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Visit The Acropolis Museum
The program ‘A Day at the Acropolis Museum’ invites visitors to spend a day at the Museum enjoying a range of activities.
Stroll through the Galleries
Take a stroll through the exhibition and speak to a museum archaeologist host available to answer any questions or queries you have. From the second floor balcony see a special and unexpected view of the Archaic Gallery. Visit the Parthenon Gallery on the third floor with its unique views of the Acropolis.
Conserving the Caryatids
The Acropolis Museum has commenced the conservation and restoration of the Caryatids, the Kore from the south porch of the Erechtheion temple. Visitors have the opportunity to watch conservators do the delicate work of cleaning the Caryatids with advanced laser technology.
Family Backpacks
The Museum invites families to search for the 12 different representations of the Goddess Athena amongst the exhibits of the permanent collection. Families can borrow a family backpack from the Museum’s Information Desk by leaving an identification card. Backpacks are available on a first-come first-serve basis.
Gallery Talks
Brief presentations by Museum Archaeologists-Hosts are held in Greek and English every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Film
Visitors can learn more about the Parthenon sculpted decoration from a video projected on the third floor at the entrance to the Parthenon Gallery.
Eats and Treats
The Museum invites visitors to have a meal or refreshment at the second floor restaurant with panoramic views of the Acropolis (children’s menu available). On a fine day visitors can sit outside on the restaurant balcony. A small café is also available on the ground floor offering views to the archaeological excavation below the Museum.
Reading Area and Wi-Fi
The Museum offers the reading area with free wi-fi internet access on the second floor outside the restaurant. Visitors can browse through books relating to the Parthenon, relax or use their laptop.
Museum Gifts
Treat yourself to a small memento of your visit or one for friends and family. Select a gift from the wide range of goods available from the Museum shops. Find books in the second floor shop and gifts and stationary on the ground floor.
Friday Nights at the Museum
Every Friday the Museum is open until 10 p.m. every Friday and the restaurant is open between 8 p.m. and 12 midnight serving a special menu, beautiful night views of the Acropolis and great value for money. For reservations, please contact the restaurant during Museum opening hours on +30 210 9000915.
Museum Contact Info:
15 Dionysiou Areopagitou,
Acropolis, Athens
Tel: 210-9000900
Website: www.theacropolismuseum.gr
Source: Breathtaking Athens and Acropolis Museum
The True Piraeus Flea Market
The Piraeus flea market, held every Sunday morning by the metro station, is the gritty alternative to Monastiraki’s famous swap meet. The market, which stretches back parallel with the train line for as far as the eye can see, is bursting with stalls and people from 8am till 2pm.
The stalls are a curious assortment: some are large and well-ordered with plastic coverings to shield purchasers from the hot sun, while others are just piles in the street, distinguishable from rubbish only by the attached price tags. There are even wandering stallholders with trays full of glue tubes or large wooden poles covered with lottery tickets. This offers an immediate difference to its Monastiraki counterpart, where vendors often plug typical tourist fare that is continuously on sale in Plaka, sometimes straight from their shops.
As you cruise the narrow space between stalls, everyone seems to be yelling, from the stallholders perched on top of their tables shouting “Ella! Ella!” [Come! Come!] to the customers demanding a discount, and shouts are often interspersed with hands being slammed on tables. You’re not likely to see tourists being teased to buy evil eye pendants in Piraeus; rather, here you are jostled and ignored unless you have your hand firmly on the prize and wave your money in the vendor’s face. Every man for himself.
If you head for the market with ideas about priceless antiques or secondhand treasures, then you are likely to be disappointed. The vast majority of traders sell new products, many of which are the knock-off designer bags and sunglasses that litter every roadside in central Athens. However, many more offer a large variety of clothes and shoes at bargain prices: a fact easily surmised by the crowds of shoppers trawling through piles of Snoopy pants and elbowing each other out of the way.
Further down the row is a general household area, with frying pans dangling from strings, spoons glinting in the sunshine and large women sitting plonked in the middle of their colourful bedspreads. This is certainly a functional market, with families out buying their weekly supplies rather than tourists browsing overpriced jewellery stands.
