Dinner for two. Lycabettus restaurant in Oia, Santorini, Greece.

Prasini Tenta: The Finest Lycabettus Hill's Restaurant

Welcome to Prasini Tenta, the ultimate culinary destination nestled on the enchanting Lycabettus Hill. Step into a world where gastronomy meets breathtaking panoramic views, and indulge in an extraordinary dining experience that will ignite your senses. At Prasini Tenta known as best Lycabettus Hill’s Restaurant. We are passionate about creating unforgettable moments through our exceptional…

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I'd love to hear a Greece update - how you spend your time, favourite places, etc. It all sounds amazing, congrats on having a good time.

I waited until l I had returned to answer this question and looking back at my month in Athens only makes me long for more time in Greece (though I’m keen to see areas outside of the capital, the islands especially but not only).

I actually spent most of my weekdays working (lol), because I can’t quite possibly take an entire month off and I was still on a full-time schedule in July. I tried nonetheless to make the most out of the hours I had free and loved every minute of it. I felt very much in tune with the Greek way of life, probably due to its similarity with the Italian culture. It’s the small things: being able to hang out my clothes to dry in the sun, eating out on the balcony, simple but great food, flavoursome fresh produce, slow middays, a glass of wine and small plates of varied dishes, old people playing the harmonica in the street or the radio blasting from two apartments down (and sometimes, music from my own apartment, after I developed a playlist of Greek songs based on whatever the people loved singing along during my bus ride to Epidaurus).

I started work at 10 (I'm working UK/GMT hours), which meant that I could sneak in a visit to a bakery (for tsoureki, my favourite breakfast food there, alongside a cup of Aeolian tea) or to one of the many bookshops around my apartment in the early hours. It’s a good thing I can’t actually read Modern Greek because there were countless of bookshops and so many interesting-looking books around. I found also a  couple of independent bookshops that carried translations (for example Aiora, where I got a book on Rebetiko). I also got a used copy of a tragedy (the Philoctetes, a bilingual edition Ancient Greek – Modern Greek).

I didn’t go anywhere for my lunch break except the nearby supermarket (AB because everything else is expensive) if needed, since it was hot (extremely so, in a way that’s unbearable even for Mediterraneans and that is very dangerous both for health issues and for the fires it leads to) and I need time to rest after eating. Food, by the way, has been incredible. I’ve ordered take away gyros more often than not. When I cooked, it was always fresh vegetables and fruit that I bought each Saturday at the local market, perhaps with a smoked sausage from the shop or tzatziki (or ktipiti, or melitzanosalata, or literally any other sauce and/or salad) with pita.

In the evening, sometimes I went out to whatever museum or site that was open until late (sometimes taking half-day offs). It was an amazing trip pottery-wise. I can’t quite sketch (yet) but I’ve taken many pictures for future inspiration. I took a bunch of pictures I’ll pour over in the next few months for inspiration.  Being 25 meant lots of reduced tickets thankfully. Alternatively, we just took a walk around the neighbourhood, maybe going up on of the hills (or my favourite, the Lycabettus) and then out for dinner at one of the tabernas nearby or Kurdish/Turkish/etc restaurant.

Two weekends I went to Epidaurus, once to see The Persians, once to see the Agamemnon, both of which were brilliant.

Saturdays it was for eating out for lunch and then the market which then exhausted me. Sundays instead was for spending more time at museums and such. I absolutely gushed over the Mycenean tablets  at the National Archaeological Museum (look! I was  looking at pictures of these a year ago and now they are here in person!!). However, my favourite was the Acropolis Museum, truly stellar. One of the best places I've ever been.

I miss it already.

Last Day in Greece - Athens, Greece

Originally, the plan for today was to check out the flea market, then climb the Hill of Muses, and go to Takis Bakery to buy bread for dinner. We successfully completed all of those tasks, but the things we came across unexpectedly along the way were wonderful little gems. What a great last day in Athens!

After checking out a couple of shops, we decided we needed a little bite to eat. We found a little street cafe, hoping for a little lunch - unfortunately, they weren’t serving lunch, yet. So we had an iced cappuccino and a chocolate “pie” (looked like cake to us) - both were amazing and we had enough fuel on board to continue with our mission for the day!

One of the streets near the flea market.

Think we found the flea market!

We wandered the streets near the Stoa of Attalos, there was a museum inside, but we decided to just walk outside.

We could see the National Observatory and a beautiful church in the distance while we were walking.

Once we left the flea market area, we found ourselves on a huge pedestrian walkway to the west of the Acropolis. We followed it around, lots of vendors and restaurants, but nothing that really appealed to us. We came across this interesting wooden bike on one of the sidewalks:

As we were walking along, we looked up one of the side streets and saw the church that we had seen from the stoa. We decided to head up the street and check it out.

We couldn’t read the name of the church, it was in Greek. However, we enjoyed walking around the beautiful building.

Jacaranda tree in the plaza next to the church.

