travel guide
neighborhoods
Hugging the base of the Acropolis, the area extends from Filomousson Square, roughly at the intersection of Kidathinaion and Adrianou Streets, down to Monastiraki. The best way to see Plaka is to simply wander its lanes, chasing glimpses of the Acropolis between the neoclassical buildings, Byzantine churches, cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops. The prime sights are, of course, the Parthenon and the Acropolis Museum. But do give yourself time to visit smaller gems that highlight less familiar aspects of Greek culture, like the Museum of Greek Folk Art, the Folk Instruments Museum and the fine private art and antiquities collections at the Frissiras and Kanellopoulos Museums.
Squeezing between Anafiotika’s white-washed dwellings is like exploring a Cycladic village. Indeed, this old quarter was founded by workmen from the island of Anafi. The attraction was double: familiar terrain and cheap land, as the area had been inhabited by refugees and slaves since antiquity. Anafiotika’s boundaries are loosely marked by two churches: the 17th-century Agios Georgios tou Vrahou (St George of the Rock) on the south and Agios Simeon on the north. Cats seem to perch everywhere, lace-trimmed curtains ripple in the breeze, the smell of fresh laundry fills the air, and pocket-sized yards are crowded with clay and tin planters brimming with flowers and herbs. Follow the road as it narrows into a path; you’ll see a makeshift sign directing you towards the Acropolis via Theorias, a stone-paved walk around the Acropolis. Double back towards Agios Georgios for a view extending towards Lycabettus ill that brings the city’s landmarks to almost eye level.
The Pikionis Pathway
When Callicrates and Ictinus designed the Acropolis, they probably didn’t set out to create perfection. Yet this is the standard that Dimitris Pikionis had to match when he was tasked with laying the path from Dionysiou Areopagitou to the Acropolis gate. Completed in 1958, the access road ingeniously applied modern technology to recreate an ancient craft, even using chisels and picks to give the shimmering stone carpet an aged look. Pikionis instructed the masons to choose stones of different shapes, sizes, and colour and also did not allow the ground to be levelled so that the builders would have to adapt their work to the terrain. As a result, few visitors to the Acropolis today realise that the road is not ancient but was laid just a few decades ago.
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Plaka
24 MnisikleousHugging the base of the Acropolis, the area extends from Filomousson Square, roughly at the intersection of Kidathinaion and Adrianou Streets, down to Monastiraki. The best way to see Plaka is to simply wander its lanes, chasing glimpses of the Acropolis between the neoclassical buildings, Byzantine churches, cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops. The prime sights are, of course, the Parthenon and the Acropolis Museum. But do give yourself time to visit smaller gems that highlight less familiar aspects of Greek culture, like the Museum of Greek Folk Art, the Folk Instruments Museum and the fine private art and antiquities collections at the Frissiras and Kanellopoulos Museums.
Squeezing between Anafiotika’s white-washed dwellings is like exploring a Cycladic village. Indeed, this old quarter was founded by workmen from the island of Anafi. The attraction was double: familiar terrain and cheap land, as the area had been inhabited by refugees and slaves since antiquity. Anafiotika’s boundaries are loosely marked by two churches: the 17th-century Agios Georgios tou Vrahou (St George of the Rock) on the south and Agios Simeon on the north. Cats seem to perch everywhere, lace-trimmed curtains ripple in the breeze, the smell of fresh laundry fills the air, and pocket-sized yards are crowded with clay and tin planters brimming with flowers and herbs. Follow the road as it narrows into a path; you’ll see a makeshift sign directing you towards the Acropolis via Theorias, a stone-paved walk around the Acropolis. Double back towards Agios Georgios for a view extending towards Lycabettus ill that brings the city’s landmarks to almost eye level.
The Pikionis Pathway
When Callicrates and Ictinus designed the Acropolis, they probably didn’t set out to create perfection. Yet this is the standard that Dimitris Pikionis had to match when he was tasked with laying the path from Dionysiou Areopagitou to the Acropolis gate. Completed in 1958, the access road ingeniously applied modern technology to recreate an ancient craft, even using chisels and picks to give the shimmering stone carpet an aged look. Pikionis instructed the masons to choose stones of different shapes, sizes, and colour and also did not allow the ground to be levelled so that the builders would have to adapt their work to the terrain. As a result, few visitors to the Acropolis today realise that the road is not ancient but was laid just a few decades ago.
