S U M M E R 2 0 2 2 - w w w . a t h e n s v o i c e .

g r - F ree p ress

CITY GUIDE’
2022

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 City & Islands Guide 2022
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Fotis Georgeles
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An annual publication of Athens Voice S.A.
14 Monuments
Harilaou Trikoupi 22, 106 79 Athens-Greece of the Athens City
Editorial: tel +302103617360
Advertising: tel +30210 3617530 At a glance, Athens may look like an ordinary, 16 Museums
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e-mail: [email protected] contemporary, metropolitan city. But the truth is that 24 Athens Epidaurus
Copyright ATHENS VOICE 2022
amidst the hustle, bustle and concrete gray buildings
All rights reserved. Festival 2022
No part of this publication may be reproduced
actually lies a colorful, vibrant, warm and friendly city,
in any form without written permission full of overwhelming energy and stunning abstractions. 26 Neighbourhoods
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From urban architectural treasures and natural 30 See Athens
LE
ASE RECYC
hideaways to unforgettable nightlife and a culinary blend in one day
LE
P

that is local-driven as it is international, every Athenian

street and every Athenian turn unveils the immortal 34 A first-timer
traces of the ancient Greek culture and glory. in Athens
vHere, at Athens Voice –Greece’s leading publication 36 Biking in Athens
for 20 years– we’re excited to welcome all of you to our
38 Green Oases
beautiful country. In doing so, we’ve prepared our annual
guide, packed with all the insider knowledge you need 40 Open air cinemas
and our clear, concise expertise on everything Athens has 42 Shopping
to offer. From popular spots for drinks to an off-the- 48 Bookshops
beaten-path art gallery, we’ll show you all our favorite
destinations, and hopefully they’ll become yours too! 50 Hotels
54 Sugar cravings
We look forward to being your trusted companion
60 Restaurants
during your stay. Follow us @athensvoice
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the hastags #athensvoice, #lookmag, 82 Beaches
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86 Getaways
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Enjoy your stay! 90 Metro

SUMMER 2022_ 3
 Vasilis Kikilias
Minister of Tourism

Dear visitor,
Welcome to Athens, one of the oldest cities in the world,
a city that has more to offer than meets the eye.
A city well known for its heritage and history, but at the same time
a contemporary metropolis full of life cultural events and
gastronomical gems waiting to be discovered by you.
Even if this is your first or multiple visit, I urge you to discover
the historical centre, the Athenian riviera where you enjoy an island like beach life
and entertainment, as well as the less known neighbourhoods
and suburbs of Athens. You will find yourself amazed
with the abundance of choices for all types of visitors.
I wish you a pleasant stay and will be awaiting you
to return to discover even more.

4 _ SUMMER 2022
ATHENS:
The recovery
of the Metropolis
of the Greek
Tourism
By Dimitris Fragakis
Secretary General
of the Greek National Tourism
Organization

©V. Zavos
he Greek tourism, after two Ancient monuments magically coexist with
extremely tough years, is finally contemporary place marks. Athens is firmly
bouncing back. Fact is that associated with the sea. In fact, the Athens Riviera
the pandemic during the years is a project that develops fast on the coastline of the
2021 and 2022 caused our southern suburbs.
country an economic loss as Furthermore, contemporary architecture buildings
high as 25 billion euros of its such as the National Gallery, the Museum of Modern
tourism income. Art, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center,
In particular, urban tourist destinations, with Athens the Onassis Stegi, have remarkably contributed to the
on top, suffered a great damage dissimilar to other city’s upgraded image.
regional spots. Nevertheless, during the pandemic, A challenging day after, with many opportunities
Greece remarkably withstood and handled this crisis indeed.
in the best possible way. “The Greekend”, a campaign we created about
Thanks to our targeted planning and to our systemic your long Greek weekend, has already become iconic.
and collective efforts we have managed not only “Greece Does Have a Winter”, for the first time an
to keep our country’s brand at high levels but also inspirational campaign to call attention to Greece
to reinforce it. An achievement that guided us during wintertime.
to a leading place! At the same time, we propose numerous fascinating
Athens stands by itself as a potential tourism brand experiences one may have in the Greek capital
and we, at the Greek National Tourism Organization and its suburbs. For us, it is of crucial importance
aim to build up on it, in collaboration with local to promote Marine and Health & Wellness types
authorities, the mass media, the commerce and the of tourism, as well as to prove that Athens
society of the citizens. is a digital nomad-friendly city and by all means,
The Athens Voice Guidebook you are actually a luxury living place.
holding is an exceptional mapping of what awaits Undoubtedly, both recovery and sustainable
a visitor during his stay in Athens. After all, the city development in Athens, the metropolis of the Greek
introduces itself as a miniature of the whole country, tourism, constitute issues that are not easy to deal
with its diverse landscapes, its glowing civilization with and require a lot of effort.
and its exquisite cuisine… a totally effervescent However, I strongly believe that we will successfully
European capital. manage!

6 _ SUMMER 2022
 Welcome
Greece: Associated by most with its long, ATHENS
sunny Greek summer, golden beaches, Could Athens become the new Berlin? The BBC wondered
turquoise waters, traditional food by the sea. not long ago. The city might look poor in aspects but
But our country is a lot more than this. There is there is a sexy vibe in it. Industrial spaces have turned
a lot of history and a lot of happening now. into art venues, performance studios, places where much
Athens, the capital city, overcoming the crisis, is happening. The hype is art and emerging artists are
is again a buzzing metropolis, a lively hive of fleeing from all over Europe. Berlin, maybe not. But
creative spirit, with something of interest for shaping its own modern identity, yes!
all its visitors. There is “joie de vivre” in every
corner of it. Below are some useful things to BROKEN PAVEMENTS and slope warning
know from the minute you step foot in this Don’t expect properly conserved pavements and roads.
wonderful country of contrasts. So put on your sneakers instead of high heels!
BOUZOUKIA It used to be the ultimate Greek night-
By YANNIS NENES out. Large stages, whiskey & flowers thrown to the singer
we like – don’ t ask why. Younger Greeks, now, prefer big
concerts of tribal, balkan, ethnic beat.
The rails on the pedestrian pathway
at Makriyiannis Street are the CROSS Older people will cross themselves when
remnants of the old Athenian passing a church. It’s a common gesture for good luck.
Tram, which stopped operating Notice many taxi drivers do it too.
in the early 60s.
DRIVERS They are kind of sloppy. Following the street
The underground river flowing signs is something of a weak character. So beware.
underneath Monastiraki Square, DERTI “An unrelenting sense of loss or unfulfilled
some of its parts now exposed desire”. It’s a word to describe the feeling you get after a
in sight, is Eridanos river. heartbreak, a sentiment Greeks love to sing about.
Remember, “drama” is also a greek word.
The longest road in Athens is Acharnon DRUGS Cannabis in Greece is illegal for recreational
street, stretching for about 3 kilometers purposes. In 2017 medical use of cannabis was legalized.
of length. If you are found carrying it around (or using it) you will
probably get arrested.
The narrowest is Kallipou street, about
2 meters in weidth. It is located between EATING in Athens Never fails to please. There are
Monastiraki square and Kapnikarea, hundreds of great places to eat in every part of the city.
intersecting Ermou Street. You will find a wonderful fusion of traditional and modern
greek cuisine. Just be careful of restaurants that seem
The name of the english nobleman very ˝touristic”– the food there is usually not the best.
who removed the marbles of Parthenon
is Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin. FOUSTANELLA Traditional pleated kilt that comes of
the 19th century. It is worn by the guards of the former
About 7% of all the marble produced Royal Palace, Evzones, (meaning the “well-belted” elite
in the world comes from Greece. soldiers, a term traced in Homer’s times). In Syntagma
square, you can take your picture next to them and see
The first Athenian suburb was Kolonos. if they blink. Every so often they do a little march to break
the monotony of standing still all day and at 6pm you
Back in 1853 the population of can watch the changing of the guards. Just make sure
Athens was 30,000. Today it exceeds that you do not stand in their way; they are not allowed
3,5 million. to stop for any reason-instead, they can march-kick the
obstacles with their pompom shoes.
The Presidential Guard (Evzones) in FRAPPE SOCIETY Frappe coffee is the lifeblood of
front of the Greek Parliament building Greek society. Made with instant Nescafe mixed with
at Syntagma, "rotates" every hour. water, ice, milk and lots of sugar, a frappe will provide
you with the right amount of caffeine for your coffee
Facing the building of the Academy of break, and the right buzz to sip while gossiping and
Athens, the statue on the left is Plato people watching. Now entries are the fredoccino, the
and that on the right is Socrates. frapuccino and everything as long as it’s cold and long

8 _ SUMMER 2022
 "Happy is the man,
I thought, who, before dying,
has the good fortune
to sail the Aegean Sea"
-Nikos Kazantzakis,
“Zorba the Greek”
©Marco Montero Pisani/unsplash

SUMMER 2022_ 9
 The Columns of Olympian Zeus giving many different flavours of honey, especially
are the remainings of a "gigantic" in the region of Attica and Crete. You will want to try
Temple dedicated to Zeus. thyme honey, which cannot be found anywhere else
At its time, Olympieion as it in the world.
was called, it was bigger than
the Parthenon, in fact it was the INTERNET Greece has 3G, 4G+ 5G mobile broadband
biggest temple in Greece. and Satellite Internet access. Greece also has an
extensive fiber optic network throughout the country.
The Parthenon’s roof was kept well Most cafes and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi. Ask for
maintained for more than 2,000 years, the password.
until late 17th century, in 1687, when it IT IS A SMOKER’S PARADISE Smoking is very
was bombarded by the Venetians under popular in Greece and still relatively cheap compared to
Francesco Morosini. the rest of Europe. Non-smoking signals in bars are not
to be trusted. If you are looking for a smoke-free
The tallest building in Athens, and in the environment, ask the waitress.
whole Greece, is the "Athens Tower"
at Ampelokipi. Its 28 floor-structure go JEWELRY SHOPS Everywhere! Greek men don’t wear
up 103 meters to the sky. so much gold like the Italians do. Except maybe, a golden
cross their mama gave to them 30 years ago! Greek
Athens limits buildings to 12 floors so as women love jewels but, most of all, tourists love
not to block the view of the Parthenon. handcrafted gold since it is inexpensive in Greece but
also for its high quality and excellent craftsmanship.
There are 29 cities in the world named
"Athens", seven of which are found in KAFSONAS If you hear this word on the news,
the United States. be prepared: it means heatwave.
KIOSKS We call them “periptero” and they provide
The world’s third leading producer of almost anything. Cigarettes, milk, snacks, condoms etc.
olives, the Greeks have cultivated olive Some of them stay open 24/7: that’s the best part of it.
trees since ancient times. Some olive KOULOURI Walking around the city, you will spot some
trees planted in the thirteenth century men selling this kind of bagel, round pastry coated in
are still producing olives. sesame seeds. It’s the most healthy snack you can find
for a relatively small price (maximum €1,5). It’s the handy
Sometimes thw city of Athens is breakfast for most greeks, along with the morning coffee.
referred to as The Big Olive. KEFI/KEFIA Means joy, spirit, passion, happiness,
triumph, mojo, excitement, feeling good, having fun,
Greece enjoys more than 250 days of loving life. If we had to choose only one word describing
sunshine-or 3,000 sunny hours a year. Greece’s values in general, this would be it.

MALAKA The most common address between friends

or enemies. Among friends it is used like “dude”. But if
the person addressing you with this word looks angry,
to drink. Third wave coffee is also a great preference walk away because you never know!
especially among young people who hang out in new MOUTZA You may notice that some drivers give an
and established specialty coffee shops. open palm gesture to each other. It’s a kind of an
offensive curse of Byzantine, or French, or Venetian
GRAFFITI Athens is considered to be a paradise for origin.
graffiti artists, as most of them can go and spray
wherever they want, mostly tagging their logos. Still, ΝEOCLASSICAL HOUSES Beautiful buildings
there are many wonderful wall arts made by creative of the 19th century have survived and they have been
graffiti artists who have their own colourful way to spray renovated. Most of them in the area of Plaka.
the city.
GREEK COFFEE Unfiltered coffee probably of Arabic/ OWL Throughout the antiquity, goddess Athena and
Turkish origin. Served hot in small cups. You drink only the her companion owl served as city and primary coin type.
liquid part. Greek coffee has to be made the traditional What made the Athenian silver so popular and long
way that most die-hard old men in coffee shops lasting was its status as the definition of good money.
(cafenéon) follow: boiled on hot sand (“chovoli”). There is The modern Greek one-euro coin features the owl taken
a long tradition in old Greece of reading the remains in from the ancient Athenian four-drachma piece,
coffee cups and foretelling the future, a highly prized skill. practically the first coin in the history of Europe. Artist
Dimitris Kasdaglis draws owls on peebles hiding them
HONEY An ancient super food. Hippocrates advised in various places in the city, free for finders keepers.
people to eat honey every day in order to live longer.
From the early prehistoric times the art of apiculture and PALAMAKIA Clapping your hands rhythmically. Apart
honey collection still remains a primary agriculture from showing appreciation, it’s also essential for dancing
activity for Greeks. Due to long periods of sunshine, and having fun the greek way. Old greeks used to clap
Greek honey is internationally known for its distinct when they wanted to attract the waiter’s attention in
biological and organoleptic characteristics. The abrupt tavernas.
changes of landscape make Greek flora so rich, that PHILOTIMO Greeks are very proud of this word which
7,500 different species of plants are growing in Greece cannot be translated. It means “the love of honour”, or

10 _ SUMMER 2022
 THE GREEK DIET
It used to be simple: bread, cheese, vegetables,
olive oil, wine, and on Sundays fish or pork.
Beef was seldom eaten, and sheep and goats were
kept mainly for hides, wool, and milk. Nowadays,
it’s a Sunday everyday.

GREEK BREAKFAST
For many Greeks it consists of a quick coffee,
“tyropita” (feta cheese pie) and cigarettes
on the move.

©stavrialena gontzou/unsplash
raw-edged leather flats but contemporary designs
combining aesthetics of Ancient Greek sculpture and
modern streetwise accessories fashion.
SUPERSTITIONS Greeks have many. The strongest
among them is the “evil eye” – If someone looks at you
in a bad way, he will “give you the evil eye”, headache
and bad luck. That’s why we are very often wearing
a small blue charm, for protection. It’s a common
Mediterranean thing.

TAXIS They are yellow, they are everywhere and,

"doing good”, and it refers to the concept of respecting compared to other international cities, the rates are
values. According to ancient Greek philosopher, Thales, still cheap. You should always request a receipt for the
“A Greek is not a Greek without it”. amount paid, which should also indicate the taxi
PUBLIC TRANSPORT The subway (metro) in Athens registration number and the driver’s name. If you do
is relatively new, clean and proper. But it’s far from get overcharged don’t start a fight but report
covering the whole city. The subway’s three lines are line the licence plate to the Tourist police. You can always use
1 (green), line 2 (red) and line 3 (blue). You can use the Uber, Beat and the TaxiPlon free applications for a ride,
train to move from the North of the city to the port, and if you want to pay by card.
buses to move in the rest uncovered areas. The latter TAP WATER In Greece is fine. And bottled spring
require patience and good will, because they are rarely water is readily available. Nevertheless, do not pay more
on time. than €1 for O,5L of bottled water.

QUEER ATHENS LGBTQ+ crowd is very active in VEGETABLES Famous, well-loved greek summer dishes
Athens. Gay and lesbian clubs and bars can be found are made with fresh, ripe vegetables. If you want to buy
in Gkazi. You can find wild dance floors or quiet places vegetables, preferably buy them from the farmer’s
within a kilometer of the metro station “Kerameikos”. market (“laiki agora”). Held on various days of the week
in neighborhoods throughout the city.
REBETIKA Urban popular songs of the Greeks,
especially the poorest, from the late 19th century to the WINE Is traditionally good in Greece and enjoyed in
1950s, similar to the blues culture. The word is connected everyday meals. In small, old type taverns, wine is served
to the adjective “rebetis”, which means a person in kartoutsos (kar-tou-tchos), metal jars in fixed sizes.
connected to some particular subculture. Many new bohemians consider them to be excellent
RELAX The most important part of the Greek coffee kitchenware.
ritual. Do a little chit chat, read a newspaper or just stay WALKING When walking around the city centre, bear
still thinking about great truths of life. Enjoy. in mind that car drivers don’t usually respect the white-
line crossings. Never, ever cross a street if the green
SANDALS There are quite a lot new designers light is not on. Also, be careful for pickpockets.
(Christina Martini and Nikolas Minoglou, London based
Marios Schwab for Ancient Greek Sandals footwear YASSOU It is the a very common salute, meaning
label, Zali Sandals, Greek Salad Sandals, Grecian Chick, “hello”. Address a local like that to steal his heart and
Zeus+∆ione and DiGaia, Greece Is For Lovers design have him at hello. It comes from “health to you”.
team) who have updated the classic Greek leather YAMAS “Health to us all”. It’s the familiar greek way
sandals to a new impressive level. Not just strappy, to say Cheers!

“NEVER ON A SUNDAY” ZEIBEKIKO A Greek improvisational dramatic solo

dance for men. Its name comes from Zeybeks, people
Oscar winning music theme for the movie of Asia Minor. The dancer is surrounded by other people,
of the same name. The composer, Manos Hadjidakis, who kneel and clap to him. It is a renowned dance for
is one of the most favorite Greek composers. “mangas”, the macho archetype in the Greek poetry
of masculinity.

12 _ SUMMER 2022
 Monuments
The city of Athens is, in and of itself,
a sort of museum. Walking through
the city, you ’re sure to encounter
marble figureheads and fenced off
areas enclosing archaeological digs.
The very streets upon which you walk
encase the histories of the women
and men who occupied this land
thousands of years ago. But, like any
museum, Athens has too many
artifacts to explore in a lifetime,
let alone a single vacation.
See below for some of our favorite
monuments around the city, rich with
the cultural heritage of Greece.

By Isabelle Clayton

14 _ SUMMER 2022
 Acropolis of Athens When you Prison of Socrates and the Filopappou
visit the iconic Acropolis, you stand upon Monument, a funerary column honoring
one of Greece’s 18 World Heritage Sites. Roman Gaius Julius Antiochus. Also known
As the Acropolis transitioned from being as the Hill of the Muses, hikes here not
a citadel, to a site of pagean worship, only offer a rich cultural experience, but
to a center for religious gathering, its also panoramic views of the Acropolis
monuments maintained transcendent and the Saronic Gulf.
value. Today, they remain cultural and
historical landmarks of Greek Antiquity, The Roman Agora
admired on the global scale. and the Library of Hadrian
Due to invasion in the 200s A.D.,
Parthenon The Parthenon, perched the Ancient Agora’s routine operations
atop the Acropolis, exists as an ever were moved to the Roman Agora, built
present reminder of the city’s immense with the sponsorship of Julius Caesar
history. Following the Greco-Persian Wars, and Augustus. This Agora functioned
Pericles launched a project to rebuild in tandem with the Library of Hadrian,
the Acropolis, creating the Parthenon which acted not only as a library,
as a tribute to the patron goddess and but as a significant civic center.
namesake of the ancient city: Athena. Today, find both landmarks in the
Today, an incredible portion of the neighborhood of Plaka.
building’s architecture remains intact,
despite it being used, plundered, Choragic Monument
and even, bombed, over the past of Lysicrates
two thousand years. In ancient times, the significant costs
required to put on performances
The Theatre of Dionysus and were covered by wealthy Greek men
the Odeon of Herodoes Atticus known as choregos. Donated between
As you hike up to the summit of the 335-334 B.C., Lysicrates’s Monument
Acropolis, take the opportunity to rest your celebrated a first-prize winning
legs and explore the site’s two great performance that Lysicrates had financed.
theaters: the Theater of Dionysus and the To this day, it is the only Choragic
Odeon of Herodes Atticus. In the Theater Monument we have uncovered.
of Dionysus, the oldest theater in the
world, thousands once sat to watch the Kerameikos Prior to becoming
great tragedies of Sophocles, Euripides, a cemetery, Kerameikos was a settlement
and Aeschylus. The Herodeon, constructed of keramos (potters). In archeological
in Roman times, continues to serve Athens excavations of the area, incredible stores
as an open-air theater, hosting the Athens of pottery have been discovered here,
Epidaurus Festival and other in addition to thousands of tombs, some
performances, all open to the public. dating back as early as the Bronze Age.

The Ancient Agora Northwest Panathenaic Stadium While the

of the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora of architecture of the Panathenaic Stadium
Athens was once a site of commercial has changed over time, its symbolic value
activity, political assembly, and pagean as a site of sport and athletics has
festivals. Athenian ideals of democracy transcended the ages. In 330 B.C., the
were cultivated in the Agora, both through stadium hosted the ancient Panathenaic
citizens’ right to vote, and through Games, and in 1896, the renovated
the enforcement of laws by way stadium hosted the first Modern Olympic
of jury proceedings. Games. Today, the stadium is a popular
tourist attraction and venue for physical
Pnyx (Pnika) Although democracy activity, specifically running.
was first bred in the Agora, in the fifth
century, political assemblies moved their Temple of Olympian Zeus
discussions to a rocky mass known The Temple of Olympian Zeus, also known
as the Pnyx. On this hill, men as the Olympieion, took over 600 years
demonstrated ideals of equality and to complete, and existed through Roman
democracy through their shared right times as one of the largest temples in
©hert-niks/unsplash

to debate and vote upon issues of public, Greece. Only 15 of its 104 columns remain
political, and economic concern. today, colossal marble fragments which
only help us to imagine what the
Filopappou Hill Filopappou hill has monument may have looked like
many wonders to explore, including the in its prime.

