Sitting pretty on the south-western foot of Mount Ymittos, about 40 minutes from the city, this luxe resort town has a year-round tropical vibe and is to Athens what Cannes is to the Cote d'Azur.

 

Palm trees, fountains, and sunny beds of marigolds line Athinas Avenue, heralding your arrival at this most self-aware of southern suburbs whose main game is leisure. Kostis Georgiou’s bright zoomorphic sculpture Equus accentuates the near-constant blue of the sky and the sweep of Vouliagmeni Bay, with its luxury yachts and members-only nautical clubs and marinas.

Vouliagmeni still falls rather short on culture and shopping, but it does flaunt Athens’ comeliest free and paid beaches and finest seaside dining. Along Fleming Street (the area’s Millionaire’s Row) and in verdant Kavouri you’ll find some of the capital’s priciest real estate. On summer weekends, when this coastal enclave swells with tourists and townies seeking a city reprieve, locals have learned to avoid their own beaches and artisan ice cream parlors. Here's a look at what to experience in this southern suburb of Athens.

Vouliagmeni Lake
Almost hidden from view behind Posidonos Avenue is the beautiful sunken cavern of Vouliagmeni Lake, which lends this southern suburb its name (Vouliagmeni means “sunken” in Greek). Open year-round, the lake is actually a flooded limestone cave, lined with tawny cliffs and fed by underground mineral currents that stay a constant 24° C. Many gripe about the hefty entrance fee (currently €12 on weekdays, €15 on weekends). But wading through the brackish grottos, with tiny blackfish (kalogries) nudging your toes, conjures the feel of an exclusive spa. The lake is flanked by luxuriant lawns and sunbeds and there’s an all-day restaurant that hosts gastronomic evenings (spring to autumn), accompanied by live jazz and orchestral performances, under the illuminated rocks.

Swimming in Vouliagmeni
Elegant Vouliagmeni is more democratic than first impressions suggest: you’ll find all bases of beach covered here. High rollers head to the famous Astir on the lush pine-clad peninsula of Mikro Kavouri. Once the summer playground of Jackie Onassis and Bridget Bardot, Athens’ most expensive beach offers manicured sands, waiter service to your lounger, designer boutiques, and fine dining. Central Akti Vouliagmeni, where Posidonos and Apollonos converge, is one of the city’s best-groomed municipal beaches and a multi-tasking oasis that caters to all. For €5 entry, you have access to sun loungers, wide grassy strips for picnics and ballgames, tennis and volleyball courts, cafes and a playground, plus an aqua inflatable park.

Locals like to swim for free from the rocky piers outside of En Plo café or Sardelaki. Both provide access to the clear waters of the Vouliagmeni basin. Also free, Limanakia Vouliagmeni is the most popular of a run of rocky coves off the coastal road, just outside of Vouliagmeni. Bronzed locals chill out to music on a sociable deck before leaping into the deep blue sea. Grab a seaside perch at Sardelaki on Vouliagmeni Bay and watch the boats roll in. 

Big Crab and Little Crab - Kavouri
Vouliagmeni’s western half, from Athinas Avenue to the sea, is arguably the postcode’s prettiest face. It takes in the two, adjoining pine-covered peninsulas of Megalo and Mikro Kavouri (Big and Little Crab) and is host to lavish villas, unsullied swimming coves, the iconic Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel, scenic seaside promenades, and the picture-book chapel of St. George. It’s here that you’ll find Vouliagmeni’s most revitalized pulse. One of Athens Riviera’s most popular promenades, the paved seafront path that starts just after Lasithi Café on Iliou Street, has been spruced up with new greenery and fresh eateries in place of the slightly seedy shacks of old.

Further down on Iliou, opposite the Divani Apollon Palace, established sunset haunt Garbi has been joined by the chic and breezy Agora Riviera (another recent refit of a once tired venue). But last summer’s talk of the town was the Margi Hotel’s new beach club, Krabo by the Sea, a high-aesthetic (and high-cost) outpost on stunning Koska Bay with canopy sunbeds, a resort wear boutique, and on-the-sand fine dining.