Standing in the middle of the square and looking around, you immediately perceive the diversity of the buildings which are visible. On one side you have the Ottoman-era mosque of Tzistarakis and on the other, the orthodox church of the “Dormition of the Virgin Mary of Athens”. The pillars of Hadrian’s Library, built in the 2nd century A.D., can be seen through and next to the arches of the Mosque, while – directly above them – the imposing Acropolis dominates the backdrop. Several neoclassical buildings which surround the square or line Athinas street, including the Metro Station, add yet another era to the list of the ones already represented in this limited space. In other words, you are standing in the middle of a miniature architectural representation of the melting pot of cultures that have passed from this land, which stands on the crossroads of three continents.
The name ‘Monastiraki’, which means ‘small monastery’, refers to the orthodox monastery that occupied the square during the Ottoman times. The only remnant today is the church mentioned above and, of course, the tell-tale name of the neighborhood. The addition of the Mosque in the 18th century fueled the economic growth of the surrounding area, making the Monastiraki market a stable feature of the area up until today.
Monastirakis' shops
Despite the imposing historic buildings, the modern city still manages to shout its presence through the noise that comes from the busy shops and the people who crowd the square on a daily basis. Here you can find souvlaki places and Greek taverns, traditional “kafeneio” and modern cafés, Chinese-made souvenirs next to genuine Greek art pieces and shops that sell both real antiques of all kinds, as well as cheap imitations or even cheesy, fake ancient Greek hoplite helmets. Peddlers of various foods and snacks compete for premium spots and fill the air with smells of roasted chestnuts or fresh, pungent fruit, depending on the season. On one corner you might find youngsters beat-boxing and break-dancing, while on another, the sound of bouzouki from a tavern’s resident band tempts passers-by to start dancing the Zorba. Every other day a different street-performance act takes place and countless roaming buskers pass from here, covering all styles of music, from folk to jazz.
Another characteristic feature of Monastiraki is the antiques- and flea- market which operates in the streets around and including Ermou and Ifestou and on Abyssinia square. Ages-old army surplus stores filled with all kinds of second-hand equipment, along with relics like old swords and broken guns, Nazi helmets and old war-medals of various kinds have been waiting here for as long I can remember.
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Monastiraki
Standing in the middle of the square and looking around, you immediately perceive the diversity of the buildings which are visible. On one side you have the Ottoman-era mosque of Tzistarakis and on the other, the orthodox church of the “Dormition of the Virgin Mary of Athens”. The pillars of Hadrian’s Library, built in the 2nd century A.D., can be seen through and next to the arches of the Mosque, while – directly above them – the imposing Acropolis dominates the backdrop. Several neoclassical buildings which surround the square or line Athinas street, including the Metro Station, add yet another era to the list of the ones already represented in this limited space. In other words, you are standing in the middle of a miniature architectural representation of the melting pot of cultures that have passed from this land, which stands on the crossroads of three continents.
The name ‘Monastiraki’, which means ‘small monastery’, refers to the orthodox monastery that occupied the square during the Ottoman times. The only remnant today is the church mentioned above and, of course, the tell-tale name of the neighborhood. The addition of the Mosque in the 18th century fueled the economic growth of the surrounding area, making the Monastiraki market a stable feature of the area up until today.
Monastirakis' shops
Despite the imposing historic buildings, the modern city still manages to shout its presence through the noise that comes from the busy shops and the people who crowd the square on a daily basis. Here you can find souvlaki places and Greek taverns, traditional “kafeneio” and modern cafés, Chinese-made souvenirs next to genuine Greek art pieces and shops that sell both real antiques of all kinds, as well as cheap imitations or even cheesy, fake ancient Greek hoplite helmets. Peddlers of various foods and snacks compete for premium spots and fill the air with smells of roasted chestnuts or fresh, pungent fruit, depending on the season. On one corner you might find youngsters beat-boxing and break-dancing, while on another, the sound of bouzouki from a tavern’s resident band tempts passers-by to start dancing the Zorba. Every other day a different street-performance act takes place and countless roaming buskers pass from here, covering all styles of music, from folk to jazz.
