Athens hotels Archives - Page 2 of 2

20 Hottest Rooftop Bars in Athens

With so many amazing rooftop bars and terraces around the city- serving elegant cocktails and offering splendid views of the Acropolis- we’ve rounded up a few of our favourite spots in town to unwind!

Galaxy, Hilton

This sophisticated and cool rooftop bar located on top of Hilton Athens is one of the most popular spots to grab a cocktail in the Greek capital. From the open-air terrace, you can enjoy stunning views of the ancient Acropolis and Lycabettus Hill along with (what feels like) the complete Athens skyline. Upscale in style and decor but laid back in vibe, here you can enjoy a bar menu along with delicious signature cocktails and a wide selection of wines.

A: Leof. Vasilissis Sofias 46, Athina

Insights Greece - 20 Hottest Rooftop Bars in Athens

The Zillers Roof Garden

The Zillers Roof Garden Bar has been awarded as one of the best bars in Greece for 2020. Set at the top of the stunning hotel, it’s open from the morning where you can enjoy brunch through to midnight for after-dinner drinks.

A: Mitropoleos 54, Monastiraki

Bios

This part cultural centre/ part rooftop bar is ideal for creative and artsy types. Sit back on one of the lounge chairs and sip on a refreshing cocktail with interesting ingredients including ones that feature ice cream!

A: Pireos 84, Kerameikos

Hytra Roof Garden

A unique outdoor setting, with a panoramic view of the Acropolis, Lycabettus Hill, and the city skyline- it’s set on the seventh floor of the Onassis Cultural Center. The barmen here create unique cocktails, using freshly squeezed fruit juices and handmade syrups and liqueurs, based on old traditional recipes.

A: Onassis Cultural Center, Leof. Andrea Siggrou, Athens

City Zen

One of the newest rooftop spots in town, this gorgeous terrace in the heart of the historical centre of Athens has breathtaking Acropolis views. Housed in the top two floors of a renovated building of Athens, it’s the ideal spot to catch up with friends.

A: Aiolou 11, Athina

A for Athens

This is by far one of the local favourites in town where the talented mixologists prepare fabulous cocktails including a Spicy Margarita and a Passion Caramel Calypso.

A: Miaouli 2, Athina

Tudor Hall, King George II Palace Hotel

Located on the 7th floor of the famous King George II Palace Hotel, the rooftop offers a fantastic view of the historical sites of the capital. This rooftop bar offers well-made signature cocktails along with an impressive wine list. Tip: dress elegantly.

A: Vasileos Georgiou A 3, Athina

NEW Art Lounge

Head to the 7th floor of the hotel to sip on superb cocktails; accompanied by panoramic city views. Seating comes both on the al-fresco terrace, as well as inside the comfy lounge, where you are surrounded by over 2000 art books.

A: Navarcou Nikodimou, Syntagma 1, Athina

Anglais

Located in Monastiraki, this two-floor bar –the top one is an astonishing roof garden– offers not just drinks, food and coffees all day long but also breathtaking views.

A: Kirikiou 6, Athina

Air Lounge Roof Bar

A modern and stylish rooftop terrace with a stunning swimming pool, it’s perched on the 9th floor of a chic hotel. Here you’ll find a large selection of signature and vintage cocktails along with an impressive wine list.

A: Sofokleous 26, Athina

M Bar

On the 10th floor of the popular Electra Metropolis Hotel, you’ll find one of the very best rooftop terraces in Athens, which is usually buzzing with both local and foreign guests.

A: Mitropoleos 15, Athina

360 Cocktail Bar

The hotel’s cocktail bar in downtown Athens is set on the roof garden and invites guests to enjoy signature cocktails with memorable views of Acropolis- and breathtaking sunsets- sigh!

A: Ifestou 2, Athina

Penthouse 21

Perched on the 21st floor of the President Hotel Athens, this is not only the highest hotel rooftop bar in Athens but in all of Greece. Sophisticated and stylish in vibe, the rooftop bar has a large selection of cocktails and other drinks.