To read this article in full, please visit: thisisathens.org

Photo Credit: Manos Chatzikonstantis

Originally from Sicily, granita is a semi-frozen dessert with crystalline texture, made from sugar, water, and various flavorings, mainly fruit juices. It's extremely popular all around Greece, especially among kids, and it's the ultimate drink to survive the Greek summer's scorching heat.

Yield: 4-6 servings
Difficulty: Easy

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Ready in: 6 hours

• 150 g water
• 150 g brown sugar
• 800 g watermelon, cleaned
• 1 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract
• lemon juice from 1 lemon
• lemon zest from 1 lemon
• sliced watermelon for decor

• In a pot, add the water with the sugar and place it over medium heat for about 2 minutes.
• As soon as it starts bubbling, let it boil for 2-3 minutes, and then remove from heat. Set the syrup aside to cool.
• Cut the watermelon into 2-3 cm pieces and puree them along with the syrup, the vanilla extract, and the lemon zest and juice into a blender.
• Share the mixture into ice-cube trays and freeze them for 5-6 hours.
• When they freeze well and you are about to serve them, pour the ice cubes into the blender and puree them until they look like snow.
• Fill the glasses and serve with watermelon slices.

To read the complete recipe and learn the nutritional information, please visit: akispetretzikis.com 

While we’re all about the big museums and historical sites in Athens, we also love to go off the beaten path and find something a little unusual. Fortunately, there are plenty of options. If you’re a jewellery lover, you can’t miss the Ilias Lalaounis Jewellery Museum. To learn more about musical instruments in Greece, including the bouzouki, you can head to the Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments. And to get a better understanding of modern Greece’s political history, try the Political Exile Museum. 

Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments

Music has shaped Greece’s cultural heritage almost as much as marble. This melodic museum contains about half of the 1200 musical instruments amassed over decades by its founder, Fivos Anoyanakis. They’re tucked away in a glorious mansion in Plaka’s backstreets, with a garden inhabited by two colossal tortoises. Inside, you’ll find unexpected additions like the semantron, a long plank accompanied by wooden hammers or bells to call monks to prayer. By pressing a button, you can hear the instruments played through headphones. Upstairs is Greece’s most famous instrument: the bouzouki, which played a starring role in the works of legendary composers Mikis Theodorakis and Vassilis Tsitsanis. The bouzouki still thrills modern-day audiences at the city’s many rebetiko joints, usually accompanied by amplified beats, trays of gardenias to fling in appreciation at the players and singers, and copious amounts of whisky.

Ilias Lalaounis Jewellery Museum

The perfect museum for those who prefer their history lessons to sparkle. In a handsome building that once served as the workshop of Ilias Lalaounis, a Greek jeweler to the stars, this museum tells the story of adornment through the ages. The glittering collections are based on motifs and artifacts from the Stone Age, the Minoan civilization, and Byzantium, all the way to the 20th century. The most eye-catching items are the massive gold pieces, almost like armor, displayed on life-sized mannequins: huge circular plates dripping with gold discs, and a thick serpent twined from neck to breast. But it’s in the foyer that you’ll find this museum’s rarest showing: a fully functioning artists’ studio, where resident goldsmiths and silversmiths follow traditional techniques, including Lalaounis’ trademark practices of hand-hammering, hand-weaving, filigree ‘embroidery’ and granulation.

Hellenic Motor Museum

Not renowned for its automotive tradition, Greece might seem an odd place for a motor museum. But there are many super-car collectors in Greece, many of them ship-owners with a penchant for sleek, fast-moving machines. One such magnate is Theodore Haragionis, whose car collection got so out of control that he created a museum to house it. Parked on three levels is a rotating display from his 300-strong collection, divided into antique, veteran, vintage, classic, and contemporary. Everything from horseless carriages and a Model T Ford (the first ‘real’ car) to a fleet of flame-red Ferraris. There’s also a small section devoted to models from the little-known and short-lived Greek car industry. Petrolheads of all ages will love it.