Another characteristic feature of Monastiraki is the antiques- and flea- market which operates in the streets around and including Ermou and Ifestou and on Abyssinia square. Ages-old army surplus stores filled with all kinds of second-hand equipment, along with relics like old swords and broken guns, Nazi helmets and old war-medals of various kinds have been waiting here for as long I can remember.
Syntagma Square is also known as Constitution Square, as it is where the Athenians rose up against King Otto of Greece on 3 September 1843 to demand a constitution.
Iconic landmarks
The square is presided over by the Hellenic Parliament, an imposing building erected between 1836 and 1842 as the Royal Palace for the first king of Greece, King Otto.
In front of the Parliament building is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, watched over day and night by the “Evzones”, two Presidential Guards dressed in a curious traditional uniform. Tourists can see the changing of the guard every hour on the dot, but the most splendid ceremony takes place on Sundays at 10am.
On one of the sides of Syntagma Square is the grandiose Hotel Grande Bretagne. This 5-star hotel was built in 1842 and transformed into a hotel in 1874. Celebrities usually stay in this historic landmark.
At the top of Syntagma Square is Ermou Street, one of the city’s main shopping streets. It is usually one of the liveliest arteries in Athens.
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Syntagma Square
Syntagma Square is also known as Constitution Square, as it is where the Athenians rose up against King Otto of Greece on 3 September 1843 to demand a constitution.
Iconic landmarks
The square is presided over by the Hellenic Parliament, an imposing building erected between 1836 and 1842 as the Royal Palace for the first king of Greece, King Otto.
In front of the Parliament building is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, watched over day and night by the “Evzones”, two Presidential Guards dressed in a curious traditional uniform. Tourists can see the changing of the guard every hour on the dot, but the most splendid ceremony takes place on Sundays at 10am.
On one of the sides of Syntagma Square is the grandiose Hotel Grande Bretagne. This 5-star hotel was built in 1842 and transformed into a hotel in 1874. Celebrities usually stay in this historic landmark.
At the top of Syntagma Square is Ermou Street, one of the city’s main shopping streets. It is usually one of the liveliest arteries in Athens.
Αξιοθέατα
Parthenon, temple that dominates the hill of the Acropolis at Athens. It was built in the mid-5th century BCE and dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena Parthenos (“Athena the Virgin”). The temple is generally considered to be the culmination of the development of the Doric order, the simplest of the three Classical Greek architectural orders.
The Acropolis
The Parthenon was part of a magnificent rebuilding program directed by the Athenian statesman Pericles, following the sack of the Acropolis during the Greco-Persian Wars (492–449 BCE). The project was to include, among other things, the Propylaea, the gateway to the sacred precinct; the Erechtheum, a shrine to the agricultural deities, especially Erichthonius; and the Temple of Athena Nike, an architectural symbol of the harmony with which the Dorian and Ionian peoples lived under the government of Athens. The Parthenon was to be the chief shrine to Athena and also the treasury of the Delian League, a confederacy of ancient Greek states under the leadership of Athens, founded in 478 BCE. According to some sources, Pericles misappropriated surplus funds from the league to pay for the new buildings.
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Parthenon
Parthenon, temple that dominates the hill of the Acropolis at Athens. It was built in the mid-5th century BCE and dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena Parthenos (“Athena the Virgin”). The temple is generally considered to be the culmination of the development of the Doric order, the simplest of the three Classical Greek architectural orders.
The Acropolis
The Parthenon was part of a magnificent rebuilding program directed by the Athenian statesman Pericles, following the sack of the Acropolis during the Greco-Persian Wars (492–449 BCE). The project was to include, among other things, the Propylaea, the gateway to the sacred precinct; the Erechtheum, a shrine to the agricultural deities, especially Erichthonius; and the Temple of Athena Nike, an architectural symbol of the harmony with which the Dorian and Ionian peoples lived under the government of Athens. The Parthenon was to be the chief shrine to Athena and also the treasury of the Delian League, a confederacy of ancient Greek states under the leadership of Athens, founded in 478 BCE. According to some sources, Pericles misappropriated surplus funds from the league to pay for the new buildings.