A: Leof. Kifisias 43, Athina

Thissio View Cocktail Bar

A short stroll from Monastiraki Square, this rooftop is extra special at sunset and a great spot to meet up with friends or that special someone for dinner and drinks.

A: Apostolou Pavlou 25, Athens

Point A

A favourite amongst locals, Point A is known for its fabulous ‘Tapas Cocktails’ as here you are always served a treat with your drink!

A: Rovertou Galli 4a, Athina

Retirè, Ergon House

Retirè is a new addition to the Athenian rooftop scene and the drinks menu has something for everyone. Known for their great cocktails, Retirè also has an impressive range of Greek wines and local beers.

A: 23, Mitropoleos Street, Athina

Hotel Novotel

Located on the top floor of the Novotel, the rooftop bar offers majestic 360-degree views of the Lycabettus Hill, the Acropolis and the city skyline. Here you can sit back and enjoy the chill-out music and endless cocktails.

A: 4, Michail Voda Street, Athina

Herodion Hotel

Set on the top of the Herodion Hotel, you can enjoy a wide range of inventive cocktails, plus Mediterranean and Greek gourmet dishes.

A: Rovertou Galli 4, Athina

Couleur Locale

An elevator will take you to the 3rd floor of this buzzing all-day bar-restaurant. It’s a go-to spot for locals who gather here for a drink- with a front view of the Acropolis.

A: Normanou 3, Monastiraki

The GB Roof Garden Restaurant and Bar

Located on the 8th floor of the famous Hotel Grande Bretagne, this is the perfect spot to sip on a glass of wine with a full view of the Acropolis and the Parthenon; as well as Lycabettus Hill and the Doric Greek Parliament at Syntagma Square. Tip: dress code is smart casual- no beachwear allowed.

A: Vasileos Georgiou A 1, Athina

Cover image 360 Cocktail Bar

7 Best New Boutique Hotels in Athens

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

Insights Greece - 7 Best New Boutique Hotels in 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.

A: 4 Eleftheriou Venizelou Avenue and 2 Kriezotou St, Syntagma Square, Athina

Cover image: The Modernist

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Add a Touch of Your Favourite Greek Hotel to Your Home

How often have you walked into a hotel room and wanted to know where the pillow cases are from? Or had a drink at the lobby bar and – before you’ve even finished your gin and tonic – lifted up the glass looking for the name of the brand?

If you would like to include some luxurious interiors and decor to your home- from bath and bed sets to coffee tables and teacups- here are a few chic pieces found in some of Greece’s leading hotels that you can now display in your own abode!

COCO-MAT, Athens

Our pick: Bedhead and mattress

With four boutique hotels in the Greek capital alone, COCO-MAT is all about offering style and comfort, especially when it comes to their guests’ sleep. This unique brand is also one of the country’s leading producers of handcrafted beds and you can choose from a range of their locally made mattresses and headboards that are all made in Northern Greece, from locally sourced materials including wood, wool, cotton, and seaweed.

Insights Greece - Add a Touch of Your Favourite Greek Hotel to Your Home — Bedhead and mattress

Astir, Four Seasons Hotel, Athens

Our pick: Bedsheets

An iconic hotel set on the glamorous Athens Riviera, Astir is nothing less than pure luxury. Chances are as soon as you check-in, quite a few pieces will catch your eye, and what stands out for us are the bedsheets that not only look stylish but also offer a decent night’s sleep. These crisp cotton sheets and duvet covers come with the hotel’s discreetly embroidered logo, and the soft feather pillows are available too.

SOHO ROC HOUSE, Mykonos

Our pick: sofa, coffee table, and bar cart

This bohemian boutique hotel overlooking the Mykonian sea combines Cycladic curves and nature-inspired interiors. Throughout the gorgeous spaces, you will find plush sofas, mix-and-match cushions, shelves full of cookbooks and ceramics that you can easily picture in your own home. And from velvet armchairs and brass drinks trolleys to luxe sofas and coffee tables, all the staples of the retro interiors found here can be sourced from Soho Home.