Among the colourful T-shirts and sandals is the occasional glimmer of the romantic flea market, like a small old man slumped behind a rickety table laden with old coins and stamps. Even more enchanting are the surprises lurking down sidestreets, where some sellers appear to have emptied the contents of their house or taken their car apart and piled it all up in the road.
If you brave it through to the end, there is a minivan in which a woman sells soft drinks and snacks, with pictures for non-Greek speakers. There is also a man with a transportable grill who tends his lamb kebabs with a miniature hairdryer, as well as a few fruit stalls selling bruised and battered pineapples. Gritty? Perhaps. But also a much more enticing and curious experience than squeaky-clean Monastiraki and even some bargains if you’re willing to tackle the crowds.
As originally seen on: www.homeboy.gr
The Monastery Of Kaisariani And Koutouki Cave
The murals that adorn the interior of the church date back to the 16th century AD. They have been influenced from the Athonite and Cretan Schools of Art.
The monastery of Kaisariani had a very rich library and became a significant centre of philosophy. Very important philosophers and scholars of the time, including George Gemistos Plethon, taught here.
The monastery of Kaisariani closed in 1832 upon a decision of king Otto’s regency, the same as almost all the monasteries of Mt Hymettus did.
With 44 different types of orchids alone, Mt Hymettus is an oasis often overlooked by people visiting Athens. Covered with pine forests and small lush valleys, this lung of Athens gives a welcome relief from the hustle and bustle of the city. With well-marked paths leading you up to green slopes, every season hides special delights.
A true botanical paradise, Mt Hymettus - also known as Trelos (Crazy) in modern times - has been renowned since antiquity for its honey and the colour of its marble, of a slightly darker hue than that of Penteli. The mountain is long, narrow, rocky and arid, with a flora that numbers over 600 plant species. These include 31 endemic species, whilst the most interesting plants are to be found among the shrubs. This low mountain has one of the richest assortments of orchids in Greece and Europe (44 species). When walking through the brush above the Monastery of Kaesariani, you can easily come across over ten orchid species in less than an hour.
Mt Hymettus provides refuge to endangered bird species, including the rare Sardinian warbler, the rock nuthatch, the peregrine falcon, the osprey and the long-legged buzzard. Island grouse are rife on the mountain and can easily be recognised by their clucking.
There are sites of cultural importance in the area, such as the Monastery of Kaesariani and the protected Kaesariani Aesthetic Forest. Mt Hymettus has dozens of caves and coves, but the Paeania cave is the most impressive sight. An interesting geological phenomenon is Lake Vouliagmeni, where the southern protrusion of the mountain skirts upon the Saronic Gulf. The lake was once a large sea cave whose roof collapsed and has, today, become a holiday and recreation resort. The entire mountain, from the Paeania cave in the north to Lake Vouliagmeni in the south, is protected by the NATURA 2000 European network.
In the summer the scent of thyme and oregano wafts with each step you take on the dried undergrowth, while in spring the blooming wild flowers decorate the mountain sides with their colours. Surprisingly, the 600 plant species make Mt Hymettus, in proportion to its size, one of the richest environments in entire Europe, as far as flora is concerned. There are also many sites of historical interest hidden on the mountain, including the remains of old churches, (ex. Saint Mark), and the monastery of Kaesariani nestled in one of the forested valleys. From the top you can enjoy the view of Athens, the Saronic Gulf and the mountains of the Peloponnese.
Koutouki Cave is located on the eastern slope of Mount Ymittos, outside the town of Peania. It was discovered by accident several years ago, when a goat fell into the cave through a hole in its roof. The shepherd climbed in to rescue the animal and discovered one of Europe's most beautiful caves. Nowadays, visitors can enter the cave through a tunnel to admire the impressive stalagmites and stalactites. A guided tour of the cave starts every 30 minutes. It can be reached from the city centre by car in an hour.
Open Hours: Monday to Sunday from 09:00 AM to 04:30 PM
Day Trips From Athens
Rafina
One of my favorite places is Rafina on the other side of Mount Pendeli and Himitos. It's like driving to an island. Every year I visit Athens, whether it is summer or winter, I make a point to spend one afternoon in Rafina. If I can't get my family or friends to come I go alone. But it's almost like a pilgrimage for me. There are numerous restaurants that specialize in fried squid (kalamarakia), small fried fish(mareedes), shark with garlic sauce (galeos me skordaya) and other things from the sea. The most popular one is Agoni Grammi, the last one on the dock or the first one you come to when you get off the ferry. If you love fried fish, beer, ouzo, wine and afternoons where you can drink and relax and not worry about tonight or tomorrow, spend an afternoon in Rafina.