Another of Athens' top attractions, the Acropolis Museum contains one of the most valuable collections of ancient Greek art in the world. The new facility was completed in 2007, below the Acropolis hilltop, and replaced the former museum on the hill.
This huge facility 25,000 square meters, and features 14,000 square meters of exhibition space. The unique layout incorporates an ancient Athenian neighborhood.
This is one of the best things to do in Athens when temperatures are soaring at midday. Be aware, the entrance queue to purchase tickets can be long, so it's best to book your tickets online in advance. That way, you'll have a guaranteed admission at a specific time.
Official site: http://www.theacropolismuseum.gr/en
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Akropolismuseet
15 Dionysiou AreopagitouAnother of Athens' top attractions, the Acropolis Museum contains one of the most valuable collections of ancient Greek art in the world. The new facility was completed in 2007, below the Acropolis hilltop, and replaced the former museum on the hill.
This huge facility 25,000 square meters, and features 14,000 square meters of exhibition space. The unique layout incorporates an ancient Athenian neighborhood.
This is one of the best things to do in Athens when temperatures are soaring at midday. Be aware, the entrance queue to purchase tickets can be long, so it's best to book your tickets online in advance. That way, you'll have a guaranteed admission at a specific time.
Official site: http://www.theacropolismuseum.gr/en
Founded in the 19th century, Athens' National Archaeological Museum is the largest archaeological museum in Greece and one of the greatest antiquities museums in the world.
The museum is housed in an impressive Neoclassical building with 8,000 square meters of exhibition space. On display are five permanent collections with more than 11,000 exhibits, offering a comprehensive overview of Greek civilization from prehistory through the classical period to late antiquity.
The Prehistoric Collection covers the sixth millennium BC to 1050 BC (the Neolithic, Cycladic, and Mycenaean periods) and presents findings from the prehistoric settlement at Thera. The Sculpture Collection exhibits ancient Greek sculptures from the sixth century BC to the fifth century BC, including rare masterpieces. The Vase and Decorative Objects Collection showcases ancient Greek pottery from the 11th century BC all the way until the classical Roman period. The Stathatos Collection features minor objects from a wide range of historical periods. Exquisite little statues and figurines sculpted from metals are on display in the Metallurgy Collection.
Address: 44 Patission Street, Athens
Official site: https://www.namuseum.gr/en/
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National Archaeological Museum
44 28is OktovriouFounded in the 19th century, Athens' National Archaeological Museum is the largest archaeological museum in Greece and one of the greatest antiquities museums in the world.
The museum is housed in an impressive Neoclassical building with 8,000 square meters of exhibition space. On display are five permanent collections with more than 11,000 exhibits, offering a comprehensive overview of Greek civilization from prehistory through the classical period to late antiquity.
The Prehistoric Collection covers the sixth millennium BC to 1050 BC (the Neolithic, Cycladic, and Mycenaean periods) and presents findings from the prehistoric settlement at Thera. The Sculpture Collection exhibits ancient Greek sculptures from the sixth century BC to the fifth century BC, including rare masterpieces. The Vase and Decorative Objects Collection showcases ancient Greek pottery from the 11th century BC all the way until the classical Roman period. The Stathatos Collection features minor objects from a wide range of historical periods. Exquisite little statues and figurines sculpted from metals are on display in the Metallurgy Collection.
Address: 44 Patission Street, Athens
Official site: https://www.namuseum.gr/en/
The ancient Agora was the marketplace and the center of everyday life in ancient Athens. For an impressive view of the Agora from afar, head to the north wall of the Acropolis or the roads from the Areopagus.
The best place to enter the Agora is at the north gate off Adrianoú Street (near the Church of Saint Philip). The Greek word "Agora" means to "gather and orate," indicating that this site was a location of public speaking. The Agora was a place of administration and commerce as well as the meeting place of the Agora tou Dimou, a civic decision-making group. Athletic events and theater performances were also held here.
One of the most striking features of the Ancient Agora is the Stoa of Attalos, originally built by King Attalos II and reconstructed in the 1950s. The stoa may have been the scene of Socrates' trial in 399 BC.
Another key site is the awe-inspiring Temple of Hephaistos. You can reach it on a pleasant walk along the footpath that leads up the Agora Hill (Kolonos Agoraios). This fifth-century BC Doric temple is one of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples, thanks to its conversion into a Christian church, which saved it from destruction. The temple was designed on a classical plan with six rows of 13 columns, and the Ionic friezes appear to be modeled on the Parthenon.
