An elegant temple constructed in the Ionic style, the Erechtheion lies on the northern side of the Acropolis. When visiting the Parthenon, we highly recommend you spend time viewing this stunning ancient building up close, as it’s one of the most striking historical buildings in all of Athens.
Athens’ elegant temple
Dedicated to the Greek god Poseidon and the goddess Athena, the temple was built at the same time as the Parthenon and was designed by Classical Greek architect Mnesikles. It actually replaced the “Archaios Neos” (Ancient Temple) of Athena Polias, part of which had been destroyed by the Persians sixty years earlier.
The new temple was divided into two chambers: an eastern room dedicated to Athena and a lower western room that houses shrines of Poseidon-Erechtheus, Hephaistos, and Boutes, the brother of Erechtheus.
The Erechtheion’s unique form resulted from the architect’s need to accommodate all of these figures within one building, while also adapting its structure to the site’s uneven ground.
An Ionic frieze surrounded the Erechtheion’s main building and north porch, decorated with figures of gods, heroes and mortals. The figures were almost fully carved, and they were created from white Parian marble and attached with metal fasteners to slabs of grey Eleusinian limestone.
Notable features include the sacred olive tree to the south-west, the mark of Poseidon’s trident to the north marked by the saltwater well and this sacred site is also said to be the burial place of Kings Kekrops and Erechtheus.
Set on the northern side of the Acropolis
The Erechtheion’s best-known feature by far is the south porch, whose roof, instead of being supported on columns, rested on the heads of six Korai statues – the famous Caryatids. Created by Alkamemes or Kallimachos, the statues were later named Caryatids after the young women from Karyes of Laconia who danced in honour of the goddess Artemis. Five of them are now found in the Acropolis Museum, displayed on a special balcony and visible from all sides, while the position of the sixth Kore, still held in the British Museum, has been left empty.
Tips and Information on Visiting the Erechtheion Temple
-If you really want to get to know all the history behind this sacred temple, we suggest a tour by a professional guide. In fact, a good tour will give you a nice overview of the entire Acropolis while also spending time on the history and architecture of the Erechtheion.
See it up close when visiting the Parthenon
-The temple is open every day (excluding public holidays).
-The Acropolis Athens pass covers entry to The Erechtheion. This ticket is valid for 48 hours and covers entry to other archaeologically important sights as well.
-If you visit in summer, we recommend heading to the temple early morning or very late in the afternoon, this will ensure you avoid the heat and the crowds.
-Wear comfortable shoes with a good grip. The marble tends to be slippery.
– Make sure to visit the nearby Acropolis Museum to see the original Caryatids and a host of fascinating archaeological finds from the Acropolis site.
A fragment from the Parthenon temple that was recently returned to Greece by the regional archaeological museum of Sicily, has now been placed on the Parthenon frieze at the Acropolis Museum in Athens, where it will remain on display as part of a long-term loan.
The fragment depicts the right foot and part of the dress of the Greek goddess Artemis, which once sat on the eastern frieze of the 2,500-year-old Parthenon temple atop the Acropolis Hill.
The slab was unveiled in a ceremony at the Acropolis Museum yesterday, January 10, as the fragment was placed in the Parthenon Gallery – a glass-walled chamber with a view of the Parthenon- displaying sculptures of the temple’s 160-metre-long frieze in the same position as they were on the original monument (with plaster copies replacing pieces that are now mainly in the British Museum.)
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Culture Minister Lina Mendoni, the director of Acropolis Museum Nikos Stambolidis and the President of the Acropolis Museum Dimitris Pantermalis attended the ceremony, as Greek officials warmly welcomed the development, stressing that it shows the way for the return of the Parthenon Sculptures kept for two centuries at the British Museum.
Also at the ceremony was Assessor, Dr. Alberto Samonà, Cultural Heritage and Identity of Sicily, who said during the event, “We hope that after Sicily, other regions and countries also decide to take a step forward so that we can build together a new humanism.”
It is unclear how Fagan came to own the fragment, which has been in Palermo, Sicily, since 1818 and was part of the archaeological collection of Robert Fagan, a British diplomat and art dealer who was appointed consul general for Sicily and Malta in the early 19th century. Following his death, his widow sold the piece to the University of Palermo’s Regio Museum, now the Salinas Museum.