SUMMER 2022_ 15
National Archaeological Museum

16 _ SUMMER 2022
Greece is well known for National The Acropolis Museum
its rich history, dating Archaeological Museum It’s an architectural jewel in the city
back to the ancient The largest museum in Greece, and of Athens. A modern glass building
times, and its major one of the most important museums that allows the natural sunlight to
contributions to modern in the world was founded in 1829. It embrace the statues, while also
culture. When visting was the first museums founded in providing visitors with breathtaking
the country’s capital, the Greek state, after the views of the Acropolis opposite. It
Athens, exploring at revolutionary struggle and the holds more than 20,000 pieces,
least some of its liberation of Greece. The museum’s unearthed during excavations in
museums is a must. collection includes: Prehistoric Athens. Located on the ancient road
Each of Greces' period, the Sculptures collection Dionysiou Areopagitou, only 300
numerous museums (which demonstrates the meters southeast of the Parthenon.
gives visitors the chance development of ancient Greek The Acropolis Museum was voted
to find out about all sculpture form the 7th to the 5th one of Trip Advisor travelers’ choice
aspects of Greek centuries BC). The Vase and Minor in 2016. It was also third in the
culture and history, objects collection (ancient Greek Sunday Times list of the 50 best
ranging from ancient pottery) and the Metallurgy museums of the world. The museum
Greece and Greek collection (with many fundamental is approximately 1 kilometer from
traditions, to the arts statues). Highlights include the Monastiraki stastion, and 2
and many more. Golden Mask of Agamemnon that kilometers fron Syntagma
was unearthed by H. Schliemann in (Constitution) station. Where
By Christina Vasileiadis Mycenae. Latest additions include a possible, try to avoid visiting during
4th century BC gold funerary wreath the rush hours of 10:00 to 14:00.
and 6th century marble statue of a Always begin the tour on the first
young woman, returned to Greece in floor at the northeast corner to best
2007 by the Getty Museum in appreciate the significance of the
California. The museum is a 19th Acropolis in the Mycenaean Period.
century neoclassical building,
hosting more than 11,000 exhibits, Friday night at the museum
and covers an area of 8,000 sq. Every Friday the Acropolis Museum
metres, it was designed by L. Lange stays open until 22:00 and its
and remodeled by Ernst Ziller. Make restaurant until midnight. Enjoy a
sure that you have plenty of time to special menu ,based on tradiotional
spend at the museum, at least 3 to 4 recipes, with beautiful night views of
hours or an entire day. Don’t forget the Acropolis and great value for
to visit the atrium’s garden, recently money. The restaurant, located on
renovated, which displays 700 the second floor of the museum,
plants, many of them referred to in occupies 700 square meter of public
Greek mythology. terrace and commands a
Tue 13:00-20:00•Wed-Mon breathtaking view of the historic hills
08:00-20:00•Admission fee: of Athens.
€12•Reduced admission: €6•Free Mon 08:00-16:00•Tue-Thu & Sat-Sun
admission for: Escorting teachers on 08:00-20:00•Fri 08:00-22:00•
educational visits from EU member- Admission Fee: €10•Public entrance
states, visitors under the age of 25 from Dionysiou Areopagitou/ Groups
from EU member-states (upon from Mitseon•For: the ground floor
presentation of ID), students from E.U. Shop and Café, the purchase of a
countries, admission card holders (Free ticket is not required•For: the second
Entrance Card, Culture Card, ICOM, floor Shop and Restaurant, a free
ICOMOS), guides (by showing their admission ticket is required from the
professional cards), members of Ticket Desk.•Free admission EU
Societies of Friends of Museums and students - ID required.
Archaeological Sites of Greece, by Akropoli, 15 Dionysiou
showing their membership card, escort Areopagitou Str., +302109000900,
of blind people and escort of persons theacropolismuseum.gr
with mobility difficulties.•Reduced
admission for: Senior citizens over the Cycladic Art
Museum
©secret travel guide/unsplash

age of 65 (upon presentation of ID or

passport for verification of their age It was founded in 1986, to hold the
and country of origin), parents collection of Nicholas and Dolly
acompannying educational visits from Goulandris. Since then it has grown
primary schools. in size, currently holding one of the
Victoria, 44 Patission (28 October) biggest private collctions od Cycladic
Str., Victoria, +302132144800, art in the world. Ancient cultures
namuseum.gr of the Aegean and Cyprus, both

SUMMER 2022_ 17
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The Acropolis Museum

permanent and temporary exhibits of approximately eager to make a tour of Athens’s abundant churches.
3,000 objects from all phases of Cycladic, Ancient The building was originally the villa of the eccentric
Greek and Cypriot art are housed in the two buildings French-American philhellene the Duchess of Plaisance.
of this museum. With special emphasis on the Cycladic Inspired by the Greek War of Independence, she
Art of the 3rd millennium BC. The glass-roofed corridor resolved to fund a museum.
that connects the modern building of Neofytou Douka Mon 08:00-20:00•Τue: 13:00-20:00•Wed-Sun:
Street to the restored 19th century neoclassical 08:00-20:00•Admission fee: €8•Free admission for:
Stathatos Mansion is a feast for the eyes. Don’t forget Children and young people aged between 6 and 25
to visit the new Cycladic café that brings the taste of years, of member states of the EU and the European
Aegean fresh air into the City of Athens, in more ways Economic Area, on presentation of their passport to
than one! It is the perfect place to enjoy your confirm their age and country of origin
breakfast, brunch, lunch or just a coffee. Evangelismos, 22 Vasilissis Sofias Str., Kolonaki,
Mon-Wed-Fri-Sat 10:00-17:00•Thu 10:00-20:00 +302132139517, byzantinemuseum.gr
•Sun 11:00-17:00•Closed Tue•Admission fee:
€10,•Reduced fee: €7•Reduced fee for: Seniors EMST National Museum
(over 65 y.o.), 19-26 y.o., students and chamber of Contemporary Art Athens
of fine arts cardholders•Free admission for: The National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens,
Kids and young persons under 18, visitors with located at the former FIX brewery, has been building
disabilities and their companion, archaeologists, its collection the beginning of its operation in 2000. Its
archaeology and art history students, members current collection holds approximately 1,400 artworks
of ICOM-ICOMOS, journalists, qualified guides. and is separated into two categories; historic art,
Syntagma/Evangelismos, 4 Neophytou Douka Str. / dating from the second half of the 20th century, and
1 Irodotou & Vas. Sofias Ave., Athens, contemporary art. Periodically, the museum features
+302107228321-3, cycladic.gr temporary exhibitions ranging from art commissioned
by the museum to photography and video
The Byzantine & installations. Opening hours: Tuesdays-Wednesdays &
Christian Museum Fridays-Sundays 11:00-19:00, Thursdays 11:00-22:00
Over 25,000 artifacts from between the 3rd and 20th General Admission: €8 Reduced Admission: €4, for
century AD: Early Christian, Byzantine, Medieval, post- young people ages 13-18, university students, groups of
Byzantine and later periods. The size and range of the 10 visitors or more, visitors over the age of 65.
collections and value of the exhibits make the Museum Free Entrance for: children under the age of 12, visitors
a veritable treasury of Byzantine and post-Byzantine with disabilities and their guides, groups of school,
art and culture. It also houses a conservation university and technological Educational institution
department. You can admire reconstructions of parts students and their accompanying teachers and
of early churches, wonderfully preserved mosaic floors professors, members of ICOM-ICOMOS and licensed
and wall paintings. The early Christian ecclesiastical tour guides. Kallirois Av. & Frantzi Str.,
artifacts and icons can offer a foretaste for those (former Fix brewery), Athens, +302111019000

18 _ SUMMER 2022
 For more info on opening
hours and entrance fees,
it' s worth visiting the Greek
National Tourism Ifomration
Office (Areopagitou 18-20,
just opposite the Acropolis
Museum entrance).
EU students get free or
reduced admission to
museums and galleries,
which is also sometimes the
case for citizens over the
age of 65 and under 19.
Don't forget you ID.
Visiting in the earlier hours
is the best choice as later
in the day, especially
midday, tempratures soar
up to 40°C (100° F) and the
UV index
is much higher.
© Ανtonis nikolopoulos /EUROKINISSI

The quietest days to visit

museums in the capital
are Wednsedays.
Some museums remain
closed on Mon or Tue.
Virtual tours are offered
by many museums, allowing
visitors to get a better idea
of the space and be more
prepared for their visit.
National Gallery

The War Museum €1.5 Concessions for: students and senior citizens
The War Museum was found in 1964, to honor all (+65 y.o.)•Free admission: every Sun, under 18 y.o.
those who fought for the country’s freedom. It Syntagma, 13 Stadiou Str., Syntagma,
presents many important periods of Hellenic History. It +302103237617
explores military conflicts, including the Asia Minor
campaign, the Balkan Wars, the involvement of Greek Numismatic Museum of Athens
forces in Korea and even Cyprus-related conflicts. It One of the oldest public museums in Greece, founded
features 18th and 19th century swords, handguns and in 1834 it hosts a wide collection of coins
military uniforms. Standout exhibits include the full- andmedals,dating from Classical, Macedonian, Roman
scale model of the Daedalus and the fighter planes in and Byzantine eras up to the foundation of the
front of the entrance. Visitors are recommended to Modern Greek state. The collection is housed in Iliou
start their visit from the first floor that hosts the hall Melathron, a neoclassical building near Syntagma
of antiquities. Everyday 09:00-19:00•Admission fee: (Constitution) Square. It was built and designed by
€6•Concessions: €3•Concessions for: Non - EU College German architect Ernst Ziller, and was originally the
and University students, by presenting their student ID, residence of celebrated archaeologist Heinrich
senior EU Citizens (over the age of 65), by presenting Schliemann, the father of Mycenaean and Trojan
their ID card or passport and Non EU individuals of 18 archaeology. Tue-Sat 08:00-20:00•Sun 08:30-
years old and under•Free admission for: visitors under 15:00•Mon 13:30- 20:00•Admission fee:
19 years old who are citizens of countries/members of €6•Concessions: €3•Concessions for: citizens of
the EU, by presenting their ID, university students from Member - States of the European Union who are over
E.U. countries, senior citizens (over 65 y.o.), ICOM card 65 years old, upon presentation of their ID card or
holders, registered tour guides, by presenting the passport for verification of their age and country of
corresponding ID, journalists, by presenting their press origin and students of University - Higher Education
card and individuals with special needs ( e.g. disabled, Institutes, Technological Educational Institutes or
blind) and their escorts. Evangelismos, 2 Rizari Str., equivalent Schools of countries from outside the
Evangelismos, +302107244464 European Union, upon presentation of their student ID
cards• Free admission for: under 18 y.o. Syntagma,
National Historical Museum 12 Panepistimiou Str., Syntagma, +302103632057,
Even the building that this museum is housed in since +302103612834, +302103612872
1960 is historical: it was once the first Greek House of
Parliament. Located in front of its entrance, and the Jewish Museum
museums symbol, stands the commanding bronze The aim of this museum is to provide a vivid picture of
statue of General Theodoros Kolokotronis. The Jewish life and culture over a 2,300 year course. The
museum trails the history of Greece since the fall of museum displays more than 10,000 artifacts (some of
the Byzantine Empire in 1453 through archival records, them unique), investigating the Greek - Jewish
photographs, costumes and flags. Tue-Sun 10:00- experience in both religious and secular terms, in an
16:00•Closed Mon•Admission fee: €3•Concessions: area of 800 sqm. There are also plenty of planned

SUMMER 2022_ 19
 Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation

Basil & Elise Goulandris activities and exhibitions. Mon-Fri 09:00-14:30

Foundation •Sun 10:00-14:00•Closed Sat•Admission fee: €6
Situated in the heart of Athens, the • Concessions: €3 (for students) •Guided tours
Museum of the Basil & Elise Goulandris for groups: €50 (upon arrangement) Syntagma, 39
Foundation houses a world-renowned Nikis Str., Syntagma, +302103225582
modern and contemporary art collection
that includes rare masterpieces by Benaki Museum of Greek Culture
European avant-garde artists. The A major institution and landmark in the City of Athens,
collection features works by Cézanne, the museum is located in the upmarket district of
van Gogh, Gauguin, Monet, Degas, Kolonaki. Housed in one of the most beautiful
Rodin, Toulouse-Lautrec, Bonnard, neoclassical building hosts more than 40,000 items in
Picasso, Braque, Léger, Kandinsky, its permanent collection, illustrating the character of
Miró, Giacometti, Balthus, Pollock, the Greek world through a spectacular historical
Bacon, Lichtenstein and Botero as well panorama: from antiquity and the age of Roman
as acclaimed modern and contemporary domination to 1922, the year the Asian Minor disaster
Greek artists including Parthenis, took place. Its founder, Antonis Benakis, belonged to
Bouzianis, Vassiliou, Hadjikyriakos-Ghika, one of the leading families of the Greek diaspora.
Tsarouchis, Moralis, Tetsis, Takis, Chryssa, Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat 10:00-18:00•Thu 10:00-00:00•Sun
Stamos and others. Guided tours in 10:00-16:00•Closed Tue•Admission fee: €12•
Greek, English and French also take Temporary exhibition: €8•Reduced: €9•Reduced on
place. The Museum Shop offers a broad temporary exhibition: €6•Reduced for: students,
range of exclusive, custom-made persons over 65 y.o., archaeologists and European
products inspired by the collection and Youth Card holders•Free admission for: under 22 y.o,
designed by Greek artists, while the museum members, disbaled persons and their guides
Café-Restaurant, which boasts a cozy and ICOM members. Syntagma, 1 Koumbari
and discreet urban garden, specializes & Vasilissis Sofias Str., Kolonaki, +302103671000,
in creative Mediterranean cuisine benaki.org
with a twist.
Wed-Thu 10:00-18:00•Fri Benaki Museum / Pireos 138
10:00-20:00•Closed Tue•General Α vast industrial space (8,200 sqm with underground
Admission 10€•Concession Tickets 7€ for areas of 2,800 sqm and an internal courtyard of 850
13-26 y.o. and over 65 y.o.•Free admission sqm. The exhibition halls span 3,000 sqm). It is
for under 12 y.o., people with disabilities dedicated to contemporary art and design and has no
and their accompanying person permanent collections. The Museum gift shop is filled
13 Eratosthenous Str., Pangrati, with unique pieces for house design and decoration.
+302107252895, goulandris.gr The café-restaurant on the ground floor serves a good
selection of dishes and is a good place for breakfast.
Thu, Sun 10:00-18:00•Fri, Sat 10:00-22:00•Closed

20 _ SUMMER 2022
Mo-Wed•Also closed in August•Admission fee: coal gas production line, that provided the city with
€5-15•Reduced admission: €2,50-12•Reduced for: power for 130 years, and discover a forgotten part of
students, persons over 65y.o., archaeologists and the history of Athens. The exhibits include a rich
European Youth Card holders•Free admission for: collection of photographs and archive material as well
under 22 y.o, museum members, guides and ICOM as audiovisual material, including short films and
members Kerameikos, Pireos 138 Str., Rouf, recorded interviews of factory workers and residents
+302103453111, benaki.org of the area. The collection is further enriched with
items from the factory itself as well as interactive
Benaki Museum of Islamic Art applications. It is the first industrial museum in Athens.
Collections from India, Persia, Mesopotamia, Asia Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat 10:00-18:00•Thu, Sun
Minor, Middle East, Arabia, Egypt, North Africa, Sicily 10:00-21:00•Admission fee: €1. Kerameikos, 100
and Spain. The Benaki Museum of Islamic Art Pireos Str., Kerameikos, +302130109325,
demonstrates more than 8,000 works of art, including 2130109300, technopolis-athens.com
ceramics, gold, metalwork, textiles and glass, smaller
groupings of bone objects, inscribed funerary steles Ilias Lalaounis Jewellery Museum
and weaponry, as well as the marble-faced interior of The first museum devoted to jewelry in Greece and one
a reception room from a 17th-century Cairo mansion. of the few of its kind in the world.ΩIt was established in
Ιt also includes a section of the ancient city wall of 1993, its permanent collection includes over 4,000
Athens and an ancient tomb both uncovered at the pieces of jewelry and micro sculptures from over 50
level of the houses’ foundations during the collections, designed by the museum’s founder, Ilias
preservation works. Don’t leave without a glimpse at Lalaounis, between 1940 and 2000. Lalaounis is the
the view from its terrace café. Thu-Fri-Sat-Sun country’s most internationally renowned artist and
10:00-18:00•Closed Mon-Tue-Wed•The Café is open jeweler. The permanent collection is enriched with
every Saturday until 23:00•Admission fee: donations including jewelry and decorative arts from all
€9•Concessions: €7•Reduced for: students, persons over the world. Lucky “Big spenders” usually head
over 65y.o., archaeologists and European Youth Card straight to the shop for 24K gifts! The museum includes
holders•Free admission for: under 22 y.o, museum many programs such as: jewelry design, making,
members, guides and ICOM members. Thissio, gemology, art history, children’s theatre, special
22 Ag. Asomaton str. & 12 Dipilou Str., workshops on temporary exhibitions. Mon- Sat
+302103251311, benaki.org 09:00-15:00•Closed Sun and Mon•Admission fee:
€5•Concessions: €4•Concessions for: Students and
Herakleidon senior citizens•Free admission for: under 18 y.o., people
The museum and its annex consist of two small and with disabilities and their huides, archaeologists,
beautiful neoclassical buildings in the historic district of journalists, members of ICOM and qualified tourist
Thissio, nextto the Acropolis and the Ancient Agora, guides. Free admission every Saturday and throughout
that look more like large homes rather than museums. August (except for special tours). Akropoli, Karyatidon
Now days the motto of the museum is “Science, Art and & 12 Kalisperi Str., Plaka +302109221044, lalaounis-
Technology of the Ancient Greeks” and it’s hosting the jewelrymuseum.gr
exhibition “Eureka”, which is presenting the most
representative of the ancient Greek technological Municipal Gallery of Athens
accomplish- ments, in the area of War - military The gallery’s collections feature the visual works of
technology. The mighty war ship trireme, that ruled 3,000 artists –most of them Greek–, representative of
Mediterranean for almost ten centuries, armors, large the trends, influences and discussions which have
weapons, walls, siege machines and communication marked the journey of Greek art. The museum is
systems among others, are things that you can see or housed in a neoclassical building, which was
learn about. Don’t forget to visit the gift shop, offering abandoned until 1854 and later housed a silk
a wide selection of collectables that have been inspired processing plant, a shopping and residential complex,
by the periodic visual arts exhibitions including M.C. and the headquarters of the Hellenic Police. Of special
Escher, Constantin Xenakis and Toulouse-Lautrec. Wed- interest are the drawings of German architect Ernst
Sun 10:00-18:00• Admission fee: €5•Concessions: Ziller, father of neoclassical design in modern Greece.
€3•Concessions for: yound adults 12-18 y.o., students Tue 10:00-21:00•Wed-Sat 10:00-19:00 • Sun
and pensioners•Free admission for: children up to 12 10:00-15:00•Closed Mon•Free admission.
y.o., ICOM members and journalists•Family ticket: €14 (2 Metaxourgeio, Leonidou & Mylerou Str.,
adults with 1 child) and €19 (2 adults with 2 children). +302103243023, 2103231841
Annex: 37 Apostolou Paulou Str., Thissio,
+302110126486, herakleidon-art.gr Museum of Modern Greek Culture
A treasure trove of Greek folk embroidery, weaving,
Industrial Gas Museum traditional costumes and household items. The highlight
Housed in an industrial heritage building, that is on the first floor: a reconstructed room from a house
supplied energy and lighting in the Athens on the island of Lesvos with a series of murals by folk
metropolitan area for 130 years. It opened its doors in artist Theofilos. If you are a pompom shoes lover,
2013, the site where the Technopolis of Athens is now (tsarouchia- traditional leather shoes) you will really
located, approximately 30 years after the Athens enjoy your visit to the museum. Mon-Sun: 08:30-15:00•
gasworks permanently closed down. Visitors have the Closed Tue•Admission fee: €2 •Concessions: €1•
opportunity to tour the plant’s facilities, observe the Concessions for: students from non - E.U. countries,

SUMMER 2022_ 21
 Kotsanas Museum of Ancient Greek Technology

Kotsanas Museum Museum of Ancient Agora

of Ancient Greek Technology A small museum housed in the renovated Stoa of
A journey to cutting edge technology of Ancient Attalos, within the archaeological site of the Ancient
Greece Kotsanas Museum is located in the heart of Agora. Its collection mainly consists of findings from
Athens at Kolonaki district a few meters from the wells, deposits, burials, workshops and sanctuaries.
Greek Parliament and Syntagma Square. In a unique The highlights include art dating all the way back to the
historic Art Nouveau building which once belonged to stone age, every-day life objects, and artifacts related
the family of Queen Aspasia Manou, wife of to the Athenian democratic functions during the
Alexander I, you may discover the panorama of Classical period. It is where in 2003 the Treaty of the
Ancient Greek Technology from 2000 BC until the end European Union enlargement was signed. Tue-Sun
of the ancient Greek world. Visitors may explore a 08:30-15:30•Mon 10:00-15:30•Admission fee:
relatively unknown aspect of Ancient Greek culture €8•Concessions: €4•Concessions for: citizens of
through the permanent exhibition “Ancient Greece - Member - States of the European Union who are over 65
The Origins of Technologies” which includes years old and students of University - Higher Education
approximately 100 unique exhibits, from the robot- Institutes, Technological Educational Institutes or
servant and the “cinema” of Philon to the automatic equivalent Schools of countries from outside the
theater of Heron, and from the Alarm Clock of Plato European Union•Free admission for: EU students,
to the Antikythera Mechanism. The journey to the persons up to 18 y.o., members of the ICOM-ICOMOS
world of technology continues with Pythagoras and Monastiraki/ Thissio, 24 Adrianou Str.,
Ktesibios through 42 fully functional, reassembled +302103210185
musical instruments. The helicon and the sixth string
of Pythagoras, the lyre of Hermes, the guitar of Athens Olympic Museum
Apollo, the Homeric phorminx, the harp of Sappho, Located within the Golden Hall Mall, the Athens
the Ptolemaic helicon, the Pan flute, the hydraulis of Olympic Museum offers the epitome of a modern
Ktesibios and others are presented through the museum experience. Walking through its
exhibition “Ancient Greek Musical Instruments and chronologically organized exhibits, audiovisual
Toys”. At Kotsanas Museum the hands-on experience programs, and interactive displays, visitors teleport
is only to begin with! Ostomachion of Archimedes and through two thousand years of Olympic History. The
Ancient Greek strategy games along with a series of museum begins by setting the scene in ancient
educational workshops and thematic guided tours are Olympia, the site of the first Olympic Games, and
some of the Museum highlights. Opening hours: continues to the present day, with a display
Monday - Sunday 10:00 to 18:00 6 Pindarou Str. commemorating the upcoming 2022 Winter Olympics.
& Akadimias, Athens, www.kotsanas.com Real uniforms, medals, and torches from each Olympic
Game are on display, thanks to donations made by
former athletes. The museum also takes care to
document how gender, race, and disability have
senior citizens from E.U•Free admission: persons under factored into the Games over time, and notably
19, EU students, classical studies and Art students, features a section on the Paralympic Games. Open
journalists, ICOM-ICOMOS members, tour guides and Mon-Sun 10:00-21:00 Athens Olympic Museum, 37A
disabled people. Akropoli, 22 Panos Str., Plaka, Kifissias Av. (Golden Hall Mall), Maroussi,
+302103229031, melt.gr +302106885560

22 _ SUMMER 2022
 Eleni @ Tasos Thomoglou
The Athens Epidaurus Festival Ancient Drama of performance, combining text,
is Greece’s leading cultural Agamemnon movement, and rhythm.
organization and one of the by Aeschylous
oldest continuously running 22-23/07 21:00 Antigone
festivals in Europe; it has been Ancient Theater of Epidaurus by Sophocles
taking place for 67 years. It A unique chance to experience the 05-06/08 21:00
has welcomed some of the world premiere of “Agamemnon” by Ancient Theater of Epidaurus
greatest local and Aeschylous directed by Ulrich In the aftermath of the Civil War
international music, dance Rasche. In the first chapter of in Thebes, the city’s champions
and theater acts, attracting Aeschylus’ Oresteia trilogy, celebrate their victory, trying to
large audiences from all over Agamemnon’s homecoming signals a erase the days of insecurity and
the world. In addition to the new, bloody chapter of violence misery from memory. Young Antigone
Odeon of Herodes Atticus and when he is murdered by his wife, also “celebrates”: a celebration
the Ancient Theater of Clytemnestra. One of the most of disobedience, energized by an
Epidaurus, it is also held at exciting new German directors, enthusiastic resistance against
five venues in the Peiraios 260 Rasche, is noted for his unusual and the political pragmatism of tyranny.
industrial venue. impressive scenic language. His Established Lithuanian director
actors are often driven towards a Cezaris Graužinis returns to the
deeply existential and “manic” style Athens Epidaurus Festival with
Agamemnon Residenz theater @ SimonKoy

24 _ SUMMER 2022
 Opera
Tosca
by Giacomo Puccini
28-31/07 21:00
Odeon Herodes Atticus
Tosca: an opera diva, insanely
jealous of her lover. Scarpia: a
powerful man taking pleasure in
the pain of his victims. Noble patriot
Mario Cavaradossi is caught and
led to his death: not on account of
his ideas, but because he has won
the heart of Tosca. Audiences will
enjoy a thrilling and highly dramatic
version of Tosca, faithful to the
composer’s spirit; the revival of the
successful production of the Greek
National Opera originally presented
Tosca @ A. Simopoulos

in 2012 under the helm of famous

Argentinean director Hugo de Ana.
Acclaimed chief conductor Philippe
Auguin serves as conductor, with
the participation of world-renowned
opera singers.

a strikingly contemporary, timely Iphigenia in Aulis Ajax

adaptation of Sophocles’ tragedy. 19-20/08 21:00 by Sophocles
Ancient Theater of Epidaurus 29-30/07 21:00
Helen In the tragedy Iphigenia in Aulis, Ancient Theater of Epidaurus
by Euripides the main heroine dies for the sake Once an admired warrior
12-13/08 21:00 of a futile, destructive imperialist on a par with Achilles, Ajax ends
Ancient Theater of Epidaurus war. A decadent society sacrifices up becoming a deadly enemy
Written in the aftermath of the Iphigenia, who embodies an entire of the Greek army leaders in the
Athenians’ crushing defeat at generation of young people. War of Troy and a pawn in the
the Sicilian Expedition, Euripides’ Themis Moumoulidis presents hands of gods, unable to grasp
Helen is notable both for its a performance reflecting on the spirit of a newly emerging era.
anti-war qualities and its focus the past, present, and future. A production of the National
on virtues such as the power The production is pervaded Theater of Greece, Ajax marks
of oath and intelligence, both by a complete musical work by the directorial debut of well
personified in the titular heroine. composer Stavros Gasparatos, known Greek actor/director
Produced by the National who is inspired by the form Argyris Xafis at the Ancient
Theater of Northern Greece of Iphigenia, creating a parallel Theater of Epidaurus.
and directed by Vassilis narrative in dialogue with
Papavassiliou. the direction.
Aias @ KarolJarek

SUMMER 2022_ 25
Exploring Athens
New York City has its boroughs, Paris has its arrondissements, and Athens has its
neighborhoods. From sightseeing to shopping, from fine dining to clubbing, each Athenian
neighborhood has its own unique character, offering different things to those who visit it.
Chances are, in order to truly experience Athens, you’ll have to explore its neighborhoods too!