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Antika Agora i Aten
24 AdrianouThe ancient Agora was the marketplace and the center of everyday life in ancient Athens. For an impressive view of the Agora from afar, head to the north wall of the Acropolis or the roads from the Areopagus.
The best place to enter the Agora is at the north gate off Adrianoú Street (near the Church of Saint Philip). The Greek word "Agora" means to "gather and orate," indicating that this site was a location of public speaking. The Agora was a place of administration and commerce as well as the meeting place of the Agora tou Dimou, a civic decision-making group. Athletic events and theater performances were also held here.
One of the most striking features of the Ancient Agora is the Stoa of Attalos, originally built by King Attalos II and reconstructed in the 1950s. The stoa may have been the scene of Socrates' trial in 399 BC.
Another key site is the awe-inspiring Temple of Hephaistos. You can reach it on a pleasant walk along the footpath that leads up the Agora Hill (Kolonos Agoraios). This fifth-century BC Doric temple is one of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples, thanks to its conversion into a Christian church, which saved it from destruction. The temple was designed on a classical plan with six rows of 13 columns, and the Ionic friezes appear to be modeled on the Parthenon.
In the Kolonáki quarter, the Museum of Cycladic Art was created in 1986 by the Nicholas and Dolly Goulandris Foundation. The shipowner Nikolas P. Goulandris was a well-known patron of the arts and cultural life in Athens. Goulandris' own collection forms the core of the museum's exhibits.
Housed in a sleek modern building with a facade of marble and glass, the museum's permanent collection includes more than 3,000 objects. The collection represents ancient Greek art, ancient art of the Cyclades (the islands in the Aegean Sea encircling the Island of Delos near Mykonos), and Cypriot art (from the island of Cyprus) dating from the fourth century BC to the sixth century AD.
Many of the artifacts on display date to the sixth century BC. Temporary exhibits are held at the elegant 19th-century Stathatos Mansion, accessible from the main building by a passageway from the atrium.
Address: 4 Neophytou Douka Street, Athens
Official site: https://cycladic.gr/en
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Museum för kykladisk konst
4 Neofitou DoukaIn the Kolonáki quarter, the Museum of Cycladic Art was created in 1986 by the Nicholas and Dolly Goulandris Foundation. The shipowner Nikolas P. Goulandris was a well-known patron of the arts and cultural life in Athens. Goulandris' own collection forms the core of the museum's exhibits.
Housed in a sleek modern building with a facade of marble and glass, the museum's permanent collection includes more than 3,000 objects. The collection represents ancient Greek art, ancient art of the Cyclades (the islands in the Aegean Sea encircling the Island of Delos near Mykonos), and Cypriot art (from the island of Cyprus) dating from the fourth century BC to the sixth century AD.
Many of the artifacts on display date to the sixth century BC. Temporary exhibits are held at the elegant 19th-century Stathatos Mansion, accessible from the main building by a passageway from the atrium.
Address: 4 Neophytou Douka Street, Athens
Official site: https://cycladic.gr/en
Dedicated to Zeus, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, also called the Olympieion, was the largest temple in ancient Greece. Though the Parthenon is better preserved, the Temple of Olympian Zeus was an even more monumental structure in its day. The temple dates to the sixth century BC but was not completed until the second century AD by the Emperor Hadrian. In front of the Olympieion, not far from the entrance, stands Hadrian's Arch at the end of Dionysiou Areopagitou.
It's easy to imagine the grand impression this temple made in its complete form. More than a hundred enormous marble columns once supported the grandiose sanctuary. Only 15 columns remain standing, and another surviving column lies on the ground, but the ruins' monumental presence gives a sense of the massive size of the original building. The gigantic structure was a befitting shrine to Zeus, the ancient Greeks' most all-powerful God, known as the King of Gods.
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Zeustemplet
Dedicated to Zeus, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, also called the Olympieion, was the largest temple in ancient Greece. Though the Parthenon is better preserved, the Temple of Olympian Zeus was an even more monumental structure in its day. The temple dates to the sixth century BC but was not completed until the second century AD by the Emperor Hadrian. In front of the Olympieion, not far from the entrance, stands Hadrian's Arch at the end of Dionysiou Areopagitou.
