Useful Tricks

Last but not least, do not miss breakfast. It’s an epic multi-course culinary journey rather than just a meal to be enjoyed over a minimum of an hour, with a feast of homemade jams, local cheeses, olives, fresh bread, eggs, pastries, and more. It is so copious you will pretty much get away without having to have lunch, which can save time and money.

One great tip is to use your host, Manolis, as your personal guide. He’s a wealth of local knowledge and gives the best advice on how best to visit the sights. He can give you maps and tell the best order in which to see things (e.g. first Acropolis then Asklepion) and the best non-touristy local restaurants for dinner. This is invaluable.

If you want to visit the sites early morning or late afternoon is the best time to try. By the time the Acropolis and the Asklepion become really harrassingly crowded and hot, especially with tour buses from cruise ships. Take the first cable car up to the Acropolis at 8:30 a.m. That’s a fantastic strategy. You’ll have almost the entire magnificent site to yourself.

Lastly, don’t forget the Asklepion. This is an outlying archeological site (an ancient health center) situated on the opposite of the town. It’s really not that far away; you need not walk your way there. Equally as impressive as the Acropolis; yet much less crowded. It is quite affordable to take a taxi there. This vast and peaceful complex could be wandered through for hours is a “must” to round off your Pergamon experience.