Why is Athens, Greece, Such an Unexpected Stargazing Destination?

Stargazing has become a popular activity around the world, known as astrotourism. In order to enjoy stargazing, you typically need clear skies without light or air pollution. In other words, large, metropolitan cities are not the first places that come to mind. But in Athens, astrotourism for family travelers isn’t exactly off the table.

The city might be crowded and busy, but it does actually have some out-of-the-way spots that give you and the night sky a break from the chaos. Within the city itself, you’ll want to head to one of the observatories for a clear view of the distant parts of the universe. The city is home to National Observatory of Athens, a functional research facility that also offers tours for a small fee. NOA operates several visitor centers throughout the city, each situated on a different mountain away from the city lights. Each observatory offers a different type of telescope to view the night sky.

You’ll find an antique telescope at the NOA facility located on Nymphs Hill, a small mountain in the heart of downtown Athens. In addition to the unique opportunity to use the antique telescope, you’ll also be able to take a short tour of the facility.

If you want to do some stargazing without the use of a telescope, Athens still has some great opportunities just a short drive out of town. And one in particular gives you a great excuse to schedule a visit to one of the city’s most impressive archaeological sites. The Temple of Sounion, about an hour’s drive outside of Athens along the coast, sits majestically on a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea. There is little civilization nearby, making it a great place to see the sky without light pollution. You can only stay at the temple until sunset (which is actually a must for anyone visiting the city), but it sits along the coastline, where there are plenty of places to grab some dinner while you wait for the stars to appear.

Athens’ unexpected stargazing opportunities make the city an ideal place for families with a variety of interests. You can enjoy the sites, sample plenty of local foods and catch some constellations while you are at it.