover how this open space shaped democracy, philosophy, and daily life in ancient Greece, surrounded by some of the city’s most important surviving monuments.

9. 9

   Stoa of Attalos

   Pass by

   Walk alongside the reconstructed Stoa of Attalos, a striking colonnaded building that showcases the scale and elegance of ancient Athenian public architecture. As you pass by, you’ll get a sense of how this space once served as a bustling hub of commerce, gathering, and daily life in the heart of the Ancient Agora.

10. 10

    Temple of Hephaestus

    Pass by

    Admire the remarkably well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus, one of the best intact ancient Greek temples, standing proudly above the Ancient Agora. As you pass by, you’ll learn how this sacred site dedicated to the god of craftsmanship has survived through centuries as a powerful symbol of classical Athens.

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• The total tour time includes walking the route and passing by the attractions

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.