By Isabelle Clayton

©daria volkova/unsplash

Piraeus Glyfada Exarcheia

Piraeus, a port in ancient times, In Glyfada, young people wear In Athens’ most bohemian
remains the largest port in Europe designer brands and luxury yachts neighborhood, you can expect to
and a place rich with history. If float peacefully on the pristine see walls painted with powerful
you plan on visiting the islands sea. With places to shop, clear political messages, young people
while in Greece, arrive in Piraeus a water beaches, and bustling engaging in intellectual
few hours early to explore the nightlife, Glyfada is a place for conversations in cafes, and live
Hellenic Maritime Museum, or to both tourists and locals alike. rock bands performing in
feast on fresh seafood with an nightclubs. Especially popular
idyllic view of the Aegean Sea. among the college demographic,
many come here for an
inexpensive bite to eat, or to shop
at its vintage clothing stores.

26 _ SUMMER 2022
 Stroll through the streets of these
two neighborhoods with a view
of the Acropolis, and purchase Likely one of the most touristic
souvenirs or bags of roasted nuts neighborhoods in Athens, The Historic Center of Athens
from vendors atop the site of the Plaka is a tight knit matrix is as much a modern hub
ancient Agora (marketplace). of small houses, restaurants, as it is a place of historical
Monastiraki is one of the most shops and cafes, directly significance. Between Syntagma,
notable shopping destinations in below the Acropolis. Monastiraki, and Omonia, this
Athens, hosting a weekly Sunday As you walk through the neighborhood is the site of the
flea market, and is popular among cobblestone streets of Plaka, city’s government (in Syntagma
tourists for its tavernas and bars. buildings dating back Square) and corporate
Thisseio is far less rowdy, with to the Ottoman occupation headquarters, but also hosts
Piraeus ©Eurokinissi • Glyfada ©ANTONIS NIKOLOPOULOS /EUROKINISSI • Exarcheia ©THANASIS KARATZAS • Monastiraki-Thisseio ©andrea leopardi/unsplash • Plaka ©E.DAKOULA •

roof-top restaurants perfect for of Greece and ancient remains important cultural landmarks,
a romantic dinner, or an Open of the Roman Agora are sure like the Tomb of the Unknown
Air Cinema showing movies to make you feel like you are Soldier, and the Athens Academy,
on crisp summer nights. traveling back in time. Library, and University trilogy.

Monastiraki-Thisseio Plaka Historic Center

Historic Center ©hert niks/unsplash • Kolonaki ©THANASIS KARATZAS • Kifissia ©CHRISTOS KEDRAS

Kolonaki Kifissia Gazi

Directly above Pangrati, Kolonaki Kifissia is a wealthy residential In Gazi, tightly packed restaurants
is one of the most wealthy neighborhood in Northeast and clubs hum with music
neighborhoods in Athens. What Athens. It undoubtedly juxtaposes and dance into the early hours
sets it apart is not only its hip the city center, with its picturesque of the morning. Once the site
restaurants, trendy bars, and parks, manicured lawns, large of the Athens gasworks,
designer boutiques, but its mansions, and even, bike lanes. the neighborhood now features
placement on the steep incline incredible displays of street art,
below Lycabettus Hill. as well as the Technopolis,
a venue for art exhibitions
and concerts.

SUMMER 2022_ 27
 by Christina Vassiliadis

© GNTO/Y. Skoulas
The cool summer breeze rustles through verdant fee than Astir beach, is Akti Vouliagmenis, a 650 meter
tree leaves in a play of abundant sun light and coast offering tennis, basketball and beach volleyball
shadow, giving shape to an incredible stretch courts, for those who love sports. On weekdays general
of coastline in the south suburbs of Athens that admission costs €10 and on weekends €15, while
only a handful of visitors know about. Spanning persons over 75 and students get a reduced entry fee of
from Piraeus to Sounio and some 16km (9.9 mi) €5 on weekdays and €8 on weekends. For those who
from downtown Athens, the Athens Riviera prefer a natural, less organized beach, Lavreotiki
can take you oceans away from Greece, Riviera is the place for you. Many continuous bays with
to a magical place, worth exploring. beautiful waters and golden sand, however more rocky.
From the tranquility of the blue clear waters and the KAPE beach in Sounio is a diverse beach, with sandy,
alluring sandy beaches to the rocky inlets of Lavreotiki pebbled and rocky sections. If you want to avoid large
with small and almost private swimming areas, from the groups of people it is ideal to visit on weekdays, as it
dazzling lights emanating from its vibrant nightlife to attracts a lot of visitors on the weekends. Additionally, a
a romantic stroll on the white paved paths and from trip to Lake Vouliagmeni is a must, for an unforgettable
a movie night under the stars to a high-end fine dining swimming experience, a natural lake with fresh spring
experience or a journey through the marvels of ancient and seawater where the water is always warm, making
history, Athens Riviera has a lot to offer. it a popular spot. For sailing enthusiasts, there are
Hop on the tram from Syntagma Square to Voula and countless marinas scattered along the coastline of the
indulge your senses with an «island-like» experience Athens Riviera that offer daily catamaran cruises along
in the southern heart of the capital. the coastline, swimming in the most beautiful waters
and dinning on board parked, off the Athenian
One of the most famous organized beaches in Athens, shoreline, and enjoying the beautiful sunset.
Astir Beach located in Vouliagmeni, approximately Standing for an eternity at the end of the Sounio
30 minutes from the center of Athens, offering countless Peninsula at the southernmost point of Attica, the
sun beds and umbrellas, as well as a bar, imposing ruins of the Temple of Poseidon bathed in a
restaurant, boutiques, spa treatments and many more vibrancy of colors as the sun dives into the sea,
services. The price for one umbrella, two sun beds captivate your mind and soul. The temple dedicated to
(maximum of 2 people) costs €50 on weekdays and the God of the Sea, cited as holy grounds by Homer and
€80 on weekends, kids from4-12 y.o. can enter for €20. Herodotus, was made entirely of white marble and has
Another private beach, having a more affordable entry been welcoming visitors for 2.500 years. Right below
© GNTO/Th. Gravanis
© GNTO/D. Rozaki
 Set your compass south and let yourself soak up a breathtaking
coastal view only a short drive from the bustling capital.
© GNTO/Y. Skoulas

From the enchantment of the ancient Temple of Posidon

to the elite superyacht marinas and the dazzling nightlife,
Athens Riviera boasts abundant options for a memorable summer stay.

lays a small beach with two small taverns, perfect for a Athens, where you can enjoy the Athenian sea breeze
quick swim and a bite after visiting the Temple. Heading while watching the latest movies.
to the top of the hill to watch as the sun sets behind the For the food lovers visiting the Athens Riviera, there are
Tempe of Poseidon, is the perfect ending to a busy day countless restaurants scattered all along the Athens
in Cape Sounio. Riviera for everyone’s taste from Mediterranean, Italian,
If you prefer a relaxed day at the Athens Riviera, just sushi and more, there is no doubt you will find a
walking along the coastline, through all the areas from restaurant that suits your taste. For a great Italian,
Faliro, to Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, Varkiza, Lagonissi and Mercato, an upscale trattoria located at the famous
more are just some of the areas you can walk through, Astir Place, authentic Italian dishes enjoy on the outdoor
all with a unique atmosphere, from beach bars turning terrace overlooking the Athenian Riviera.
into night clubs, to beautiful views of the beaches. Each For a beautiful view of the sunset right above the water,
area offers different activities for all kinds of people, try Moorings, a café in the afternoon and restaurant
from romantics to food lovers and generally for those later in the day, with Mediterranean cuisine, a sushi
who love Greek summers. menu and an impressive wine list, it is the perfect
After the sun has set, the main focus moves to the restaurant to relax with a beautiful view of the water
vibrant nightlife of the Athens Riviera. Alimos, Glyfada, and a delightful dining experience.
Vouliagmeni and Varkiza offer some of the best beach If you are travelling with kids, there is a plethora of
bars and nightclubs, with people drinking and having parks and playgrounds featuring loads of family
fun until the early morning hours. Some of the most activities. Voula’s Park, also known as Notos, is one of
famous nightclubs in Athens are located in the Riviera, them. At Notos, a large café-bar, adults can relax with a
loved by both locals and visitors. All of them offer a coffee or a drink, while children play in the safe
unique and unforgettable experience with nonstop playground. Additionally a perfect place for kids and
music and partying all night long. adults alike, Stavros Niarchos Foundation is a
For the film lovers, some of the best open-air cinemas multifunctional and sustainable environment in
are located at the Athens Riviera. Cine Floisvos, located Kallithea. The whole center consists of the National
in the Floisvos Marina Park, open since 2003, is one of Library of Greece, the Greek National Opera and the
the newest open-air cinemas in Athens. 210,000m² Stavros Niarchos Park that can be enjoyed
An outdoor cinema experience right next to the seas, by both parents and their children. One of the center's
still being relatively close to the city center, just a 15 mission is to create a safe, creative and educational
minute drive or 20 minute tram ride from downtown environment for kids to play and have fun in.
© GNTO/P. Merakos

© GNTO/P. Merakos
© GNTO/Y. Skoulas
 If you’ve only got a single day to spend in Athens, it’s probably a clever move
to chart out your day’s agenda beforehand to ensure you’re able to maximize your time
and make the most of your experience. If you don’t know where to start, fear not!
We’ve collated the best of Athens below — which should give you a few ideas
for a jumping off point, if not an entire travel plan. Feel free to personalize
it to yourself, and your individual interests and attractions.
By Sreesha Ghosh

30 _ SUMMER 2022
Syntagma Square 8:00 A.M. which grew from the conversations people and
philosophers had on the lands of the Acropolis.
If you’re trying to squeeze as much daylight as The most famous building in the Acropolis is the
possible out of your 24 hours in Athens, it might make Parthenon, dedicated to the Goddess Athena. An
sense to start your day at 8 A.M. in Syntagma Square. enduring symbol of Ancient Greece, although the
Syntagma Square is the central square of Athens, and Parthenon has suffered much damage over the
a major point of its commercial, political and social centuries, including the loss of most of its sculpture,
life. Named after the constitution (syntagma) King its basic structure has remained intact. Moreover, the
Otto was forced to grant his people after a popular Greek Government is actively working to restore it.
and military uprising in 1843, Syntagma Square Other sights of particular interest in the Acropolis
continues to be a stage for demonstrations and also include Socrates’ old stomping ground and
political rallies above and beyond being a hub for the Erechtheion.
tourist activity. Note that the Acropolis is an immensely popular
Syntagma Square also houses the Parliament tourist destination, and even in offseason, can be
building, built around 1842 as the residence for King overrun with a colossal number of visitors — making
Otto and Queen Amalia and serving as the Parliament it important to take particular steps to avoid the
quarter since 1934. At the bottom of the Parliament swarm and improve the quality of your experience.
stands the Monument of the Unknown Soldier, a One recommendation is to visit the Acropolis during
cenotaph (tomb erected in honor of persons whose the cooler hours of the day, either early in the morning
remains are elsewhere) commemorating all fallen around 8 A.M. or late in the afternoon at about
soldiers in war. The monument is guarded by the 5 to 6 P.M. when there is only a fraction of the people
evzones, members of the presidential guard. who visit in droves during the morning hours. Another
Every 15 minutes, the two evzones standing guard is to avoid the main entrance of the Acropolis and
switch position by way of a strange yet oddly instead use the lesser-traveled south slope entrance.
alluring choreography. It’s also a good idea to get your ticket in advance,
We recommend getting to Syntagma Square as well an audio guide or guidebook, so you know
at 8 A.M. so you can pick up early breakfast and what you’re looking at.
catch the changing of the guards, officially k
icking off your day in Athens.
The Acropolis Museum 11:30 A.M.
Temple of Olympian Zeus 9:00 A.M. If you’re particularly interested in history and
archaeology, then you should absolutely visit the
From Syntagma Square, we recommend that you head Acropolis Museum. Here, you get to see the best
toward Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Olympian orientation of what you’ve already seen at the
Zeus. The Temple of Zeus is one of the biggest ancient Acropolis — in fact, it might come as a surprise to
temples of the Greco–Roman Empire, and one of the some of you that the museum actually holds the
most impressive Athenian archeological sites. This original pieces excavated from the Acropolis whereas
massive temple was only completely in 132 AD by buildings on the site itself comprise mostly of replicas.
Emperor Hadrian after being partially built and then Displaying numerous incredible statues and art saved,
left in limbo for about 700 years for a variety of preserved and conserved from the archaeological site,
different reasons. After building a colossal statue of the museum’s presentation is simply exquisite.
Zeus to adorn the temple, Hadrian then proceeded to The ticket to enter the museum is 10 euros. If you’ve
build an equally large one of himself. only got 24 hours, we’d recommend only entering the
Although the temple is mostly decayed today, it does museum if you’re seriously interested. On the other
not take too much imagination to envision the beast it hand, if you’re looking for a museum to visit for more
must have been so long ago. In fact, the Corinthian- than just the originals of duplicates you’ve already
style columns (17m high with a base diameter of 1.7m) seen, we recommend the National Archaeological
are only 15 of a temple that had a whopping 104. Museum. The most comprehensive museum in Athens,
Depending on how interested you are, you can choose it’s also the only place you can see archaeology from
to observe the temple from a distance or actually every single region in Greece across every single time
enter it. If you choose to visit, the entry ticket costs period. Note, however, that it does take about four
approximately 6 euros. hours to see it thoroughly and it’s recommended to
take a guided tour to really understand the
importance and context of the different artifacts
The Acropolis 10:00 A.M. you’ll undoubtedly be awed by.

No visit to Athens is complete without a visit to the

infamous Acropolis. The Acropolis is an ancient citadel Plaka 1:00 A.M
located on a rocky outcrop above the city and
contains the remains of several ancient buildings of Plaka is the oldest section of Athens. Located in the
great architectural and historic importance, the most shadow of the Acropolis, it seems almost a world
famous being the Parthenon. Developed in the 5th away from the urbanism of the city. Jewelry stores,
century, it was the breeding ground of many modern souvenir shops, restaurants and cafes run abound in
ideas and innovations, including democracy itself, the area — in fact, Plaka is a pretty good stop to get

SUMMER 2022_ 31
some lunch; you’ll be able to enjoy outdoor seating Dionysiou Areopagitou Street 4:00 P.M.
and authentic Greek food. As for the souvenir shops,
you’re likely to discover a number of interesting After Monastiraki, we’d recommend taking a stroll
objects, some more eclectic than others, antiques, along one of the most picturesque boulevards in all of
hand painted icons, carvings and paintings, all likely Athens, offering an extraordinary view of the southern
compelling enough for you to feel like you need to get slope of the Acropolis, along with the Parthenon itself.
souvenirs for everyone you know. Most of the buildings on one side of the road facing
There is almost too much to do in Plaka over several south were constructed in the late 19th and early 20th
weeks, much less several hours. A handful of places century in the neoclassical or modernist style,
worth visiting include: Cine Paris, the best outdoor reflecting the aristocratic style of the street. Named
movie theater in Athens, Angelo the Ouzo King, the after Dionysius the Areopagite, the 1st Athenian
shop that prides itself on having the most varied line- convert to Christianity and patron saint of the city of
up of ouzo as compared to any other shop in Athens, Athens, this not only offers you an opportunity to walk
and Remember, a punk-fashion store. Plaka is like a true local Athenian but also make for fantastic
paradisiacal, and has something for everyone, no photo-ops.Some places to look out for as you walk
matter what you’re looking for in Greece. along include: the Sanctuary and Theatre of Dionysus,
where the plays of the great Greek dramatists like
Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides and Aristophanes
Monastiraki Square 2:30 P.M. were performed, the Sanctuary of Asclepius, a temple
that housed patients and functioned as a basic
Bordering Plaka is Monastiraki Square, a flea market hospital, and the Stoa of Eumenes, a walkway
neighborhood in the old town of Athens, and one of where theater-goers at the time could take shelter
the principal shopping districts. Not only does it boast from sun or rain.
landmarks and archaeological monuments like
Hadrian’s Library, the Ancient Agora and the rebuilt
Stoa of Attalos, with a museum exhibiting Athenian Varvakios Central Market 5:00 P.M.
artifacts, but its flea market is also a huge tourist hit,
with a jumble of shops selling everything from Varvakios Central Market is, to put quite simply, the
artisanal soaps to handmade sandals to souvenir Grand Central Station of food, where people from all
T-shirts. A boiling cauldron of people, ideas, walks of life converge to discover the freshest and
civilizations, and religions, Monastiraki is a must-visit! most delicious ways to satiate their hunger. Everyone
shops here, from celebrity chefs to neighborhood

©Eurokinissi

Plaka

32 _ SUMMER 2022
©VASSILIS REBAPIS/Eurokinissi

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grocery store owners. Named after one of Greece’s From there, we’d
national heroes, gentleman pirate Ioannis Varvakis, recommend heading back to
this is a tribute to the everyman, as the Athens the main square and catching
Central Market knows no class divides. dinner at one of its many
Fish reign supreme, with almost a hundred restaurants and tavernas. Restaurants in Psiri are
fishmongers located in the heart of the building block. mainly traditional, with authentic Greek mezze and
Even if you’d rather not buy anything, you’ll still be homemade specialties. Whether it be Kokkion, the
in total awe of one of the most interesting places in artisan ice cream parlour, or Mavros Gatos, a Greek
Athens. Alternatively, if you’re looking for any herbs, and Mediterranean restaurant, there is no shortage of
spices, or oils, this is absolutely the place to get the delicious in Psiri, so make sure you come hungry.
them. Note that parts of the market start closing As the evening arrives, cafes, restaurants, souvlaki
at 3:00 P.M (if you’d like to go earlier), but others shops, ouzeries and bars in Psiri begin to open and
are open until 7:00 or 8:00, so you will have plenty o soon, the neighborhood starts buzzing with the sound
f time to look around.α of music and conversation. Athens really comes alive
at night and Psiri is at the centre of all that action.
Nightlife is vibrant and bohemian, with small, friendly
Psiri 6:30 P.M. bars and hip entertainment. Tranzistor is a lovely
place with colorful decoration and reasonable prices,
Psiri is yet another neighbourhood in Athens, known Cantina Social, with its renowned Russian beers,
for its restaurants, bars, live music tavernas, and attracts the counter culture crowd, hipsters and
small number of hotels, and our last destination for bands and Psira, one of the earliest bars to open in
the day. While it might seem early to close down, rest this district, is the favorite hangout for students. Pick
assured, Psiri needs all the time it can get. We up a beer at Beertime or some ouzo if you aren’t
recommend starting with its street art—just like street already tired of it.
artist INO once said in a New York Times interview, ‘If Psiri is also really popular for its live music. A small
you want to learn about a city, look at its walls.’ Psiri bar called The Party has live rock and pop music just
boasts breathtaking and vibrant street art like that of about every single night; other bars and clubs include
Alexandros Vasmoulakis, who mixes collage, Therion, 7-Times Club, Barrett Bar and so much more.
photography, paint, and digital media to that If you still feel like you could use another drink after
of Jupiterfab, known for his projects that express Psiri, you can finish off your day either at 360 Degrees
social and political opinions. or at A for Athens rooftop bar in Monastiraki.

SUMMER 2022_ 33
A first-timer
in Athens
The National Observatory Visitors’ Center at
Thission It is situated on the Hill of the Nymphs right
across the Parthenon and to the north of the Hill of
P n y x w h e re M e t o n w a s p e r fo r m i n g t h e f i r s t
astronomical observations of the classical Greek
period using his heliotrope. Explore the Geoastrophysics
Museum and the library of the Observatory, which
contains historic books and documents of significant
importance as well as a variety of scientific instruments
By Georgia Skamagka of the 20th and 19th century.

Open-air cinemas A movie night out! Cine Pari and

Cine Thission are two of the most celebrated open-air
cinemas in the city. Actually these two are the only
open-air cinemas in central Athens with a stunning
view to the Acropolis. Watching a great film under a
starry summer sky, however, comes with a serious
price. You might as well be distracted from the movie
and miss the whole story.

Piraiki An eastside story unfolds by the “rocks of

Piraiki”, the quaint old-fashioned settlement to the
east of the main port site of Piraeus. A widely paved
“vein” of almost 5 kilometers runs along the picturesque
seaside, from the Naval Academy to Alexandras
Square, making the route ideal for walks especially
late in the afternoon when the entire Attica across the
horizon (from Faliro to Glyfada) is bathed in sunset
colors. Vintage street lambs illuminate your footsteps
in shades of light yellow and the remnants of the
ancient Themistoclean Wall blend harmonically in a
lengthy frame of local-favorite fish tavernas, coffee
joints and cocktails hangouts.

The flea-markets at Elaionas and Tavros A colorful

patchwork of people, loud voices, music, the smell of
souvlaki and barbequed meat and cars parked on the
background in total “anarchy”, is quilted every
weekend at Elaionas and Tavros districts in southwest
Athens. Antiques, crockery, furniture, decorative items
of all shorts, vinyls, typewriters and turntables, books
and comics, clothing, shoes, jewelry, artworks and
paintings and various tools, practically anything you
can imagine, make up the scene of a unique treasure-
hunt for the explorers of the “irreplaceable”.

Cape Sounio A 70-kilometers drive away from the city

center and along a seaside road that reveals the bluest
waters, you’ll find yourself gazing at the sunset in
Parnitha absolute wonder surrounded by the ancient ruins of the
majestic Temple of Poseidon on the southernmost tip of
the Attic peninsula. Take a dip in the crystal clear
Parnitha Cable car Hiking the abundant pine forest waters of the neighboring beaches at Legrena or
along the mountain trails of Parnitha’s National Park Lavrio, just perfect, and enjoy fresh fish and side-dishes
sounds re-energizing and most intriguing if you have at the traditional tavernas lining along the coast.
some extra time while in Athens, not only for the unique
landscape with its significantly rich flora and fauna, The beach at Varnavas White sand, deep blue and
but rather for the ecstatic view of Attica, far and sapphire waters, miraculously unspoiled. One of the
beyond. To get to this magnificent top you can either most beautiful and cleanest beaches in Attica lies
use your car or better yet, use the cable car and brace some 12 kilometers distance from the scenic settlement
yourself for the most exciting ride ever! First and only of Varnavas. Refreshing dips in the waters and fresh
stop: the “Mont Parnes” Casino. Either you choose to fish at the local tavernas. A great opportunity also to
challenge your luck or walk the mountain paths to the visit the historical monuments in the area, such as the
two beautiful refuges of Bafi and Flabouri, it is an 5th century BC Archaic tower and the church of St
“adventure” worth living. Peter and Paul.