There are ferries going to the Cyclades and Evia, going in and out of the harbor and lots of fishing boats. It's just like being on an island. There is a long beach there that is usually only crowded on Sunday. The town itself has a few too many apartment buildings for my taste but the waterfront is nice. There is nothing like spending the day with some close friends, some fried fish and several bottles of ouzo. For more on Rafina, please click HERE.
Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion
The temple at Cape Sounion was the first and last sign of 'civilization' Athenian sailors would see to and from their journeys. It's a magnificent site on top of a hill on the tip of the Attika peninsula. Not a bad place to watch the sunset either after a late lunch at a beach side taverna and there are two pretty good ones right below the temple. The small beach has sea almost as clean as you will find on the islands. Its one of the nicest beaches within striking distance of Athens. For more on Cape Sounion, please click HERE.
Lavrion
Lavrion which is the closest town to Sounion, has a lively waterfront and town center full of restaurants, ouzeries, cafe-bars and a very nice fish market. In fact you should stop and see the Lavrion mineral museum as well as the ancient site of Lavrion which has one of the best ancient ampitheaters. If it were not for the silver mines of Lavrion the ancient Greeks would not have defeated the Persians in the battle of Salamis since that was how they were able to build their fleet. For more on Lavrion, please click HERE.
Marathon
Everyone has heard the story of the Persian defeat at Marathon at the hands of the Athenians. Imagine marching several thousand miles only to be wiped out 27 miles from the city you came to conquer by an army a fraction of your size. Marathon is an interesting place to visit. There is not much to see of the battlefield really. There is a burial mound in an olive grove and a plaque that commemorates the great victory and a nice statue. You are not supposed to climb up the mound but from the looks of the worn footpath many people do, including me. There is also the place where the race begins. The beach at Marathon is pretty nice and nearby Schinias is even better. But the most amazing thing about Marathon is the marble dam that holds the water that supplies Athens. It is the only marble dam in the world and it is quite spectacular. For more on Marathon, please click HERE.
Schinias
Schinias is the most beautiful beach in Attika. It is one of the few beaches that has a pine forest that comes right down to the sea and there are several fish tavernas which run on diesel generators since there is no electricity there. The sea is shallow, generally clean, and if you come in the off-season which means anytime but August and weekends in July, you may be surprised at how few people are here. Because it is shallow you don't need more than a few days of sunshine for it to be warm enough to swim and this is usually the first and last place I swim every year. For more on Schinias, please click HERE.
Vouliagmeni
Besides being somewhere to go for the day, Vouliagmeni is close enough to Athens so that you can stay on the beach and still get into the city to see the sites. Astir beach at Vouliagmeni is one of the nicest beaches near the city and it is one of the few beaches in the world that has the ruins of a temple, to Apollo, the Sun God, of course. You have to pay to get into the beach but once you get in there are umbrellas, cabanas to change, beach chairs and a bar and snack bar. For more on Vouliagmeni, please click HERE.
Porto Germenos
Porto Germanos is the best place to swim in Attika. The sea is postcard blue in color and the beach and town sit at the end of a large bay that faces west, with pine covered mountains on three sides. There is a modern looking town with houses and small apartment buildings, like condos, but the impression, at least in early May, is of a small coastal village somewhere more remote than Attika. If you have a free day and want to swim in the kind of sea you usually find in the Sporades, its worth the trip. But the most impressive part of Porto Germanos is the fortress and ruins of ancient Egosthena. The 4th Century BC fortress itself is the most impressive in Greece from that period with much of the walls and the towers still intact. For more on Porto Germenos, please click HERE.
10 Reasons To Visit Athens
1 – It’s full of monuments of the famous ancient Greek civilization.
4 – Just three words. Modern Olympic Games.