Director of A. Salinas Museum in Palermo, Dr. Caterina Greco added, “Today is a very important day, both for the culture and for me personally. The reconnection of the fragment with the other fragments on display in this majestic museum first seals, in the most representative degree, the feelings of brotherhood and cultural identity that have connected Sicily with Greece for centuries.”
The Italian museum has returned the fragment on loan to Greece for eight years with a view of permanent repatriation. It can be viewed by the public at the Acropolis Museum, which is one of the world’s most visited museums.
Dior has just released its latest Cruise 2022 Collection campaign, celebrating Greece’s past and present, while putting the spotlight on the Ancient Greek peplos gown- the main source of inspiration for Dior’s entire range created by Maria Grazia Chiuri.
“Dior celebrates Greece by returning to the inspirational origins of the Cruise 2022 collection by Maria Grazia Chiuri. In a campaign being unveiled in newspapers around the world, the House perpetuates its close links to the country from its classical past to contemporary present, which included a famous shoot held on the Acropolis in 1951 featuring models in gowns by the founding couturier,” announced Dior.
“That legacy is honored in images shot at the same location, highlighting the rapport with the marble statuary and its draped dresses, translated into myriad modern interpretations of the peplos gown, and looks in a pale palette lifted with the golden glow of ‘Dior Sea Garden’ jewels and ‘Dior Vibe’ sneakers,” added the luxury brand.
A draped, outer garment made of a single piece of cloth that was worn by women in Ancient Greece, a peplos is long, loose-fitting, and held up with pins at the shoulder, and most often featured a belt at the waist; while its top edge was folded over to create a flap.
Revealed in the millennia-old magnificence of the Acropolis in Athens, the collection highlights the art, costume, culture, and craft of Greece’s past and present as inspiration for the collection, with the timeless femininity of reinterpreted peplos gowns and more modern separates and tailoring in a color palette drawn from marble statuary.
Dior has also released its Festive Season campaign for the Cruise 2022 collection, with Grecian inspirations exquisitely evoked in images by Elina Kechicheva.
Captured amongst Christmas inspired scenery, models are draped in modern interpretations of peplos dresses and Dior silk scarves as they display a range of timeless accessories; including classic gold jewellery (earrings, bracelets, rings), bags (totes, pouches, clutches) shoes (slides, sneakers, espadrilles) and more.
Athens’ Acropolis Museum has introduced its winter program at a reduced admission fee of 5 euros for children and adults. Further to that, each first Sunday of the month, entrance to the museum is free. The museum’s winter program will run during the November 1 – March 31 period.
Acropolis Museum Winter Program
Saturday in the Museum with 20+1 Masterpieces
Visit the Acropolis Museum and along with the archaeologists, discover the hidden stories of 20+1 masterpieces that feature myths and fables, folklores and traditions, historical milestones and human stories transformed into art and weave a vivid experience during an outstanding walk in the Museum’s Galleries.
Date & Time: Saturdays, at 10.30 am in English
From the 6th of November 2021 till March 26th, 2022
Athens’ Acropolis Museum
Strange Creatures on the Acropolis Museum
Visit the Museum with your children to discover creatures of the earth, the sea and the air, creations of the imagination of ancient people that invite visitors to a game of exploration, observation, and knowledge. Children will be given materials to take home and create their own strange creatures.
Date & Time: Every Sunday 10:30 am and 12:30 pm
From the 7th of November, 2021 to 27th of March, 2022
Afternoons in the Acropolis Museum
The Museum’s archaeologists invite you on a captivating walk through its halls, to introduce you to the fascinating stories hidden in the treasures of the museum’s galleries. The walk develops each time based on your interests; and promises an unforgettable experience, with the usage of numerous visual means -such as photographs, sketches, and representations- as well as stops on the digital applications that enrich the collection.
Date & Time: Every Friday at 6 pm
Until the 25th of March, 2022
To register you need to refer to the Information Desk on the day of the tour. There is a limited of 30 visitors and first-in first-served.
Entrance to state-run archeological sites, museums, and monuments will be free of charge this weekend September 25-26, to help celebrate European Heritage Days 2021.
