The Real Athens

The Real Athens: An Insider’s Guide

Avoid the hordes of tourists and experience the authentic Athens. You can still visit the iconic and historic monuments which are dotted throughout this exciting ancient city while you absorb its energy, bask in the sun and find all manner of hidden treasures.

An ancient intellectual centre, Athens was home to philosophers, mathematicians, scientists and politicians whose thinking has transcended centuries to shape the world in which we live today.

Where to Stay

Finding an authentic and yet fully kitted out place to stay in Athens isn’t always that easy. The big chain hotels lack character on the most part and it is much more fun to stay somewhere truly memorable. Here are our top picks:

  1. Best for Grecian Decadence: King George

The King George hotel located in the heart of Athens was one of the city’s first boutique hotels opening in the 1930s. Welcoming the who’s who of high society from Frank Sinatra to Marilyn Monroe, the hotel combines stylish and comfortable interior design with subtle Grecian feature such as Ionian columns in the lobby and entrance. Guests also enjoy access to the facilities of the larger sister hotel Grande Bretagne and so can enjoy the best that both hotels have to offer whilst retiring to the smaller King George hotel at the end of the day for true peace and quiet.

  1. Best for Modern Style: AthensWas

AthensWas is a new installation in Athens but despite that has become one of the city’s most popular boutique accommodations. Its modern style will appeal to lovers of 20th Century interior design trends with furnishing from Le Corbusier and other leading designers. The hotel has just 21 rooms and one of its most exciting features is its rooftop bar which looks out towards the Acropolis.

  1. Best for Beach Lovers: The Margi

For those who are looking to stay outside of the city centre, The Margi offers stunningly decadent accommodation just 5 miles south of Glyfada, the trendy Athens Riviera coastal spot and home to the rich and famous. This hotel has just 89 rooms and its beautifully grown up trendy swimming pool area; guarded by ancient olive trees, is the perfect place for sun-downers on the floating sun-loungers. The hotel also boasts a spa and restaurant as well as gym facilities and 24-hour concierge.

Why not buy your own investment home in Athens so that you will always have somewhere to stay or rent to other holiday makers. We can arrange a private property discovery tour in Athens. Contact Us and write ATHENS in the Enquiry Box

 

Where to Eat

With Greek at the crossroads between Europe, Asia and Africa, it is not surprising that it has a unique cuisine influenced by many cultures. There is a focus on fresh, natural and locally sourced ingredients. You can enjoy fine dining or relax in the local tavernas with some mezze.

  1. Best for Fine Dining: Hotel Grand Bretagne Roof Garden

Located atop Mount Lycabettus the Hotel Grand Bretagne Roof Garden looks out over Athens with an incredible view of the Acropolis. You can sample the delicious treats from chef Asterios Koustoudis. The restaurant offers a Mediterranean menu offering delicious dishes including fresh Greek salad, Crab Ravioli, juicy steaks, rich risottos and light pasta dishes. The wine list is superb and the deserts are ‘to die for’. It’s relatively expensive, but worth the splurge during your trip.

  1. Best for Local Treats: Klimataria

A truly authentic Greek restaurant, the likes of which are rare to find these days. This little taverna offers local home cooking such as stuffed peppers and tomatoes, flavoursome rice dishes and gently spiced meatballs with fun entertainment on tap to accompany the grappa. The clientele is mostly local but foreigners get a warm welcome.

  1. Best for Seafood: To Barbounaki, Glyfada

Offering a relaxed atmosphere, this restaurant sits right behind the Glyfada marina on the beach and is hugely popular amongst locals. It may not be the most stylish venue in Glyfada, but the food will more than make up for it, and afterwards you can enjoy a short stroll to Glyfada marina. It’s best for lunch. If you want a more chic alternative you can try Ocean Basket or Ark (also in Glyfada).

Button: Discover Gourmet Experiences in Athens

 What to Visit

To see Athens like any local, it’s a must to don your walking shoes, unfurl a map (or turn on your trusty mobile map companion) and get moving. If walking really isn’t for you, there are a number of ‘hop on/hop off’ buses that can help you get around. Regardless of whether you will walk or find another way to get around, if you want to see all the sights the Athens City Pass is essential giving you a cost efficient way to access the main attractions of the city. https://www.turbopass.com/athens-city-pass. If sightseeing isn’t what floats your boat however, there is the Athens Riviera where you can sit back and relax on some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean.

  1. Best for Views of Athens: Panorama of Athens from Strefi Hill

A secret haunt of the locals, Strefi Hill offers one of the best 360 degree views across Athens and to the Acropolis. Of course, the nearby Mount Lycabettus also offers fantastic views, but from Strefi Hill, you can also enjoy the view of this 300 m hill in a sight that few tourists get to see. Avoid the Strefi Hill come sundown when it is frequented by ‘undesirables’. Best for a lunchtime stroll.

  1. Best Beach: Asteras Beach, Glyfada

Glyfada is a stretch of coast on the Athens Riviera where you will find the most luxurious homes, restaurants and facilities. Of course, these homes and facilities need a beach to match. There are a number of beaches in Glyfada. Our favourite is Asteras Beach which is linked to a stylish café and restaurant. Glyfada beach itself is one of the best public beaches on this stretch of coast. Make sure you get to the beaches early to get a good spot.

 

Where to Party

The best nightlife spots in Athens are Gylfada, fondly nicknamed Knightsbridge-on-Sea, where you find the most discerning and trendy crowd, Kifisia and the old centre which can be a little touristic.

  1. Best for Unique Cocktails: Holy Spirit, Gylfada

Offering incredible cocktails, Holy Spirit is always host to a plethora of locals sprawling on the pavement outside or relaxing inside with the music. It’s fresh and stylish décor combined with some truly excellent in-house mixologists, mean that you’re in for a fun and unique evening.

  1. Brettos Bar, Plaka

Sample authentic Greek homemade liqueur at the trendy Brettos Bar. In the centre of the touristic district, this bar is always home to more locals than visitors. An array of multi-coloured bottles adorn the walls creating a fun and young environment.

 

Athens always attracts tourists from the world over owing to its unique history and incredible geology as well as its commercial centres. Its appeal for tourists is the same reason many people want to own a home in Athens. It has a bit of everything. Buying a property in Athens is easy and MEPM can guide you through the process every step of the way. We have access to a range of properties in Athens; including its most desirable district Gylfada, and we can help you take your first steps towards the laid back Mediterranean style of living.

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