Eateries Reopen in Greece, Organised Beaches Next

After nearly six months of being shut, cafes and restaurants across Greece finally reopened their doors for sit-down service on Monday, May 3, a day after Greek Orthodox Easter.

As per the new rules, only open areas of restaurants and cafes will operate, until May 15, 2021. Distances between tables and seats are required, and no music is allowed on the premises.

Customers in restaurants and cafes are also strongly advised to wear their masks while seated and when they are not eating or drinking, however, this is not mandatory. 

The nightly curfew has now changed to 11 p.m, with eateries allowed to remain open until 15 minutes before curfew (10:45 p.m). 

Local residents will still need to use the SMS authorisation code for movement by sending an SMS (to 130 33). This will no longer be required after May 15, when international travel begins.  

Authorities have also announced that organised beaches in Greece will reopen on May 15, when the country opens up to international tourists, as locals in the food, beverage, and hospitality industry slowly begin to prepare for summer season 2021. 

*Images by IN+SIGHTS GREECE © (Copyright) 

Athens’ Top 5 Cafes for a Rainy Day

When it rains, there’s nothing better than finding a spot inside one of Athens’ cosy cafes, sitting back and sipping on a warm cup of herbal tea or coffee of your choice, while opening up a book and enjoying some good old fashion reading. So, we’ve compiled a list of five of our favourite cafes where you can do just that!  

Tree Book Café
A bookshop-café where you can get as flirty as you can get nerdy, this charming Makryianni hangout serves coffee, tea and light snacks with a side of literature. If you want to read undisturbed by chatter it’s probably preferable to sit inside, where it’s a little quieter, but either way, the stylishly bookish atmosphere will inspire you to hold up your book with pride.

A: Kavalotti 2, Makryianni

Insights Greece - Athens' Top 5 Cafes for a Rainy Day

To Tsai

This is Athens’ only real tea room, with a minimalist Japanese -colonial feel and a huge range of teas from around the world, served properly by expert staff. As you may imagine the ambience is tranquil, ideal for tea lovers who enjoy a non-frenetic chat and who like to savour their tea as much as the silence. This is a great place to cozy up with a good read while sipping premium matcha.

A: Alexandrou Soutsou 29, Kolonaki

Bios
Just because this place has such an artsy and intellectual vibe, it’s ideal for doing something as civilized as reading a good book. Apart from the large ground-floor bar-café area, there is also an upstairs lounge where you can discover the solitude – or something closer to it – that you seek on a busier day.

A: Pireos 84, Gazi

  • Insights Greece - Athens' Top 5 Cafes for a Rainy Day
  • Insights Greece - Athens' Top 5 Cafes for a Rainy Day

The Daily
Perhaps the only real remaining ‘residential’, laid back café in shop- and people-centric Kolonaki, The Daily is a great place – day or night – to enjoy some page-turning solo time. It’s central but not too much so and serves refreshing homemade teas and lemonade as well as quality coffee.

A: Xenokratous 47, Kolonaki

The Underdog

If you like reading while sipping amazing coffee in a naturally-lit, airy space, this is the place for you. Housed in a neoclassical villa and with small tables as well as a long bench, this leafy, high-ceilinged locale was designed for individuals. Since it opened it has received numerous annual barista awards and apart from excellent coffee and a soothing vibe it also serves a delicious brunch menu.

A: Iraklidon 8, Thissio

  • Insights Greece - Athens' Top 5 Cafes for a Rainy Day
  • Insights Greece - Athens' Top 5 Cafes for a Rainy Day