Amanzoe, Porto Heli

Our pick: Ultimate Bath Set

Known as one of Greece’s most luxurious hotels, this wellness retreat offers an exclusive and decadent experience, as Amanzoe’s sleek look is second to none. One of the best experiences during your stay here will no doubt be centred around the spa, where you can completely relax and unwind. And now you can have the ultimate at-home spa experience with Aman skincare range, which includes Purifying Auric Cleanse Bath Salts, Nourishing Golden Body Serum, Nourishing Body Mist, and Grounding Smoked Body Butter.

Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens

Our pick: drink glasses

This 18th Century landmark is unquestionably Athens’ most luxurious hotel. Immaculately restored to the height of its old-world grandeur, it is perfectly located at Syntagma Square, in the heart of the city. Here you can wine and dine with uninterrupted views of the Parthenon and if you would like to add some Grande Bretagne glamour to your next dinner party you can choose from a range of their drinking glasses, or pick up a few pieces such as candles, infusers, as well as tea sets.

Ikastikies Suites, Santorini

Our pick: pillowcases

Ikastikies is a Cycladic-style boutique hotel that is charming and cozy, and as soon as you lay your head down on their soft pillowcases, you will no doubt want to sleep on them time and time again. Made of natural fabrics – these silk pillowcases are inspired by Santorini’s black volcanic stones and the island’s sugar-cubed white-washed homes.

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Athens’ 6 Most Romantic Dinner Spots

We may not be able to get there for Valentine’s Day this year but these restaurants should be bookmarked for future reference.

Romance is certainly a very subjective notion – a luxurious dinner in a stunningly decorated Michelin-star restaurant might be romantic for some, while a souvlaki in a cozy pocket of Athens may be just as romantic for others. In this feature however we focus on the more classically romantic restaurants of the city, and although there are so many of them, the ones selected here are sure-fire winners for a grand majority of Athenian and foreign diners both.

The GB Roof Garden Restaurant

Awarded for its quality menu, sophisticated ambiance, excellent wine list and startling Acropolis views by Wine Spectator, the Grande Bretagne Hotel’s rooftop restaurant (on the eighth floor) is nothing if not glamorously romantic. The menu, created by Sotiris Evangelou and Asterios Koutsidis, centres on Mediterraean cuisine with ethnic touches. Luxurious ingredients and a creative, playful and modern approach offer you a delight that equals the panoramic visual beauty of the Acropolis, Lycabettus hill, the Panathenaic Stadium and Syntagma Square. This is also a great spot for starting your night on a high note for a cocktail and finger foods or nibbles at the roof garden bar.

A: Syntagma Square

Travolta

Seafood lovers can find an even deeper connection to each other and the riches of the Greek seas at this place. Its quirkiness – from being named after a Hollywood star to calling itself a ‘fish tavern’ while it serves some highly sophisticated and gourmet dishes and even its location in Peristeri, not exactly an area one would think of for dining out – have definitely contributed to its popularity. Here the romance comes more from the exchanges of delighted glances as you indulge in exciting flavours, rather than from the ambiance or decor. It can be fun for a couple to explore classic tastes like red mullet calamari served up in novel and highly palatable ways – such as a carpaccio of red mullet with sea urchin, or cuttlefish with orzo. There is a good selection of raw fish dishes too, including sushi and tartare.

A: Agiou Pavlou 33, Peristeri

Scala Vinoteca

Healthy, modern, sea-focused yet delicately indulgent enough to leave you feeling giddily satisfied, the menu is focused on a concept of fine dining that can please most palates. From ravioli filled with pear, aged pecorino cheese, jamon and mushrooms to Black Angus steak or lobster bolognaise and several ‘sharing platters’ you can clink forks over, this place also has a friendly service and cutting edge, warmly rustic yet also edgily romantic vibe.