Of course most of you know that Olympic Games started in Ancient Greece. But the first modern ones were held also in Athens, in 1896. Pierre de Coubertin was the one who had the idea and in the spring of that year, around 250 athletes from 14 countries took part in the Games. The opening ceremony was a huge success, with 80000 spectators coming to the Panathenian Stadium. Today, it’s the finishing point of the Athens Classic Marathon. 108 years later, Athens was again the hosting city. This time there were more stadia and thousands of athletes from 202 countries. For 20 days, it was the centre of the world in one of the most important moments of our modern history.
5 – Want to have fun? You are in the right place.
Athens is the perfect destination for those who seek fun. 24/7, you can always find something to do. Are you a coffee, tea or chocolate lover? There are many places where you can have a drink. Especially near Monastiraki, Plaka or Thisio, with an excellent view of Acropolis. But Athens is also known for its nightlife. Here the people go out every day from dusk till dawn. If you are an alternative person or want something more quiet, you can drink a beer or your favourite alcohol in one of the many bars & pubs across the town. Or just enjoy some wine listening to traditional Greek music. And if you fancy dancing till you drop, go to a night club or one of those bars with their super parties. So you can see how hard can the Greeks party.
6 – Sea, sea and sea again.
We are so lucky to be less than an hour away from the sea here in Athens. Many of us can even see it from our terraces. On the hot days of summer, we have the chance to go to one of the many beaches around the city. Of course Greek islands are a lot better than this, but if you can’t visit them, don’t worry. There are plenty of beautiful coasts around Athens where you will have the feeling that you are miles away from a metropolis. And all of them are easily accessible by bus or the tram.
Open Air Cinemas In Athens
Nothing defines Greek summer as much as open-air cinemas do; in fact, almost every Athenian neighborhood has an outdoor cinema, or 'therinos' as they are called in Greek.
Some summer cinemas in Athens offer extraordinary views of the Acropolis; others are surrounded by fragrant gardens that fill the air with the sweet scent of jasmine and orange blossoms while others are right next to the sea.
The decades-old tradition of open-air cinemas is still alive and kicking, in fact, there are more than 60 outdoor cinemas in the Attica region alone. Open-air cinemas are a great summer outing for the young and old alike; there you'll sip on an ice-cold beer, enjoy an ice cream or snack and smoke a cigarette without being told off.
Interesting Facts
- Movies are not dubbed and will be subtitled in Greek
- There are usually two movie screenings, one at 21:00 and another at 23:00
- It's best to purchase your tickets ~20 minutes ahead of time to avoid a long queue
- Seats at open-air cinemas are not numbered, you can sit wherever you like
- Most cinemas have a bar where you can order snacks and drinks
- Most cinemas have intermissions
Iconic Open-Air Cinemas in Athens
Cine Paris
@cineparis.athens
Founded in 1920 in the heart of Plaka, this iconic cinema has reopened after 4 years of restoration and offers an enchanting rooftop cinema experience with stunning views of the Acropolis.
Address: Kidathineon 22, Athina
Telephone: 21 0325 2996
Cine Thission
@heleniflessas
Address: 7 Apostolou Pavlou, Thission
Telephone: 210 34 20 864
Cine Dexameni
@apozagkos
A favorite among locals, this cinema is located in the upscale area of Kolonaki and has been in operation for many years.
Why We Like It: After the screening, you can enjoy a nightcap in one of the area's high-end bars.
Cine Aegli
@youflycom
Located inside the historic Zappion Garden, Aegli is the oldest summer cinema in Athens and has been in operation since 1903.
Why We Like It: Its old-world charm, verdant garden, and delicious snacks.
Top Beaches In Athens
Alimos beach – 11km away
Vouliagmeni lake – 23km away
Vouliagmeni beach – 23km away
Close to Vouliagmeni Lake and Limanakia lies the sandy beach of Vouliagmeni, one of the best-organized beaches which offers all types of beach facilities. Tennis and volleyball courts, a play area for children, a water slide, individual cabins and a restaurant are some of the features that make the area famous among Athenians. Nightclubs can also be found there, and on weekends there are plenty of chances to come across an open beach party so you can have a beer, dance with laid-back locals and experience a summer night in Athens.