This year’s shared theme of festivities across Europe is “Heritage: All-Inclusive.” And in Greece, there will also be special events highlighting “Train Journey” which is part of the framework of the 2021 European Railway Year, as well as a special focus on Ioannis Kapodistrias- honouring Greece’s first governor after independence from the Ottomans, which is part of a series of events commemorating the bicentennial of the 1821 Greek War of Independence.
Some of the events will be broadcast live this weekend via the social media pages of European Heritage Days Greece on both their Facebook and Instagram.
The European Heritage Days are co-organised by the European Union and the Council of Europe, which launched the action in 1985. It is among the most widely celebrated participatory cultural events in Europe.
During the European Heritage Days each September, thousands of monuments and sites open their doors, some of them normally closed to the public for the rest of the year. This allows people to enjoy free visits, learn about their shared cultural heritage, and become part of safeguarding Europe’s heritage for present and future generations.
Every year, the midsummer August full moon sees museums and archaeological sites around Greece opening their doors to the public free of charge.
Greece’s Ministry of Culture has announced its program of events for this year’s full moon, which falls on this Sunday the 22nd of August 2021.
Over 52 concerts, theatre, dance performances, poetry recitations, documentary screenings, art exhibitions, stargazing, and guided tours are the main events that will be taking place over the weekend, with free admission.
Full moon events around Greece
Also, a total of 120 archaeological sites, monuments, and museums will remain open until late at night on Sunday, August 22nd.
In Athens and around Attica, this includes events at The Acropolis Museum, the Numismatic Museum and the National Archaeological Museum. There are also events taking place in Macedonia, at the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, Archaeological Museum of Pella and the Museum of Byzantine Culture. In other parts of the country, special events are being held at the sites of Delphi, Olympia, Mystras, Atalanti, Thebes, The Palace of Nestor, and the Ancient site of Corinth; as well as on the islands of Zakynthos and Corfu, Lesvos, Chios, Kalymnos and Karpathos. Plus on the Cycladic islands of Kea, Antiparos and Andros. In Crete, there are events planned in Chania, Rethymno and Heraklion.
As the midsummer August full moon rises over the Parthenon, the Acropolis Museum invites locals and visitors to experience this annual event at their wonderful courtyard.
Officials from the Acropolis Museum have announced visitors are being offered the opportunity to enjoy its exhibits as follows:
Acropolis Museum
Saturday 21 August 2021
On Saturday 21 August 2021, the Museum exhibition areas will remain open from 8 am to 8 pm with free entry to all visitors, on the occasion of the Museum’s participation in the “Greece 2021” initiative.
The Museum second-floor restaurant will be open until 12 midnight and visitors will be able to enjoy the moon from the terrace for dinner/drinks (phone reservations: +30 210 9000915).
Sunday 22 August 2021
On Sunday 22 August 2021, the Museum exhibition areas will remain open from 8 am to 10 pm. The second-floor restaurant will be open during the same hours.
Visitors will have the opportunity to participate in the gallery talk “Afternoons in the Acropolis Museum”, where they will be introduced to the fascinating stories hidden in the treasures of the Museum’s galleries:
English: 6 pm (2 simultaneous talks)
Greek: 8 pm (2 simultaneous talks)
Duration: 60 minutes
Participation: Limited to 10 visitors per session. For registration, please refer to the Information Desk at the Museum entrance on the same day. First-in first-served.
Health protection measures: It is necessary to wear a mask (not provided by the Museum) and to use the whisper guide system headsets (provided by the Museum).
Cost: The general admission fee to the Museum is required (10 euro).
Whether you’re going there to see the Parthenon or the New Acropolis Museum, Makriyianni can keep the entire family happy with plenty of things to do and see!
Any day of the week – but especially during the weekends, the Makryianni-Acropolis area is a bit of a hub and a wonderful place to go for a stroll with your kids. Unsurprisingly, because of the majestic beauty of the Parthenon overhead, and then there’s the pedestrian road of Dyionissiou Aeropagiotou with its neoclassical and modernist residences, greenery, and cobblestone pathways leading towards the historical hills of Filopappou and Pnyx. Jewellery-sellers, mimes, and musicians set up camp to entertain passersby in the hope of making an extra penny, and the hop-on hop-off Happy Trainsets off from outside the New Acropolis Museum for a tour of the town. It’s busy, it’s buzzy and it’s scenic.