A: Sina 50, Kolonaki

Insights Greece - Athens' 6 Most Romantic Dinner Spots

Aleria

Located in a beautifully refurbished neoclassical house with deco in warm tones and a fireplace, as well as a lovely garden for al fresco dining in summer, Aleria introduces you to Greek cuisine with a playful and healthy twist. Chef Gikas Xenakis combines modern techniques with old fashioned or classic recipes and local ingredients, offering a sense of innovation and discovery to diners. Dishes such as pumpkin puree with truffle and chestnuts or giant gigantes beans cooked in a red sauce with capers , yuzu and celery are as strange-sounding as they are delicious.

A: Megalou Alexandrou 57, Metaxourgeio

Cafe Boheme

Smart-casual, small and buzzy, this place is ideal for a dimly-lit Mediterranean feast that is as elegant and flavoursome as it is unpretentious. Attracting the city’s high-profile professional crowd in their low-key moments, the bar/restaurant is ideal for talking business at lunch and love at dinner. Dark wood, unique paintings by British artist Alison Wagstaffe covering the walls, tables decorated with flowers and candles and a real sense of privacy amongst the crowd are all romantic pluses at this central yet out f the way place. With a Mediterranean focus, the menu changes according to the season and is loyal to the concept of fresh, Greek and seasonal ingredients. Sample seafood, risottos, homemade thin crust pizzas, traditional dishes with a modern twist and a wonderful wine menu starring some of the best local wines.

A: Omirou 36, Kolonaki

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Shila: Athens’ Striking Boutique Hotel

If you are searching for an extra special place to stay in the heart of Athens, this striking mid-century 1920s residence that has been converted into a boutique hotel is ideal as it transports you to another world with its charming decor and eclectic style.

Shila is an ethereal late 1920s property located in the heart of the Greek capital and brings new meaning and inspiration to the concept of a boutique hotel. This is a place where you feel indulged and carefree, and at the same time, are able to experience an otherworldly realm of elegance and sensuality.

Location
Situated in the ultra-chic Kolonaki neighbourhood, you are only moments away from Syntagma, Monastiraki and some of the Greek capital’s best museums, cafes, boutique stores, restaurants and bars.

Style & Character

Sophisticated, mid-century vibe mixing, ethereal, romantic, vintage and antique furnishings in the classiest way. Each corner of this hotel has been expertly curated with stunning pieces of artwork and furniture. The property is filled with life and soul and truly feels lived in. Internal features take from the original architectural elements of the building.

Room Types

Cleverly combining elements of the bygone and the contemporary – this neoclassical house comprises of six distinctively designed suites, each unique in character, with a unifying element of simplicity and inviting charm. There are six rooms sleeping between 2 – 4 people, each differing and curated to create the ultimate romantic escape within the city. Art plays a big part within the hotel and each suite features its own collection as well as the lounge and library areas, which often host private exhibitions.

Facilities

The hotel features a lush courtyard, tranquil rooftop, lounging areas, and reading nooks, ideally suited for social gatherings, art exhibitions and private events. The sumptuous lounge and library area feature rustic walls, vintage fixtures, original 1920s mosaic floors, and an eclectic piano.

Ideal for… Couples and friends looking for a perfectly tranquil escape within a busy city.

Food & Drinks

Complimentary breakfast provided daily

Espresso machine with fresh beans

Artisan products in mini bar

Extras are available upon request

Services

Concierge
Wifi iPad & Netflix
Custom-made towels & sheets
Daily breakfast driver
Car rental
Laundry / dry cleaning
Car parking
Private hire of the entire property
Event hire of rooftop and library lounge

Shila

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Cozy Apartments in Athens to Make You Feel at Home

Back in 2012, four friends decided to renovate a number of properties in the heart of Athens, turning average, everyday apartments into stunning, comfortable and affordable places for local and international guests to feel at home as soon as they step inside. If you are planning on heading to the Greek capital and are looking for self contained apartments with a personal touch, look no further!