34 _ SUMMER 2022
 Kerameikos
An archaeological site of
particular importance rests
literally in the heart of the city,
right in the buzz of a modern
metropolis, but curiously
enough, remains the least
visited. Kerameikos was the
cemetery of ancient Athens
situated on the northwest fringe
of the Capital. Follow Ermou
street pass the Monastiraki
train station and there it is on
©sotiris dimitropoulos/Eurokinissi

your right. Its natural

surrounding proves equally
serene, almost magical: a small
part of the Eridanos stream,
turtles and frogs, birds and a
vast variety of colorful flora.

The old Euripos

bridge at Chalkida
Watching the unique tidal
phenomenon of Euripos from the
old sliding bridge is truly
amazing. The old Euripos bridge
is one of the world’s last
remaining sliding bridges while
the unusual effects of the tide
that happens nowhere else in
the world, are on full show six to
seven times a month with the
strait’s current changing
direction as many as 14 times
within a single day. Chalkida, an
ideal daytrip destination, also
offers scenic waterfront walks
amongst fishermen dilettante
©theo maroulis/unsplash

and street performers. A line-up

of colorful umbrellas reveals an
endless stream of fish
restaurants and cafes for some
traditional Greek hang-out.

Ιsthmia and the

Corinth Canal
Another bridge one should
definitely “cross” is the
submersible bridge over the
Corinth Canal; actually there are
two such bridges, one on each
end (the bridge of Posidonia on
the Corinthian side and the
bridge of Isthmia by the Saronic
Gulf) both surrounded by
beautiful local tavernas and
refreshment spots. The 6.4
kilometers long Corinth canal
©ANTONIS NIKOLOPOULOS/EUROKINISSI

with its imposing rocky walls

rising 90 meters above sea level
is definitely a must-visit site. The
canal links the Corinthian Gulf to
the Saronic Gulf through the
narrow 25 meters isthmus of
Corinth, once an important
navigational route guiding ships
into the Aegean Sea.

SUMMER 2022_ 35
 It might not seem so at a glance but the truth is that there are few more exhilarating
ways to discover the city of Athens than on two wheels. Set aside your private and public
transportation for the day and follow along on any of the cycling routes we’ve set out for
you below—rest assured, when you’re surrounded by some of the most astonishing
geography in the world, up close and personal, you’ll be grateful that you did.
by Sreesha Ghosh

1 The City Route One of the simpler

Athenian cycling experiences, this route
follows the pedestrianized circle that rings the
4Street Art Tour This one is a bit
unorthodox as compared to most other
cycling routes—but its views are just as gorgeous.
Acropolis on the wide, tree-lined boulevard of Several cycling tours in Athens offer to take their
Dionysiou Areopagitou. You can bike through customers through the city’s graffiti-sprayed
Plaka, Monastiraki, Thissio and Koukaki, with a backstreets and hidden corners where hip young
slight detour around the National Garden —not Athenians are creating the city's modern
only does it make for an absolutely charming alternative culture, including street art alleyways,
urban cycling route, but you’ll also pass by unique cafés and offbeat shopping districts.
literally three millennia of existence— from While we’d recommend going with a local tour
stunning archeological sites of ancient Greece guide, you can do it by yourself—some famous
and Rome to the busy bustle and crowded streets street art districts include Psiri and Metaxourgeio.
of the city today; the old and the new in this crazy All that said, this is probably better oriented for
urban patchwork. Segments of a new pedestrian experienced cyclists since you will have to
walkway and bike route in Athens, the “Megalos navigate fairly busy streets.
Peripatos” (Grand Stroll) project, involves
extending pedestrian and cycling areas and
unifying the city’s archaeological sites and
landmarks along a 6.8 km walkway.
5Athens by Night If you can’t stand the
crowd and the daytime heat, this option’s
perfect for you. Ditch the morning route and cycle
through lamplit Athenian streets at night instead.

2Poseidon’s Temple This coastal cycling

route is not for the faint-hearted—
approximately 52 km in length, the road to the
Soak up the cooling atmosphere as you pedal
past the streets—surrounded by soothing
melodies of street musicians and illuminated
Temple of Poseidon at the tip of Cape ancient Greek monuments against the
Sounion is challenging but also dark night sky. See stunning
incredibly rewarding. Cycle on high- archeological sites like the Acropolis,
quality asphalt towards the imposing the Parthenon and the Temple of
ancient temple, accompanied by the CYCLING Zeus in a way most tourists don’t, as
ever-faithful and majestic Saronic
Gulf. The route is mostly flat with a
ROUTES well as the bustling nightlife of
Syntagma Square, Plaka and Psiri.
few short hills, but even so, if your legs Consider opting for this option only if
aren’t up to 50 klm in each direction, you’re an experienced cyclist or if you
you can always stop early and turn have a guide so as not to get lost at night.
around at any of the beaches or seaside towns
along the way, like Vouliagmeni or Lagonisi.
6The Mountain Trail For an even more
challenging ride, consider following along

3The Aesthetic Route This route goes

along Athens’ longest (7 km) bicycle lane—
starting from the Thissio Metro station, it passes
on a mountain trail—ambitious riders need not
look far for incredible routes and stimulating
terrain. Mount Parnitha is probably the most
along Ermou, and through the charming Athenian formidable of them, but it also rewards you with
neighborhoods of Petralona, Kallithea, Tavros an otherworldly, lunar landscape around the
and Moschato. As it crosses the buried Illisos nearby casino and eerie, abandoned
River, the route ends on an incredible coastline sanatorium. Mount Ymittos is another favorite
reveal from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation amongst seasoned cyclists—although its terrain
Cultural Centre, whose olive trees and lavender is much rockier and requires a grueling hour’s
©michael odelberth/unsplash

gardens are as refreshing to cycle past as the climb. Mount Pendeli offers a thrilling descent
breeze that inevitably follows. From there, you towards the coastal beaches in Schinias. If
can wrap up your tour—or you can keep going you’re interested in mountain trails but you’re
along the seafront promenade of the Athens not quite to the challenge of a Parnitha or
Riviera, passing through Palio Faliro and Alimos Ymittos, fear not—the area around the royal
to the buzzy coastal suburb of Glyfada. No estate of Tatoi is full of idyllic trails through
matter how you spin this ride, the sights you’ll cypress, olive and citrus orchards—and are much
come upon are like none other. easier and much more accessible for beginners.

36 _ SUMMER 2022
Let's Meet in Athens This spots and insider information with
company, run by a Dutch lady, and must-see monuments and
producing Dutch bicycles, offers landmarks. You can either join a
not just a variety of tours of all daily group tours, book a private
ages but also arrange tailor-made one or just rent a bike from them.
routes for larger groups on
request. Some of their popular bike Roll in Athens They offer small,
tours include: a highlights of Athens personalized tours from 1-5
bike tour, a bike tour through GR Cycling They offer road, individuals in order to take into
alternative Athens, the ride and mountain, e-bikes and city bikes for account each person's particular
bite bike tour and the archeological rental, and several different tours needs and desires. Some of their
bike tour. should you like to be guided or popular tours include a highlights
accompanied. Some of its popular of Athens tour and a coastal tour.
Sole Bike This is the place to go bike tours include: the bike tour to
for electronic bike tours—travel the temple of Poseidon, rides to FUNKyRiDE They offer a range of
through impressive ancient sites Lake Vouliagmeni and Sounion and city, hybrid and mountain bikes for
built of marble and picturesque bike tours to Mount Parnitha. rental for anywhere from 3 hours
paved alleys, all along unto 3 days, as well as repairs at
accompanied by bike-friendly Travelncycle They offer half-day their store in Koukaki.
earphones that assure that you mountain bike tours to Marathon
won’t miss any story-telling details. and Mount Parnitha, plus a range One last place to consider
Some of their popular bike tours of other itineraries around Athens not for tours or for rentals but
include: the classic Athens bike and Greece. rather to experience the
tour, the Athens Riviera bike tour, a atmosphere of the Athenian
wine tour and a night tour. Attica Paths They offer a range biking community is Vicious
of guided bike rides from Athens, Cycles Athens in Psiri and the
Coco-Mat Wooden including to places Mount Ymittos Handlebar next door (a cycling-
Bikes These bikes are made and a Sounion bike safari tour. themed café). The place is
entirely from all natural material considered to be a sort of mecca
including solid ash wood frames— Athens by Bike They offer for cyclists of all stripes. Not only
thereby making them wholly enjoyable and active bike trips will you experience the vibrancy of
sustainable yet wholly fashionable. around the city, combining secret the cycling scene, but it’s also the
Not only does it offer bike rentals, best place to learn about cycling
but also two different tours—one events, from road and mountain
for ancient, archeological Athens bike races to alleycats and raucous
and the other, a beach tour. street parties.

SUMMER 2022_ 37
 Parks, the few green spaces within the concrete jungle of Athens, provide shade and fresh air
to those roasting under the Mediterranean sun. Dispersed throughout the city, parks large
and small offer trails for runners, benches for picnics, and open spaces for dogs to romp around.
In some, you might even find remnants of ancient ruins.
By Isabelle Clayton
Akademia Platonos

The National Garden The National Garden, significant plants, like the Laurus nobilis (Apollo’s
once the Royal Garden, was created by Queen Amalia laurel), and the Paliurus aculeatus (used to weave the
in the 19th century. Now, it stands as one of the thorn crown of Jesus).
largest gardens in Athens, with fish-filled ponds,
networks of winding gravel paths, a Botanical Lycabettus Hill For an incredible birdseye view
Museum, a playground, and a zoo. Dispersed among of the ancient city, Lycabettus Hill is a must see. The
its myriad flowers and shrubs, including the iconic arduous climb to the top of the hill is offset by
acanthus, ancient ruins serve as places for people to unbelievable views of the ancient Acropolis and the
sit and enjoy the shade. serene Saronic Gulf. For those hesitant to make the
trek, the summit is also accessible by car or funicular
Zappeion Garden For many Athenians, railroad. At the top, visit the quaint church of Saint
Zappeion Garden is a relic of their childhood. This George or watch the sunset over the Aegean Sea.
green space surrounds the Zappeion Megaron, a And, if your hike has stirred your appetite, multiple
remarkable piece of architecture used for large events, bars and restaurants are perched atop the hill,
conferences, and exhibitions. On the weekends, including the famed Orizontes. Pedion tou Areos: With
children play among the garden’s 23 marble statues, a plethora of wildlife and monuments in tribute to the
and old friends catch up at the café or restaurant Greek heroes of the War of Independence, Pedion tou
located within its wide, sand-colored paths. Areos is often referred to by locals as simply, the Park.
Thanks to recent renovations, the park offers long,
Diomidous Botanical Gardens tree-lined stone pathways, perfect for both runs and
The Diomidous Botanical Gardens will be the plant- long walks. However, due to its proximity to Omonia
lover’s paradise. As the largest garden in Athens, and Square, it is recommended that you avoid this area in
the largest botanical garden in Greece, this expansive the evenings and early mornings.
green space hosts over 2,500 species of native and
global plants. The garden is organized by both plant Philopappou Hill When key figures of Greek
type and region, with notable exhibitions of medicinal antiquity, including Aristides and Pericles, would
florae and trees from around the world. Classicists will address political matters to the public atop
enjoy the garden for its section of historically Philopappou Hill, it was known as the Hill of the

Parko Eleftherias
©Thanasis Karatzas

Philopappou Hill

Muses. However, upon the death of Prince Gaius Julius Dexameni Dexameni is a local favorite,
Antichus Philopappos, a Roman exile and major offering shade, drinks, and a perfect atmosphere
benefactor of the ancient city, a monument was for people-watching. For those planning on enjoying
erected atop the hill in his honor. With its close a movie or concert at the nearby Dexameni
proximity to the Acropolis, people climb Philopappou Outdoor Cinema, stop at this outdoor café for
Hill for mesmerizing glimpses of the Parthenon and a delicious bite to eat.
the Mediterranean coast. Lesser known but equally
incredible sites on the hill include the prison of Parko Eleftherias Parko Eleftherias is a
Socrates and the Dora Stratou Theater. serene section of green space with an incredible
political and military past. Named Freedom
Akademia Platonos In 387 B.C., Plato (Eleftherias) Park, its monuments, Arts Center, and
founded his Academy. Over 2 millennia later, a park museums pay tribute to those who served and died
marks the ground of this great philosophical center, here throughout the Balkan Wars and Greek military
with archeological remains decorating its meandering dictatorship. The park is also home to a beloved
paths and green expanses. While it has become a eatery, functioning as a café during the day and a
popular site for picnics and Sunday strolls, the lively bar throughout the night.
academic legacy of Akedemia Platonos endures
through sporadic art exhibitions, workshops in Stavros Niarchos
philosophical thinking, and a Digital Museum at the Foundation Cultural
park’s center. Garden of the Athens Concert Hall Center (SNFCC) In clear contrast to the
(Megaron): Offering not only cool respite from the classical architecture of Athens, SNFCC serves as a
Athens heat, the Garden of the Athens Concert Hall, modern academic and civic hub, as well as an
Megaron, provides an opportunity for an immersive expansive green space within the city. The Stavros
cultural and musical experience. From wandering Niarchos garden is home to a rich variety of florae,
through outdoor art exhibitions to listening to poetry including a collection of aromatic plants which only
or jazz performances as you lie in cleancut grass, this add to the tranquility of this green oasis. Moreover, its
garden is surely a favorite summer destination for playgrounds and water jets make this a beloved
both locals and tourists. garden by the children of Athens.
©yannis papanastasopoulos/unsplash

Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center

 Open
cinemas
During warm summer nights, outdoor film screenings
are a habit most treasured by Athenians.
Little tables and chairs aligned under the stars and
the air filled with the scents of jasmine mixed with the distinct
and irresistible flavors of hot buttered pop-corn.
Here is a list of the best open air movie theaters
in the Athenian neighborhoods.

By Christina Vasileiadis

40 _ SUMMER 2022
Cine Thissio Cine Dexameni Cine Aegli Cine VOX
7 Ap. Pavlou Str., Pl.Dexamenis, Kolonaki, 4 Vasilissis Olgas 82 Themistokleous Str.,
+302103420864 +302103602363 Ave., Zappeion, Exarcheia,
Ticket price: Ticket price: General +302103369300 +302103810727
MON-WED: €6.50 admission €8, Ticket price: Ticket price: General
THU-SUN: €8.50 Student discount €5, starting from €6 admission €7, children,
WED €5 students and persons
Built in 1935, this summer Athens’ oldest open-air
outdoor movie theater, cinema built in 1903 in over 65y.o. €6
Located in the center of
found in the heart of Kolonaki, one of Athens’ the garden of Zappeio Every MON&TUE €5
Athens, near the historic most historic areas, this Hall, next to the National Every THU €8 for
regions of Thissio and open-air theater is Garden and the two people
Plaka, famous for being surrounded by busy Parliament building. Its
One of the oldest
one of the most streets and beautiful café offers a range of
outdoor cinemas in
enjoyable open-air plants. Built in 1991 on snacks, souvlaki skewers
Greece, built in 1938,
cinemas in the world, is top of the water tank and other food you can
located in Exarcheia.
perfect for a movie night that provided Athens enjoy while watching a
A 10-minute walk from
out in Athens. The with water up until the movie. For a more
both Omonoia and
selection of movies mid-20th century. The private experience, you
Panepistimio station,
ranges from old classics selection of movies can book a private
but only discovered by
loved then and now to ranges from screening on the
few international visitors.
newly released movies blockbusters to veranda, for up to 8
The rooftop terrace
that are carefully European cinema, people, with an option
overlooks the busy
selected. Enjoy selected based on the of a private dinner
Exarcheia square. It
homemade sweet sour quality of the movie and prepared by a chef
arguably has one of the
cherry dessert as well as not necessarily its from the next-door
best selection of films
handmade liquor or an popularity. restaurant Aigli. amongst the open-air
ice cold homemade sour
cinemas of Athens.
cherry juice.

SUMMER 2022_ 41
42 _ SUMMER 2022
 International you will find them in a wide
Brands variety and surmesure. You will
also find the insuperable leather
Balenciaga accessories of the Neapolitan
Bright, minimal boutique brand Tramontano, Sartori,
with small wonders. Santangelo, John Lobb shoes,
Evangelismos, 17 Skoufa Str., Roda’s wonderful silk scarves
Kolonaki, +302107290151 and more. Panepistimio,
14 Kanari Str., Kolonaki,
Enny Di Monaco +302103622860
Mugler, Louboutin, Nina Ricci,
Zac Posen... shall we say more? Off White​
Evangelismos, Virgil Abloh’s Italian luxury
23 Herodotou Str., Kolonaki, fashion label is now in Athens.
+302107290805/ Tria Pigadia, Fashionable items, accessories,
Mykonos, +302289077100 jewelry for men, women, children.​
5 Stadiou Str., Syntagma
Free Shop
Perfect T-shirts, unique Prada
jewellery and accessories. The Devil wears them and here
A modern “Colette”. you too can purchase a small
Panepistimio, 17 Skoufa Str., “devilish” piece. Then you
+302103616200 might want to change your
name to Meryl.
Gucci Panepistimio, 17 Voukourestiou
Indulge yourself. Don’t forget Str., Kolonaki, +302103388386
the Jackie ’O purse.
3 Venizelou Eleftheriou Str., Sotris
Athens, +302103610870 Glamorous clothes from famous
exclusive brands like Topshop,
Hermès Dries Van Noten, Marni.
Endless window shopping. Vintage pieces can be found
Arty displays. Hermès. at the first address.
Panepistimio, City Link, 30 Panagiotou Anagnostopoulou
1 Voukourestiou Str., Str., Kolonaki +302103610662/
Kolonaki, +302103233715 Golden Hall, 1st floor, sotris.gr

Linea Piu Tezenis

Greek Rue Cambon. Chanel, Cosmopolitan stores with
Blumarine, Galliano, Tom Ford. youthful collections of
All chosen carefully. underwear, beachwear and
Panepistimio, 6 Sekeri Str., nightwear, enhanced every
Kolonaki, +302103606125, week with new items.
lineapiu.gr For women, men and kids.
Panepistimio, 28 Stadiou Str.,
Louis Vuitton +302103225469
Style does matter and this is
the real thing. Panepistimio, Calzedonia
19 Voukourestiou Str., Authentic, trendy and
Whatever your shopping Kolonaki, +302103613938 fashionable socks and
tastes and needs, in Athens beachwear for women,
you’ll find everything money Luisa men and kids, in a highly
can buy. From big shopping Designer names from Lanvin competitive quality /
malls to small boutique and Chloé to Cavalli and Stella price ratio.
shops, get ready to indulge McCartney. Not forgetting Yves 30 Stadiou Str., Syntagma,
yourself and take Saint Laurent, ManoloBlahnik, +302103253125​/
advantage of the summer Pucci and Jean Paul Gaultier. 15 Patriarchou Ioakeim Str.,
sales until the end of Panepistimio, 15 Skoufa Str., Kolonaki
August. Kolonaki, +302103635600,
luisa.gr Intimissimi
By eleni bezirianoglou Amazing lingerie with simple,
Mah Jong elegant Italian style, for both
A men’s store with excellent men and women.
international brands. If you have 5 Kanari Str., Kolonaki,
a passion for KITON men’s suits, +302103611883

SUMMER 2022_ 43
 Greek sophistication and a super
Sales Designers modern look.
The official sales periods are Panepistimio 20 Dimokritou
mid-January to mid-February and Daphne Valente & Tsakalof Str., Kolonaki,
mid-July until the end of August. Η Daphne Valente designs +302103633158,
timeless, sculptural clothes orsalia-parthenis.gr
Where to shop inspired by the Ancient Greek
Downtown is the place to be, pleating of Mariano Fortuny. Sophie Deloudi
whether you are looking for brand Minimal and very feminine, the Sophie Deloudi’s collections
names or small vintage shops and clothes offer the epitome of greek reflect her values and principles
second-hand stores. Plaka, the haute couture. on design and fashion: high
foremost tourist area, is the Syntagma, 3 Axarlian quality, perfect lining, impeccable
standard place to buy memorabilia. Athanasiou Str., Syntagma, fitting, flawless finishing, clean
Nearby, Monastiraki is home to a
+302103242260 shapes and str.ong discrete
famous Athenian flea market.
femininity. Elaborated, edged
Visitors will lose themselves in a
huge variety of shops that appeal
DeuxHommes silhouettes and insinuated
to aficionados of records, jewellery,
The studio and showroom of sensuousness integrate the
clothes, shoes and all things Grigoris Triantafyllou and Dimitris pieces destined to dress confident
vintage. This is an area in which Alexakis is the hottest place to and elegant women on their
haggling is accepted by the playful find a limited prêt-à-porter and way to the beach. Its eras’ aura
and friendly shop owners. Between the current collection of the combines classic design heritage
Monastiraki sq. and Omonia sq., unbeatable duo. of the past with a synchronous
one comes across the Athens Panepistimio, 18 Kanari Str., point of view.
Central Market, a good place to buy Kolonaki, +302103614155, Attica City Link,
some local herbs. Ermou street is by deuxhommes.gr 9 Panepistimiou Str., Athens,
far the most celebrated shopping +302119900000, sophiedeloudi.gr
street: a pedestrian street with Kimalé
large windows and a great variety An innovative fashion brand that Yiorgos
of goodies, from clothes and
celebrates the “joie de vivre” of Eleftheriades
jewellery to shoes and gifts. But
when it comes to expensive brand
the global riviera. Established by Space
shopping, Kolonaki is the perfect
Irène Mamfredos, a French (Flagship store)
place to be. Luxury clothing, high designer, Kimalé merges bold Yiorgos Eleftheriades constructs
prices and impeccably dressed African fabrics with clean and in a mesmerizing way intellectual
customers are the norm here. contemporary silhouettes. Limited sartorial creations in graceful
edition clothes, jewelry and home silhouettes whose dynamic
accessories which playfully nature consistently maintain
Keep in mind navigate between the colorful balance together with fluidity.
palette of African culture and the For many years, he has been
Pay a visit to the New Benaki minimal side of contemporary cooperating with some of the
Museum (138 PireosStr.); its Greek fashion. Every item is made with most important directors and
handmade jewellery is a delight. love and craftsmanship in actors/actresses in Greece.
Buy a small figurine in the gift shop downtown Athens. The brand’s collections have
of the Cycladic Art Museum Panepistimio, been showcased in Athens,
(Vasilissis Sofias & 1 Irodotou Str.). 21 Mavromihali Str., Milan, Paris and Barcelona.
Exarheia, Athens, Evangelismos,
Clothes and accessories
by Ioanna Kourbela and +302130292865, 29 Tsakalof &
Zeus + Dione rate among the www.kimale.co Voukourestiou Str., Kolonaki,
most elegant examples +302103616272,
of Greek design. Parthenis yiorgoseleftheriades.gr
Orsalia Parthenis creates
Try to do your shopping
in the morning.
timeless fashion with a gender- Zeus + Δione
bending, minimal feel and elegant This is the Greek Maison
You will come across all the Greek aesthetic. Premium basics Hermes. Exeptionally tasteful
major international brands in high quality fabrics, clothes and accessories based
on Voukourestiou Str. interspersed with statement on refined craftsmanship.
Shopping centres Attica pieces, create wardrobe staples Leather sandals, handbags
(9 Panepistimiou str., Athens for a refined and elevated and gold jewellery in wonderful
city centre) and Golden Hall everyday look. This Summer, the designs made with high quality
(37A Kifissias Av., Maroussi) sport iconic Greek fashion house meets exclusivelly Greek materials.
the widest variety of shops the dynamic lines of David If you’re going to take home
Downton, one of the world’s one quality souvenir from
If you have time to kill, have a look
leading fashion artists. The Athens, then go for this brand.
at the interesting markets of
Kifissia (northern suburbs) and
collection features beachwear 6 Voukourestiou Str.,
Glyfada (southern suburbs). and pieces that reflect the Syntagma,
common passion for timeless +302103230132