Behind the church, we found this walkway/road, we took it up to the entrance of the National Observatory. The Observatory was closed, so we couldn’t go in.

National Observatory.

From the observatory, we followed a set of stairs up the hill. We found ourselves on a pathway that led to ruins - cool surprise!

The Pnyx Monument, built between the late 6th century BC to the late 4th century BC. It served as a meeting place, holding around 10,000 people in the open-air chamber.

Speaker’s platform - Aristides, Pericles, Demosthenes, and Themistocles all delivered speeches here.

Niche in the wall where there was a statue of Zeus Hypsistos, the smaller cuts in the rocks held candles.

Spectacular view of the Acropolis from the Pnyx Monument.

Lycabettus Hill in the distance.

As we continued along the path, hoping to eventually find the path up to the Hill of the Muses, we came across this beautiful church. Church of Ayios Demetrios Loubardiaris.

A few people were ringing these bells, while we walked around the church.

The patterns in the walls were amazing - I am sure that they were indicative of something, but we didn’t see information about that.

This emblem was carved into the side of the roof of the church.

One of many carvings on the side of the church.

Great story about the church.

Sign at the bottom of the path heading up the Hill of Muses.

Philopappos Monument located at the top of the Hill of Muses (also known as Philopappos Hill).

Info about the Hill of Muses.

On our way back to our place, we stopped at Takis Bakery for a loaf of bread. It was very crowded and very tiny - I forgot to take pictures due to the tight quarters. We also found a great little deli, where we stopped and bought cheese and salami to go with our bread.

Doug, trying to decide what kind of salami he wanted for dinner.

We dropped off our purchases at our apartment and then walked a couple of blocks to a sidewalk cafe for lunch. I had a great Greek salad, Doug had a slice of pizza and some of my salad - we were entertained by the crazy, chaotic streets of Athens as we ate our lunch on the sidewalk.

I wanted to get a couple of pictures that would demonstrate the amazing parking skills of the people of Athens - it is really quite remarkable where and how people find places to put their cars and scooters:

The street to our apartment in Athens.

After lunch, we walked over to a bar close to our apartment and had a couple of adult beverages. We enjoyed visiting with the bartender - he is headed to New Hampshire in December to visit a friend. We shared with him how cold it was going to be during his visit, I don’t think he believed us! It was fun having a chance to learn a little about Athens from him, he was very disappointed that we did not get to visit any of the Greek islands. Maybe next time!

We took a little siesta after lunch, taking the time to just hang out at our apartment and catch up on some blogging and other business we needed to handle. We had a dinner of bread, cheese, salami, and fruit on our patio. As the sun was setting, we wandered out again to find a place to spend our last evening in Greece.

While wandering the Plaka neighborhood, we found this little fixer-upper for sale.

Beautiful streets of Plaka.

While wandering the streets, I noticed a sign over a doorway that indicated a rooftop bar. We walked into the lobby of the building and climbed several flights of stairs, before we found a little doorway that opened to a little restaurant and bar area. We decided to walk through the small indoor space to the patio at the back of the building. We found ourselves to be the only people that wanted to sit outside. We walked outside and found ourselves staring at this scene:

Jaw-dropping view of the Acropolis from the rooftop of this hotel.

We ordered ouzo, since we hadn’t had any during our visit to Athens.

Oh, we also had a glass of wine, too!

Our view only improved as the city lights came on.

Great little find - Hotel Byron Roof Garden.

On our way back to our apartment, we noticed this little wine bar - just a block from our apartment. We had to check it out!

Doug, talking wine-openers with one of the owners of the wine bar.

Jamas, from Wine Pointe in Athens! 

The Holy Church of Saint George on Lycabettus Hill in Athens.

Read more about this on our website at:

https://bit.ly/holy-church-st-george

The small whitewashed Holy Church of Saint George on Lycabettus Hill in Athens was built in 1870 and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city.

Also known as the chapel of Agios Geórgios, it was built on the site of an older Byzantine church dedicated to Profítis Ilías (the Prophet Elijah). Both saints associated with the site are celebrated here on their name days (20th July and 23rd April, respectively).

On the eve of Easter Sunday, a spectacular candlelit procession winds down the peak’s wooded slopes. The hill has a summit restaurant and café and the open-air Lykavittós Theatre, where contemporary jazz, pop and dance performances are held annually during the Athens Festival.

The church is decorated with many icons and frescoes, and the bell tower offers stunning views of Athens, including the Acropolis of Athens and the Parthenon.

Days 64-66 – Thursday-Saturday, 27-29 July Leaving Greece, on to Turkey.

Thursday

Another day, hiding inside out of the sun.  It was not quite as bad today, with temperatures in the mid- to high-thirties and promising only thirty tomorrow – we live in hope.