It's easy to imagine the grand impression this temple made in its complete form. More than a hundred enormous marble columns once supported the grandiose sanctuary. Only 15 columns remain standing, and another surviving column lies on the ground, but the ruins' monumental presence gives a sense of the massive size of the original building. The gigantic structure was a befitting shrine to Zeus, the ancient Greeks' most all-powerful God, known as the King of Gods.
As you stand on and gaze out over Athens from the Acropolis, you may wonder what the hill in the distance is. That would be Lycabettus Hill, and it's well worth a visit. The view from the top of Lycabettus Hill is one of the best in Athens.
At 227 meters in height, it's the highest point in the city, and provides the unique view down upon the Acropolis. The funicular operates well into the night (12 to 1:30am depending on the season), so a trip up here at night to see the city lights and the Acropolis fully lit is highly recommended. Or, if you find yourself there during the day, take a bit of time to soak it all in by grabbing a cold drink or a bite to eat at the restaurant at the top.
You can walk to the top if you really want to, or like most people do, take the three-minute ride on the funicular.
Official site: https://www.lycabettushill.com/
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Lycabettus Hill
LikavittouAs you stand on and gaze out over Athens from the Acropolis, you may wonder what the hill in the distance is. That would be Lycabettus Hill, and it's well worth a visit. The view from the top of Lycabettus Hill is one of the best in Athens.
At 227 meters in height, it's the highest point in the city, and provides the unique view down upon the Acropolis. The funicular operates well into the night (12 to 1:30am depending on the season), so a trip up here at night to see the city lights and the Acropolis fully lit is highly recommended. Or, if you find yourself there during the day, take a bit of time to soak it all in by grabbing a cold drink or a bite to eat at the restaurant at the top.
You can walk to the top if you really want to, or like most people do, take the three-minute ride on the funicular.
Official site: https://www.lycabettushill.com/
At the end of the Sounio Peninsula at the southernmost point of Attica, lies the Temple of Poseidon within a fort that protects the coast of Attica. Made entirely of white marble, it was erected in the middle of the 5th century BC and built to honor Poseidon, god of the sea.
You will be mesmerized by the blankets of blues, reds, and oranges that engulf the temple as the sun descends into the sea. British poet Lord Byron was one of many who fell under its spell, composing poetry in its honor and has his name carved on one of its iconic marble pillars (although who did this is debatable).
Below Cape, Sounio is a small beach with two fish tavernas. We managed to fit in a light meal before our final ascent up the hill in time for sunset.
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Poseidontemplet - Sounio
At the end of the Sounio Peninsula at the southernmost point of Attica, lies the Temple of Poseidon within a fort that protects the coast of Attica. Made entirely of white marble, it was erected in the middle of the 5th century BC and built to honor Poseidon, god of the sea.
You will be mesmerized by the blankets of blues, reds, and oranges that engulf the temple as the sun descends into the sea. British poet Lord Byron was one of many who fell under its spell, composing poetry in its honor and has his name carved on one of its iconic marble pillars (although who did this is debatable).
Below Cape, Sounio is a small beach with two fish tavernas. We managed to fit in a light meal before our final ascent up the hill in time for sunset.
beach
Astir Beach
40 ApollonosOne of the largest beach clubs on the riviera, the Varkiza Resort offers a selection of restaurants and facilities that make it a comfortable family day at the beach.
With a beachside souvlaki eatery, pizzeria and sushi bar, it makes every effort to please. Beach tennis and a children’s water park are also available along with a quiet area used for wellness and massage. There’s a big take up of water sports such as windsurfing and water skiing.
You will need to pay extra for your sun bed and umbrella but you will find it all here in one place. Partygoers can stay until late.
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Yabanaki
One of the largest beach clubs on the riviera, the Varkiza Resort offers a selection of restaurants and facilities that make it a comfortable family day at the beach.
With a beachside souvlaki eatery, pizzeria and sushi bar, it makes every effort to please. Beach tennis and a children’s water park are also available along with a quiet area used for wellness and massage. There’s a big take up of water sports such as windsurfing and water skiing.