The New Acropolis Museum is in fact a good starting point if you’re looking for ways to breed a little bit of culture into your kids under the guise of fun. Little visitors are offered a bag with various museum-centered activities to engage them – a treasure hunt, colouring books, puzzles. The restaurant, which can be visited even by those who are not buying a museum ticket, is on a large outdoor terrace under the Acropolis and serves a good variety of Mediterranean dishes suited for all ages.
At the museum, you can also enjoy entering through the side entrance which has a metal ramp going all the way down that’s perfect for pushcarts or wheelchairs. Once on the museum level, there’s another side path across the way surrounded by more greenery that leads to the side exit.
From here you can head up the road to Kallisperi 2 where there is a playground. There are no swings and slides here, but the twirly-whirly rides are always entertaining for kids.
From there, head back up to Dyionissiou Aeropagitou for a scenic walk to Filopapou and Pnyx hills, where you can admire the view of the Acropolis and Lycabettus hill seemingly side by side and chill out on an ancient rock in the place where Democracy was devasted millennia ago.
If you return to Dyionissiou Aeropagitou and turn downwards you’ll find yourself walking around the Acropolis grounds on Apostolou Pavlou, where you’ll pass even more street musicians and a row of street sellers as well as several cafes where you can stop for coffee and ice cream. Here there is also a playground (Apostolou Pavlou 33) with plenty of rides to keep kids busy for a while.
Tip: From here you will also see a park-like entrance with an earth pathway, which if followed will lead you to Monastiraki – Plaka area. A little further down is the train station of Thisseio.
Despite its ancient age, Athens is always blossoming with novelty of every kind – edible and drinkable being among the most exciting forms.
After a year of home delivery Athenians are rejoicing that they can be their good, old extrovert selves and spend endless hours dining out under the sky while watching the world go by. Here are the five hottest new food places to visit ASAP.
Dopios
Near the Varvakios Market, you’ll find Dopios (Skouleniou 1 in Aghio Theodoroi Sq), which is themed on Asian cuisine and meze dishes and has a menu created by well-reputed chef Christoforos Peskias. Try almirikia boiled greens with Japanese-style oil and lemon sauce, or black garlic sauce (skordarlia) with popcorn shrimps. Although culturally playful the meze restaurant aims to showcase authentic Greek products made by local producers and small farms.
Galiantra
Greek street food served from a food truck in an old parking lot-turned pebble-covered eating space is what you’ll find at this new alfresco eatery in Metaxourgeio (Avdi Square, Iatrakou 4). Chef Gogo Deligianni invites guests to seat themselves on colourful barrels and soak up the summery Athenian vibes. Try the grilled meatballs (keftedakia) or soya sloppy joes with dairy-free mayo for vegans, the fish n chips and salad with strawberries, cherry tomatoes, and graviera cheese, and sip an icy cocktail.
Cherry Blossom
What’s a 50s American diner doing in the centre of Psyrri (Lepeniotou 26)?Cherry Blossom is like a time travel machine with checkered black and white tile floors, waitresses in A-line skirts, and cute neon signs. It serves American classics like burgers with gooey cheese pouring down the side, tall ice cream smoothies, sticky ribs, and fried eggs on stewed meat. Good old-fashioned comfort food a la Americana for anyone tired of souvlaki.
Tzoutzouka
At Tzoutzouka in Rouf (Meg. Vasiliou 32) you shouldn’t expect the food to be artfully presented and perfectly Instagrammable, but you should definitely expect it to be flavoursome and authentic. Local recipes with bolshy creative touches by chef Argyro Koutsou evoke feelings of childhood nostalgia in Greeks and are made using lovingly grown, high-quality local ingredients from small farms. Try the fava from Schinousa with fresh pickled calamari, lemony giouvetsi with Tinos country sausage, and stuffed aubergines.
Manouka
More of a wine bar than a restaurant, this new place on the roof garden of Utopia Hotel (Ermou 46) overlooking the Acropolis, Lycabettus, and the Athens Metropolis Cathedral serves a great variety of protected designation of origin (POP) products along with over 100 Greek wine labels. The all-day menu includes dishes as varied as finger foods, snacks, cheese, and cold cuts platters, burgers, scrambled eggs, and prawn dumplings.