To read this article in full and discover even more unique museums in Athens, please visit: thisisathens.org

School’s been closed for some time now and most children are bored and don’t know what to do with their free time. Lots of kids will spend hours in front of a screen unless there are other kids around that they can play outdoors with. Younger kids will most probably keep on wanting their mom’s attention and involvement. For sure you’ll hear the word “mom, mommy” much more now than while they were at school. Meanwhile while you, mom, are running around trying to take care of everything and everyone, you are also trying to find ways to keep your child busy. Maybe now is a good time to sort out their clothes and toys.

There are toys your child no longer plays with, let alone those they’ve never attracted their interest, and clothes they’ve outgrown or haven’t even tried once. Find a day that’s convenient for you and your child and play “The mountain with the three rivers” game together. Start with their toys. Put everything in the middle of the room and form a mountain. Young children especially enjoy this one a lot. Choose a name for your own mountain – names can vary depending on your child’s age.

Then form three rivers: one with the toys your child absolutely loves and wants to keep, one with the ones they want to give away, and another with the ones they are not sure about yet. Don’t forget to name the rivers too. Now let the fun begin! Which river will be bigger / smaller? Which river will have more / fewer turns? Which river will be calm / rough? Remember to define together the criteria in advance.

Keep in mind that this game can take hours because your child might want to play with some toys or tell a story about some others. So relax and enjoy it. After all, it is a super opportunity for bonding! When you are done not only will you be more relaxed but your child’s room will also be lighter. And your child will feel that their opinion and decisions do count!

Have a discussion about where to give or donate the items your kid has chosen – to a cousin, to a friend’s child? Can you think of an institution or organization where you will go with your child so as to showcase another way of life? The choices are endless!

PS. You can play the same game for clothes, books, anything you like. And do not forget to do the same with your own clothes, “toys”, etc.

The 2nd summer festival of the street magazine Shedia is here, connecting locals and visitors through a series of unique events. Shedia invites everyone who will be staying in Athens this summer to celebrate, meet new people, and enjoy nights and days of culture and fun, companionship and joy.

Until September 6th, 2021, small parties will be set up in and around Shedia's home, in the capital's historic center (56 Kolokotroni & Nikiou 2, corner), including pop-up photography and cartoon exhibitions, music nights with live gigs and guest DJs, tastings, barbecues, guest chefs, cool cocktails, happy hours and even happier days, guest mixologists, evenings of literature and poetry. Yoga sessions, activities for children, screenings and games, creative workshops, walks in the heart of the city, and special brunches are only some of the activities we have the opportunity to participate in. 

 

Greek food is often considered among the most healthy cuisines in the world, as it is linked to the Mediterranean diet, which has been proven to have countless health benefits.

As a rule, the Mediterranean diet is mainly plant-based, as it is high in vegetables, fruits, legumes, and unprocessed grains while low in meat and meat products. These ingredients are bound together by olive oil, an essential ingredient when it comes to defining the basics of healthy Greek food and the Mediterranean diet.

According to several studies, the Mediterranean diet is associated with reduced risk of several chronic diseases, including cancer, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Some have even linked it to preventing depression.

Here are some of the superstar foods in this delicious health-promoting diet!

Olive oil

Olive oil is the common denominator in the different dietary patterns of the Mediterranean diet across the region, with Italy, Spain, and Greece being the top three producers in the world. Extra-virgin olive oil is rich in carotenoids and polyphenols, offering antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It's the main source of fat in the diet, and it is also used for cooking and baking.

Wheat is the basic grain of the Mediterranean while another traditional grain is farro (or emmer), an ancient wheat with renewed popularity in recent years. Bread is often baked using unrefined wheat and barley flours. Mediterranean wheat is also used for couscous and pasta. Traditionally, wheat was ground with millstones, producing a fiber-rich whole-wheat flour with a lower glycemic index.