We went out in the afternoon, mainly to buy more water at the supermarket but we also wanted to have a walk through the Plaka.  A couple of our guides mentioned it as containing mainly upmarket and expensive stores, but it didn’t seem like that at all to me.  There were certainly a few name-brand stores that probably were expensive, but we never checked the prices.  But there were also plenty of smaller stores, selling all sorts of touristy things as well – cheaper clothing, souvenirs, fake jewellery, and so on.  We walked right to the end of the main street, to Hadrian’s Library, and along to a restaurant area at one end of the Flea Market, and back home via the street that passes our hotel. 

Both lunch and dinner were compiled from leftovers and other purchased food in our fridge, but we will probably have to eat at least one meal out tomorrow.

Friday

We went ‘shopping’ after breakfast today.  We needed one supermarket item and a just few things from the pharmacy – anti-inflammatories, Hydralite, Panadol, etc.  Nothing too complicated and we were home again in less than an hour.

I sorted and edited photos during the day as well as keeping an eye on the cricket scores.  We also had to pack ready to leave first thing in the morning.  We checked out of the hotel late in the afternoon, but retained the key so we could spend the night there.

We ate at the Korean restaurant just across the alley from our hotel – another excellent meal – but I left my hat there, on the floor against the wall beside the chair.  We realised it a few minutes later, but decided to try to recover it when we got back from our planned trip to watch the sunset.

We walked up to Syntagma Square to find a taxi to take us up to Lycabettus Hill – the highest point around Athens.  The first cab we approached said it would cost us twenty euros, which we thought a bit rich, so we tried the next guy who said it would be fifteen euros.  We agreed, still thinking it pretty expensive – and for comparison, it cost us six euros on the meter to come back down.  They really know how to rip the tourists off.

We were delivered to the bottom of the funicular that runs up the side of the Lycabettus mountain.  There were scores of people waiting to catch the funicular, with a long queue for tickets, and an even longer one waiting for the ride up.  We eventually arrived at the top with only another forty or fifty steps to climb to the viewing area.  It was packed with many hundreds of tourists (like us), all hogging the best spots to take photos as the sun went down.  We took a few photos and retired to a restaurant ready to buy a drink, but nobody came to take our order, so we just sat and took advantage of a short rest.  I went back up to take a few photos over people’s heads as the sun set and then we scurried down to catch the funicular down to where we waited for a cab, most of which were already booked.  We started getting into one as some other people got in from the other side, so we missed that one, but eventually found an empty one and returned to Syntagma Square in time for me to run down to the restaurant to reclaim my hat.  As soon as I walked in, the chef came running out, full of smiles, to present me very regally with my hat. We had a bit of a laugh together and then we went back across the road to our hotel and bed.

Saturday

I leapt out of bed with a cramp just as the alarm went off, so I was up and getting dressed within a minute.  We packed the last-minute things and took our bags down to Reception and had a quick breakfast – and by then, our cab was waiting at the door.  He was a great driver with very good English and he gave us quite a travel talk as we drove through the suburbs.  He also told us a lot about himself and his family ambitions and difficulties – a really pleasant guy and we enjoyed the almost an hour in the cab.

There were long queues in the airport – for check-in, Passport Control and Security but all went surprisingly quickly and we were seated (in the second back seat) before the official boarding time.  Alas, the flight was delayed for fifty minutes due to traffic issues, but at least it gave us time to do some reading.  I hadn’t read any of my e-books until a couple of days ago, but finished one yesterday and started a new one on the plane – and finished it (and started a third) two days later.

The Athens airport is a new one and is huge, so we had to walk a couple of kilometres before we reached the boarding gate – and the Turkish airport is a new one since we were here five years ago too.  It is also huge and we walked almost two kilometres there too.  I reckon the plane taxied for more than ten kilometres after landing and we then waited at least twenty minutes for an air-bridge.  Then it was more Passport Control, baggage collection and Security (most people didn’t go through Security, but we were ‘selected’) – at least it was a fairly and easy quick process.

We eventually cleared the airport and found the exit where we were to meet our driver.  That was also a process.  The driver’s company had a person at the exit who found us and told us to take a seat while he went out to get our driver.  He disappeared and after some time, another guy turned up and helped us convey our bags to a car in the parking lot a few hundred metres away - where our actual driver put our bags in the back and drove us to our hotel.  It took almost two hours because the weekend traffic in the city was horrendous – one or two cars got through each set of lights when we were lucky. Much of the time, the intersections were clogged and nobody moved at all.

We booked in at the And Hotel, one floor below the room we were in last time we were here.  It felt quite nostalgic.  We hadn’t had any lunch and it was about 4pm, so we strolled across to one of the places we ate at last time.  We ordered just enough to tide us over to dinnertime, but the serving was a lot more than we expected so we really weren’t so hungry when it was time to eat again.

We ate in the hotel restaurant and again, our meal was more than we could eat.  The restaurant is on the top floor with superb views across the city so I will post a few pics taken from there in due course.  I counted at least thirteen mosques visible from the restaurant – and I counted more than seventy on the way in from the airport.