44 _ SUMMER 2022
 When you’re
out and about in
Athens, upload your
favourite moments
Greek Design also find high quality leather on instagram using the
sandals and ballet flats better hashtag #lookmag
Celia Kritharioti​ than Repettos! Lemisios shoes
Haute Couture Collections to Bridal are not only exceptional, but
Collections, special collaborations a real fashion statement.
and red carpet looks.​ Panepistimio, 6 Likavittou Str.,
8 Dedalou Str., Syntagma, Athens, +302103611161,
+302107255357 fb: lemisios shoes Since 1912 respecting each time’s aura.
Some of his creations are seen
i-D concept store Savapile in Netflix series “Emily in Paris“.​
A bright world of items unfolds in A family-owned company 4 Akadimias Str., Syntagma,
front of those who love style and manufacturing beautiful, +302107225613
modern aesthetics. Amazing fisherman’s wicker hats, that
jewelry, created by the most began in 1960. These hats, typical Jewellery
famous Greek and foreign of the Greek summer, are hand-
designers, but also costume jewelry made in many different shapes. Both Jewellery
(these pieces that spice up your The most famous of these is the Studio
everyday outfits). Don’t miss out on naval cap, known as the “Zorba The creative meeting of two
the bags: the big collection includes cap”. And the most impressive, jewellery designers, George
avantgarde designs and more the huge, sexy str.aw hat that Giannoutsos and Vasia Pachi.
casual suggestions for every taste. works more like a parasol. Here, the process of jewellery
Evangelismos, 12 Kanari Str., 14 Monastiraki Agias Eleoussis design and construction is seen
Kolonaki, +302103221801 Str., Psyrri, +302103217087, through all its different stages
@savapile from the initial concept to the
Lemisios Shoes finished product. This is true not
Lemisios is a lovely store that Vassilis Zoulias​ only of George and Vasia’s own
opened in the heart of Athens in Greek fashion designer who collections, but also of individual
1912. Here, you can have the shoes respects and translates the commissions.
of yours dreams thanks to their historical implications that an Acropoli, 9 Veikou Str.,
custom-made orders. You will outfit holds to today’s era, always Acropolis, +302114167791
 Bvlgari Evangelismos, 13-15 Patriarchou Swatch
A “B.zero1” ring or an “Assioma” Ioakeim Str., +302107217982, Code: colour. The must-have
watch are the must-have items, ileanamakri.com Swiss watch, you can’t stop
if you want to invest in Bulgari. at one. 5 Hermou Str.,
20 Voukourestiou Str., Kolonaki, Kessaris Syntagma, +302103313833,
+302103609400 Diamonds and blues… Those swatch.com/gr_el/home.html
aren’t icebergs – they’re diamond
Cartier rings! Salesmen can be quite Shopping
You don’t have to be extra loaded snobbish, but the quality is great. Centres
to own a Cartier. This is where you You’ll know the owner by his red
can find the young collection glasses. Attica
“Entrelaces”, whose rings don’t 8a Voukourestiou Str., Syntagma, 360 shops in a shop. Upmarket
cost much, as well as the ultimate +302103711020, kessaris.gr department store, the biggest in
“Love” bracelets and rock the city. A comprehensive selection
“Marcello” bags. Lalaounis of designer wear (Armani,
Panepistimio, City Link, The heart of the internationally Burberry, Juicy Couture, Missoni,
7 Voukourestiou Str., Kolonaki, recognisedjewellery house is etc.), casual brands, accessories,
+302103313600, cartier.com located in Kolonaki. As exclusive Joe Malone and Molton
IliasLalaounis says, “every jewel Brown distr.ibutor. A great view
Fanourakis has its own history”, whether it from the 6th floor café, and full
Greek designer begins in Mycenae or in beauty treatment on the 4th floor.
LinaFanouraki’sjewellery is Byzantium. We’ve seen 9 Panepistimiou Str., Sintagma,
ultimately Greek spirited but CharlizeTheron wearing them. +302119900000, atticadps.gr
does not resemble at all the Map I13 Panepistimio, 6
traditional ancient, like necklaces Panepistimiou & Voukourestiou Golden Hall
and wreaths. Using the Str., +302103611371, Luxurious shopping centre with
prime materials of high-end iliaslalaounis.eu/portfolio expensive brands, clothes,
goldsmithery, her work is modern accessories, jewelry, sportswear,
and humorous but always classy. Liana Vourakis cosmetics, art objects, Doudesis
Evangelismos, 23 Patriarchou Liana continues to honour the hair salon, Mastic Spa for special
Ioakim Str., Kolonaki, founding principles of her beauty treatment and more. Be
+302107211762 grandfather. Her collections warned: it gets extremely crowded
combine fantasy and imagination on a Saturday.
Ileana Makri Store along with a certain sense of 37A Kifisias Av., Marousi,
Ileana Makri is a well-known nostalgia. 42 Pindarou Str., +302106803450,
Greek jewelry designer. Her fine Kolonaki, +302103619441, goldenhall.gr
designs are inspired by a [email protected]
multitude of symbols that exist in Hondos Center
popular Greek culture and their Lito - Cabinet It can provide you with everything
meanings, such as the beads that de Curiosités you need, for your season
protect of the “evil eye”, the Jewels that tell stories from long shopping or just for a tiny elegant
monks’ worry beads, iridescent travel. Thailand, Arizona, India gift. Or go straight to the roof
beetles and bugs of the Greek and Egypt. A small private garden, for tasty traditional
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who transforms anything old into Omonia, 4 Omonia Sq,
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Panepistimio, 25 Irodotou Str., hondoscenter.com
Kolonaki, +302107295177
Notos Galleries
Except for the tourist hotspots, Marianna Petridi A standard department store
like Plaka, most shops are closed Beloved artistic jewellery gallery primarily selling clothes and
on Sundays and National Holidays, with a permanent showroom for satisfying most of the
with the exception of flower Greek and foreign designers. consumption needs of the modern
shops, patisseries, liquor stores Evangelismos, 34 Charitos Str., Athenian. Clothes, shoes,
and the like. Kolonaki, +302107217789 underwear, accessories,
sportswear, toys.
Official business opening hours Minas Omonia, 99 Eolou & Lykourgou
are 09:00-21:00 on weekdays The ultimate rock designer. Str., +302103245811,
(09:00-20:00 on Sat).
Vintage all-time classic jewels, notosgalleries.gr
However, many smaller businesses
the first choice among the
keep the older working hours
(closed after 15:00 on Mon, Wed,
trendy youth. Shopping Spree
Sat and between 14:30 and 8 Emmanouil Benaki Str., at McArthurGlen
17:30 on Tue, Thu, Fri). Kifissia, +302106233577, A mega store filled with popular
minas-designs.com brand names in clothing, shoes,

46 _ SUMMER 2022
 Savapile
Established in 1960, the Savapile handmade hats’ workshop is still on
the same narrow alley of Psyrri neighborhood, where Lisa creates floppy
dreams of “straw”. Lisa Sariyiannidou, the passionate chapelier modiste,
took the reins of herfather’s business after he stood down in 2011,
determined to keep the legacy of his craftsmanship alive and flourishing.
Apart from the straw hats, Savapile’s reputation grew for its naval caps,
commonly known as “the Zorba hat”. However, the undisputed
trademark of Savapile is the oversized hats, staples of summer
and female allure that Lisa sews in her sewing machine.
4 Agias Eleousis Str., Psyrri, 2103217087, @savapile

3QUARTERS
Lazing on a terrace or strolling around the city streets looking up the
sky, a distinctive pattern dominates your horizon: the awnings on the
balconies; green, orange, white, blue, with stripes or flower motifs, some
new, some old and worn-out or torn by the wind, the rain or time, but
still at place. A piece of canvas reflects the very texture of urban reality.
The Athenian awnings have been an integral part of the city’s
architecture, its trademark. 3QUARTERS turned this unique trademark
into fashionable handmade handbags. Reuse, redefine, redesign. There
is beauty in everything, throw nothing away. The message is clear. The
result: beautiful, one-of-a-kind handbags made by old awnings’ canvas.
19 Agiou Dimitriou Str., Psyrri

accessories and household goods Naxos Apothecary parts and the ceiling is made of
with 35 to 70% discount. Four in-house contemporary honey tinted crystal elements that
+302106630840, laboratories (Homeopathy, literally immerse the visitor in the
more information on Phytotherapy, herbal Cosmetic bee world. 6 Solonos Str.,
mcarthurglenathens.com and Nutrition) operate in fully Kolonaki, +302103640560
controlled environments creating
The Mall Athens everything your body needs. Hair Salons
200 shops within a shop, the Syntagma, 3-5 Kolokotroni Str.,
Village cinema complex, Syntagma, +302107222774 D. Frank
restaurants and cafés and a super Hair cuts, coiffures, flashes,
market, all wrapped up in a Sephora colours, everything a classical
futuristic design with a roof All the latest fragrances, hair salon offers, as well as lots
garden offering an amazing view. plus all the alternative collections of surprises. Fragiskos is still
35 Andrea Papandreou Str., that set global trends: Make up the top Scissorhands.
Maroussi, +302106300000-003, for ever, Sephora Products, 50 Sina & Anagnostopoulou Str.,
themallathens.gr Strivectin, OPI. Syntagma, Kolonaki, +302103603298
24 Ermou Str., Syntagma,
Beauty- Care +30 2103313167/ 2 Milioni Str., Georgios Doudessis
Cosmetics Kolonaki, +302103613051/ GeorgiosDoudesis’ professionalism
The Mall Athens, Marousi, and modern aesthetics changed
Korres​ +302106300125 the world view of Athenian hair
Natural Greek skincare and salons forever.
beauty products with exclusively The APIVITA 39 Voukourestiou Str., Kolonaki,
natural and/or certified organic Experience Store +302103629960, doudesis.com
ingredients of best quality.​ A renovated neo-classical building
4 Hermou Str., Syntagma, designed to offer a unique and Vangelis Hatzis
+302103210054 holistic experience, this is Athens’s The best hairdresser in town.
top destination for natural He will give you the style and
Mastiha Shop cosmetics, SPA treatments, haircut you didn't know you
Mastic is a unique natural product “green” hair salon and organic wanted but absolutely needed.
that can be found only on the juice bar to refresh and energize. The most luxurious service.
Greek island of Chios. The brand’s Discover the “natural pharmacy” Slightly specialised in natural-
collaboration with Korres has where the specialists can help you looking blonde colours.
developed exceptional products create your own personal But don’t even think of turning
such as the mastic conditioner cosmetics and of course, the up without an appointment.
with mastic oil and provitamins. BEEHIVE SPA, a real beehive spa 196 Kifissias Av., Psichiko,
Panepistimio, 6 Panepistimiou & sanctuary! The spa cabins are +302106755664,
Kriezotou Str., +302103632750 made of real wooden bee hive vangelishatzis.gr

SUMMER 2022_ 47
 volumes, explore them all, starting
from the wall-to-wall bookshelves
of the two floors store filled with a
vast range of guidebooks, maps,
special trail editions created by
Anavasi’s highly experienced staff
and a wide display of travel
guides and maps of Europe and
the world. 32 Voulis Str.,
No vacation is complete without an engrossing beach read. Athens historic center
And if, amidst the excitement of escaping to Greece for the
summer, it slipped your mind to pack a captivating book in your Politeia
carry-on, never fear — the myriad bookstores of Athens One of the largest bookstores in
will have just the page-turner you’re looking for. Located Athens, and likely the most
all across the city, here are a few of our favorite places comprehensive. The store is split
to purchase books throughout your stay. into multiple sections, each
accesible via different entrance
By ISABELLE CLAYTON points along Asklipiou Str.,
featuring thousands of texts to
Polyglot +302103300455, choose from, usually at discounted
Polyglot’s international selection is fb: Polyglot Bookstore, prices, Politeia is sure to have a
constantly enriched with titles and www.polyglotbooks.gr book perfect for your summer
authors. Thumb through more reading needs. 1-3 Asklipiou Str.
than 20.000 books in English, Anavasi
French, Italian, Spanish, Greece is a land of overwhelming Lexikopoleio
Portuguese, German, Turkish and history combined with awe- Browse among Lexikopoleio’s
more, both for children and adults. inspiring natural landscapes and floor-to-ceiling shelves, and find
And if you can’t find what you are wanders. From scenic coastlines dictionaries, picture books or
looking for, Polyglot will be more and idyllic sand beaches to newly released fiction novels. This
than happy to order it for you. spectacular canyons, majestic bookstore is special not only for its
84 Akadimias Str., Athens, rivers and imposing mountain selection of novels in English,

Greek
Islands
A coffee table book that
takes you in a
fascinating journey to
the wonders of the
Aegean Sea. The
pictures taken by
photographer Katerina
Katopi-Lykiardopoulou
and the inspiring and
admiration bountiful
writing of author
Chysanthos Panas make
your mind wander
decades back to their
rich and long celebrated
history and their natural
beauty. An esthete
portrait of the islands
for those who cherish
the intoxicated slow
living lifestyle experience
of the Greek summer.
© Katerina Katopis-Lykiardopulo

Greek Islands
Chrysanthos Panas
Assouline Editions

48 _ SUMMER 2022
French, and other languages, but Lemoni English translations of celebrated
for the genuine warmth of its staff. Named after the lemon trees Greek novelists. Also, a satisfying
13 Stasinou Str., Athens hidden in its picturesque back volume of French and Italian
yard, “Lemoni” bookstore is an classics. 2 Kavalloti Str., Athens
Book Loft​ open door to a lemon scented
If you find yourself in the beautiful, universe of magical words and Poems n’ Crimes
upscale neighborhood of Kolonaki, unexplored horizons tucked The 1850 building hosts the offices
be sure to visit Book Loft. Although away in the pages the carefully of the Gavriilides Publications and
relatively small, the store houses selected books cramming its its printed abundance of poetry
a wonderful collection of books shelves: classical and Modern collections and crime fiction. The
ranging from children’s books to Greek and foreign literature, venue, a blend of sophisticated
classical and contemporary poetry, philosophy, children’s elegance and contemporary graffiti
literature. You might also come book and international magazines, art, also serves as a bookstore and
to Book Loft to purchase unique as well as a surprisingly large a coffee bar where arts meets
stationary gifts, notebooks and collection of Japanese poetry, psychology, poetry meets prose,
other book-oriented knick-knacks.​ to mention a few. 22 Irakleidon philosophy meets enthralling crime
44 Patriarhou Ioakim Str., Athens Str., Thissio novels. 17 Agias Irinis, Athens

Evripidis Little Tree Books Le Livre Ouvert

Bookshelves populate all four & Coffee For the French-speaking residents
floors of Evripidis, housing With wooden shelves, vintage of the city and French visitors alike,
collections of texts in a variety of furniture and the alluring old this bookshop, overflowing with a
languages, including English. After Athens ambience, this beautiful French chic aura, feels like “home”.
buying a book, or two, migrate to bookstore, also a charming café, Here you will find a plethora of
one of the bookstore’s two cafés, at the foothills of the Acropolis, classics and best sellers of French
where frequent customers come offers hours of good book literature as well as a great
to enjoy their new purchases while readings with an intriguing variety selection of international titles
sipping on cool glasses of freddo of publications ranging from translated in French. An interesting
espresso. 11 Andrea Papandreou, children’s books, Greek literature array of dictionaries claims a fair
Chalandri /310 Kifissias Av., and poetry, philosophy and portion of the shelves as well.
Kifissia politics, as well as exceptional 77 Solonos Str., Athens

SUMMER 2022_ 49
 From 5* to youth hostels, there is accommodation for all budgets and tastes

By Regina Filoglou

Athens is much more than Grande Bretagne Xenodocheion 57 Michalakopoulou Str.,

a quick stop on the way Athens City Centre Milos +302107240861-9, goldenage.gr
to the islands. The stylish, Syntagma, Syntagma Sq., Athens City Centre
luxurious city hotels +302103330000, grandebretagne.gr 3-5 Kolokotroni Str., +302166003300, Herodion
attract thousands xenodocheiomilos.com Athens City Centre
of tourists who wish King George II Akropoli, 4 Rovertou Gali Str,
to explore the capital Athens City Centre Syntagma, ★★★★ +302109236832-6, herodion.gr
and its unique beauty. Syntagma Sq., +302103222210,
With breathtaking view classicalhotels.com Alexandros Holiday Suites Hotel
at Acropolis or just Athens City Centre Athens City Centre
a few steps away from Melia Athens Megaro Moussikis, 8 Timoleontos Megaro Moussikis, 4 Arnis Str.,
the city's nightlife, Athens City Centre Omonia, Vassou Str., Ampelokipi, +302107278690, holiday-suites.com
you can find everything 14 Chalkokondili Str., +302103320100, +302106430464, airotel.gr
you were dreaming of. melia-athens.com Ilissia
Amalia Athens City Centre
★★★★★ Athens Marriott Athens City Centre Evangelismos / Megaro Moussikis,
Athens City Centre Omonia, 10 Amalias Str., 25 Mihalakopoulou Str.,
Athenaeum 385 Syggrou Av., +302109471000, +302103237301-9, amalia.gr +302107244051-6, ilisiahotel.gr
Intercontinental chandris.gr
Athens City Centre Syggrou-Fix, Art Hotel Athens Mira Me
89-93 Syggrou Av., +302109206000, New Hotel Athens City Centre Athens City Centre
ichotelsgroup.com Athens City Centre Syntagma, Omonia, 27 Marni Str., Monastiraki, 18 Ermou str,
16 Filelinon Str., +302103273000, +302105240501, arthotelathens.gr +302152151930, mirameathens.com/el
Athens Capital Hotel newhotel.athenshotels.it
Athens City Centre Athens Atrium Novotel Athenes
4 Eleftheriou Venizelou & Kriezotou Str. N.J.V. Athens Plaza Athens City Centre Athens City Centre
+302144442000, achotel.gr/athen- Athens City Centre Syntagma, N. Kosmos, 21 Okeanidon Str., Larissa Station, 4-6 Michail Voda
scapitalhotel-mgallery/el 2 Vassileos Georgiou Str., +302109319300-4, athensatrium.gr Str., +302108200700, novotelathens.gr
+302103352400, njvathensplaza.gr
Crowne Plaza Athens Lotus Periscope
Athens City Centre Megaro Radisson Blue Athens City Centre Athens City Centre
Moussikis, 50 Mihalakopoulou Str, Park Hotel Metaxourghio, 9 Chiou Str., Evangelismos, 22 Haritos Str.,
+302107278000, cpathens.com Athens City Centre +302105249050, athenslotushotel.gr +302107297200, yeshotels.gr
Victoria, 10 Alexandras Str.,
Electra Metropolis +302108894500, athensparkhotel.gr AVA Hotel & Suites Stratos Vassilikos
Athens City Centre Syntagma, Athens City Centre Athens City Centre
15 Mitropoleos Str. +302141006200, Royal Olympic Akropoli, 9-11 Lisikratous Str., Megaro Moussikis,
electrahotels.gr Athens City Centre +302103259000, avahotel.gr 114 Mihalakopoulou Str.,
Akropoli, 28-34 Athanasiou +302107706611, airotel.gr
Electra Palace Diakou Str., +302109288400, Electra Hotel
Athens City Centre Syntagma, royalolympic.com Athens City Centre The Athenian
18 Navarchou Nikodimou Str., Syntagma, 5 Ermou Str., Callirhoe
+302103370000, electrahotels.gr Saint George +302103378000, electrahotels.gr Athens City Centre
Lycabettus Syggrou-Fix, 32 Kallirois &
Four Seasons Athens City Centre Fresh Hotel Petmeza Str., +302109215353,
Vouliagmeni 2 Kleomenous Str., +302107416000, Athens City Centre tac.gr
40 Apollonos str, +3021 08901000, sglycabettus.gr Omonia, 26 Sofokleous &
astir.gr/four-seasons-astir-palace 2 Klisthenous Str., +302105248511-6, The Foundry Hotel
Semiramis freshhotel.gr Athens City Centre
Grand Resort Kifissia Thisseio, Sarri 40 Str,
Lagonissi Kifissia, 48 Charilaou Golden Age Psirri, 2111824604,
Lagonissi 40th Km Athinon-Souniou, Trikoupi Str., +302106284400, Athens City Centre thefoundryhotelathens.com
+302291076000, lagonissiresort.gr semiramis.athenshotels.it Megaro Moussikis,

50 _ SUMMER 2022
SUMMER 2022_ 51
Titania Academia Hotel​ Dioskouros
Athens City Centre Omonia, With a total of 60 rooms and suites and surrounded Athens City Centre
52 Panepistimiou Str., by the overwhelming traces of the city’s ancient history, Akropoli, Syntagma, 6 Pitakou Str.,
+302103326000, titania.gr Academias Hotel provides the ideal setting for harmonious +302103248165, hoteldioskouros.com
interplay between intellectual creativity and a handful of
leisure and business activities. Inspired by the world
Zafolia celebrated ancient Athenian intellect, this hotel portrays a
Hub
Athens City Centre contemporary interpretation of Plato’s Academy while Athens City Centre
87-89 Alexandras Str., +302106449002, featuring bespoke facilities, impeccable services and unique Monastiraki, 7 Agias Eleoussis Str.,
zafoliahotel.gr experiences soaked in alluring luxury. The hotel’s all-day Plato +302103254754
Lounge Bar is a place filled with speakeasy vibes. Spend
★★★ happy hours with a glass of gin (labels from around the world) Selina
or a cocktail. On the glamorous rooftop, at Nyx Gastrobar, Athens City Centre
indulge in high-end Japanese fusion flavors or enjoy
Achilleas handcrafted cocktails while gazing at the majestic Acropolis
Monastiraki, 8 Theatrou Str.,
Athens City Centre Syntagma, +302160010891
that dominates the horizon.
21 Leka Str., Syntagma, Panepistimio, 38 Akadimias & Omirou Str., Athens,
+302103233197, achilleashotel.gr +302103670000, [email protected] Mosaiko
Athens City Centre
Acropolis Select Syntagma, 61 Kolokotroni Str.,
Athens City Centre Attalos Hostels Syntagma, +302103235000
Syggrou-Fix, 37-39 Falirou Str., Monastiraki Syntagma,
+302109211610, acropoliselect.gr 29 Athinas Str., +302103212801-2-3, Athens Nubian
attaloshotel.com Backpackers Athens City Centre
Adrian Hotel Athens City Centre Panepistimio, 47 Mavromichali Str.,
Athens City Centre Syntagma, Philippos Hotel Akropoli, 12 Makri Str., +302103390019
74 Adrianou Str., +302103221553, Athens City Centre Akropoli, +302109224044, backpackers.gr
douros-hotels.com 3 Mitseon Str., Makrigianni, The Student and
+302109223611, philipposhotel.gr AthenStyle Travellers Inn
Arethusa Hotel Athens City Centre Athens City Centre
Athens City Centre Syntagma, Poseidon Hotel Monastiraki, 10 Agias Theklas Str., Akropoli / Syntagma, 16
6-8 Mitropoleos & 12 Nikis Str., Palaio Faliro 72 Poseidonos Ave., +302103225010, athenstyle.com Kidathineon Str., +302103244808-2,
+302103229431-8, arethusahotel.gr +302109872000, poseidonhotel.com.grt studenttravellersinn.com

52 _ SUMMER 2022
SUMMER 2022_ 53
Athens is a place to simply walk and marvel a thriving combination of history, tradition and style
as they mingle with all aspects of urban life. And what a better way to explore all these intangible
elements than watching the Athenian life going by while spending hours of leisure and relaxation
at the coffee spots -a trend for locals- scattered around its vibrant streets north to south,
complemented by sugar loaded flavors. From traditional ice cream scoops and authentic Italian
gelato recipes to irresistible baklava pieces, kantaifi and nougats, and from family run pastry
shops and park cantinas to museum garden cafes and high-end patisseries, Athens hosts a
mouthwatering display of sweet treasures, definitely worth experiencing.