You will need to pay extra for your sun bed and umbrella but you will find it all here in one place. Partygoers can stay until late.
Although not a beach, it is worth a visit for an out of the ordinary and thoroughly enjoyable swim. Sitting beneath the remains of a limestone cavern, it offers a tranquil and peaceful environment. The lake itself is fed by underground springs and also by the sea.
The combination of salt and mineral-rich freshwater feels silky when you swim and is reportedly good for rheumatism and arthritis. The water temperature is balmy at 25 degrees celsius and is ideal to swim any time of the year. Hydro-therapy facilities along with relaxing body treatments are tempting.
Facilities include; a coffee shop, beach chairs and umbrellas. There is also an a-la-carte restaurant open each evening.
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Vouliagmenis Lake
Λίμνη ΒουλιαγμένηςAlthough not a beach, it is worth a visit for an out of the ordinary and thoroughly enjoyable swim. Sitting beneath the remains of a limestone cavern, it offers a tranquil and peaceful environment. The lake itself is fed by underground springs and also by the sea.
The combination of salt and mineral-rich freshwater feels silky when you swim and is reportedly good for rheumatism and arthritis. The water temperature is balmy at 25 degrees celsius and is ideal to swim any time of the year. Hydro-therapy facilities along with relaxing body treatments are tempting.
Facilities include; a coffee shop, beach chairs and umbrellas. There is also an a-la-carte restaurant open each evening.
Limanakia, are a series of beautiful coves with deep blue waters, offering a more rustic swimming experience with no sunbeds or umbrellas. Suitable for adventurers and experienced swimmers, these small hidden inlets are found below the main coastal road in Vouliagmeni, leading to Varkiza. By foot, follow the rocky paths down towards the sea. Look out for Lefteris’ canteen who is famous (at least on social media) and popular with hip, young Athenians. Expect an island like party atmosphere during peak summer, open until late.
Where: Limanakia (beach inlets), Leoforos Poseidonos, Vouliagmeni, *Lefteris’ Canteen: Found in the 2nd inlet
Varkiza hamnar
40 Leof. PosidonosLimanakia, are a series of beautiful coves with deep blue waters, offering a more rustic swimming experience with no sunbeds or umbrellas. Suitable for adventurers and experienced swimmers, these small hidden inlets are found below the main coastal road in Vouliagmeni, leading to Varkiza. By foot, follow the rocky paths down towards the sea. Look out for Lefteris’ canteen who is famous (at least on social media) and popular with hip, young Athenians. Expect an island like party atmosphere during peak summer, open until late.
Where: Limanakia (beach inlets), Leoforos Poseidonos, Vouliagmeni, *Lefteris’ Canteen: Found in the 2nd inlet
Φαγητό
greek food
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Opos Palia - Papa Steve
2 Veikougreek food
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Seychelles restaurant in the center of Athens, in the downtown neighborhood of Metaxourgeio is a pleasant surprise and became immediately popular on opening. The attraction of the place is not the exotic tastes as one would imagine judging from the name, but the easy and natural way in which difficult combinations are obtained, namely reasonable prices and excellent quality. The cuisine is gourmet and the atmosphere is casual. You can choose to sit at a table or at the bar, enjoy lunch or dinner. At Seychelles the menu is based on products from small, local producers which enhance the interesting and mainly classic tastes. Seychelles are a favorite hangout where you will feel welcome and will definitely want to return. Try the papardelle with jellied veal and the mushrooms with smoked pork.
111 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Seychelles
49 KeramikouSeychelles restaurant in the center of Athens, in the downtown neighborhood of Metaxourgeio is a pleasant surprise and became immediately popular on opening. The attraction of the place is not the exotic tastes as one would imagine judging from the name, but the easy and natural way in which difficult combinations are obtained, namely reasonable prices and excellent quality. The cuisine is gourmet and the atmosphere is casual. You can choose to sit at a table or at the bar, enjoy lunch or dinner. At Seychelles the menu is based on products from small, local producers which enhance the interesting and mainly classic tastes. Seychelles are a favorite hangout where you will feel welcome and will definitely want to return. Try the papardelle with jellied veal and the mushrooms with smoked pork.
