Marathon Travel Guide: Essential Tips and Places to Visit

Marathon Travel Guide: Essential Tips and Places to Visit

Welcome to our comprehensive guide to exploring Marathon, an enchanting city steeped with historic marvels that is nestled in the heart of Greece. In this guide, we'll reveal its captivating culture, historic sites, and local cuisines, whilst providing you with top insider tips to enrich your visit.

A Brief Historical Context

Marathon is undoubtedly one of Greece's most historic cities. The area is known for the Battle of Marathon in 490 BC, where the Athenians fought the Persians. The infamous run from Marathon to Athens by Pheidippides to announce the victory (and where the modern marathon race originated) still leaves an indomitable mark on the city's history.

Cultural Practices and Festivals

Marathons are rich in Greek culture and traditions. The annual 'Marathonomachon Panellinioi Agones' or the Battle of Marathon Games re-enacts the historical battle. A popular event 'The Athenian Classic Marathon' takes place annually, attracting thousands of runners across the globe. This city also hosts local food festivals showcasing their gastronomical delights which shouldn't be missed out.

Where to Visit in Marathon

The Marathon Run Museum

This museum pays homage to one of the greatest footraces in history. It hosts exhibits depicting the history of marathon races and their significance in the Olympic Games.

Tomb of the Athenians

This is a legendary landmark where Athenians, who died in the epic Battle of Marathon, were buried. It's a remarkable testament to the city's heroic past.

The Archaeological Museum of Marathon

Here, collectibles and artifacts from the Neolithic period to late Roman era are housed. See excellent exhibits of pottery, weapons, and burial monuments.

Local Anecdotes

Folklore reveals that the city's name 'Marathon' came from the fenel-like plant called 'marathónion,' which once covered the land. Also, the city is a prime spot for bird watching as it's a major stopover site for migratory birds.

Interesting Facts

• Marathon is the source of The Marathon race, the classic long-distance race run across the world.
• The city was the site of several other key events in ancient history including Sophocles's tragedy, 'Aeneas at Marathon'.

Dining in Marathon

The city offers a sumptuous array of local cuisine. For seafood lovers, try taverna "To Kati Allo" while "O Psaras" serves the best 'gyros' (meat wrap). If you crave for a coffee and a calming view, head to the cafe "Anemos".

How to get there

You can reach Marathon almost exclusively by car or taxi from Athens. The journey usually takes around 1 hour. Bicycles are the best way to get around the city. As for accommodation, Hotel "Golden Coast" and "Ballos Apartments" offers comfortable stays.

We look forward to meeting you in Marathon, where history and modern day Greece gracefully collide.