Greece, with its rich history and culture, boasts a wide variety of monuments and archaeological sites. So it comes as no surprise there are currently 18 Greek monuments and areas given the distinction of being UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
In the list, 16 are cultural sites and two (Meteora and Mount Athos) are mixed, listed for both their natural and cultural significance. Currently, there are also 14 sites on the tentative list, all of which have been nominated and waiting to be added!
Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae
The Temple of Apollo Epikourios—a World Heritage Site since 1986—is one of the most important temples of Antiquity and sits in the mountainous region of Andritsaina and Figalia (Bassae). It is one of the best-preserved monuments of classical antiquity and an evocative and poignant testament to classical Greek architecture. The temple was built at the height of the Greek civilization in the second half of the 5th century BC (420-400 BC).
Archaeological Site of Delphi
In Ancient Greece, Delphi was Greece’s most sacred place and was considered to be the navel of the world. The pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Delphi, where the oracle of Apollo spoke, was the site of the omphalos, the ‘navel of the world’. Blending harmoniously with the superb landscape and charged with sacred meaning, Delphi in the 6th century B.C. was indeed the religious centre and symbol of unity of the ancient Greek world.
Acropolis, Athens
The Acropolis of Athens and its monuments are universal symbols of the classical spirit and civilization and form the greatest architectural and artistic complex bequeathed by Greek Antiquity to the world.
Mount Athos
This is the spiritual capital of the Orthodox Christian world, consisting of 20 monasteries and approximately 2000 monks. An Orthodox spiritual centre since 1054, Mount Athos has enjoyed an autonomous statute since Byzantine times. The ‘Holy Mountain’, which is forbidden to women and children, is also a recognised artistic site.
Meteora
A region of almost inaccessible sandstone peaks, monks settled on these ‘columns of the sky’ from the 11th century onwards. Twenty-four of these monasteries were built, despite incredible difficulties, at the time of the great revival of the eremetic ideal in the 15th century. Their 16th-century frescoes mark a key stage in the development of post-Byzantine painting.
Paleochristian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessaloniki
Founded in 315 B.C., the provincial capital and seaport of Thessalonika was one of the first bases for the spread of Christianity. Among its Christian monuments are fine churches. Constructed from the 4th to the 15th century, the mosaics of the rotunda, Saint Demetrius and Saint David are among the great masterpieces of early Christian art.
Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus
In a small valley in the Peloponnesus, the shrine of Asklepios, the god of medicine, developed out of a much earlier cult of Apollo (Maleatas), during the 6th century BC at the latest, as the official cult of the city-state of Epidaurus. Its principal monuments, particularly the temple of Asklepios, the Tholos, and the Theatre – considered one of the purest masterpieces of Greek architecture – date from the 4th century.
Medieval City of Rhodes
The Order of St John of Jerusalem occupied Rhodes from 1309 to 1523 and came under Turkish and Italian rule. With the Palace of the Grand Masters, the Great Hospital, and the Street of the Knights, the Upper Town is one of the most beautiful urban ensembles of the Gothic period.
Archeological site of Mystras
Mystras, the ‘Wonder of the Morea‘, was built as an amphitheatre around the fortress erected in 1249 by the prince of Achaia, William of Villehardouin. Reconquered by the Byzantines, then occupied by the Turks and the Venetians, the city was abandoned in 1832, leaving only the breathtaking medieval ruins, standing in a beautiful landscape.
Archaeological Site of Olympia
The site of Olympia, in the Peloponnese, has been inhabited since prehistoric times. In the 10th century B.C., Olympia became a centre for the worship of Zeus. The Altis – the sanctuary to the gods – has one of the highest concentrations of masterpieces from the ancient Greek world.
Delos
According to Greek mythology, Apollo was born on this tiny island in the Cyclades archipelago. Apollo’s sanctuary attracted pilgrims from all over Greece and Delos was a prosperous trading port. The island bears traces of the succeeding civilizations in the Aegean world, from the 3rd millennium B.C. to the palaeochristian era. The archaeological site is exceptionally extensive and rich and conveys the image of a great cosmopolitan Mediterranean port.