But our absolute favorite paidakia place in downtown Athens, near where Thiseio meets Petralona, is To Steki tou Elia (also spelled Ilia). Unlike touristy Plaka, and despite its proximity to sites such as the Temple of Hephaestus, Thiseio has maintained its residential character and is still one of the prettiest neighborhoods in Athens thanks to its neoclassical buildings and pedestrianized streets. To Steki tou Elia is located on one such street, right next to one of Athens’ best art galleries (The Bernier Eliades Gallery), although a new restaurant extension recently opened a bit further down the road to accommodate the locals’ ever-present hunger for paidakia. Harried waiters bring platters full of thinly cut lamb chops to the tables lined up outside on the cobblestone street. What sets these chops apart is that they are extremely thin but full of fat and flavor. The taste is heavy and smoky, while the texture is juicy and sloppy at the same time. In addition to the lamb chops and the other usual suspects, the venue also serves sykotaria, fried lamb liver, a rare delicacy in Athens.
15 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Steki tou Ilia 烤羊排
7 ThessalonikisBut our absolute favorite paidakia place in downtown Athens, near where Thiseio meets Petralona, is To Steki tou Elia (also spelled Ilia). Unlike touristy Plaka, and despite its proximity to sites such as the Temple of Hephaestus, Thiseio has maintained its residential character and is still one of the prettiest neighborhoods in Athens thanks to its neoclassical buildings and pedestrianized streets. To Steki tou Elia is located on one such street, right next to one of Athens’ best art galleries (The Bernier Eliades Gallery), although a new restaurant extension recently opened a bit further down the road to accommodate the locals’ ever-present hunger for paidakia. Harried waiters bring platters full of thinly cut lamb chops to the tables lined up outside on the cobblestone street. What sets these chops apart is that they are extremely thin but full of fat and flavor. The taste is heavy and smoky, while the texture is juicy and sloppy at the same time. In addition to the lamb chops and the other usual suspects, the venue also serves sykotaria, fried lamb liver, a rare delicacy in Athens.
Nikitas is a traditional restaurant, ideal for those seeking an authentic culinary experience in the center of Athens, in Psyrri. All the dishes are homemade and the recipes you will try are part of the traditional Greek cuisine.
This is an amazing place to introduce yourself to the local culinary culture and the staff will make sure you get the best service. Lunch, dinner, wine, and beer are available.
70 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Nikitas
19 Ag. AnargironNikitas is a traditional restaurant, ideal for those seeking an authentic culinary experience in the center of Athens, in Psyrri. All the dishes are homemade and the recipes you will try are part of the traditional Greek cuisine.
This is an amazing place to introduce yourself to the local culinary culture and the staff will make sure you get the best service. Lunch, dinner, wine, and beer are available.
This place was established in 1911 and according to one of the locals it has been family run for all of that time and the man who now works there day in day out has been brought up there since a child. Now if that did not encourage you to go due to the authentic background then the food most definitely will! There is no menu, there is no thrills, just home cooked food collected that morning from the produce markets and amazing tasting wine from the barrel. When you sit down (beware there can be queues) you are offered a choice between meat or fish, the rest is left to the owner! We got a big bowl of sardines one day, a meat stew the day after, stewed chickpeas as a side and a great dish with potatoes on one of the times also! They write the price down on the table and that is basically it- what a great experience we had! Would highly recommend!
46 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Díporto
TheatrouThis place was established in 1911 and according to one of the locals it has been family run for all of that time and the man who now works there day in day out has been brought up there since a child. Now if that did not encourage you to go due to the authentic background then the food most definitely will! There is no menu, there is no thrills, just home cooked food collected that morning from the produce markets and amazing tasting wine from the barrel. When you sit down (beware there can be queues) you are offered a choice between meat or fish, the rest is left to the owner! We got a big bowl of sardines one day, a meat stew the day after, stewed chickpeas as a side and a great dish with potatoes on one of the times also! They write the price down on the table and that is basically it- what a great experience we had! Would highly recommend!
coffee
Dope Roasting Co
25 VissisLotte cafe-bistrot
2 Tsami Karatasoumarket
ΑΒ Βασιλόπουλος
5 Charitoncocktails
360 Cocktail bar
2 Ifestoucocktails and more
six d.o.g.s
6-8 Avramiotoucoffee, drinks, food.
and a beautiful garden