Insights Greece - Cozy Apartments in Athens to Make You Feel at Home

Varnavas, Vassilis, Antonis and Andreas, began designing spaces that were cozier than a hotel and had a more personal touch than an Airbnb, as the guys are there to meet and greet you upon arrival and eager to share local insider tips on the Greek capital- ensuring your stay is one to remember. The journey all started with an empty building in Thissio- a cool neighbourhood below the Parthenon and from there the Live in Athens story continues.

Ten years later, there are now five distinct buildings with 20 stylish apartments in the portfolio- all located in the much sought after neighbourhoods of Plaka, Thiseio and Psyrri.

All four creators are very hands on- from the concept and design through to styling and painting- they work together to ensure every apartment has a unique and personal touch. Part of the process is sourcing old furniture and other decor items that they turn into functional pieces and create spaces that they would like to live in themselves.

What makes each apartment so special is that you feel as though you are arriving at a friend’s home and in true Greek hospitality, there are homemade Greek delicacies including yogurt and fruit, biscuits and other treats in the kitchen for you to enjoy as soon as you get there.

All the apartments are centrally located in the areas of Plaka, Thissio and Psirri- the centre of Athens, where you can enjoy an amazing mix of the old and the new Athens, the glorious past and the diverse present of the city.

“Staying in the center is the best option for travellers that want to explore Athens. Both Thissio and Psirri are next to the Acropolis and the Acropolis museum. They are also in walking distance to the Ancient Agora, the central market, the city’s galleries and hidden bars. There is something for everyone just around the corner,” says Varnavas.

Apart from letting guests know where to wine and dine, they also create tailor made experiences- including private dinners on the terrace and unique tours that cater to individual tastes and preferences.

The guys are also behind the popular brunch spot Spiti Mas, which is located at the basement of one of the Live in Athens apartments. This cool Psirri hangout is known for its great coffee, delicious brunches and mouthwatering homemade desserts. It is an open house for both guests and locals, and here you can take a power nap on a comfortable bed, or sit on your laptop and work away as you enjoy the warm and inviting surroundings.

images @liveinathens

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Swimming at the Top of the Town

We splashed around in one of Athens’ most reputed swimming pools and lapped up the splendid views!

Just when you think you’ve been to all the best places in your own city, its nothing short of wonderful to discover yet another delightful spot to escape to during summer. This is how we felt when we stepped out of the lift onto the Divani Caravel Hotel’s 9th floor to enjoy its swimming pool.

Located just a little further down from the Athens Hilton away from Vas. Sofias Avenue, the hotel is at a walking distance from Lycabbettus hill and Kolonaki, Syntagma Square, the Panathenaic Marble Stadium and the National Gardens, all of which can be admired from its rooftop pool. Surrounded by glass that blocks out any city noise yet lets in the breathtaking panoramic views that include mountains, hills and of course the Acropolis, the Divani pool is especially beautiful because of its openness and light.

Insights Greece - Swimming at the Top of the Town

The pool itself is of a large enough size (16m length x 8m width and up to 2m in depth) and has crystal-clear turquoise water that feels clean and fresh and has no odour of chlorine. With large comfortable loungers at the end as well as a long row on the terrace at the side of the pool, one gets a spacious, open feel accentuated by lovely views.

At the entrance of the pool there is the Pool Bar-Restaurant area and as the pool is open from 7 am to 8 pm daily this makes for a great spot for breakfast, lunch, aperitifs and dinner. We were there for lunch and tried the Angus beef burger with hand-cut fries and coleslaw, which got 5 stars from everyone on the “Mmm” rating, as well as the quinoa salad with edamame beans and avocado, which was also packed with flavour.