Limanakia – 23km away
Cape Sounion beach – 65 km away
Let’s go a little bit further this time: 56 kilometers away from Athens city center, to Cape Sounion, as it is truly an amazing site that should not be missed during your vacation in Athens. The sight of this splendid rocky promontory rising out of the Aegean is one of the best in Athens. At its highest point one can see the Temple of Poseidon, which was originally constructed in around 600 BCE, and rebuilt by Pericles in 440 BCE following its destruction by the Persians in 480 BCE. The Temple of Poseidon at Sounion is a must-see for travelers to Athens, and luckily for them there is a really nice beach located a few hundred meters away from the Temple’s entrance. If you want to spend the night, there are also numerous luxury and budget hotels nearby!
Legrena beach – 64 km away
Porto Germeno – 60km away
Porto Germeno, whose real name comes from the ancient settlement of Aigosthena, in antiquity used to be the port of Megara at Corinthiakos Bay. Porto Germeto is also a long beach, located 60 kilometers west of Athens' city center. The beach is not very organized, but it is pretty popular and often busy. This is especially true on weekends, when local residents come to enjoy the sea. The waters on this side of Athens are spectacular and island-like, making Porto Germeno one of the best beaches for anyone who loves crystal-clear, cool waters. It is also one of the most family-friendly beaches in Attika.
To read this article in full, please visit: GBTimes
7 Cool Things To See And Do In Athens
#1 Gypsy Market
#2 Strefi Hill
#3 Freeday Friday Bike Ride
#4 Romantso
#5 Faros Psychico
To read more, please visit: Urban Travel Blog
Libraries In Athens
It is said that the first public library appeared in Greece by the 4th century BC. The philosopher Aristotle was among the first to put together a private collection of books and to have taught the kings of Egypt on how to arrange a library. It is interesting to also note that it is said that the first libraries were not buildings specially designed to house books, but that books were stored on shelves in dedicated rooms or warehouses, and reading took place outdoors while taking a walk or seated under a porch. (Source: History Magazine)
It goes without saying that books and libraries still have an important part in our daily lives. For this reason we have put together this list of libraries in Athens.
we'd like to know about it too! Email us at ideas@xpatathens.com.
A new chapter has begun for the National Library of Greece (NLG), as it has recently relocated to a new state-of-the-art building at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC).
The library's collection, which includes 5.400 manuscripts dating from the 9th to the 19th century, is one of the most extensive in the world. Among others the collection includes a codex of the four Gospels attributed to the scribe Matthew, The Large Etymological Dictionary, a historic Byzantine dictionary; and the first publication of Homer's epics and hymns.
Researchers, students, and the general public have free access to collections of thousands of journals and manuscripts, while they are also able to borrow books through the Library’s Lending Department.
Address: 364 Leoforos Syngrou, Kallithea, 176 74
Telephone: 216 8091000
The library and its resources can be used by: Members of the general public, including students at the Hellenic American Union and students at Greek public universities, upon registering as members of the library (please note that there may be some restrictions on the use of certain collections).
Students in the Hellenic American College programs, including the Hellenic American University’s degree programs that are offered at the Hellenic American College via an Agreement of Cooperation. Registered members of the library can use the library’s digital resources on site at the library, but only Hellenic American College students can access these resources off-site. Exceptions to this policy are made on a case-by-case basis.
Registered members can also use and borrow books from the library’s lending collections.
Address: 22 Massalias, Athens, 106 80
Telephone: 210 3680044
The Blegen Library focuses on all aspects of Greece and the Greeks from the earliest prehistory through late antiquity. The collection currently holds more than 105,000 volumes including nearly seven hundred periodical titles (current and defunct), forming a major research library on prehistoric and classical archaeology of the Mediterranean region, and classical languages, history, and culture.
About two thousand readers of all nationalities use the library. The library is non-circulating, and all books must be consulted on the premises. In its field, it is one of the premier research libraries in the world and the best in Greece.
The Blegen library is open to Members of the American School of Classical Studies, and approved visitors.
Address: 54 Souidias, Athens, 106 76
Telephone: 213 0002400
Since 1991, with the founding of the Instituto Cervantes, the library is the basic information and documentation center in Greece on matters relating to the Spanish Language and Culture.
The library offers modern facilities, over 26,000 publications, 34 reading seats, and 6 computers. Access to the Library is free.
