Richard Bannister

Ta Aidonakia is the smallest of the three coaster parks in Athens. Though we arrived a full fifteen minutes after the posted opening time there were no rides ready to run yet, something which I'm reliably informed is entirely normal in Greece. Against that however the staff were extremely friendly and accomodating, inviting us to walk around the place and take photographs while we waited. In due course we managed a trip on the ferris wheel followed in short order by what must have been ten laps on Alexandrou (#1470). Though a standard Big Apple coaster, the ride has been constructed around two mature trees planted in the midst of the figure eight layout, resulting in what has to be one of the most picturesque kiddie coasters out there.

Our next stop was a somewhat larger facility located in Glyfada on the eastern side of Athens. International Luna Park looks to all intents and purposes like a large travelling fairground, though one which hasn't moved anywhere in years. It is laid out as a single lengthy midway with a good selection of rides, our sole interest being a powered Dragon. With that out of the way we decided to make a quick exit.

Grey clouds on arrival at Allou served as a warning that we'd have very limited time to enjoy a park that, though not large, was certainly worthy of half a day. In the space of twenty minutes we made a rapid trip through the incorrectly named Big Apple (#1471), the Crazy Mouse (#1472), and the real Big Apple (#1473). While my friends went to get a coffee I made a quick visit to the Star Flyer in the hope of getting some overhead photographs. The ride was just settling back to earth when the weather let go completely. Though lots of attractions remained open we elected to forego getting soaked in favour of some general tourism in Athens.