Alcohol is common in the traditional Mediterranean diet, dating back to ancient times. However, it is consumed in moderation and usually in the form of wine and, as a rule, during meals. Red wine, in particular, contains antioxidant polyphenols and flavonoids while helping increase HDL (good) cholesterol and decrease LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.

Chickpeas are a good source of fiber, folate, and manganese while also providing proteins, iron, and magnesium. Chickpeas are one the earliest known cultivated legumes, they are the key ingredient in many traditional Greek dishes.

This essential ingredient of all Mediterranean cuisines is often found in a variety of sauces and dishes. For instance, tzatziki, a staple in Greek food, is yogurt mixed with garlic, cucumbers, and olive oil, while aioli, an Italian sauce, is made mixing garlic with eggs and olive oil. The sulfur compounds in garlic produce both its pungent odor but are the key to its health benefits, which include anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects.

Traditional feta cheese and yogurt are fermented, which makes them rich in probiotics, also providing an extra portion of protein to a diet that’s mostly plant-based. Authentic Greek feta is made with goat’s milk or sheep’s milk while yogurt with honey is a common Greek breakfast.

To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com

FokiaNou Art is pleased to present The Castro, a group show curated by Mary Cox and Panagiotis Voulgaris, for which participating artists responded to an open call. The exhibition title refers to the famous San Francisco district that since the 1960s has become one of the most well-known centers of LGBT activism and culture in the world. The title’s double meaning is the antithesis of a free environment, that of a traditional castle as a walled-in, exclusive and restrictive institution.

Artists were asked to play with the word castro, and its double meaning, presenting the bright and open castle of freedom, acceptance and equality, as well as the dark and enclosed castle of racism, homophobia and violence. The show comprises a wide variety of media: drawing, painting, photography, video and sculpture.

Curated by Mary Cox and Panagiotis Voulgaris

Participating artists: Sofia Archangelou, Dimitrios-Claudio Bantourakis, Sebastian Boulter and Taija Goldblatt, Aristea Charoniti, Stelios Dexis and Myrto Vounatsou, Andromachi Giannopoulou, Marietta Kallona, Vasiliki Kanellou, Christos Katsinis, Kalliopi Kouklinou, Kelly Koumarianou, Andreas Lyberatos, Alexandros Mavrogiannis, Gioula Papadopoulou, Dina Skapetoylia, Christina-Sylvia Simantira, Maaike Stutterheim, Zari Nikolov, Maria Bourbou, Eva Gkilntirim, Geeta Roopnarine, Stella Sevastopoulos, Marios Trichas, Panagiotis Voulgaris, Grigoria Vryttia.

The use of masks and social distancing are required in all areas of the space, including the roof terrace, halls and elevator.

FokiaNou Art Space is an artist-run project space in the intimacy of a small apartment in an old building in the center of Athens. The space encourages collaborative creative efforts between Greek and foreign artists, thereby promoting and supporting the local art community. The space hosts exhibitions, workshops and projects under the direction of two artists, Mary Cox and Panagiotis Voulgaris.

Opening: Tuesday 6 July 2021 at 18.30
Duration: 6-17 July 2021. Hours: Wednesday to Saturday 18.30 - 21.30
Where: FokiaNou Art Space, Fokianou 24, 7th floor, Pagkrati
Metro: Evangelismos.

If you had our weather you’d live most of your life outdoors too. From peripatetic ancient philosophers to today’s summer concerts and fragrant open-air cinemas, in this fifth episode, let's roam far and wide to unpack the street theatre known as “everyday Athenian life”. We’ll also explore why the protest march is inextricably woven into the modern fabric of Athens; listen to the secret confessions of a street artist; and hear the tale of the city’s most famous street dog—the Che Guevara of canines.

 

When the evenings start to warm up and stretch out every year in Athens, it’s the signal for the city’s legendary nightlife scene to spread its wings and fly down to the glitter strip known as the Athens Riviera. Whether you’re in the market for cocktails on the beach, a romantic dinner by the sea, or a flirty night out dancing under the stars, here are some quintessential Athens Riviera experiences.