In order to be able to borrow books and use the internet visitors must hold a library member card. To issue a member card, applicants must provide the Cervantes Institute with details (name, address, phone, and e-mail), proof of identity, and pay the corresponding price.
Address: 31 Skoufa, Athens, 10673
It was named “Gennadeion” in pious memory of the founder’s father, George Gennadius (1786-1854) but it is equally a memorial to the founder himself, Joannes Gennadius (1844-1932), for the library that he created is a fitting symbol of his whole career. A diplomat, scholar, and bibliophile, he was always motivated first and foremost by a passionate devotion to Greece.
Joannes Gennadius’s collection is the richest private collection of books about Greece. As a collector and bibliophile, Gennadius saw Greece as a continuum from antiquity to the present and the Library he founded still adheres to that vision. His intentions are best described in his own words: “to form a library that represents the creative genius of Greece at all periods, the influence of her arts and sciences upon the western world, and the impression created by her natural beauty upon the traveler.”
Over 80 years after the Gennadeion first opened its gates to the public, its garden is a relief to the suffocating city center and the collections are now numbering over 119,000 volumes and continue to increase rapidly. New acquisitions are classified according to the original system devised by Joannes Gennadius with some minor changes and additions to the class numbers in order to encompass a large number of new books and more current subject divisions such as the collection of children’s books.
Address: 61 Souidias, Athens, 106 76
Telephone: 210 7210536
Italian Cultural Institute
The library of the Italian Cultural Institute opened to the public in 2007. The library offers books related to literature, cinema, theater, linguistics, music, history, politics, journalism. It is available to readers some of the major Italian magazines and newspapers.
In order for someone to borrow books, they need to become a member. Membership is open to everyone residing in Athens by showing their identity card or their residence permit. Each member can borrow two books at a time.
Address: 47 28is Oktovriou (Patission), Athens, 104 33
The Infant –Toddler Library Of Athens
The Infant-Toddler Library of Athens is located in the Park for Children and Culture and is the first library in Greece exclusively for young children.
The library is divided into two sections. The first section is addressed to very young children (0-3 years) while the second section is addressed to older children (3-6 years) and also has a small auditorium in which various events take place. The library holds a substantial collection of Greek and foreign books, its services are free, and books may be borrowed by all children residing in Attica.
The primary purpose of the library is to familarize young children with reading and the library experience. The first Greek library for infants is designed to be a friendly and hospitable place for young children and their families.
Address: Trifilias & Lakonos 9, Athens, 115 24
Telephone: 210 8829735
Lilian Voudouri Music Library Of Greece
Designed and organized to international standards, the Lilian Voudouri Music Library has been housed at The Athens Concert Hall since 2007. It is home to an ever-expanding library of works on music and other arts. The collection is enormous, and growing steadily, with a wealth of books and records featuring western music, as well as all manifestations of music in the Greek world – ancient, Byzantine, folk music, popular and art music, rembetika, etc.
The material housed in the library also includes archives of composers, rare collections, jazz and examples of music of traditional cultures from all around the world. The range of subjects covered now extends far beyond music, with important collections on ancient Greek art, theatre, literature, philosophy and other subjects.
The library has more than 63,000 books and musical scores, 22,000 volumes on microfiche, 400 periodicals, 10,000 sound recordings and a wealth of other audiovisual material. There is also access to 150 digital publications and multimedia resources in various areas, rare books, concert programmes and numerous manuscripts.
Housed in its new facilities, the Lilian Voudouri Library provides its services and materials free of charge, playing an active role in music education and research in Greece through its seminars and services.
Address: Vasilis Sofias Street & Kokkali, Athens, 115 21 – Access from the The Athens Concert Hall
Telephone: 210 7282778
The Central Public Library of Athens is one of the oldest libraries in Greece; it was founded by the first Mayor of Athens, Anargyros Petrakis, in 1835. The library’s collection includes rare editorial material and consists of 55,000 titles various themes books, newspaper archives from 1863 to date, 900 magazine titles from 1834 to date, Government Gazettes from 1833 , as well as photographs of the history of the city of Athens. Available to adult readers, there are two bright and comfortable reading rooms with free internet access.