By NENELA GEORGELE, KATERINA VNATSIOU

Greek Delights
Baclavas Nuts, almonds, cinnamon, cloves and Halvas A fudge made with sesame seed paste,
syrup. One of the most popular pastry desserts. sesame oil and sugar. It is offered as a dessert in many
tavernas, after the end of a meal.
Diples Deep fried honey rolls served with nuts.
©omer haktan bulut/unsplash

Loukoumades Deep fried little doughnuts

Galaktoboureko Another popular sweet. A served with honey, syrup or ice cream.
pie filled with custard and then doused in vanilla syrup.
Ryzogalo Rice pudding made of rice boiled in
Glyka koutaliou Various Greek fruits milk, sugar and vanilla, sprinkled with cinnamon. You
preserved in thick sugary syrup. They come in small jars can find it in dairies and super markets.
and are an ideal gift for friends back home.

54 _ SUMMER 2022
SUMMER 2022_ 55
Arte Athens​ modern, while some of
A delicious display of them are even sugar-free
colors and flavors of following the plant-based
authentic Italian gelato philosophy. You order
with a twist of Greek them through Wolt app
tradition. Try the cream or through take away. In an increasingly industrial era, Athens is not
with wild cherries or the 225 Ymittou Str., what one would call synonymous to nature.
chocolate sorbet and Pagkrati, +302114186086 On worn out roads, scorched by car fumes and
definitely the crushing petrol bombs, it often feels like all that’s left of
Catalino with its three Sweet Athenian nature is a citrus tree here and there,
layers of salty caramel. Alchemy evening primroses, some battered pine trees
16 Tripodon Str., The pastry chef who has and a few poplars. But the truth is—not all is
Plaka, artegelato.gr changed the face of lost. While it might be true that Athens has
FB: Arte Athens, confectionary in Greece, fewer sweeping natural gardens than ever,
Insta: @arte_athens Stelios Parliaros, studied it would be incorrect to suggest that there is
art and pastry-making in no greenery at all. Instead, we have observed
Kaggelis France. Author of eight a kind of evolution in the presence of this
For more than 40 years books, since 2008 greenery—in the place of traditional forms
this pastry shop has Parliaros has hosted the of nature, we’ve seen a rising number of
been supplying Athens weekly Greek TV show restaurant, cafe and museum gardens, as
with amazing, always “Sweet Alchemies”. idyllic as any natural grove could possibly be.
fresh and with the best He has rightfully earned Let’s take a trip down the different museum
raw materials sweets. the title of the top Greek and restaurant gardens in Athens, refreshing
In its shop windows you chef pâtissier. our memories with some of the classics and
will find all the favorite discovering the beauty of other hidden gems.
Greek traditional and Varsos ​
modern sweets, such With a history that dates By Sreesha Ghosh
as pastes, cakes, back to 1892, Varsos
ice creams, while its pastries have grown
macarons are also many Greek generations. Café & Restaurant B&E Goulandris
famous. 37 Chloes Str., Enjoy your breakfast Foundation An urban garden hides between the
Zografou, surrounded by the lavish ground floor and the first floor of the Basil & Elise
+302107756729 greenery of its garden Goulandris Foundation. The atrium of the B&E
and explore memorable Goulandris Café-Restaurant is an oasis of greenery in
Le Greche ​ sweet flavors of the heart of the city where you can enjoy creative
This is one of the most traditional pastry, such Mediterranean cuisine with a twist.
famous ice-cream shops as “galaktoboureko” or 13, Eratosthenous Str., Athens
in Athens. Here you are the “rizogalo”, or
going to try pure, croissants filled with Café at the Kerameikos Building
absolutely fantastic chocolate and nuts. Complex (Museum of Islamic Art)
handmade ice cream in A unique array of ice The fresco in this colourful and lively atrium is
many flavors. It’s creams gives your taste handcrafted by Navine G. Khan-Dossos, an artist who
probably the most buds an extra thrill. drew inspiration from Athens’s palm trees. A feel-
tasteful ice cream you 5 Kassaveti Str., good environment, perfect for a quick coffee break.
have ever taste. You Kifisia, +302108012472, Mon-Wed-Sun 10.30- 17.30, Thu-Sat 12.00-20.00,
should definitely try it. varsos.gr, Tue: Closed. Thissio, 22 Ag. Asomaton & Dipilou Str.,
16 Mitropoleos, Fb: varsoskifisia, Monastiraki, +302103251311, benaki.gr
Syntagma, Insta: @varsos_
+302167006458/456 kifisia_1892 Numismatic Museum of Athens
Mesogeion, The Numismatic Museum houses one of the greatest
Agia Paraskevi, Zuccherino​ collections of coins, ancient and modern, in the world.
+302100101617/220 Here you will find every The museum itself is housed in the neoclassical
Olimpionikon & dessert you have ever mansion of archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann (known
Lykourgou, Neo Psychiko, dreamed! Cakes, ice for his excavations in the ancient cities of Troy and
+302130416299/ creams, pastes, many Mycenae, later acquired by the Greek State and used
Flagstore sweets without sugar, to house the Greek Supreme Court and later on the
+302167006416 always fresh, with an Numismatic Museum), and the garden is located in its
emphasis on raw gorgeous courtyard, just a couple steps from
Madame Fraise ​ materials. Zuccherino Syntagma Square and the House of Parliament. A true
The first ghost pastry has many shops around oasis of serenity, removed from the busy city centre of
shop of Athens was set Athens, but you can see the Greek capital, the garden is in full bloom —of both
up by two exceptional and order the desserts flora and ancient Greek statues. On a sunny day,
and well-traveled pastry through their consider grabbing a drink at the cafe in the garden— if
chefs who make amazing eshop: zuccherino.gr, you do go, you should absolutely stay until later in the
desserts, classic but also +302109830869 evening for the stunning views to come. Also, consider

56 _ SUMMER 2022
SUMMER 2022_ 57
keeping an eye on their events calendar as the present, to Paradise, which talks about Byzantine
Numismatic Museum organizes jazz concerts at the concepts of the afterlife, and the River Ilissos that
garden from time to time! Syntagma, paints a picture on the development of the fluvial
12 Eleftheriou Venizelou, +302103632057 landscape on the banks of the Ilissos from antiquity to
For the most updated information, please modern times. See the birds chirp, the flowers bloom,
visit: www.nma.gr or www.facebook.com/ the trees sprout, the kids run and so much more in the
NumismaticMuseum.Athens Byzantine Gardens. If you’re looking for a cool
afternoon drink, you can also drop by the cafe-bistro
Benaki Museum Café Illisia. Evangelismos, 22 Vasilissis Sofias Av.,
A meeting point for the cultural crowds, one of the Kolonaki, +302132139517
most popular museum cafés of Athens. Promises of For the most updated information, please
unforgettable romantic afternoons with a view of the visit: www.byzantinemuseum.gr/en/gardens/
Acropolis. Wed & Fri 21:00-17:00, Thu & Sat 09:00-
24:00, Sun 09:00-15:00. Closed on Mon-Tue. Café of the National
Evangelismos, 1 Vasilissis Sofias & Koumpari Str., Archaeological Museum
Kolonaki, +302103671000 Located inside the Atrium, the café houses 700
plants referred to in Greek Mythology, so it offers
Byzantine and a great combination of an Ancient Greece flavour
Christian Museum Café with some exhibits of botanical interest.
The Byzantine and Christian Museum resides in the Mon: 13:00-20:00. Tue-Sun. 08:00-20:00.
Doukissis Plakentias villa—its Duchess is long gone but Victoria, 44 Patission Str., +302132144891
her home and her gardens still stand in grandeur. The
gardens of the Byzantine Museum are small escapes Cycladic Café
from reality, littered across seating areas under fruits A modern secret garden right in the heart of Athens
trees or near aromatic herbs and fountains. Tour the ideal for a break with a touch of Mediterranean
three archeological exhibitions in the gardens and cuisine. Mon-Wed-Fri-Sat 10:00-17:00, Thu 10:00-
take a journey across ancient Athenian history and 20:00, Sun 11:00-17:00 Free WiFi.
art—from the Well-Cistern that depicts how Athens Evangelismos, 4 Neofytou Douka Str.,
was supplied with water from ancient times to the Kolonaki, +302107228321-3

58 _ SUMMER 2022
Goulandris National into one of the most aesthetically pleasing exhibits in
History Museum Garden the museum, boasting native Greek species like cretan
The Goulandris Natural History Museum is located in dittany, for example, that does not grow anywhere
the elegant suburb of Kifissia and is home else in the world. According to legend, Aphrodite used
to zoological, botanical, marine, rock, mineral and the same herb to heal her son Aeneas after he was
fossil specimens, aiming to teach all those that come struck by a spear in the Trojan War. The gardens are
into contact with it about the animal and plant heavily influenced by Greek mythology—each of the
kingdoms and the interaction of ecosystems in Greece plants in the garden tells a tale, or rather has a story
and the rest of the world. The museum itself is an that can be found on specially placed signposts or on
enjoyable experience for all—but even more so is the bookmarks that visitors can take away as a souvenir.
gorgeous garden around it; brimming with over a 44 Patission Str., +302132144800
hundred different varieties of plants, bushes and For the most updated information, please
trees, it’s the perfect place to kick back and let nature visit: www.namuseum.gr
envelop you. Accompanying the garden is an equally
wonderful cafe, run by Dimitris Skarmoutsos and Kapodistriakon,
Dionysis Alertas whose food tastes just as good as Kostis Palamas Building
the flowers look. Τhe neoclassical Kostis Palamas, erected in 1857,
13 Levidou Str., Kifisia, +302108015870 serves and operates primarily as a cultural centre,
For the most updated information, hosting cultural events, conjectural exhibitions,
please visit: www.gnhm.gr/en lectures addressed to small audiences, round tables,
book presentations, symposiums and more.
National Archaeological Kapodistriakon is a restaurant in the building, popular
Museum Garden amongst Athens University students, for anything from
The National Archaeological Museum is a “must-see” a romantic date to a business meeting—and when
destination for any visitor arriving in Athens—but little you’re surrounded by the exquisite marble table and
is it known that its gardens are actually as impressive flowers beds all around, you feel like you’re a million
as the museum itself. A showpiece in their own right, miles away from the bustling city centre.
and renovated in 2016 so as to look like an ancient 48 Akadimias Str., Athina, +302103688711
peristyle courtyard, the gardens were transformed For the most updated information, visit: en.uoa.gr

SUMMER 2022_ 59
 *
€_up to 15
€€_15-25
€€€_25-35
€€€€_35+

TASTE

VOICE

When you’re out

and about in Athens, upload
your favourite moments on
instagram using the hashtag
#athensvoice #tastevoice
and let the world take
a glimpse of the
Athenian life!

From small family-run “tavernas” serving Greek meze and authentic grill houses
with old money aesthetic scattered around the Athenian neighborhoods,
to all day coffee spots and eateries, and from bistros and cocktail bars featuring creatively
reinvented Greek staples, to rooftop bar-restaurants with a view to an instragram-feed
sun plunging into the horizon and Michelin star winning fine-diners on the terraces
of high-end Athenian hotels looking at a staggering, lit up Acropolis, Athens has generated
a vibrant dine-out urban culture that proudly demonstrates the country’s lavish seasonal
©luisa brimble/unsplash

produce, its abundance of fundamental superfood ingredients and its rich heritage handed
down from generation to generation. Exploring the diverse culinary universe
of Athens is an exciting palate challenge for foodies, worth taken up.

By NENELA GEORGELE, KATERINA VNATSIOU

60 _ SUMMER 2022
SUMMER 2022_ 61
 MICHELIN
Michelin stars for excellence Greek
are awarded to selected restaurants Traditional
Extra virgin olive oil,
and Athens could not miss its share seasonal vegetables,
in top quality establishments. greens and herbs, crispy
pies and juicy roasts, fresh
Spondi With two Michelin stars, Spondi is considered fish and seafood are some
the absolute best restaurant in Greece. French cuisine by of the ingredients that have
chef Arnaud Bignon, luxurious environment and service established the Greek
which makes you feel like a king. 5 Pirronos Str., Pagrati, cuisine as one of the best in
the world. You will find it in
+302107564021
tavernas and restaurants
throughout the city. The
Botrini’s Minimal environment in a beautiful old best compliment a Greek
house with a cozy garden, and an excellent menu by famous traditional chef can hear:
chef Ectoras Botrini. Good value for money. “This reminds me of the
24b Vas. Georgiou B Str., Chalandri, +302106857324 way my mother used to
make this plate when I was
Hytra Reach the 6xth floor of the Onassis Cultural little...
Center, and you will find yourself in Hytra, where you can
enjoy the great view along with great food. Mainly Greek Avgo tou Kokora
cuisine. Offers a degustation menu and many choices for Pinned on the Athenian map of
different budgets. Syggrou- Fix, 107-109 Syggrou Ave., gastronomy for almost two
+302103316767 decades it has rightfully
claimed the hearts of
Varoulko Seaside Lefteris Lazarou is the first authentic taste aficionados,
Greek chef to acquire a Michelin star. He is one of the many of whom represent the
country’s most renewed chefs, with a loyal audience and a city’s artistically inspired
unique knowledge of seafood. In Varoulko, modern Greek crowd. Let your senses revel in
cuisine meets the international gastronomy in an excellent what Greek traditional cuisine
really tastes like. From 1:00 at
venue with huge windows and a breathtaking view of the
noon till 1:00 after midnight.
sea which lies in a 2 meters distance. 52 Akti
Metaxourgeio, 25 Myllerou
Koumoundourou Str., Mikrolimano, +302105228400
Str., Metaxourgeio,
+302177050103
CTC Talented chef Alexandros Tsiotinis sings the praises
of Greece’s gastronomic history in a way most intriguing Dexameni
and originally unique. 15, Plateon Str., Athens, One of the most historical
+302107228812 “kafeneia” of Athens, open
from 10:00 till very late, for
PELAGOS A panorama of Luca Piscazzi’s creative coffee, meze, Cretan raki and
mindset on fish-oriented fine dining flawlessly executed delicious home-made halva
with world celebrated French techniques. Four Seasons with ice-cream. Map I15
Astir Hotel: 40, Apollonos Str., Vouliagmeni, Evangelismos, Dexamenis
+302108901192 Square, Kolonaki,
+302107214368 €
The Bib Gourmand (in recognition of skillful
cooking in reasonable prices) was awarded to Nolan
(31 Voulis str., Syntagma, +302103243545),
Oikeio (15 Ploutarchou Str., Kolonaki, +302107259216)
Cerdo Negro 1985 (5, Vitonos str., Gazi, 2103470628).
GB Rood Garden (1a Vas. Georgiou Str., Syntagma,
ATHENS HAS ITS
+302103330000), Cookoovaya (2 Chatzigianni Mexi str.,
OWN Matsuhisa
Hilton, +302107235005), Vezene (11 Vrasida str., Hilton,
Home of the world famous
+302107232002), Sense (5 Dionissiou Aeropagitou Str., Nobu cuisine, Matsuhisa meets
Akropoli, +302109200240), Aneton (19 Stratigou the highest standards for sushi.
Lekka Str., Marousi, +302108066700), Athenee Highlights: black cod, nice cocktails,
(9 Voukourestiou Str., +302103251430), Ergon House fantastic location on the sea front.
(23 Mitropoleos, +302100109090), Okio (33 Nikis Str., Astir Palace Hotel,
Syntagma, +302103311436), Aleria (57 Megalou 40 Apollonos Str., Vouliagmeni,
Alexandrou Str., Metaxourgeio, +302105222633), +302108960510
Alficon (8 Ironda Str., Pagrati, +302169005059). €€€€

62 _ SUMMER 2022
SUMMER 2022_ 63
 3 restaurants
which have Economou
Traditional tavern in a former

a shopping section working class neihbourhoud

which is now a hip area

within
crowded by young artists.
Excellent house wine and high
quality Greek cuisine. Closed
Sun. 41 Petralona Troon
Have you ever been so excited by some dishes & Kidantidon Str.,
at a Greek Restaurant that you wished you could buy +302103467555 €
the ingredients and cook the dish at home?
Now your wish can come true! Jams and delicious Filippou
cold meats, cheeses from all over Greece, handmade This historic restaurant will
serve you “mama’s” food in
pasta, nuts, honey, wines and spirits, all of which
very good prices. Closed Sat
you can enjoy in the street as a snack, in your hotel,
evening and Sun (also 8-23/8).
as a lunch or as a memorial when you go back home. Evangelismos,
19 Xenokratous Str., Kolonaki,
Ta karamanlidika tou Fani +302107216390 €€
The ideal place to taste tradition “meze” from all over
Greece. Their products are excellent, you can dine in and/ O Kalos Lykos
or buy some of their products. In the centre of the premises The «big bad wolf» came to
is a glass display with dozens of cold meats, cheeses, sausages life in 2015 in a wonderful
and spicy sausages (soujouki), for you to choose from. street corner of Psyrri, only this
Omonia, 1 Sokratous & Εvripidou str., +302103254184, time as the «good fellow» with
Mon-Sat: 12:00-23:00 (sales: 08:00-21:00) a vibrant, happy and relaxing
New: 119 Ermou Str., Monastiraki, +302103219119 disposition. Enjoy awesome
appetizers before reaching for
the most inspiring dishes of
Ergon fresh pork pan-fry, juicy
One of the most popular and successful chain steaks, crispy cheese
of restaurants not only in Greece but also in London, croquettes or irresistibly spicy
Brussels, Miami. Here, the first foodie hotel in Athens. meatballs complemented with
Ιt serves quality food but you can buy Greek products: ice cold beers, raki or tsipouro. ​
olive oil, olives, honey, jams, pasta, sauces, syrups, 2, Orygou, 10 Navarhou
herbs. Tip: Discover "Retire", a perfect terrace Apostoli Str., Psyrri,
with Acropolis view on the last floor. 6974320286,
Syntagma, 123 Mitropoleos Str., +302100109090, Fb: okalosolykos1
12 pm-12 am (store hours 09.00-01.00)
Klimataria
One of the oldest tavernas in
Mezeklikia tis Lachanagoras Athens, a culinary landmark in
In the very heart of the main vegetable market
the city center and in close
of Athens you are going to experience something distance to the central market
truly unique… At “Mezeklikia tis Lachanagoras” place, Klimataria is hosted in a
you are going to learn what the greek word “mezes” very old little house with an
really means. Here, all the dishes are made with greek inner yard adorned with vast
products, that you can actually buy, since this restaurant greenery and flowers and a
is also a delicatessen! Discover greek wines, lovely decoration. You’ll enjoy
different kind of cheese and cold cuts, beers, sauces, delicious greek traditional
handmade pasta and many more delicacies. flavours, while the long menu
Vegetable Market, Renti, +302104820020 includes all the classic and
home-cooked style recipes: a
great variety of fresh salads,
Yoleni’s soups, pies, legumes, lamb
With thousands of quality products from small
fricassee and its “signature”
producers from all around the region it’s an ambassador dish, pot-roasted lamb with
of Greek traditional flavors! The six-story building includes potatoes. Pretty much a local's
the coffee corner, with rare coffee varieties, pites restaurant with a wonderful,
and sandwiches, the restaurant with great meat options, homey ambiance, some
Greek tavern, an olive oil bar, a cellar with fine Greek wine evenings accompanied by the
labels and a room for cooking classes. live tunes of Greek bouzouki.
Syntagma, 9 Solonos Str., Kolonaki, Good price list, friendly
+302122223623 service. 2 Theatrou sq,
+302103216629

64 _ SUMMER 2022
SUMMER 2022_ 65
 Green Park
The long-awaited return of the historic Vlassis
«family entertainment» center in one of the Plain, simple space with an
biggest city parks, gives the Athenian food scene “intellectual” touch, but its
a fascinating boost. After being closed for many passion for original Greek food
years and with a staggering restoration undertake that remains intact. Splendid
fully respected the rare architectural elements of its cooked dishes, even better
heritage structure, the landmarked complex is given a grilled & fried seafood. Closed
second life in the versatile dining world of the capital. The Sun (also 8-23/8). Megaro,
vast greenery of the park, the trees and the flowers and 15 Meandrou Str., Ilissia,
the vintage fountain create a serene, most refreshing and +302107256335 €€
relaxing ambience for guests to enjoy a morning coffee,
early day delicacies or a cool drink during sun down,
while an array of exquisite Greek-oriented dishes
Greek Creative
reinvent its long-standing reputation through Greeks love their traditional
generations and generations of Athenians. homemade cuisine and
Live music almost every night. ​ renowned Greek chefs love
Pedion tou Areos park, to experiment with its
22 Mavromateon Str., recipes. What they come up
+302108832391 with is some of the country’s
most representative dishes
served up “with a twist”. The
finest restaurants of the
Kyveli of Cretan cuisine, traditionally Greek creative cuisine are...
Keeping its retro “profile” served at weddings!). The pie
that blends perfectly with the all of Sfakia with thyme honey Aleria
so retro neighborhood, Kyvelli is and cinnamon ice cream, at the Α yard that resembles the
popular among the locals. end, is a must. 47, Efroniou french countryside. Two level
Happy interior adorned with old Str., near Caravel Hotel, building, elegant decoration,
photographs and advertising +302107211161, +302107211191, one of the best menus in Greek
posters of past decades. The www.tokaplani.gr, creative cuisine, chef Gikas
menu, a refreshing culinary Fb: tokaplani, insta: tokaplani Xenakis. You can also relax
experience, includes salads, and have a drink. Closed Sun.
appetizers and delicious To Scholarchio Metaxourgio,
“meze”. Monday closed. tis Kypselis 57 Meg. Alexandrou Str.,
15 Eptanisou Str., Kypseli, Right on the bustling square of +302105222633 €€€
+302108219406 Agios Georgios, the “delicious”
smells coming from the corner Cookoovaya
To Kaplani of Eptanissou street whet your Five excellent chefs
Owner Manolis Romanakis and appetite. The menu reveals the (N. Karathanos, P. Koskinas, V.
chef Dimitris Skafidas design versatile temperament of Liakos, S. Liakos, K. Zournatzis)
dishes that reveal centuries of traditional Greek food with an have taken over the cuisine of
Cretan culinary heritage, using intriguing variety of seafood, this restaurant, making the
top quality raw materials meat and stews, plus beers whole city curious to try their
directly from the island! Try and local spirits. 18 Eptanissou dishes. Closed 10-17/8.
horta tsigariasta (wild greens Str., Kypseli, +302108815820, Megaro, 2a Xatzigianni
cooked in olive oil) with fresh FB: To Scholarchio tis Kypselis, Mexi Str., Ilissia,
tomatoes, onions and lemon Insta: to_scholarchio_tis_ +302107235005 €€€
or the «gamopilafo» (a staple kypselis
Delta
Within the complex of Stavros
Niarchos Foundation Cultural
Center, a fine dining restaurant
of elegant aesthetics and
culinary supremacy gives
Open-air market on Kallidromiou street sustainability a whole new
The open-air market of Kallidromiou street is the perfect place to connect meaning. The menu, a
with the locals and get a worth remembering «taste» of Greek authentic. gastronomic destination that
For a few hours every Saturday (starting at dawn and until 4 in the fits its values of excellence,
afternoon) the street is transformed with an assembly of counters and features conceptual cuisine
benches overwhelming of the fresh and low-cost seasonal produce of the flavors inspired by Greek
country: veggies, eggs, cheese varieties, wines, fishes and seafood tradition with a cosmopolitan
treasures. The bizarre hub is «orchestrated» by the loud voices of sellers, twist, while providing for all
producers and vendors yelling out their «finest of quality». You should tastes – protein, vegetarian
also expect some live tunes filling the air as it is accustomed for music and vegan. Its wine «cellar»
bands with traditional instruments scattered along the way to play live
arrays 685 labels of Greek and
music. Cold beers are served soon after…
international vineries. The price