Sundowners on the Athens Riviera

No night out on the Athens Riviera is complete without a sunset cocktail by the sea. With its parquet floors, high ceilings, and potted palms, Ark on Glyfada’s Asteras Beach has a country club charm (minus the steep membership fees). If in doubt about what to order, go for one of their cocktails with a Greek twist such as the Mai Tai with kumquat from Corfu and bergamot from the Peloponnese, or the margarita made with smoked salt and bee pollen.


Photo Credit: Ark Glyfada

For equally smashing sunsets all year round, head to the next venue along the Glyfada coast, Balux House Project where you’ll find a Miami beach party groove that spills over from the glass-fronted clubhouse onto the sand, with DJ sets and regular theme parties. Next door, its seasonal sister venue, Balux Pool Seaside, has a more chilled, barefoot appeal. You can sprawl on bean bags on the lawn or inside the thatched, tiki-style bar. After sunset, they light lanterns along the shore. 


Photo Credit: Balux Cafe 

Seaside dining in Vouliagmeni

Seagulls wheeling against a setting sun. Wicker lanterns swaying to subtle bouzouki music. Occasional sea spray on your toes. Taverna 37 at the Four Seasons Astir Palace nails most people’s fantasy of seaside dining in Greece. Set apart from the main resort on a stretch of boardwalk just inches from the water, this contemporary taverna is perfect for a serene dinner date. The menu is refreshingly unshowy, given the location. There’s nothing you won’t find at your average neighborhood taverna; what sets this place apart are the impeccable ingredients, smiling service, and sensational setting.


Photo Credit: @bokbokeh

It may not be exactly by the sea, but the swoony setting of Nerõ, on the shore of Vouliagmeni Lake ranks sky high on the romance-o-meter. Savor sophisticated seafood (like red mullet tartare with caviar or roasted scallops with feta cream) on the smart teak deck that flanks this spectacular, mineral-rich lake. The water glows like liquid gold after dark, illuminated by the lit-up limestone cliffs behind it. From spring to autumn, you might also catch a live jazz or classical music performance to enhance your evening.



Photo Credit: Nero Vouliagmeni Lake

Bar-hopping in Glyfada

If Vouliagmeni is the place for romantic waterfront dining, Glyfada is Riviera’s late-night playground. There’s no sea view. You go for the entertaining optics of the image-conscious locals gathering nightly to see and be seen on mood-lit pavements and in leafy courtyards. At times, it feels like one big film set. Especially on fashionable Kiprou Street, which runs parallel to the main shopping strip of Metaxa Street.

Ease into your evening at Su Casa, a stylish haunt on Nymfeon Square that’s hip but still homey. Go around 8 pm: a mellow window before most Greeks head out. Once a dilapidated house with overgrown scrub swallowing the footpath, it’s now one of Glyfada’s most atmospheric spots. It can be tough deciding where to sit. Outside on the street or garden patio, framed by fig trees and candlelight? It’s the kind of place where lovers and locals meet to catch up on each other’s news or round off a day’s shopping, and the music is accordingly chilled. There are pages and pages of cocktails, mocktails, and premium spirits, ranging from the summery applesecco spritz to margarita pesto with black pepper. If eating is on the agenda, migrate to the restaurant and try the excellent spaghetti with crab leg.


Photo Credit: Su Casa

In fact, if beach parties are more your bag, head down to Yabanaki Beach where the post-sunset scene has taken off. There’s a whole swag of affordable seaside dining options—from burgers to Italian, sushi, or Greek - and pop-up Latin dance parties all summer long. Yabanaki is open from May to October and entry to the resort is free after 7 pm, so take your swimmers. For many Greeks, this is the best time of day to hit the water.


Photo Credit: Varkiza Resort

To read this article in full and discover more places in the Athens Riviera, please visit: thisisathens.org

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Whether you've just arrived in town – or have been here for years – Athens always has new secrets to share!