Address: 2 Domokou, Athens, 104 40
Telephone: 210 8846021
A private non-profit entity established in 1994 by the Ministry of Culture to implement national policy to promote books. Publishers, authors, translators, librarians and booksellers are all involved in decision-making and work closely to achieve the centre’s objectives. EKEBI is subsidised by the Ministry of Culture.
Its objective is to play a coordinating role among these players, to create new structures to support books, to offer information and support the players involved, to record new developments in the sector, and to make a substantive contribution to establishing a friendly environment for people from the world of books.
• The library accepts donations of books related to specialization
• Library material is available for use on the premises and for loan
• Books can be borrowed for fifteen days, and may be renewed
Address: 4 Athanasiou Diakou, Athens 117 42
Telephone: 210 9200300
The British School at Athens is a post graduate research institute for Hellenic studies established in 1886. Situated in a green oasis in Kolonaki, the main building houses the library. The library collection covers all subjects relating to the Greek world from prehistory to the present day with an emphasis on art, archaeology, history, epigraphy, archaeological theory, material sciences and Byzantine architecture.
The library comprises more than 70,000 volumes and 1,300 periodical titles, in many different languages. There is a growing collection of digital materials with free Wi-Fi connection throughout the building. Books cannot be borrowed, but local and visiting researchers are welcome to join as Readers. Access is free, however, visitors applying for Reader’s cards are asked to provide a letter of reference.
Check the British School at Athens website under events for lectures and seminars open to the public.
Address: 52 Souidias, Athens, 106 76
Telephone: 211 1022820
Filothei-Psychiko Public Library
The Filothei-Psychiko Public Library is housed in a traditional house that once belonged to famous Greek author Kosmas Politis. It holds a sizeable collection of Greek and English books, magazines and newspapers, offers free Wi-Fi, and runs a children’s program. The library also hosts an English book club that meets once a month.
Address: 13 Stratigou Kallari, Psychiko, 154 52
Telephone: 210 6724307 & 210 6773484-5
we'd like to know about it too! Email us at ideas@xpatathens.com.
Laiki Agora: Local Greek Farmer's Market
The farmers markets or as it is locally known, ‘laiki agora’ (λαϊκή αγορά), which literally means ‘the people's market.’ These markets are very common all over Greece, including Athens and its suburbs!
Laiki markets happen weekly in most neighbourhoods and sell mostly fruits, vegetables, fish, flowers and plants, as well as some household items and prepared foods. The laiki agora is considered an important social custom and tradition throughout Greece.
The products sold in the people's market are typically those comprising a Mediterranean diet, known for its healthy qualities, and are key ingredients in Greek cuisine. The produce sold is almost always local, or in Greek known as ‘dopio’ (ντόπιο), such as fresh fruits (depending on the season, oranges, apples, watermelons, melons, strawberries, and others), vegetables and leaf vegetables (like cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, potatoes, broccoli, carrots, and lettuce), chicken, eggs from suburban farms, and fish.
Here are some tips for shopping at laiki:
1. You'll only find in season fruits and vegetables, so plan accordingly!
2. Take small euro notes and change with you.
3. It’s said that producers change their prices frequently within the same day, especially for sensitive products such as fish. The price is usually higher early in the morning (8-9h00) and is lowered later in the day, especially if the product does not sell well that particular day. Prices are always written on paper cards and said verbally. The lowest possible prices can be found after midday (particularly by 1-2pm); in many cases less than half the original starting price!
Below we've compiled a list of all the farmer's markets accordingly to the day of the week. Laiki markets usually start first thing in the morning by 8 am and run until products run out (typically until 2 pm).
We’ve done our best to provide accurate information, but this information can change every few months. However, you should be able to spot the farmer's market on the designated day by driving around the area and spotting the traffic!