Monasteries of Daphni, Hosios Loukas and New Mini of Chios
Although geographically distant from each other, these three monasteries belong to the same typological series and share the same aesthetic characteristics. The churches are built on a cross-in-square plan with a large dome. In the 11th and 12th centuries they were decorated with superb marble works as well as mosaics on a gold background, all characteristic of the ‘second golden age of Byzantine art’.
Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos
Many civilizations have inhabited this small Aegean island, near Asia Minor, since the 3rd millennium B.C. The remains of Pythagoreion, an ancient fortified port with Greek and Roman monuments and a spectacular tunnel-aqueduct, as well as the Heraion, temple of the Samian Hera, can still be seen.
Archaeological Site of Aigai Vergina
The city of Aigai, the ancient royal capital of Macedon, was discovered in the 19th century. It is located between the modern villages of Palatitsia and Vergina, in Northern Greece (Region of Hemathia). At Aigai was rooted the royal dynasty of the Temenids, the family of Philip II and Alexander the Great.
Archaeological Site of Mycenae and Tiryns
The archaeological sites of Mycenae and Tiryns are the imposing ruins of the two greatest cities of the Mycenaean civilization, which dominated the eastern Mediterranean world from the 15th to the 12th century B.C. and played a vital role in the development of classical Greek culture.
Historic Centre with Monastery of Saint John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse on Patmos island
The small island of Pátmos is where St John the Theologian wrote both his Gospel and the Apocalypse. A monastery dedicated to the ‘beloved disciple’ was founded there in the late 10th century and it has been a place of pilgrimage and Greek Orthodox learning ever since. The fine monastic complex dominates the island.
Old Town of Corfu
The three forts of the town on the Ionian island, designed by renowned Venetian engineers, were used for four centuries to defend the maritime trading interests of the Republic of Venice against the Ottoman Empire. The mainly neoclassical housing stock of the Old Town is partly from the Venetian period. As a fortified Mediterranean port, Corfu’s urban and port ensemble is notable for its high level of integrity and authenticity.
Archaeological Site of Phillippi
The remains of this walled city lie at the foot of an acropolis in north-eastern Greece, on the ancient route linking Europe and Asia, the Via Egnatia. Founded in 356 BC by the Macedonian King Philip II, the city developed as a “small Rome” with the establishment of the Roman Empire in the decades following the Battle of Philippi, in 42 BC. Later the city became a centre of the Christian faith following the visit of the Apostle Paul in 49-50 AD. The remains of its basilicas constitute an exceptional testimony to the early establishment of Christianity.
Uninterrupted views of the Acropolis, rooftop bars, elegant designs and stylish decor… the city is now full of boutique hotels so lovely that you’ll definitely want to stay for longer than a few days. And with so many new ones to choose from, here we round up 7 of our favourite!
The Marblous Athens
Having recently opened its doors, Marblous is located in the heart of the city, close to Athens’ most vibrant neighbourhoods. Housed in a classic 1938 building, the design and decor are timeless and minimalist with blushing marble tiles and a pastel colour palette. Boasting a rooftop suite with views of the city and a charming breakfast bistro on the ground floor, it’s the ideal place to explore the lively city at your doorstep.
A: Voulis 24, Athens
Gem Society
Right in the heart of Athens’ Historic Triangle, The Gem Society opened in June 2020, in an immaculately restored mint-green building. Simple, modern and spacious, this is the ideal base for culture enthusiasts, history buffs and anyone who wants to feel right at home. There’s also a cool bistro serving up all-day brunch, and the decadent spa features a stone-built hammam, a custom-built Cycladic inspired jacuzzi and private treatment rooms where you can unwind.
A: Aristidou 3, Athina
Athens 1890 Boutique Hotel & Spa
Located in the centre of the Greek capital (only 300 m from Monastiraki) Athens 1890 opened its doors in September 2020, in a 19th-century textile store on Athinaidos Street. Spilling over six floors, there are 14 spacious rooms in total, some of which include a hot tub. There’s also a large open food hall on the ground floor; and a fully equipped spa. The mansion combines old-world charm with its elaborate facade, impressive wooden staircase, hand-painted ceilings and unique decor. Only steps away from the Acropolis hill and next to Ermou St– it’s an ideal starting point to explore Athens.