Premium Photo Tour of Athens' Hidden Gems

Unveiling Athens' Best-Kept Secrets 1. Anafiotika Anafiotika is a hidden gem nestled in the shadows of the Acropolis. This picturesque area of Athens feels like a traditional Greek village, with narrow alleyways, whitewashed buildings, and colorful flowers in bloom. Its unique atmosphere is a perfect backdrop for taking stunning photographs. 2. The National Garden The National Garden is a peaceful oasis in the center of Athens. It is a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and get lost in nature. With its beautiful flowers, shady trees, and small lakes, it is a photographer's paradise. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot turtles, ducks, and even peacocks roaming around the garden. 3. Mount Lycabettus For breathtaking panoramic views of Athens, head to Mount Lycabettus. You can either hike up the hill or take a funicular to reach the top. Once you reach the peak, you'll be rewarded with an incredible view of the city's skyline. It's an ideal spot to capture stunning sunset and nighttime photographs. 4. The Ancient Agora The Ancient Agora is a glimpse into Athens' rich history. This archaeological site is home to ancient temples, public buildings, and marketplaces that date back to 6th century BC. The site also features a museum that showcases artifacts from the ancient Athenian life. It's perfect for history buffs and photographers interested in capturing ancient architecture. 5. Psyrri Psyrri is a trendy neighborhood that's quickly gaining popularity in Athens. Its narrow streets are lined with classic and modern cafes, restaurants, and bars that offer a mix of Greek and international cuisine. The vibrant street art and colorful buildings make it an excellent location for capturing the essence of modern Athens. 6. Monastiraki Flea Market The Monastiraki Flea Market is a bustling market that sells a wide range of souvenirs, antiques, and second-hand goods. The vendors' colorful stalls and the market's lively atmosphere are ideal for capturing vibrant street photographs. You can also enjoy a cup of traditional Greek coffee while browsing the market. Explore these hidden gems in Athens with our premium photo tour, and capture unforgettable memories to last a lifetime. An Overview of Athens' Hidden Gems Athens, the capital of Greece, is famous for its ancient ruins, museums, and souvlaki. But did you know that there are plenty of hidden gems in Athens that are off the tourist radar? If you're tired of the typical tourist hotspots, check out these lesser-known places. The Pnyx Located just below the Acropolis, the Pnyx is a hill where the ancient Athenians gathered to address political issues. The Pnyx is an excellent spot to enjoy stunning views of the city and the Acropolis. It's also a peaceful escape from the bustling tourist sites nearby. The Anafiotika neighborhood Nestled beneath the Acropolis is the charming neighborhood of Anafiotika. This neighborhood was built by workers from the island of Anafi in the 19th century and has a distinct Cycladic architecture. The narrow alleys and white-washed houses make it an idyllic place to explore. The National Garden The National Garden is a hidden oasis in the heart of Athens. Located behind the Greek Parliament, it's a peaceful retreat from the busy city streets. The garden features a small zoo, a pond with ducks and turtles, and many places to relax and enjoy nature. The Monastiraki Flea Market While the Monastiraki Flea Market is not entirely hidden, it's often overlooked by tourists in favor of the more famous markets in Athens. Here, you can find a treasure trove of antique items, vintage clothing, and unique souvenirs. It's a great place to get lost and explore the winding streets filled with shops and restaurants. The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center If you're interested in contemporary art and architecture, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center is a must-visit. The building houses two of Greece's most prominent cultural institutions, the National Library and the National Opera. The center also includes a park with stunning views of the sea and the city skyline. The Byzantine and Christian Museum The Byzantine and Christian Museum is often overlooked by visitors in favor of the more famous museums in Athens. However, this museum is home to an impressive collection of Byzantine and post-Byzantine art and artifacts, including icons, mosaics, and frescoes. In conclusion, Athens has many hidden gems just waiting to be explored. From the Pnyx to the Monastiraki Flea Market, there's something for everyone. So the next time you're in Athens, be sure to venture off the beaten path and discover these lesser-known treasures. Capturing the Charm of Anafiotika One of Athens' hidden gems is the picturesque neighborhood of Anafiotika. This charming area is located in the Plaka district, just below the Acropolis. It was built in the 19th century by workers from the Aegean island of Anafi who came to Athens to work on the construction of King Otto's palace. The Colors and Architecture The charm of Anafiotika lies in its narrow cobblestone streets, its traditional Cycladic architecture, and its colorful houses with blue doors and shutters. The houses are built without any plan or order, giving the neighborhood a unique and organic vibe. The white walls and blue accents offer an endless supply of photo opportunities. The narrow alleys provide a fantastic backdrop for portraits or shots of architectural details. The Views The neighborhood's elevated location, just below the Acropolis, offers stunning views of the ancient city and its landmarks. From Anafiotika, you can see the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Theater of Dionysus in all their glory. The views from the neighborhood are unbeatable, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light hits the marble temples at an angle, creating a warm and magical atmosphere. The People and Lifestyle Anafiotika is a small community that still maintains many of the traditions and ways of life from the Aegean island of Anafi. