Could someone describe the walk/climb to get to the Acropolis?

[mom23guys]

We'll be stopping for a day in Athens and would love to go to the Acropolis but I read on the cruise description about steep inclines and 200 steps. My husband has bad back issues and is worried about the steps. He can walk for awhile but needs to stop and sit every 10 or 15 minutes to relieve the pressure on his back. He is able to play golf and walks the course but there are benches to sit on when needed. Is the Acropolis something he could do or should we just go to one of the museums and Platka? We hate to miss the Acropolis but don't want to take a chance unless we think he can do it.

[CruiserBruce]

The description you have is pretty accurate. The missing info is it isn't regular steps, rather it is rough and inconsistant surfaces at times.

If you do a search- perhaps on the Internet, there is some sort of elevator, but I don't know specifics.

[cruisemom42]

There are two approaches to the Acropolis gate from below; one is steeper than the other (which has fewer steps), but both involve a significant number of steps, uneven surfaces, steps made of worn marble that can be slippery, and there are few places to sit. Unless you get there very early (or very late in the day), it is thronged with people.

Don't get me wrong, I love it (have visited 3x now) and think it is a wonderful, worthwhile experience. For someone in normal to couch-potato shape, it isn't a difficult climb. My mom made it at 72 with a bad knee, but was able to sit and rest at one spot -- fewer crowds, since we were there in November. But if you have mobility issues it can be tricky.

[mom23guys]

Thanks for your quick replies. I think we'll just do one of the museums and the Platka. We'll need to be content to see the Pasrthnon from afar.
Does anyone have a preference- Acropolis Museum or Archeology Museum?

[cruisemom42]

The Acropolis museum is all about the the Acropolis, whereas the National Museum covers all of Greek history (and then some).

The Acropolis museum is a wonderful new state of the art building, and it has great views of the Acropolis from its terrace. The National Museum is less conveniently located (e.g., not right off the Acropolis/Plaka area).

For me it would be really difficult to choose. However, if you are less "into" history and just want to see a sampling of art and learn more about the Parthenon (as well as getting a nice view), then I'd suggest the Acropolis Museum. You can do some justice to it in an hour; the other museum you'd really need a minimum of 2 hours and better if you had half a day there.

[Zukini]

There is an elevator at the Acropolis that was installed in 2004, but its use is restricted to the demonstrably disabled. I found a couple of articles about it, and the methods to gain permission to use it, so hopefully you'll find these helpful;

Article at TripAdvisor (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g189400-c144005/Athens:Greece:Use.Of.The.Acropolis.Elevator.html)

Article at AthensGuide (http://www.athensguide.com/disabled/index.htm)

[zqvol]

Everyone talks about the hill and the steps, but no one gives a good graphic of the area. You walk up a path, some of it is concrete, some dirt and rock until you reach the bottom of the steps and then you go up that steps. I did not count them but there are not 200, closer to 100. The heights are inconsistent, and even after you get through the gates there are about 40 more. There are plenty of rocks to sit on and rest if needed. Just be sure to take water.

Here are some pics of where you are going and from the bottom of the steps looking up.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7185/6824794140_997e9b600a.jpg


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7064/6824796110_5f1b6dd8f6.jpg


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7065/6824795108_e857a5c581.jpg


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7046/6824797266_42daa672eb.jpg

Notice the paved path in the bottom photo. A lot of the way is similar to that.

[paul929207]

It is a good uphill climb, but there are benches and rocks to sit on along the way

[texancruzer]

I agree - go for it !

If he can walk a golf course - he can do this. And yes there are some places he can sit and rest - I did :D

To go all the way there and not try would be a shame.

[guineapig]

We did the Acropolis in 2009 in August mid morning very busy, but you could stop to one side and rest if you wanted. There are many steps, uneven but its do-able. I did it and I am 55, very unfit and very overweight. Just took my time and walked slowly. The views at the top are well worth all the effort.
We also visited the Acropolis museum last year 2011, it was great, very modern and you can see the Acropolis from there-at a distance, the museum is well worth the visit but only you/husband can decide if the walk upto the Acropolis is worth doing. Go on give it a try!:)
Added so photos of the area leading upto the Acropolis taken in 2009.

[Langley Cruisers]

Is the Acropolis something he could do or should we just go to one of the museums and Platka? We hate to miss the Acropolis...

The description is accurate and you can see from the pictures what is involved. I see you are going in June and you never know how hot it will be yet, but a very hot day will add to the difficulty factor. I honestly think he should decide for himself if he can do it or not. If it's too much, he can sit and wait while you carry on, or you can all turn back. I think it should be his decision.

You're going to be there - isn't it a shame not to check this off your bucket list? :)
.

[mom23guys]

Thanks all for the help. We will probably try to do the Acropolis. I didn't realize it's the same route up and down. If it is too much we'll just head back down. Hopefully if we get there early it wont be too hot.

[Lois R]

Glad to see this thread.....someone mentioned "Couch Potatoe shape"
That would be me:eek:.....I don't want to miss The Acropolis either.

[Railer]

We did the Acropolis last November. I'm in my 50's, over 300 lbs with bad knees. I did not have any trouble getting to the top. When we went the temp was around 70 degrees with a slight breeze. We really enjoyed it and I'm glad we did it. Like others said, there are places to have a sit and have a short rest.

[prish]

Absolutely, you should go for it. My mom did it at age 74, stopping to rest in between and was happy she made the effort. Try and get there early in the morning to beat the crowds and the heat, carry a bottle of water and take it slowly. Good luck!

[Mexfolkart]

You should definitely go for it. I have been there 3 times and the last time was shortly after I had had some major issues with my leg muscles and had even been in a wheel chair .. I could do it..I sent my husband and our friends on up, took my time and got there..fabulous to see and worth it..just go slowly, places to rest along the sides..just leaning..but you MUST get there early..it opens at 8am I believe. Yes, if it is too much, head back down but at least you can see some of it!
My vote would be for the Acropolis Museum.
Enjoy..we will be back in about a month! Love Athens!
Sherry