The kids enjoyed sipping on what they dubbed the “melonade”, a lemonade mixed with fresh watermelon juice, and we adults sipped on well-mixed, light and refreshing Aperol spritzes. We also tried the desserts (inevitable when kids are around), which included a rich chocolate tart and a lemon pie with a dark chocolate cookie base, both of which were tasty but we all found a little too rich as poolside desserts, although the menu also includes Kayak ice cream as a lighter option.

INFO: The Divani Caravel Hotel pool costs 30 € per day on weekdays and 40 € on weekends, and a monthly membership costs 180 €. Use of the pool includes free use of the gym (also on the 9th floor), free towels and a tea or coffee.

A: Vas. Alexandrou Ave, Ilissia.

*All images courtesy of Divani Caravel Hotel

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Simple September Pleasures in Athens

September is when holidays are ending and our psyche subtly but surely begins to shift from summer flimsiness to autumnal focus.

Perhaps this year even more, with the threat of more lockdowns looming over us, we want to make the most of the sunshine, outdoors and chances to explore. In Athens, September is usually a kind and mellow month, when the city comes back to life and (always somewhat chaotic) order. It’s the time

…when the sun is still hot but not scorching and swimming is still perfectly pleasant.

Throughout the week, the loveliest and most central – not to mention the largest in the capital – pool to visit is the one at Hilton Athens. It might not be cheap, but the sheer size of the pool and lovely greenery surrounding it, quality of its water, Coronavirus-cautious cleanliness, excellent service, and satisfying Oasis poolside restaurant menu will keep you relaxed and carefree for hours on end. On the ground floor of one of the city’s most architecturally fascinating hotels, designed in the 1960s, the pool here attracts mainly low-key glamourous types, families, and singletons who just want to chill in style. Another brilliant handful of great swimming options awaits you at Piraeus port, just 20 minutes’ train ride on the green line from the centre of town. Hop on a ferry or flying dolphin and within an hour you can land at lovely Argosaronic islands like Aegina, Angistri, Poros, Hydra and Spetses to spend the day at lovely beaches, eating fresh fish and sipping a sunset cocktail before returning to urbanity.

…when kefi-fuelled night owls reunite after a summer apart and make the most of being outdoors while it’s still warm.

Head to the bars where you can be part of the crowd pouring onto the pavement, courtyard or rooftop and watch the world go buzzily by, like Ipittou on Ipittou Square in Syntagma, Baba Au Rum in Monastiraki, Blue Parrot in Metaxourgeio, Floral or Warehouse in Exarcheia, Latraac Cafe & Skate Bowl in Kerameikos, Bios in Gazi, Couleur Locale or

Taf The Art Foundation in Monastiraki, Drupes & Drips in Koukaki, Briki in Mavili Square, and Six Dogs or Atlandikos in Psyrri. Or take the quiet path and stroll at sunset time or under the stars in magical places like Philopoappou or Pnyx hills, Lycabettus, the Zappeion gardens, Anafiotika, and Plaka’s backstreets, the upper fringes of Kolonaki and the village-like part of Mets.

…when we start to look ahead at how we will prepare our home and wardrobe for winter with a touch of Greece.

Whether you’re in Athens during September as a visitor or resident, it’s an exciting time to go window-shopping and start dreaming of how you’ll add classic or ultra-contemporary Greek touches to make your home and wardrobe both cozily comfortable and pleasurably stylish. Maybe you want a knitted lambswool fisherman-style pullover or elaborately-embroidered cushion covers that you can find in some of the finer tourist shops of Plaka like Loom. Or vintage stores with an international selection, including Greek designer specials, found around Kolonaki, Monastiraki, and Exarcheia. It may be classical-style jewellery or objects d’art inspired by Greek culture and sold either as a direct replica or with an extreme modern twist and found at specialty shops in the Cycladic Art, Benaki, Benaki Pireos Annexe or Lalaounis Museums or at Greek concept stores like SOPHIA, Forget Me Not or Paraphenelia.

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