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and it's not uncommon to see them sitting outside their houses, chatting or playing backgammon. The neighborhood has a relaxed and laid-back vibe, making it a perfect spot to take a break from the hustle and bustle of central Athens. All of these factors contribute to the neighborhood's magic and make it a delightful place to visit and photograph. Discovering the Serenity of Philopappos Hill If you're a history lover or just enjoy getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Philopappos Hill is a must-see hidden gem in Athens. This lush park is home to one of Athens' most important ancient monuments, the Philopappos Monument, which honors a famous citizen of ancient Athens. Finding your way to Philopappos Hill The best way to get to Philopappos Hill is to take the metro to Petralona station and then take a leisurely 20-minute walk through charming neighborhoods to the hill. On your way to the hill, make sure to stop at the quaint cafes and enjoy the picturesque streets of Athens. What to See and Do Once you arrive at the park, start your climb up the hill, and take in the stunning views of the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Athens City Center. On your way up, you'll run across many historical monuments and views you won't want to miss. The Philopappos Monument is a magnificent landmark worth exploring as it is one of the well-preserved ancient monuments in Athens. As you explore this beautiful park, don't forget to marvel at the many outdoor art exhibitions and sculptures. Benefits of Visiting Philopappos Hill One of the main advantages of visiting Philopappos Hill is that it is an idyllic escape where you can enjoy nature and appreciate Athens' historical breadth. As you hike up and down the hill, you'll soak up not just Greek history but also the sights of the modern city and the beauty of Athens. All in all, Philopappos Hill is a perfect escape from the crowds and noise yet still offers a glimpse into Greek culture and history. It's a must-visit if you're planning a trip to Athens! Exploring the Riches of Agora Located in the heart of Athens, Agora is a bustling market filled with shops, restaurants, and vendors selling a variety of goods. It's a lively and exciting destination that's perfect for any visitor looking for an authentic Greek experience. Shopping in Agora One of the biggest draws of Agora is the shopping. From traditional Greek souvenirs like pottery and jewelry to modern clothing and electronics, you'll find something for everyone here. Make sure to haggle with the vendors to get the best price! Food and Drink Of course, no trip to Agora would be complete without trying some of the delicious Greek food and drink on offer. From fresh seafood to mouth-watering gyros, there's something for every palate. And don't forget to try some of the local wine! Historical Significance Agora also has a rich historical significance. It was the center of ancient Athens, where people gathered to discuss politics and trade goods. You can still see the remains of ancient buildings and temples as you explore the market. Overall, Agora is a vibrant and exciting destination that should definitely be on your list of places to visit in Athens. With its incredible shopping, delicious food, and historical significance, it's truly a hidden gem of the city. Basking in the Glory of the Panathenaic Stadium The Panathenaic Stadium, also known as Kallimarmaro, is a wonder of ancient Greek engineering and architecture. Built entirely out of marble, this stadium is located in Athens and has been the site of many historical events. From the ancient Greek Olympics to the modern Olympic Games, this stadium has seen it all. History of the Panathenaic Stadium The Panathenaic Stadium was built in 330 BC for the Panathenaic Games, a festival that honoured the goddess Athena. It was used for various events such as foot races, wrestling, and chariot races. The stadium was destroyed in the 2nd century AD and remained in ruins until it was rebuilt in the 19th century for the revival of the Olympic Games. What to Expect from a Visit When you visit the Panathenaic Stadium, you will be able to walk through the entrance where the ancient athletes would have entered. You can also see the marble seating areas where spectators would have watched the events. The museum inside the stadium showcases the history of the stadium and the Olympic Games. Interesting Facts about the Panathenaic Stadium - The Panathenaic Stadium is the only stadium in the world built entirely out of marble. - The stadium can seat up to 60,000 spectators. - The modern Olympic Games were revived in this stadium in 1896. - It was also the site of the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. - The stadium was used as a concert venue for famous musicians such as Frank Sinatra, Bob Dylan, and Tina Turner. Visiting the Panathenaic Stadium is an amazing experience that allows you to step back in history and see one of the most impressive structures ever built. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking views of the stadium and the city of Athens. Savoring the Flavors of Athens' Hidden Foodie Spots Athens isn't just about the ancient temples and the picturesque neighborhoods; it's also a food lover's paradise. When visiting Athens, you have to make sure you try some of the local delicacies at the city's hidden foodie spots. From traditional Greek dishes to modern fusion cuisine, Athens has it all. Here are some of the best hidden foodie spots in Athens that you don't want to miss. 1. Karamanlidika tou Fani Karamanlidika tou Fani is a deli that serves artisanal cold cuts and cheeses, along with other delicious Greek products. The deli is tucked away in a narrow alley in the heart of Athens, and once you find it, you won't regret it. The meats and cheeses here are made from high-quality ingredients and are absolutely delicious, especially when paired with a glass of homemade tsipouro. 2. To Kafeneio To Kafeneio is a traditional Greek café that serves homemade dishes and pastries. The café is located in the artistic neighborhood of Psyrri, and the atmosphere here is cozy and intimate. You can try the spicy feta dip, the savory pies, and the refreshing lemonade, which are all made with fresh and locally sourced ingredients. 3. Cookoovaya Cookoovaya is a modern restaurant that serves creative Greek cuisine with a twist. The restaurant is located in the chic neighborhood of Kolonaki, and the décor here is contemporary and elegant. You can try the octopus with feta mousse, the pork belly with apple puree, and the tuna tartare with avocado and wasabi, which are all beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. 4. Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani Another hidden gem from the same family of Karamanlidika tou Fani, Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani is a taverna that serves traditional Greek dishes with a modern twist. The taverna is located in a beautiful neoclassical building in the central square of Monastiraki, and the atmosphere here is relaxed and convivial. You can try the fava bean puree with caramelized onions, the slow-cooked lamb with herbs, and the homemade baklava, which are all made with love and care. These are just a few of the hidden foodie spots in Athens that you can explore during your premium photo tour. Whether you're a food lover or just looking to try something new, Athens has something for everyone. If you're looking for an exquisite experience in wine tasting and photography, don't miss out on Snap and Sip - Premium Wine Tasting and Photography in Burgundy. Read the full article