A: Saint Eirini square, Athinaidos 10, Athina
The Dilan
Located 300 metres from Acropolis Museum, The Dilan features 11 suites and apartments set in a renovated 1930s building in the heart of ancient Acropolis. Having opened in October 2020, the spacious private suites and apartments have a distinctive style that features exposed stone walls and concrete columns. From the moment you step inside, you feel right at home and some rooms include a fully equipped kitchen- ideal for visitors seeking longer stays. Close to well-known attractions, it’s set 600 metres from Herodes Atticus, 600 metres from the Temple of Zeus and 600 metres from the Parthenon.
A: Falirou 33, Athina
The Modernist
Located in Kolonaki, and housed in the former Canadian Embassy, The Modernist is just metres from some of the Greek capital’s best boutiques, restaurants, bars; and Lycabettus Hill and the Museum of Cycladic Art are just 600 metres away. The rooms come in S, M, L and XL, and feature customised furniture, mood lighting and seamless comforts, the hotel, which also has a restaurant and concept store on-site, combines casual, contemporary luxury with mid-century detailing and minimalist Danish design.
A: Ioannou Gennadiou 4, Athina
Asomaton
A century-old building in central Athens has been transformed into a boutique hotel, Asomaton opened its doors in August 2020. The building made from wood and stone was a horse carriage wheel repair shop in the early 1900s and its historical essence blends in beautifully with its new contemporary design. Here you will find an indoor swimming pool and spa to relax, plus a rooftop terrace where guests are served breakfast and evening drinks. It’s located very close to the Acropolis with amazing views from the terrace and New York-based Greek artist Philip Tsiaras hosts his pop-artworks onsite.
A: 10 Asomaton St, Athina
Oniro City
This is another boutique hotel that recently opened in Kolonaki. Poised along a leafy, tree-lined street in Athens’ fashionable neighbourhood, Oniro City has been designed and furnished with impeccable style, cool contemporary lines, warm, earthy tones and layered textures, that give it a warm and inviting feel. From a gourmet breakfast to evening dining, the hotel restaurant is a great place to eat and from here you are only footsteps away from other great spots for food and shopping.
A: Omirou 56, Athina
Athens Capital Hotel – MGallery
Opening its doors in mid- 2020, MGallery brings an understated level of finesse to this cosmopolitan and vibrant city. The hotel is located at Syntagma Square and features 177 guest rooms, which include 18 suites and an impressive Presidential Suite with spectacular views of Lycabettus Hill. The design is modern and decor walnut hues and sea-blue accents are highlighted with contemporary furnishings. Galerie Café, the hotel’s lobby bar is a great spot for guests to enjoy a cocktail before heading to MFlavors, the hotel’s in-house restaurant.
Greece has become increasingly sought-after by travellers around the world. It is said to be one of the first places people want to visit as soon as they are able to book a holiday—and it’s easy to see why.
One of the world’s most beautiful countries, Greece has the stunning Aegean Sea, magical sunsets, lush mountains, and rich cuisine that caters to everyone’s palate. Here, we take you on a visual tour of the country’s best sites, from breathtaking isles to small charming villages- we reveal why it’s so appealing to visit!
A tiny village on Tinos island | Image @Labettarosa
Greek Islands: Greece has 6000 islands in total and 227 of those are inhabited. From the Ionian to the Dodecanese, each has its own unique beauty, making it hard to choose which one to explore next!
A tiny village on Tinos island | Image @Labettarosa
Charming Villages: The Greek islands aren’t only about beaches and sunsets. Endearing little villages reveal so much about Greek history and culture and are well worth a visit.
Athens’ National and Kapodistrian University
Athens: The Greek capital is dominated by striking 5th-century BC landmarks and while you are there make sure to check out the outstanding neoclassical building at Athens Kapodistrian University.
Chic cafe in Thessaloniki | Image @urban_wanders
Thessaloniki:Greece’s co-capital is known as the centre of Greek gastronomy. Spend some time here trying the local dishes and delicacies; and enjoy long coffee breaks at one of its many cool cafes.
