Almost all roads lead through Athens if you are travelling to one of the Greek islands in the summer.
As the temperatures rise, discover the best this vibrant city has to offer with our carefully curated guide.
HEAT BREAK
Filopappou Hill, a leafy oasis in the heart of Athens, has plenty to offer. Stroll along the stunning marble path, designed by 1950s architect Dimitris Pikionis, to discover its beauty and feel a little cooler when the city heats up.
GO FOR THE ART
The best place to cool off is in the many museums Athens has to offer. Visit inspiring museums that showcase Greece’s rich design history. The Benaki Museum has a great museum shop (Cabana recently hosted a party there) and a nice restaurant for lunch. The famous Acropolis Museum offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration and is a great viewpoint to see the Acropolis when it is too hot to go up.
Do not forget the EMST, the museum of modern art.
For jewellery enthusiasts, the Ilias Lalaounis Jewellery Museum is a must, showcasing the pioneering work of the renowned Greek goldsmith, and you can watch a goldsmith work on her collection as you enter the museum.
SHOP FOR THINGS YOU CAN ONLY FIND IN ATHENS
Shop for Greek designers you will not find anywhere else.
Zeus + Dione offers high quality clothing, made in Greece, inspired by Greek heritage and made from luxurious fabrics. In Kolonaki, Lito’s Cabinet des Curiosities offers unique jewellery designs. And Mon Coin Studio for exclusively Greek ceramic art. The old quarter around the Acropolis, reminiscent of an archaeological site, is full of antique shops perfect for unique finds. Mouki Mou stands out for its excellent selection of ceramics and fashion items, as well as its collaborations with international artists such as @dosaflyingfish, ceramic art by @michaelverheydenstudio and many more.
HAVE A COFFEE
Enjoy a Greek iced coffee in the charming old neighbourhood around the Acropolis. It feels like stepping into an archaeological site. And don’t miss Anana for the best coffee in town and homemade sandwiches and cakes. I recommend the brioche and egg salad sandwich!
WHERE TO STAY
In summer, stay at the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens, a timeless gem known for its glamorous history dating back to the 1960s, when it became a hotspot for celebrities such as Jackie Onassis and Brigitte Bardot. Set on a pine-clad peninsula in the upmarket suburb of Vouliagmeni, it offers a luxurious retreat on the Athens Riviera, approximately 40 minutes from the city centre. The hotel exudes an aura of opulence, and with six restaurants and four bars, the resort caters to a variety of culinary tastes.
You can start your day with a morning swim in the sea and then jump back in after a busy day in the city. It is well worth it.
