Contributed by Annamaria Veszeli and Jens Hoffmann
It was a wonderful trip.
Athens is not only the capital of Greece, but it also offers a beautiful coastal stretch, the Athenian Riviera.
Greek mythology has fascinated me my whole life.
It’s rich with goddesses like Venus and gods like Zeus, who represent all aspects of life and nature.
Zeus, the greatest of all gods, is the ruler of the sky and of all thunderstorms.
Of course, there are many ancient marble sites and the unique blend of the salty sea breeze mixed with the aromas of fresh salads, figs, souvlaki, gyros, and fish.
We spent a week in this city and by the sea along the Athenian Riviera.
Each day, Athens showed me a different face.
We particularly loved the picturesque neighborhood of Anafiotika, built in the mid-19th century. All attempts to demolish one of the oldest districts of Athens have failed.
This city doesn’t only live in history books, past and present coexist side by side.
In the shadow of ancient temples, young people sip frappé, nibble on olives, and drink Assyrtiko wine, while pop hits play in the background.
When we think of Athens, we picture the silhouette of the Acropolis at sunset or sunrise. The white marble columns and the scent of anise (Ouzo) linger in the air.
Wow.
For a week, we not only experienced a lot of Greek history but also the vibrant, modern life of Athens.
And, of course… with the support of the magazine’s sponsors, we had the chance to explore beautiful seaside hotels in Vouliagmeni (we stayed at the Amarilia Hotel, our lovely boutique hideaway for a time).
Then, we returned to Athens.
An adventure of contrasts—a chance to truly feel Athens when you’re ready to step off the tourist path.
Athens shows you the birthplace of civilization and the reality of a modern metropolis.
In the morning, you enjoy your frappé at the hotel, in the afternoon you come face to face with the other side of the city.
Homeless people, abandoned buildings, and many Greeks struggling to survive.
As you stroll through the downtown streets, an authentic gastronomic spectrum unfolds: Michelin-starred restos with fine dining options are just a few steps away from small family-run tavernas and gyros grills.
Here, you can order wonderful gyros, souvlaki, fries, tzatziki in fresh pita for just a few euros.
And the best part: you can find them everywhere.
In restaurants like Mezze, we experienced a harmony of taste, fragrance, and history that will stay with us for a long time.
The fresh, aromatic dishes and the hospitality behind each bite were truly inspiring.
Mezze, the latest restaurant of the Kastelorizo group, offers traditional Greek dishes with modern twists.
Our favorite was something traditional: moussaka, Greek salad variations with mild onions, high-quality olive oil, and fresh vegetables.
On the much-quoted bucket list is Koukouvaya by Kotsis Christos, Markantonakis Aristidis, and Margaritis Georgios.
This “sweet” restaurant, which we already knew from Crete, is also a treat for the senses in Athens.
Koukouvaya Desserts is a true masterpiece of Greek pastry artistry, from Mille Feuille to verified cheesecake and chocolate cake.
Even the pizza pita was delightful.
Just try everything, best paired with frappé—the Greek summer in Athens is fun everywhere.
The metro is clean and fast, and tram T6 brings us to the sea.
Even the buses in Vouliagmeni are surprisingly punctual—even though Mediterranean chaos rules the suburbs.
Let’s go to Vouliagmeni and Glyfada for beach joy and the soothing rhythm of the waves.
This is where the Amarilia Hotel lies, a perfect retreat, ideally located on one of the most exclusive areas close to Athens, not far away from the bustle of downtown city center, Amarilia Hotel is an elegant blend of traditional architectural style and contemporary décor.
With a stylish selection of rooms and suites, a restaurant and a swimming pool, this is a cool and inviting urban retreat.
Yassou, we’ll be back very soon.
Information:
Accommodation:
Restaurant:
Mezze Athens
Our trip to Vouliagmeni was supported by Hotel Amarilia.
The content of this article is unaffected by this.
