Athens

For those who seek to get a full-scale taste of activities when traveling, Athens can offer varied and extraordinary options. The worth to explore Athens riviera, a region in the southern suburbs of the city from Piraeus to Sounio, has many amazing beaches there, such as Astir Beach, Kavouri, Vouliagmeni Lake, Thalassea, Yabanaki, Edem, Beach of Sounio, Kape Beach, Asimakis, and Dikastika. A short daytrip that you should plan is to Sounio, where you can visit the temple of Poseidon, Olympian God of the Sea! Longer trips can be to ancient Elefsis, where the Elefsinian Mysteries were held (21km from Athens via the Sacred Road that started in Keramekos), and to Delphi, where you can visit the archaeological site with the temple of the god of Music and Sun, Apollo, and the Delphi Museum where you can see the Charioteer of Delphi, also known as Heniokhos. During the summer, all-day cruises in the islands of Agkistri, Moni and Aegina, or (another combo) Poros, Hydra and Aegina are organized including lunch and drinks! Moreover, you can hop on the train and go on a full-day trip to Meteora with a tourist guide. Another super fun and alternative thing to do is to have dinner in the Sky Athens, an Athens restaurant in the air, 165 feet from the ground, having the best night view in Athens! In addition, you can enjoy many musical experiences in Athens, from Rebetika (traditional greek songs that mostly are played in taverns) and Bouzoukia (Greek way of partying) to high quality of performing classical music concerts in Megaro Mousikis and the National Greek Opera Scene. Summer cinemas are also a great option, as the films played there are rare and vintage, and the concept of “drive-ins” or open cinema has excellent aesthetic and vibes. Last, Greek theatre is difficult to follow and keep up with if you don’t know Greek, but you can find shows held in English!

Athens hotels that one should consider when planning a trip to Athens are several. Top Athens 5-star hotels we propose are Hotel Grande Bretagne, King George, Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso, Electra Metropolis, Grand Hyatt Athens, Sofitel Athens Airport (a hotel near Athens airport), Royal Olympic Hotel, Four Seasons Hotel. Of course, there are many more affordable options that you can easily find. First, the center of Athens is ideal to be close to every destination you want to reach! Second, the coastal parts of Athens can give you direct access to the sea and the capital's suburbs.

The Lycabetus Theatre | Photo by: 58387329 / Athens © Milan Gonda | Dreamstime.com

Regarding Athens cuisine, one article is undoubtedly not enough! Herewith, we give you some ideas based on our personal experiences, peers’ recommendations and reviews online! Nolan is the unique minimal Athens restaurant of the famous Greek chef Sotiris Kontizas, located in Syntagma Square. It provides special dishes and sides, based on a combo of Japanese, international, and Mediterranean cuisine. Varoulko is the elegant Athens restaurant of the famous Greek chef Lefteris Lazarou, located in front of the sea in the Mikrolimano marina. All the dishes are made with fresh ingredients based on your preferences and tastes. Ovio is a fantastic option for lovers of Italian cuisine, located in the heart of Athens, with a warm atmosphere, inner garden, and friendly staff. The owner is the famous Greek chef Panos Ioannidis, who has the philosophy of creating dishes that will open a new world of experiences to the client. Eleas Gi is a restaurant where you can taste traditional Greek recipes with fresh ingredients, a fantastic view of the whole Athens, and a great aesthetic and atmosphere. Do not underestimate street Athens food spots that offer Athens souvlaki (also known as Athens gyros), traditional pies, and other takeaway greek food that you will love for sure!