| Cholargos | Aetidon Street (From 03/03/2025) |
| Gerakas | Iroon Politechniou Street |
| Goudi | Georgiou Papandreou Street |
| Kifissia | 1st May Street |
| Nea Erithraia | Sevidikiou Street (From 07/04/2025 - 09/06/2025) |
| Rafina | Prousis Street |
| Zografou | Agios Ioannis Theologos Street (From 26/05/2025 - 20/11/2025) |
| Saronida | Kefallinias Street |
| Neo Psichiko | Xanthou Street (From 03/02/2025 - 02/06/2025) |
TUESDAY
| Ameplokipoi | Lamprou Katsoni Street |
| Ano Glyfada | Palamidiou Street |
| Alimos | Chimaras Street (From 06/05/2025 to 26/08/2025) |
| Galatsi | Karaiskaki Street (From 17/09/2024) |
| Kaisariani | Vrioulon Street (From 14/01/2025 to 30/06/2025) |
| Kerameikos | Kerameikou Street |
| Kifisia | Erimanthou Street |
| Kipseli | Sikinou Street (From 04/03/2025) |
| Koropi | Nikolaou Konsta Street (From 04/02/2025 to 31/05/2025) |
| Melissia | Palaion Patron Germanou Street |
| Moschato | Solomou Street (From 20/05/2025) |
| Nea Filadelfia | Fleming Street (From 7/7/2015 to 31/12/2015) |
| Paiania | Othonos Xounta Street (From 14/01/2025 to 30/08/2025) |
| Pagkrati | Laertou, Laskou, Telamonos & Timotheou Street |
| Tavros | Eleftheriou Venizelou |
| Terpsithea | Konstantinou Athanatou Street |
WEDNESDAY
| Anavissos | Kiprianou Street |
| Dafni | Eleftheriou Venizelou Street (From 12/02/2025) |
| Kato Petralona | Pandorou Street |
| Kifissia | Pavlou Bakogianni Street |
| Nea Smirni | Ellispontou Street |
| Peristeri | Eleftheriou Venizelou Street |
| Vari Dilofo | Folegandrou Street |
THURSDAY
| Ano Ilisia | Galinis Street |
| Elliniko | Chrysanthou Trapezountos (From 16/01/2025) |
| Galatsi | Galatsiou Street (From 19/09/2024) |
| Glyfada | Alsous, Zevra, Kyprou & Lazaraki Street |
| Grammatiko | Agiou Athanasiou |
| Kipseli | Tinou & Sporadon Street (From 2/7/2015) |
| Nea Makri | Dimitriadi Street |
| Papagou | Pindou Street (From 03/04/2025 to 26/06/2025) |
| Voula | Stratarxou Alexandrou Papagou Street (From 06/02/2025) |
| Pallini | Eleftheriou Venizelou Street |
FRIDAY
| Agia Paraskeui | Makedonias Street (From 17/01/2025 to 30/06/2025) |
| Kolonaki | Ksenokratous Street |
| Palaio Faliro | Niriidon Street (From 25/10/2024) |
| Palaio Psychiko | Dimokratias Street |
| Petralona | Kallisthenous Street |
| Peristeri | Pelopida Street |
| Vari | Parking Varkiza Beach (From 20/09/2024 - 14/06/2025) |
| Neo Irakleio | Kountouriotou Street (From 12/07/2024) |
SATURDAY
| Exarcheia | Kallidromiou Street |
| Glyka Nera | Grigoriou Afxentiou |
| Maroussi | Megalou Alexandrou Street (From 08/02/2025 - 07/06/2025) |
| Palaia Fokaia | Karapiperi Street |
| Polidrosso | Akakion Street (From 08/02/2025 - 07/06/2025) |
| Rafina | Tsakonos Street |
| Vouliagmeni | Thiseos Street |
Located on Athinas street between Monastiraki and Omonia, Athens’ central market is open daily, except Sunday.
Organic Food Markets
There are a growing number of markets where organic producers can sell their certified produce. Organic certification is regulated by the relevant law in force. At these markets, consumers can purchase fresh and manufactured organic products such as fruits, vegetables, edible olives, olive oil, wine, etc. Below is a list of organice markets around Athens.
| Monday | Kifissia, Kokkinara 80 Nea Smyrni, Syngrou Avenue 221 |
| Tuesday | Palaio Psychiko, Stratigou Kallari 48 |
| Wednesday | Filothei, Str. Ventiri Street Piraeus, Klisovis & Chatzikyriakou Avenue Halandri Chalandri, Ioanninon & Timfristou |
| Thursday | Gerakas, Mavrovouniotou 29 |
| Friday | Cholargos, Sirou Street |
| Saturday | Voula, Nireos 29 |