The Mediterranean is Calling

I know I’m not the only one who loves exploring ancient Europe. There’s nothing like the thrill of climbing the Acropolis with a private guide or venturing out to an actual excavation site — and skipping the crowd. I was speaking with a colleague of mine who had such a thrill recently. After a couple of history-packed days, she headed to islands like Mykonos and Ithaca to relax and recharge.

This conversation inspired me to share some of my favorite hotel and resort recommendations that are sure to pique your interest in this fabulous destination.

The land of olive trees, sea and sun, is calling your name.

HOTEL GRAND BRETAGNE ATHENS

When you arrive in Athens, you’ll want to combine history and heritage with a stay at Hotel Grand Bretagne Athens. This gorgeous hotel has been situated in the heart of the city since 1874. Breathtaking views of the Acropolis and Parliament are only the beginning; you’ll be within walking distance of exclusive shopping areas and museums, and ancient sites like the original Olympic Stadium.

I can also arrange a massage or beauty treatment at the hotel’s GB Spa. You’ll be living like a star; celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor, Sean Connery, Bruce Springsteen and Jay-Z have all stayed in the Grand Bretagne’s Royal Suite.

NEW HOTEL ATHENS

New Hotel offers a more modern, artsy vibe with neoclassical architecture and design. Owner and Greek Cypriot industrialist Dakis Joannou is one of Greece’s foremost collectors of contemporary European art that you’ll admire throughout your stay. New Hotel’s Penthouse Suite offers 360-degree city views of Lycabettus Hill and the Acropolis — you just can’t beat it.

You’ll want to explore the nearby Ermou Street, one of Athen’s main shopping areas that leads to the bazaar-like Monastiriki. When it’s time to indulge for dinner, New Hotel’s restaurant features both local and international dishes, and the rooftop bar allows you to continue admiring Athen’s amazing sights.

SANTA MARINA MYKONOS

Now, let’s talk relaxation. Located on Ornos Bay, in a private peninsula at the southernmost point of Mykonos, Santa Marina’s all-white villas are designed as complete, private homes. You may have seen this traditional Mykonian style in movies. Your balcony will open onto a panoramic view of the turquoise sea. Trust me, just the view alone is worth the trip!

As a guest in an exclusive villa, you’ll enjoy a private infinity pool, yet still benefit from the resort’s restaurants and amenities like butler service. Ask me about the Ginkgo Spa and Buddha-Bar Beach.

VILLA NORMA IN ITHACA

I also know how to book what may be the most secluded, private residence in Greece. Villa Norma’s interiors are so luxurious, it almost feels Tuscan. This area of Ithaca is best known for its emerald-green waters and private white-pebble beach; it’s truly a photogenic example of Mediterranean nature. As the second smallest of the Ionian islands, Ithaca is a dreamy escape. A walk through the expansive private gardens will leave you feeling inspired. Villa Norma also comes with chef service, a villa manager as well as a skipper and captain with three boats. You’ll want to transfer to and from Kefalonia by Riva boat! Ask me about the many other activities to experience here.

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When you book through a travel advisor, not only do you receive my world of resources, but my network’s best insight as well. Yes, they’ve traveled all around the world, too! My army of advisors root for your vacation dreams as much as I do, and I have access to their knowledge and experience. Additionally, we work with an extensive network of the finest hotels, restaurants, venues and tour companies that allow me to arrange special amenities and perks found nowhere else. As you know, luxury experiences are all about the human touch. Let’s connect so I can customize your dream Grecian getaway.