66 _ SUMMER 2022
• art Concept Store
Porto Heli
• craft
Porto Heli Beach, 2754053595
• fashion e-mail: [email protected]
Fb: στο δεντρο not another tavern
• jewellery insta: stodentro

SUMMER 2022_ 67
 The Line Athens
One of the newest additions to
the city’s culinary scene gives you a
homely feeling that «tastes» superb.
fresh food, natural juices,
You’ll try fruit wine from an elegant array
of labels, traditionally made home bread, salads, soups, an alternative
comfort food, small brewery beers and option for fast food. Open all
masterfully blended cocktail drinks. The day. Panepistimio,
Industrial design with the long bar, an Locali 29 Skoufa Str., Kolonaki,
indoors patio and a zero waste What its name suggests +302103631827,
philosophy, stimulate the palette even is that you become a local +302103635773 €€
further.​37 Agathodemonos Str., when hanging out in places you
Kato Petralona, feel at home. Here you are, relaxed Lyra
+302103421311 in its beautiful patio of cultural The restaurant is set in a
contrasts, the imposing figures of the beautiful neo-classical building
Caryatids on the wall, feasting your in the «neighborhood of
senses with imaginative flavors and gods», surrounded by the
list starts at about 110 euros. signature cocktails, featuring a mix unique appeal of the city’s
Mondays closed. 364 Syggrou of Greek spirits. Open in the past. In an elegant cascading
morning. Thisseio,
Av., Kallithea, +302168091288 table arrangement in the
44 Sarri Str., Psyrri,
+302103250673 picturesque alley expect a
Fita display of contemporary Greek
Though it made its debut a few cuisine dishes based on
months ago in an off Broadway premium quality ingredients.
neighborhood of central good modern Greek cuisine, Live music and intriguing
Athens, it is already a culinary emphasis is placed on quality cocktail options lift the
hangout with a devoted young ingredients, traditional dishes experience even higher.
crowd. The menu features with a modern touch, a relaxed 12, Lysiou Str., Plaka,
alternative flavors that reflect and intimate atmosphere. +302103229727
the unwavering philosophy of Tables inside and outside on
its chefs-owners towards an the pavement, make sure to Vezene
inspiring experimentation with book. Daily from noon, Sunday One of the best restaurants
regional fresh products and serving only midday. in the city, located behind
ingredients. Chill out Evangelismos, Hilton Hotel. It is always
atmosphere, beautiful faces, 33 Arrianou Str., Pagrati, packed with afficionados of
among which some of the city’s +302107223466 €€ nouvelle cuisine. Enjoy the
most celebrated personalities. delicacies from Mediterranean
Good prices. 1 Dourm & 6-8 Vasilainas and Italian cuisine. Closed Sun.
Kassamouli Str., Neos Kosmos, This historic 100-year-old Evangelismos,
+302114148624 restaurant has catered for an 11 Vrassida Str., Hilton,
all-star list of visitors who have +302107232002 €€€
Soil passed through Greece – from
The old, urban mansion was Sofia Loren to Winston Athens
given a tasteful refurbishment Churchill. Now in a new from Above
that complements the chef’s location, behind the emblematic
passion of infusing fine dining Hilton, in a property that has GB Roof Garden
with regional flavors. The been magnificently designed by Deluxe art deco interior and
charismatic and award- the famous architects A. impeccable service. An
winning Tassos Mantis creates Kourkoulas - M. Kokkinou. excellent choice after shopping
a truly traceable culinary Cuisine Greek, creative and in what can only be branded as
experience with a farm-to- unforgettable gastronomic Athens’ most chic and
table seasonal menu featuring experience, degustation menu historical brasserie. You’ll be
delectable ingredients that and a la carte, wine cellar with sitting next to powerful
come directly from his own the best of Greek and businessmen, and journalists
farm. The beautiful yard with international vineyards. in search of their next story.
the orange trees pays homage Reduced rates at noon. Delectable mediterranean
to the inspiring philosophy. Evangelismos, 3 Vrassida cuisine, amazing view.
A 14 course degustation menu Str., (behind the Hilton Hotel), Syntagma, Grande Bretagne
costs 85 euros. Sundays +302107210501 €€€ Hotel, Syntagma Sq.,
closed. 5, Ferekidou Str., +302103330000 €€€€
Pagkrati, +302107513505 Mediterranean
Hytra
To Mavro Provato It One of the most celebrated
(Black Sheep) The “it” place to have a lunch restaurants of the city and
One the city’s most loved break, the absolute meeting privileged with an astonishing
restaurants, it fills quickly daily point for the locals. Combines view of Athens, especially when
with Athenian crowds, the vibe of a modern night falls. 107-109 Syggrou
actresses, screenwriters, restaurant with the casualness Av., Neos Kosmos,
artists and celebrities. Very of a take away. Healthy and +302103316767

68 _ SUMMER 2022
SUMMER 2022_ 69
 Avgotaraho (Grey Mullet Bottarga)
By Isabelle Clayton A delicacy of cured Grey Mullet Roe.
Natural without preservatives, with high nutritional
The Greek meat-lover’s value and a pleasant, long-lasting aftertaste.
trifecta! But are these meals It can be consumed in small slices as an appetizer,
truly different from one with freshly baked bread or with pasta.
another? Foreign travelers
may be surprised to hear
that there are many factors,
such as cooking process and La Suite Lounge Fish
type of meat, that set them Eating by the Vertigo Pool is
apart. It is possible for you to cool! Luxurious decoration, Dourabeis
like Kebab, but not Souvlaki; original Greek tastes. Nice view An all-time classic and rightly
Souvlaki, but not Gyro. For to the city and pleasant famous. Fish cuisine of the
this reason, we present to soundscape. BBQ on Mondays. highest standards.
you a run down on these Evangelismos, Hotel St. Akti Protopsalti 27, Piraeus,
three meat dishes, both to George Lycabettus, +302104122092 €€€
satisfy your carnivorous 2 Kleomenous Str., Dexameni,
cravings, and to open up a +302107416000 €€€ Istioploikos
whole new world for you A landmark of Mikrolimano
within Athenian cuisine. Mavili Beach overlooking the Saronic Gulf.
Seven stories above ground, In the evening it feels like you
Souvlaki high up on the terrace of Hotel are at a beach bar. Modern,
A popular and inexpensive Alexandros in the heart of the Mediterranean cuisine. The
street food in Athens, Souvlaki vibrant Mavili square, an café looks like a boat deck.
denotes grilled chunks of meat almost cinematic set unfolds; Akti Mikrolimano, Piraeus,
on a skewer. Traditionally, is a beautiful “sandy beach”, +302104134084 -184,
made with pork, however, it is literally, you can drop your +306944915220 €€€
becoming more and more towel on, and a traditional
common to find chicken or lamb tavern with the white washed Jimmy and the Fish
Souvlaki. Souvlaki can also Cycladic aura and authentic It stands out among the
connote a type of sandwich, with “meze”. Megaro tourist tavernas of Mikrolimano.
skewered meat, tomatoes, Moussikis, 8 Timoleontos Meeting point for a fish lunch by
onions, french fries, and sauce Vassou Str., Plateia Mavili, the yachts and fishing boats.
wrapped tightly within pita. +302106430464 46 Akti Koumoundourou Str.,
Mikrolimano, +302104124417
Kebab Nyx €€€
Although traditionally a Turkish Japanese fusion with a 360o
dish, ordering a Kebab in Athens view of the city’s miraculous Thalassinos
will not get you the doner kebab history and urban culture. Athenians who love fish
you might be expecting. In Located on the top floor of the frequent this cozy place, which
Athens, Kebabs are made by Academias Hotel Athens, Nyx serves big or smaller fish in
forming spicy minced meat, features top notch Japanese both creative and traditional
usually lamb, but also chicken, influenced flavors, masterfully way s in its lovely yard.
pork, or beef, around a skewer, combined with signature Moschato, 2 Irakleos
and grilling it. Kebabs are usually cocktails. Nyx, Academias & Lisikratous Str., Moschato,
served with pita and a type of Hotel, 38, Academias & Omirou +302109404518 €€
yogurt-based dipping sauce. Str., Athens, +302103670000
AMERICAN WAY
Gyro The Zillers
The meat used for Gyros, usually This year everybody is talking T.G.I. Friday’s
lamb, is cut into thin pieces and about The Zillers’ terrace. Give some “flavour” to your
layered around a large, vertical Lovely setting, outstanding evenings with appetizers and
skewer. It is cooked view of the Acropolis, green cocktails at happy hour prices.
incrementally as the skewer scenery decoration. Open all At TGI Friday’s you will find a
turns around a source of heat. day for coffee or drinks, variety of refreshing signature
When you order a Gyro, an snacks, special dishes and cocktails and straight drinks
assortment of crispy and juicy cocktails. Syntagma, mixed by the greatest
meat is cut from the outer edges 54 Mitropoleos Str., Syntagma, bartenders in the world.
of the large skewered mass, and +302103222277 €€€ Kifissia: 35 Kolokotroni Str.,
placed within pita along with +302106233947-8/ Kolonaki
salad, tomatoes, tzatziki, and Syntagma: 2 Neofytou
sometimes, french fries. Vamva str., +302107227721/

70 _ SUMMER 2022
SUMMER 2022_ 71
Ambelokipi Ambelokipi: night falls. Panepistimio, as well as original day dishes
Kifissias & Alexandras, 6 Sina & Vissarionos Str., of legumes, pasta or meat,
+302106475417-8/ Panepistimio, +302103648077 burgers and must-try bagels
Glyfada: 43 Lazaraki str., with salmon. 60 Omirou
+302108982608-9/ ALL DAY & Skoufa Str., Kolonaki,
Palio Faliro: Marina Flisvou, +302103617201
Pier One, +302109853281/ Athineon
Agios Dimitrios The Athens Politeia Shakespeare
Metro Mall: 276 Vouliagmenis Indulge in a rich breakfast or in Love
Av., +302109717223/ Asteras the exquisite flavors of The history of this 1897 stone
Vouliagmenis: 40 Apollonos authentic Greek and building at Piraeus got swept
Str., +302108901625 €€ Mediterranean cuisine, away by love with the art of
complemented by a selective fine Mediterranean cuisine
Bar variety of wines and signature making. Enjoy exceptional
Restaurants cocktails. Your self-discipline coffee, freshly made juices and
over a delicious array of brunch in the morning and
Balthazar homemade desserts definitely indulge in the Mediterranean
One of the most beautiful poses an extra challenge. breeze with ravioli with rooster
buildings in Athens, it attracts 1, Akamantos & 33, and xinomyzithra cheese or
politicians, businessmen, Apostolou Pavlou Str., Thissio, grilled salmon with seasonal
artists, who enjoy their +302103413795, veggies in the evening. Over
early meals & drinks. Fb: athinaionpoliteia, 25 labels of excellent wine and
Mediterranean cuisine by Insta: athinaion_politeia uniquely made cocktail.
top chef Christoforos Peskias 3 Agiou Spyridonos Str.,
and a beautiful garden. F Bar ​ Piraeus, 2104131999,
Ambelokipi, 27 Tsoxa Just a stone’s throw away from S.i.L Shakespeare in Love,
& Vournazou Str., the Acropolis, F Bar spreads its @S.i.L Shakespeare in Love
+3022106441215 €€€€ scenic vibes to a cool crowd
of all ages flocking in awed by French Cuisine
Eden’s Garden​ the fascinating volume of the
Located in one of the most majestic monument. Superb L’ Abreuvoir
vivid neighborhoods of Athens, coffee blends, refreshing All time classic French cuisine,
this club-restaurant is the beverages, great cocktail elegant and stylish. Enjoy the
hidden paradise of the city. drinks, premium spirits and food in its beautiful garden –
You will enter an amazing a selective variety of wine along side politicians and
garden, where you can taste labels. 29 Heraklidon Str., VIPs. Evangelismos,
fusion cuisine, drink an Thissio, +302130116173, 51 Xenokratous Str., Kolonaki,
exceptional cocktail or even try Fb: rockbarathens, +302107229106 €€€€
hookah! 48 Triptolemou Str., Insta: @Φ BAR
Gazi, 6942252950 VeriTable
Iguazu ​ An aura of elegance surrounds
Efimerida ATH A panorama of latin-american this authentic bistronomie
The ambience, the interior, flavors devised by the that honors the philosophy
the music and the out-of-the charismatic chef Yiannis of the exquisite French
ordinary flavors switch your Parrikos. Soak in the aromas of gastronomic tradition.
mornings up a lot. In the coffee in the morning Chef-patron Alain Parodi
morning for a lovely coffee and complemented with exquisite and his wife Christine will
a selection of “voluptuous” brunch dishes and as the day spoil you with lip smacking
breakfast and brunch dishes pushes forward, sensations dishes, French cheeses and
and later in the day for a lunch and tastes mingle in a menu cold cuts paired with excellent
break, dinner, some drinks and most inspiring. 16 Laodikias French wines - on the upper
cocktails listening to great & 1 Nimfeou Str., Athens floor rests a collection of
music that gets louder as the +302107775225, iguazu.gr, 2000 fine wine labels from
Fb: iguazu.athens, France mostly, but also from
Insta: @iguazu.athens Greece, Italy and Roumania.
You’ll find it open on Saturday
When you’re out Nice N Easy noons. Closed on Sundays.
and about in Athens, Displaying an elegant chic 8 A. Sikelianou Str.,
upload your favourite
atmosphere, it has become Neo Psychiko, +302111829109
moments on instagram
using the hashtag the hottest meeting point for
#athensvoice #tastevoice those strolling around the lively Italian
and let the world take central streets of Kolonaki.
a glimpse of the The menu features an Aglio Oglio e
Athenian life!
abundant selection of organic peperoncino
flavors, yummy simple delights, Veiled under the imposing

72 _ SUMMER 2022
SUMMER 2022_ 73
 Koulouria
Delight
Incredibly crunchy on 13 Ephorionos Str., Pagrati, of some of the most popular
the outside with an +302114117444 €€ high-end cuisines in Athens).
amazingly soft and Simply delicious, definitely
slightly chewy centre. Frankie traditional, altogether an
Koulouria are delicious Borrowing the name from epicurean delight.
Greek bread rings Frank Sinatra, Frankie stands Monastiraki, 9 Plateia
covered with toasted out on one of the busiest Eirinis, Central Athens,
sesame seeds. It is the streets of central Athens. Its +302103240026
most popular street food menu brings the Italian finesse
one can find in Greece. on a plate, with authentic Mailo’s
And with good reason! Italian dishes created with The Pasta Project
When walking the regional products that A rare blend of fresh pasta
emphasize its farm to table with the street food culture
streets of Athens you
philosophy. Beautiful interior created right in front of you.
can’t miss the street
with vintage aesthetics and an Mailo’s open kitchen cooks
vendors selling these
open kitchen. Open daily from daily three different kinds
popular sesame bread the morning hours for coffee, of pasta using only organic
rings. These famous brunch or Italian snacks. Also semolina and water. Choose
Greek Koulouria are an excellent list of Greek and your kind and move on with
probably the most Italian wine. 42 Skoufa Str., adding one of the ten different
popular breakfast for Kolonaki, +302103647052 €€ handmade, signature
Greeks, along with a cup sauces - the “Truffle
of coffee. You will love Pasteria (La) Mushrooms” with wild
them with feta cheese or Twelve restaurants all over mushrooms and truffle
Graviera and Kalamata the city. With a rich wine list oil is divine. 11 Athinaidos St.,
olives as a filling snack and a tempting menu from Agias Eirinis Square,
or cutting them in half all over Italy. Maroussi mailos.gr, Fb: Mailo’s – The
crosswise, spreading The Mall Athens: Pasta Project,
with butter, honey or +302106198230, Insta: @mailos_pasta
jam for breakfast. Kolonaki +30210 3632032/
Simply delicious! Glyfada: +302108945085/ Microu Lee
Kifissia: +302108085607/ Generous portions and very
Nea Smyrni: +302109319146/ reasonable prices for Chinese
Paleo Faliro: +302109858880/ food (the most expensive dish
volume of the sacred Acropolis Ambelokipi:+302106401480/ costs €4,90), the best comfort
rock this beautiful place of Agia Paraskevi: noodles in the world! Note this
minimal chic aesthetics fuses +302106019975/ summer highlights: noodles
its menu with pure Italian Chalandri: +302106854210/ with chicken and curry, won ton
quintessence. Choose among Kato Patissia: shrimps, fried rice with
an intriguing variety of Italian +302102236295 €€ shrimps, beef soup, sweet
antipasti, colorful salads and potato salad and finally
fresh handmade pasta Street Food cheesecake with tofu.
prepared masterfully in its Omonia, 14 Stournari Str.,
kitchen and topped with Everest Exarchia, +302103800672 €
traditional Italian sauces; There’s one on every corner.
not to mention the delightful A dazzling array of ingredients Thess Bao
desserts. Closed on Mondays, to choose from and make your Fine dining inside a (bao) bun.
only at noon on Sundays. own dream sandwich. The Handmade fluffy buns filled
Acropolis, 13 Porinou str., same applies for pies, salads, with creative stuffing such as
Acropolis, +302109211801 pastry, coffees, beverages. the marinated pork in honey
Those in the city’s centre are and beer roasted for four
Cupola usually open 24 hours. € hours in the oven before being
Tastes from Italy with the best pulled apart and crammed into
Italian chef Stefano Rossi, you Feyrouz the bun along with tomato,
will be amazed by his delicious Mama’s food: delicious soups crispy onions and a cream of
carbonara. Also try authentic and excellent homemade greek yogurt and celery. The
Italian pizza! On the list you will lahmacun. Monastiraki, menu continues with strikingly
find a wide variety of Greek 23 Karori & Eolou str., unexpected combinations.
and Italian wines. Taste Monastiraki, +302130318060 € 30-32 Perikleous Str.,
delicious cocktails from the Syntagma, +302103214717/
most famous bartenders in the Hoocut Thessaloniki: 3 Kalapothaki,
city. Next to Panathenaic Our national street food, the 2310235225, 11 Lori Margariti,
Stadium, tables outside. Open “souvlaki”, redesigned by 2310235226,
from Tue to Sat 19.00-00.30. highly talented, Michelin thessbao.gr, Fb: Thessbao,
On Sun from 13.00-19.00, starred Greek chefs (owners Insta: @thessbao

74 _ SUMMER 2022
SUMMER 2022_ 75
 Getting wine drunk on vacation without a care in
the world is one of summer’s greatest pleasures
and Greek culture might be the one to thank for
such a fabulous tradition. It’s true. Greeks
invented the so-called “symposia” (literally
drinking parties with a couple of orgies involved)
to honor Dionysus, the God of wine and mischief,
hence Greece being considered one of the world’s
oldest wine-producing regions, making its own
wine for the past 6,500 years. Ever since the
tourism boom in the country during the 1960s, a
white wine called “retsina” became almost
synonymous to Greek wine and Greece in general,
due to its strong resin aroma . But there is far
more than that for wine lovers. In recent years the
wine industry in Greece has opened up to younger
new participants. Charming wine bars are
springing up everywhere, together with a
generation of new winemakers, educated in
France and the US, taking charge of existing
wineries, introducing new methods and
reintroducing old forgotten varieties. For many
years now, top international varieties have been
cultivated with great success. Top sommeliers,
wine writers and traders have put Greece firmly
on the global “wine map”.

3 wine trends in Greece

Like the rest of the world, in Greece as well there is a
selective tendency for consumers when it comes to
wine as they look for “special” ones which will offer a
unique experience in the form of a bottle.
Here are some of the Greek labels on the rise: Liatiko
Amphorea (Douloufakis), Rhobola (Melissinos),
Rhoditis (Tetramythos), Mystirio (Karamolegos),
By Yiannis Dimopoulos Orange Wine (Anatolikos), Orgion (Sklavou)
Xinomavro Rosé (Oenos Nature).

Orange wines are also becoming more popular among

the aspired wine consumers. To make orange wine you
have to combine the ingredients of white wines and
the process of reds. This means that this particular
kind is made with white grapes varieties that ferment
with their skin and seeds still on. The taste however
has nothing to do with the regular white wines or the
reds. It is unique. Sour and somewhat dry, fruity and
strong. Some of the most promising Greek labels are:
ΜΕΤΑ 2011, Pieria Eratini (Pieria Malagouzia),
Mithymneon Portokali - Yiannis Lambrou (Lesbos
Hydiriotiko), Tatsis Rhoditis (Goumenissa).

Tides have also turned for some rare Greek varieties,

some of which we may have never heard before and
some, lost in time and forgotten, have “flourished”
again due to the efforts of devoted Greek winemakers.
As such, it is worth looking for: Villana, Vidiano,
©julia peretiatko/unsplash

Limniona, Liatiko, Kydonitsa, Plito, Mavrotragano,

Monemvasia, Negoska.

Some of the best producers and their top wines

are listed below. A bottle of good white wine
in the liqueur stores costs between €15-25,
and a bottle of red €20-40.

76 _ SUMMER 2022
SUMMER 2022_ 77
Wine resto
By the Glass This hot spot
for wine lovers offers one of the
most updated and exciting wine
lists in the city, in a cozy beautiful
atrium. You may choose from
250 different wine labels
including Greek and international
varieties. More than 50 of them
are served by the glass. They
also serve coffee, spirits and
food. From early in the morning
till late at night. Syntagma,
3 G. Souri & Philellinon Str.,
+302103232560 €€

Heteroclito Wines from

Greek producers, good prices
and tasty side-dishes with
cheese and cold cuts. Every day White varieties Red wines
from 18:00 till late. Syntagma, Assyrtico: The finest white grape from Aivalis: Monopati
2 Fokionos & Petraki Str., the Island of Santorini, and possibly the Alpha Estate: Xinomavro Unfiltered,
+302103239406 € cheapest top white wine in the world. Alpha 1
Mineral with high acidity, ages well. Antonopoulos: Nea Dris
Materia Prima This Try to distinguish an aged assyrtiko Avantis: Collection Syrah
authentic bar is always filled with to a Chablis Grand Cru. Biblia Chora: Ovilos
happy faces appreciating a Malagousia: Aromatic, with a scent of ripe Boutaris: Classic Grand Reserve, 1879
glass of good wine. The extensive peaches, apricots and green pepper. Driopi: Agiorgitico
Moschofilero: A sweet, aromatic grape, Gaia: Agiorgitico
wine list includes labels from
the Greek Gewurztraminer! Gerovassiliou: Avaton, Syrah 
celebrated Greek wineries as well
Karydas: Xinomavro
as an excellent sample from wine Red varieties Katogi Strofilia: Ktima Averof
producing regions around the Agiorgitico: Rich, deeply coloured, Kir-Yanni: Diaporos, Blue Fox
world. If you fancy beer or spirits ages well. Manousakis: Syrah
more, you’ll find the list updated Xinomavro: Greece’s answer to Barolo, Mercouri: Refosco
for you too, on a weekly basis. needs time to develop. Papaioannou: Mikroklima, Terroir
Open from 17:00 in the Sigalas: Mavrotragano
afternoon. Mondays closed. Some of the Skouras: Solera aged Labyrinth,
68 Falirou Str., Koukaki, top producers Megas Oinos
+302109245935 Thimiopoulos: New age Xinomavro
Aivalis, Alpha Estate, Antonopoulos, Tselepos: Kokkinomylos
Oinoscent This is one of the Arghyros, Biblia Chora, Boutaris,
best places in the Historic Centre Driopi, Douloufakis, Gaia, Gerovassiliou, Sweet wines
of Athens that offers a wide Hatzidakis, Hatzimichalis, Katogi Strofilia, Vinsanto: Sun dried grapes from Santorini.
Katsaros, Kir-Yanni, Manousakis, These wines have the complexity of
variety of fine wines from all over
Mercouri, Papaioannou, Pavlidis, olorosos and Tokajs. Top producers:
the world, from over a decade.
Samos, Sigalas, Skouras, Sklavos, Argiros and Sigalas.
Every single one of them is Thimiopoulos, Tselepos. Mavrodaphne: Sweet fortified wines.
carefully selected by the hands Best old like Banyls.
of the two-time winner of Best My favourite Muscat: Sweet wines from Samos island.
Sommelier of Greece, Aris
Sklavenitis. Syntagma, 45-47 White wines Good and fairly priced
Voulis Str., Athens, Alpha Estate: Sauvignon Blanc Let us recommend to you some good
+302103229374 Antonopoulos: Chardonnay Anax and fairly priced Greek wines that are easy
Argyros: Vareli Assyrtico, Ktima to pair, fine-bodied and naturally refreshing
Warehouse Biblia Chora: Ovilos for an all-hours allure.
Assemblage Just a few Boutaris: Kalisti Reserve Ktima Alpha: Malagouzia
minutes from Monastiraki Gaia: Τhalassitis, Wild ferment Assyrtico Zafirakis: Paleomilos
Square, this is one of the newest Gerovassiliou: Chardonnay, Malagousia Skoura: Armira
Hatzidakis: Nihteri, Louros  Avantis: White
Athenian wine spots where you
Katsaros: Chardonnay  Gaea: Moshofilero
can taste a variety of Greek and
Kir-Yanni: Samaropetra Semeli: Yiorti
International wines and also buy Manousakis: Roussanne Tselepos: Mantinia
them. All of them pairing with the Mercouri: Malvasia Vivlia Chora: White
crafted dishes on their menu. Sigalas: Nihteri, Cavalieros Pavlides: Thema White
Syntagma, 8 Mitropoleos Skouras: Viognier Eclectique Kyr-Yiannis: Samaropetra
Square, Athens, +302103253503 Sklavos: Robola Theodorakakos: Kydonitsa

78 _ SUMMER 2022
SUMMER 2022_ 79
 Athens is the city of enjoying nightlife. Visitors are always
welcome to spend crazy nights out. Especially, in the
centre of Athens you can find many hot spots with a view
or unique bars with special cocktails or clubs for partying
till the sun comes up. Come on, come and join us!