Olive oil gelato | Image @the_greek_olive
Delicious Desserts: Those with a sweet tooth will be more than satisfied with the range of desserts on offer. From classic Galaktoboureko and Bougatsa to more modern treats like olive oil gelato, you won’t be disappointed!
Fresh lunch | Image @melisses.andros
Fresh Produce: Simplicity is the key to Greek gastronomy and there is always a wide range of seasonal foods to savour. Without a doubt the best place to head to is the local taverna, where they serve up authentic dishes using fresh produce.
Modern Greek house designs | Image @homadhome
Amazing Architecture: Classical Greek architecture is famous for its intricate detail, symmetry, harmony, and balance. Greece’s current architects are also leading the way with award-winning designs in both residential and commercial properties that combine old-world charm with a modern chic look.
Discover the Ancient Theatre Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Archaeological Sites: From Olympia and Delphi to the Temple of Apollo and the Acropolis, there are so many historically important sites of Ancient Greece to explore. Also add the ancient Odeon of Herodes Atticus as a must-see attraction to your list, as it’s considered one of the best open-air theatres in the world.
Stylish ceramics | Image @kerameio.serifos
Chic Ceramics: If you want to take a piece of Greece home with you, we recommend sourcing a few stunning ceramic items that are handmade by talented local artisans.
Ftelia Beach Bar in Mykonos
Best Beach Bars: Greece is known for its buzzing island life. And if sitting by turquoise waters (day & night) in your designer bathing suit (with a glass of Prosecco in hand) listening to the latest dance tracks sounds appealing- Mykonos is calling your name!
Sarakiniko Beach in Milos | Image @itsnedkelly
Breathtaking Beaches: Choosing the country’s best beaches is a tough one as Greece is filled with stunning waters. And while all visitors no doubt have personal preferences as to what makes a Greek beach perfect, there’s no denying there are hundreds of great ones to choose from!
Vorres Museum
Magnificent Museums: Wandering through the numerous museums around the country brings everything about Greek antiquity to life. From grand-scale monuments to simple items of everyday life, the exhibits are filled with endless treasures.
5-Star Luxury Hotel in Crete | Image @minosarthotel
Greek Island Hotels: Boasting majestic views and 5-star facilities & services, these pretty hotels are designed to appeal to those in search of a slice of Greek island life.
Volcanic Slopes Vineyards Winery in Santorini
Greek Vineyards: Wine lovers rejoice! Age-old techniques are producing distinctive wines from its resilient grapes and Greece’s beautiful Santorini island is most famously known for its indigenous white grape varieties Assyrtiko, Athiri and Aidani.
Church in Ano Syros | Image @silversurferberlin
Holy & Spiritual Sites: Found by the sea or perched on a mountain top, the monasteries, churches and chapels in Greece are of unique beauty and a familiar feature of the country’s landscapes.
Classic Greek jewellery | Image @inukoo
Stunning Jewellery: If you are looking for a statement piece make sure you visit one of the many local jewellers who use traditional techniques to create stunning one-off pieces that you won’t be able to find anywhere else in the world.
Panigiri in Astypalaia | Image @rizesmas
Local Festivities: To truly immerse yourself in Greek culture it’s a great idea to attend a local Panigiri (festival) where you can taste authentic dishes, try house wines and enjoy local music and dancing- everyone is invited to join!
Village in Monemvasia | Image @kasetophono
Magical Mainland: Greece is starting to become an all-year-round destination and some of the places we love to visit during autumn and winter are Monemvasia, Nafplio, Meteora, Zagori and Veria.
Fig & watermelon salad | Image @thecraftyhostess
Lush Fruit: Greece’s great climate is ideal for producing flavoursome fruit and if you are there during the right season trying locally grown watermelon and figs is an absolute must!
Pyrgos in Santorini | Image @lavienblog
Whitewashed Houses: The first thing that catches your eye when you step foot on the Cycladic islands is the whitewashed houses, that blend in beautifully with the light blue sky and the vast Aegean Sea.
Breathtaking views
Mesmerising Sunsets: Greece has always been known for having some of the most spectacular sunsets in the world and even if you are not in Santorini, you will still be captivated by the sheer prettiness of a Greek sunset.