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Visit Athens

In september 2021 I went to Athens with a friend of mine. I would like to share with which things I have seen in Athens and my experience of Athens.

Where to stay in Athens

Because I stayed in the Brown Acropol hotel in Athens this would be the hotel I would advise you to go to. The hotel is very modern and very cozy decorated and maintained well. It has a 60’s vibes, the music is also inspired to this area. There are disco balls hanging in the hotel and up on arriving we got some champaign. The hotel rooms are luxurious. The beds are very soft and nice to lay in and big. There is a coffee machine and you will get some nice flip flops to wear when you come out of the shower. The breakfast is extremely nice and fresh. Brown Acropol is also closely to the metro station which can take you easily from A to B. The only thing that is less nice is the view from outside your hotel room but the hotel makes up for this by having a very nice roof top bar with jacuzzis and a view on the Acropolis and other parts of Athens. I also read that the COCO-MAT hotel in Athens is a good hotel. This one is worth googling too.

What to do in Athens

The Acropolis and Greek good is of course on the list but there is more:

1. Visit Athens: Lycabettus Hill

The views in Athens are stunning and the small mountains where you can sit, look and eat and overlook Athens all the way to the city are stunning.

Lycabettus Hill is stunning. Once you reached the top you will be surrounded by butterflies, kitty cats and nice souvenirs and a beautiful white with blue small church, there is also a place where you can eat.

*Pictures are taken by me.

2. Visit Athens: The Zappeion Gardens

The Zappeion Gardens are also very nice. People are bringing their dogs here all together to play with them. There is much green and the vibes are amazing. And do not forget Parko Thisseio where you can walk through a garden with the old buildings.

*Pictures are taken by me.

3. Souvenirs

There are dicks in multiple colors like pink, blue, hanging everywhere as a souvenir with the evil eye on them. And these are not just for the eye, you can open beers with it. If that is not amazing to you then I do not know.

*Pictures are taken by me.

4. The beaches near Athens

Also it is very easy to go to the beach from the city center. You just have to take a bus or tram. We went to two beaches. there are many beaches along the coastline so you can chose to go to a beach if you want to take a break from the city centre.

*Pictures are taken by me.

5.Syntagma Square

Syntagma Square is worth it too. It is the political center. Click here to read more about Syntagma Square on Wikipedia.

6. Roman Agora

There is also an area with bars and restaurants going up all the way to the hill close to the Roman Agora. We ate in a restaurant next to the Roman Agora and the spot is amazing. Amazing and artsy place to drink something.

7. Anafiotika

And last but certainly not least, Anafiotika Viewpoint. Here you can find some island influenced white and blue houses where people form the islands live. Peaceful and beautiful to walk through and one of my favorite areas in Athens. Ámaaazing :). Please do not disturb the people who live in the houses. Enjoy the space but remember that these are people’s houses. 

8. Plato’s Acadamy Park

If you are into philosophy this is a nice park to walk through.

I hope this post gave you some inspiration for your trip to Athens :).

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Taste

The diverse and distinctive character of our restaurants and bars makes each one an unforgettable destination. Our team of dynamic and creative chefs express their passion for fine food in every dish, adding to their delicious menus each season to tempt you back.

Lycabettus Restaurant  (Santorini)

Lauda Restaurant  (Santorini)

Throubi Restaurant  (Santorini)

Opson Restaurant  (Santorini)

Pacman Sunset Restaurant  (Santorini)

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@lycabettus_santorini #new #season #2021 #opening (at Lycabettus Restaurant) https://www.instagram.com/p/CO74lEWhRKX/?igshid=1lf33m3tgagup

Lycabettus Mount 💫 . . . . #oklanne #mount #lycabetus #lycabettus #paysage #view #restaurant #greece #athenes #peacefull #yesterday #beautifulview #onedayinathens #travel #photography #lifestyle #likeforlike #like4like #comments (à Mount Lycabettus)

Fri 8/23

Checked out of our AirBnB, then dropped off our luggage near Syntagma Metro. Took Metro to point nearest to Lycabettus Hill funicular. We actually walked up about halfway, to where the funicular starts. Windy as hell at the top, so we didn’t last long, other than drinking beer at the protected bar. Took funicular back down, hiked down ~10 flights of stairs back to Metro. Got off near the ethnic district, where we saw street art and the covered meat & fish market. Had a great seafood platter (and feta cheese with a kick!) at one the many restaurants in the area, before heading back to pick up luggage and head to the airport for our flight to Santorini. The food was great, but rose wine - “pure poison “. :)

We met Lorna at the airport (after her very long travel day from Portland), and arrived Santorini around 9p. Our hotel host met and drove us to our hotel in Parissa. We walked to the beach and had beer at one of the many bars before sleep.