By Nenela georgele, Katerina vnatsiou

Island ous
The most fam
At he ns. A modern
“island” in at captures
nt th
club-restaura clade s. Frozen
e Cy
the spirit of th rannean cuisine,
ite
cocktails, Med dance parties,
lounge music, brities.
lots of cele
o Road,
27 th km Athens-Souni
Varkiza ,
563-4
+302109653
Island

80 _ SUMMER 2022
 Fine
Drinking
Greek Bar PLAKA - MONASTIRAKI - in Athens
dictionary THISSIO - PETRALONA
The Athenian bartending
Shot sfinaki Tiki Athens Tiki is the first exotica bar community is
Low quality alcohol in athens. Many unique events take place celebrating moments
beverage bomba at TIKI. Music includes mixing of new and of glory, because 
Straight drink sketo oldest pieces. Akropoli, 15 Falirou Str., those who are part of
Cheers ya mas! Makrigianni, +302109236908 this scene are young
Free drink (usually offered by with real passion for
the barman or another Upopa Epops Spirits and fresh their job and at the same
customer) kerasma ingridients in a talk of the town bar that is time they have
a flash back in old Athens. Kerameikos, experience and great
7 Alkminis Str., Petralona, +302121055214 knowledge about
drinking.
Athens Seafront Excellent drinks are
DOWNTOWN
offered everywhere,
Akrotiri Club Restaurant while in the narrow
Decorated in black and white, with
streets of the historical
Baba au Rum Also among Worlds’ Best fluorescent notes, echoing mainstream
center you will find
Bars, this is the place to try the finest rums disco and house music. It offers
many bars you can taste
you can find in Athens and choose from a Mediterranean cuisine and attracts a
a truly amazing cock-
huge selection (competing Europe’s largest.) fashionable crowd. B’5 Vassileos Georgiou
You'll be surprised how well rum goes with Av., Agios Kosmas Beach, +302109859148
tail. Discover your own
chocolate. 6 Klitiou Str., Athens, spot on your next walk.
+302117109140 Other Athenian
Nightlife Districts
The Bank Job Located only 5 to
10 minutes walk from Monastiraki and Kypseli
Syntagma, Kolokotroni street is the city's Pismo A new cocktail bar at one of the Gay
hot spot and Bank Job is one of its most “hottest” square of Athens. Try exceptional Friendly
popular cocktail bars thanks to its peculiar signature cocktails and feel the Athenian
cocktail list. This year, you can discover summer vibes(9 Agiou Georgiou Sq., Big Bar
Athens and its world famous museums Kypseli, +302152151930 The first gay friendly
via the inspired recipes of Bank Job’s bar in Athens
14 new cocktails. 13 Kolokotroni Str., Panormou Square ( Panormou) includes: low prices,
Athens, fb: thebankjobathens Also known as “The island of Athens”, very friendly
because of its open-air bars. Wee dram atmosphere, also
The Bar in Front of the Bar (+302106916509) is an authentic scottish hosts exhibitions.
A youthful, vibrant street bar that switches pub, Sensimilia and Santa Botella
Kerameikos,
up its menu daily while everything there, (+302106981032) are classical choices
12 Falesias Str.,
is made from scratch, from cordials to jams. in the area.
Votanikos,
Numerous led mottos invite passers- by
to drink with the stuff. 1 Petraki Str., Athens, Karitsi Square ( Syntatgma) +306946282845
+306980635896 Once the ultimate hipster hotspot, now
struggling to hold its position, nevertheless Noiz
The Clumsies One of the most popular still an option with quality choices. Probably Probably the best
downtown bars in Athens, ranked no4 on the best is the Gin Joint, with more than known club for girls
the World’s Best Bars. Nikos Bakoulis and 65 varieties of Gin (+302103218646), who are looking for
Vasilis Kyritsis founders and also behind the Tall’s Toy Bar is a tiny favourite girls, also very
bar, serving cocktails since 2014, are (+302130448864), and Pairi Daeza is the welcoming to every
always a step ahead of the international oldest bar on the square (+302103210233). other sexuality.
trends. 30 Praxitelous Str., Athens, Kerameikos, 78
+302103232682 Mavili ( Ambelokipi) Konstantinoupoleos
Mavili Square will reward you if you are Str., Gazi
GAZI - VOTANIKOS - looking for a slightly sophisticated summer
+302103467850
KERAMEIKOS hangout. Briki, the place to be after 1:00
a.m. Legendary bar with loyal patrons,
Bios A multi lever building full of arts, always crowded. A hub for the city’s thirty
Shamone
drinks and music. It is highly recommended somethings. (6 Dorileou Str., +30210 Fun club, theme
for party’s. It hosts very often famous djs, 6452380). Kyrios, very classy decoration, nights, drag shows,
live performances, art and new-media expensive glasses, jazzy music. Also serves happy ambiance.
exhibitions. Also you can enjoy your drink food (Dorileou 2, +30210 6400615). Loras, Kerameikos, 46
at the roof garden. Kerameikos, a classic option of the Athenian nightlife. Konstantinoupoleos
84 Pireos Str., Kerameikos, Journalists meeting point, excellent quality Str., Gazi,
+302103425335 of alcohol (7 Soutsou Str.,+302106428473). +302103450144

SUMMER 2022_ 81
Life’s a

Follow e
svoic
@athen favourite
y our
Upload stagram
ts on in
momen the hashtag
using nsvoice
#athe

82 _ SUMMER 2022
Athens is no Santorini, and yet the city’s clear water beaches are perfect ways
to spend warm summer days when island-hopping is not on the agenda.
Accessible by tram, bus or car, the Athens coastline has myriad places to swim,
tan and relax, away from the hustle and bustle of the city center.

By Isabelle Clayton

Free Access
Beaches
Edem (Paleo Faliro)
Easily accessible by public
transportation, Edem is a
popular location for long walks
on the shore, beach tennis
competitions, swimming, and
other watersports. For those
with children, Edem is also
home to a small water park!

Erotospilia
On the weekends, locals spill
into Erotospilia to soak up the
sun and cool down in its clear
blue waters. Pine trees
encompass the beach’s
sweeping coastline, completing
the picturesque image of its
shores.

Vouliagmeni
Across from the famed Astir
beach, the public beach of
Vouliagmeni offers a cozier
and cheaper option. With
crystal clear waters, rentable
daybeds, and a beachside bar,
this beach will make the
perfect day trip for families
and friends alike.

Megalo Kavouri
The shallow waters of Megalo
Kavouri are a sought out
destination for families with
small children. Many cafes,
restaurants, and bars surround
the beach, and its flat sand is
perfect for sunset strolls and
sunbathing. For a calmer, less
crowded experience, avoid
visiting this beach on the
weekends.

Mavro Lithari
Upon seeing the clean blue
waters and white sandy beach
of Mavro Lithari, many are
surprised to discover that it

SUMMER 2022_ 83
offers free access to visitors. beach offers a full range of high- experience. You’ll need to pay
Note that because this beach is quality services, from free WiFi about 40 euros for a set of sun
not directly accessible by public across the beach, to the ability to beds and an umbrella on weekdays
transport, it can be more efficient pre-book sun-loungers, and of and 80 euros on weekends. Note
to travel there by car or taxi. course, a wide selection of coffees, that if you bring a car, you will
ice creams, food and drinks. A little have to pay a parking price.
Sounio Beach button on your sun-chair allows
In close proximity to the iconic you to order snacks without even Vouliagmeni Beach
Temple of Poseidon, Sounio Beach getting up. Other amenities on the Accessible via public
offers refreshing waters and beach include lockers, beach transportation, Vouliagmeni Beach
unparalleled views of both the towels, changing cabins, medical is a popular destination for locals
temple and the sunset. Get here assistance and a non-smoking and tourists alike. The beach is
early, as the free portion of the exterior area. One can water ski, incredibly clean, with volleyball
beach is smaller than the jet ski or play sand sports — but if nets, glistening waters and
organized portion, and tends to fill the athletic activity doesn’t feel like sunbeds perfect for tanning.
up quickly. the way to go, you can also curl up
and pamper yourself at Orloff Spa. Vouliagmeni Lake
Psatha Astir Beach also holds the Platinum One of the more romantic locations
Swim while admiring stunning Lounge, with a capacity of 80 on the Athenian coast, Vouliagmeni
views of the Corinthian Gulf, or persons and capable hosting Lake offers mesmerizing views and
rent a canoe to experience the anything from theme parties to warm waters all year round. Take
totality of Psatha’s landscape. business cocktails, making it a in the beauty of your surroundings
Restaurants and cafés are easily main reference point for summer in a lavish sunbed, or over a
accessible, and usually serve fresh socializing, be it social or decadent dinner at one of the
fish! corporate. Unfortunately, all of this lake’s intimate restaurants.
comes at a fairly steep price.
K.A.P.E. BEACH You’ll need about 50 euros for a Yabanaki
Named after the acronym for set of sun lounges and an umbrella Located in the suburb of Varkiza,
the nearby centre for renewable during week days and 80 euros Yabanaki Beach is a what a beach
energy sources, KAPE Beach is during the weekend. If you're on would be if a beach was an
the closest beach on this list to a budget, the nearby beaches of amusement park. Equipped with a
resemble one of a Greek island. Vouliagmeni and Kavouri are good full stack of services, guests can
Hidden from bird’s eye view, it alternatives. Also consider pre- consume a range of options for
might even miss you altogether as booking, especially on weekends. coffee, refreshments, fast food, ice
you drive down the road towards cream, seafood mezze and ouzo.
Sounio. This secret spot is Grand Beach Lagonissi Inside the beach, you’ll be able to
absolutely stunning — with a jaw- This beach covers the entire access all the amenities you need
dropping view of the Aegean and Lagonissi peninsula, and is as to enjoy a full day in the water,
a seafloor covered with crisp, clear spectacular in its aesthetics as it is from sun-chairs and umbrellas to
waters that get abruptly deep, you close to Athens, almost massages and water sports. With
might just forget you’re just less unbelievably so. Ideal for a day- over 20 seaside activities, Yabanaki
than an hour’s drive away from long visit, the beach offers a wide offers a wide array of water sports
Athens. You’ll need to walk down range of amenities from the classic from waterskiing and banana
a short stairway to the rocks. umbrella and beach-chair to a boats for adults to windsurf rentals
If you’re not sure where you are, series of different water sports for and stand-up paddle-boarding
keep your eyes peeled for a small adults to participate in. Other lessons for smaller children. All in
canteen or a few parked cars — facilities include a cinema, volley all, the sun-beds, pavilions and
they’re good indications that court, beach bar, changing rooms, torches create an electric, exotic
you’re in the right place. medical assistance and free Wi-Fi. atmosphere. The Moana Beach
Visitors can unwind by the Grand House can host beach parties and
Organized Pier jetty-bar while admiring the other events, fresh fish is served at
Beaches waterfront view and enjoying the the Isalos tavern and Holy Spirit is
sea breeze, accompanied by soft good for a cocktail or two. An
Astir Beach music, fresh juice and a stunning entrance fee of 7.50€ per head
Located at the high end of the sunset. Alternatively, you can dip during the week including an
Athens Riviera, in the chic southern your toes into either the sea or the umbrella and sun loungers. On
suburb of Vouliagmeni, Astir Beach swimming pool should you feel like weekends, the entrance fee is
is the epitome of ultimate luxury. cooling down under the sun. After 8.50€ but you’ll need to pay an
Largely considered by both you’re done, you may access a additional 10€ for an umbrella and
families and celebrities alike to be number of dining options like a set of sunbeds. Entrance after
the place to be in the summer, the Poseidon Tavern for a casual dining 7:00 p.m. is always free.

84 _ SUMMER 2022
 Nude
Beaches
Limanakia
A rocky mass
overlooking the
ocean, Limanakia is
a popular
destination for both
nude sunbathers and
members of the
LGBTQIA+
community. It is
accessible by foot
from Vouliagmeni.

Legrena
Close to the Temple
of Poseidon, Legrena
is home to a long
expanse of
unorganized coast.
While the beaches
can get busy over the
weekends, Legrena
is almost empty most
weekdays. Locals like
to gaze out at the
sea over drinks at
nearby restaurants,
and naturists enjoy
tanning out in nude
at the pebbly KAPE
beach, a section of
Legrena.

Ramnounta
To the east of
Marathon, the beach
at Ramnounta is an
ancient site,
surrounded by
excavation projects
(which are fenced off
to the public). The
remote beauty of its
pebble beaches and
turquoise waters
offer the perfect
backdrop for
relaxation.
Ramnounta is
definitely difficult to
find, but is a favorite
spot for couples and
naturists in Athens.

SUMMER 2022_ 85
 Spectacular sunsets, cobblestone streets, chrystilline shores,
romantic restaurants and traditional tavernas,
just a short ferry ride.

By Isabelle Clayton

Agkistri Chalkida endless beaches, it is the perfect

If you’re looking for a quieter, Blends, in the most perfect way, its place to be. There’s a beach for
more peaceful destination, look no mountainous landscapes with its everyone’s taste, from organized
further than Agkistri. With its beautiful waters. Only a short beaches, full of sun beds,
stunning beaches and rich natural drive away from Athens, it is umbrellas and beach bars, to
environment, Aegina’s neighbor perfect for a quick getaway during natural beaches, where all you
island is the perfect place for you. your stay in Greece. Its need is your beach towel.
Just an hour and a half ferry ride breathtaking natural environment Especially well-known is Schinia
from Piraeus port and with combined with its relaxed beach, with its golden sand and
relatively low-ticket prices, it is one atmosphere makes it the ideal bright blue waters, surrounded by
of the best vacation spots to visit. place to escape to. The straits of a forest. For sports lovers, Moraitis
If you are an avid fan of hiking, Evripos are perfect for a swim and beach is perfect for water sports,
camping, and generally the then a quick bite at Asteria Plage, like water-ski and wake board.
outdoors, you’ll be delighted to offering a wide range of dishes, After a visit to the beach,
know that there are multiple hiking from brunch to shrimp risottos. Its countless taverns and restaurants
trails riddled across the island, as beautiful waters and scenic views are scattered across the coastline,
well as a multitude of camping make it a perfect day-trip location. offering fresh dishes.
sites. If you’re more of a beach
person, most of the islands’ Marathonas Póros
beaches are easily accessible on The ideal destination for a seaside Póros, with its cobblestone streets,
foot, like Skala beach, located trip, just a 45 minute drive from terracotta roofs, and yacht-laden
next to the port. Athens, with beautiful forests and ports, looks fit for a postcard.

86 _ SUMMER 2022
 Aegina
In the warmer months of July and
August, the hour-long ferry ride to
Aegina attracts both Athenians
and tourists to the island’s
crystalline shores. Small villages
line the coasts of Aegina, their
quaint beach clubs and tavernas
accentuating the more traditional,
intimate mood of the island. Those
interested in sightseeing will enjoy
Aegina’s incredible trove of ancient
temples, monasteries, and
museums; those sweating beneath
the Mediterranean sun will find
cool respite swimming in Aegina’s
turquoise waters, or sipping on
cocktails in umbrella-covered
daybeds, as they look out over the
motionless sea. Whether you’re
here for a day, or two, or three,
make sure to try a pistachio during
your stay. Soft and sweet, Aeginian
pistachios are like none other.
©Xristina Bellou/unsplash

From the island’s central port, Tzia of numerous restaurants and bars.
take a water taxi to Askéli Beach Thought of as one of the best day- With no cars or motorcycles,
for a day full of swimming and trip locations, the closest Cycladic donkeys are tasked to transport
water sports, or, plan a romantic island to the capital, just one hour luggage, produce, and sometimes
getaway to Love Beach’s serenely away from Lavrio port, Tzia is one even people, to different
pebbled shores. If you can’t decide of the most popular destinations destinations, their clacking hooves
whether to go swimming or for Greeks and tourists alike. Its setting the island’s rhythm. Explore
sightseeing, visit Russian Bay small alleyways leading to beautiful Ydra Town by strolling through its
Beach, where ruins of a Russian beaches and its vibrant natural web of narrow pedestrian streets,
naval base during the Greek landscapes make it stand out from and meander up hiking trails to
Revolution backdrop the beach’s other islands. Downtown Tzia is full visit hilltop Monasteries. Watch the
white sand and verdant trees. In of traditional houses and is perfect sunset over drinks and a swim at
the evenings, silverware clatters for walk and even hiking, offering a Spilia Beach, or spend the day
as couples indulge in fresh total of 81km of hiking trails. soaking up the sun at one of the
seafood, and music pulses from island’s more remote beaches, like
neon-lit clubs into the early hours Ydra Bisti, accessible by water taxi. Only
of the morning. Climb up to the The crescent-shaped port of Ydra a two hour ferry ride from Piraeus,
Póros clocktower at sunset to offers a beckoning image of the Ydra is a perfect destination for
watch as hues of pink and orange island’s picturesque shores. White- those interested in a day trip,
disappear behind Peloponnesian stoned buildings dot the island’s weekend getaway, or more
windmills and the still blue waters slopes, and at night, the island’s budget-friendly island hopping
of the Saronic Gulf. pier glows warmly under the lights experience.

SUMMER 2022_ 87
Sounio
A quick getaway by car, in the southernmost part of
Attica is Sounio. The combination of the Ancient
Temple of Poseidon and the Sounio beach located
right beneath is exactly what you need to get away Follow
from the fast paced life of the capital. The beautiful @athensvoice
view of the sunset with the temple seeming almost Upload your favourite
like a painting is an experience you only get in Sounio. moments on instagram
After a quick dip, all roads lead to the local taverns using the hashtag
with fresh seafood and fries. The Archaeological Site #athensvoice
of Sounio is the best place to visit, before or after a
swim, as it is open throughout almost the entirety of
the day, from 9:30 to 20 minutes before sunset.

88 _ SUMMER 2022
 Delphi
Below towering Mount Parnassus lies the remains of
ancient Delphi. This location is rich with history and one
of the most important archeological sites in Greece.
As a visitor, you are transported back to a time where
fact and fiction are intertwined and sometimes
indistinguishable. Less than a three hour drive from
Athens, you can experience the tangible past of Delphi
in a single day.
©victor malyushev/unsplash

SUMMER 2022_ 89
 Emergency Hospitals Embassies
Numbers Albania 7 Vekiareli str., str., Kolonaki, Lytra str., Psyhiko,
Aiport Police +302103536919 Accident Hospitals Filothei, +302106876200 +302107256800
Asklipieio Voulas 1 Vassileos Pavlou str.,Voula, +302106725235
Coast Guard 108 Australia 1-3 Kifissias China 2A Krinon str., Serbia 106 Vas. Sofias
ELPA (roadside assistance) 10400 +302132163000 str., +302108704000 Psyhiko, +302106723282
KAT 2 Nikis str., Kifissia, +302106280000 str., +302107774344
Fire Service 199 Austria 4 Vas. Sofias str., Ireland 5-7 Vas.
Public General Hospitals Konstantinou str.,
Slovakia 4 Georgiou
Hospitals, Doctors, +302107257270
Evangelismos 45-47 Ipsilantou str., Belgium 3 Sekeri str., +302107232771 Seferi str., Psyhiko,
Pharmacies Info 14944
Evangelismos, +302132041000 Kolonaki, +302103617886 Israel 1 +302106771980
Police 100
SOS Doctors 1016 Geniko Kratiko-Gennimatas 154 Mesogion str., Bulgaria 33A Stratigou Marathonodromon str., South Africa 60 Kifissias
Ethniki Amyna, +302132032000 Kallari str., Psyhiko, Psyhiko, +302106705500 str., Marousi,
Tourist Police 171 +302106748106 Italy 2 Sekeri str.,
Traffic Police +302105230111 Ippokratio 114 Vas. Sofias str., Ambelokipi, +302132088000 Canada Ioannou 4 Kolonaki, +302103617260
+302106106645
Ambulance service 166 Laiko 17 Agiou Thoma str., Ambelokipi, +302132060800 Spain 21 Dionysiou
Tzanio Afentouli & 1 Tzani str., Piraeus, +302132081000 Gennadiou str., Japan Ethnikis Areopagitou str.,
Emergency Police 100 +302107273400 Antistaseos str.,
Fire Service 199 Public Children’s Hospitals Cyprus Xenofontos +302106709900 +302109213123
Greek Railways OSE 14944 Agia Sofia Thivon & Papadiamandopoulou str., 2A,+302103734800 Netherlands 5-7 Vas. Sweden 7 Vas.
Goudi, +302132013000 Czech Republic 6 Seferi Konstantinou str., Konstantinou str.,
Piraeus Port Aglaia Kyriakou Thivon & Levadias str., Goudi, str., Psyhiko, +302107254900 +302107266100
Authority +302104593000 +302132009000 +302106719701 Norway 23 Vas. Sofias Switzerland 2 Iasiou str.,
Rafina Port Authority Maternity Hospitals Denmark 10 Mourouzi str., +302107246173 +302107230364
+302294023605 Alexandra 80 Vas. Sofias str., Megaro Moussikis, str., +302107256440 Poland 22 Turkey 8 Vas.Georgiou
Lavrio Port Authority +302132162000 France 7 Vas.Sofias str., Chrysanthemon str.,
str., +302107263000
+302292025249 Elena Venizelou Elena Venizelou sq. 2, +302103391000 Psyhiko, +302106797700
Germany Karaoli & Romania 7 Em. Benaki UK 1 Ploutarhou str.,
Ambelokipi, +302106432220
Eleftherios Venizelos 14944 Dimitriou 3 str., Kolonaki, str., Psyhiko, +302107272600
Iaso 37-39 Kifisias str., +302106184000
International Airport Leto 7-13, Mouson str. ,+302106902000 +302107285111 +302106728875 USA 91 Vas. Sofias str.,
+302103530000 Mitera Kifissias & 6 Erithrou Stavrou str., +302106869000 Hungary 25 Karneadou Russia 28 Nikiforou +302107212951

90 _ SUMMER 2022