Το εστιατόριο με την πιο ωραία θέα στον κόσμο: Το εστιατόριο με την πιο όμορφη θέα του κόσμου βρίσκεται στην Ελλάδα σύμφωνα με το National Geographic…

Το υπέροχο αυτό εστιατόριο βρίσκεται στην πλαγιά ενός απόκρημνου βράχου, πάνω από τη γνωστή Καλντέρα της Σαντορίνης.

  Πρόκειται για το Lycabettus Restaurant που βρίσκεται στο ξενοδοχείο Andronis Luxury Suites στη Σαντορίνη.

Το απέραντο γαλάζιο της θάλασσας δημιουργεί μία θέα που το επιστημονικό περιοδικό National Geographic ξεχώρισε ως την πιο εντυπωσιακή σε ολόκληρο τον κόσμο, αφιερώνοντας μάλιστα και σχετικό φωτορεπορτάζ σε τεύχος του!

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Το εστιατόριο με την πιο ωραία θέα στον κόσμο Το εστιατόριο με την πιο ωραία θέα στον κόσμο: Το εστιατόριο με την πιο όμορφη θέα του κόσμου βρίσκεται στην Ελλάδα σύμφωνα με το National Geographic...

Adventures in Athens

After a short stay in Patras we caught a bus for the 3hr ride to Athens on 6th August and from the bus station we caught a local bus to our Airbnb at the foot of Lycabettus hill.  Our Airbnb had a lovely shaded terrace overlooking a small park so it was a great place to sit to try to escape the heat as well as an assortment of musical instruments to try.  At mid-30 degrees and humid we found Athens so hot and the kids were so cranky trying to get them moving we decided to get a ticket on the hop on and off bus for 3 days.  It worked out well as we could just sit on the bus and see the sights then jump off when we wanted to look at something.  We hadn’t used one of these buses before as usually we are in a place for longer than a week and we eventually get around to seeing everything over that time and don’t need to whiz around and see them all in 2-3 days. Generally, we found people very friendly and felt very safe walking around everywhere, even into the late evenings. Taxi’s were very cheap and the drivers reliable, so we used them a lot also. We went out most mornings and then came home in the heat of the day to rest then went out again in the evenings.

It was amazing to see the sites of Athens such as the Acropolis (which are ruins of 5th century BC temple complex), the Temple of the Olympian Zues (I just like saying that!), the Panathenaic stadium (site of first modern Olympic games in 1896) and Arch of Hadrian.  We saw the changing of the guard ceremony at the tomb of the unknown solider (albeit from the hop on and off bus).  Out of all the places we have been in Europe I felt like Athens was one of the most impressive in terms of sights to see and I felt like I had been transported to a different era.  One evening after a walk around the Acropolis area, Hung, Lani and I enjoyed a lovely dinner on the rooftop at a fancy restaurant (they had cloth napkins!) looking up at the Acropolis as the sunset.  We tried Moussaka, Dolmades and Greek Salad which was all so delicious, and Lani loved the Dolmade’s and said it was like Greek sushi, which I guess is true.

One day I ‘rested’ at home with the kids while Hung had day out travelling on the hop on and off bus and went on all the lines for the whole day.  He enjoyed it but when he came home, I think he’d had enough of buses for a while!

To avoid the heat, we spent a morning at the Acropolis Museum which is full of artefacts from the Acropolis archaeological site and was one of the best museums we have been too.  Leon and Lani followed some kids trails to find statues of Athena as well as 12 Greek Gods and then learnt about their stories and did well with Kai’s help.  They were kept engaged and entertained and enjoyed it much more than any other museum we have visited with Leon saying several times, ‘this is so much fun’ and people around smiling at him.  At the museum there is an excavated area of the Roman village at the foot of the Acropolis underneath the building which was found when they were constructing the museum and they have spent years digging up and preserving.  It was really interesting to see both the village (especially the public toilet system) as well as the excavation process.  I went back to the museum in evening with Aiden and we walked around the Plaka area and had dinner together at a rooftop restaurant (well I had dinner and he had a chocolate milkshake – he is not very adventurous with trying different foods).  We didn’t actually walk up to the Acropolis as it was so busy and hot, and I don’t think the kids would have enjoyed it.  From the museum, we had amazing views of the Acropolis and I felt like we were there anyway.

One evening Hung and I walked with Leon and Lani up the hill near our apartment, Mount Lycabettus, to find an amazing 360-degree view of the whole city out to the ocean.  We had a drink at the hilltop café and enjoyed the sunset spotting parts of the city we had visited.

While in Athens, I tried different Greek coffee’s like cappuccino latte and cappuccino freddo but wasn’t converted.  Kai discovered gyros as well as Greek fries and felt he had discovered a new favourite food.  Aiden spent most of his time either home ‘resting’ aka watching movies, listening to music or editing videos on computer or he was out with a friend from Athens he had made.  

Leon enjoyed learning that Athens is where democracy started and had lots of questions about this.  Visiting a place like Athens, it makes me realise how little history I know but I do find it fascinating and important to understand and will make more of an effort to learn about history.