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Tuesday, 28 September 2021 07:00
The Story Of Modern Athens Through Its Architecture
Athens will surprise you with its diversity of design. If at first glance, the city appears to lack a coherent architectural style, that’s only because it’s highly individualistic. Even the most seemingly nondescript street harbors architectural quirks from different periods. Just tilt your head skywards to see Rococo railings and Art Deco porthole windows, capstones, and gables on buildings that mark different moments in the city’s layered history. Our virtual tour of some of the finest buildings in Athens tells the story of how the modern Greek capital took shape.
1830 to 1900
Credit: Georgios Makkas
Athens is established as the capital of Greece and the modern metropolis takes shape. Drawing inspiration from ancient Greece, architects introduce neoclassical elements. Impressive public buildings dominate a landscape of low-rise, stand-alone residences with gardens.
Credit: Georgios Makkas
Athens is established as the capital of Greece and the modern metropolis takes shape. Drawing inspiration from ancient Greece, architects introduce neoclassical elements. Impressive public buildings dominate a landscape of low-rise, stand-alone residences with gardens.
Doric columns and a triangular pediment dwarf this school building, completed in 1876 by noted architect Panayotis Kalkos. He also designed the first Acropolis Museum, a small stone building close to the Parthenon. This building is still used as a primary school, although it sits rather incongruously among the souvenir shops in the heart of Plaka.
Building Location: 106-108 Adrianou
The 1900s
Credit: Georgios Makkas
The emphasis shifts from public buildings to private residences, as the city’s elite display their wealth in luxurious mansions with eclectic flourishes.
Credit: Georgios Makkas
The emphasis shifts from public buildings to private residences, as the city’s elite display their wealth in luxurious mansions with eclectic flourishes.
This stately mansion harks back to the era when Kypseli was known for its splendid residences. Classical elements are overpowered by Italianate flourishes, so it’s fitting that it housed the Casa d’Italia before the First World War. Today it’s a public school.
Building Location: 46 Kypselis & Paxon
The 1910s
Credit: Georgios Makkas
Credit: Georgios Makkas
Many of the city’s leading architects of this period studied in France, so the Gallic influence is much in evidence.
This two-story Exarchia residence in the Beaux-Arts style is stunning, with its rounded corner tower, vaulted entrances, and subtle embellishments.
Building Location: 175 Ippokratous
The 1920s
Credit: Georgios Makkas
Architects turn back towards their Greek roots, seeking inspiration from Byzantine and folk art.
It looks like a single residence in Exarchia, but it’s actually two. A fact carefully concealed by the mix of neoclassical elements, like the pediments over the windows and neo-Baroque embellishments on the façade.
Building Location: 38A Eressou
The 1930s
Credit: Georgios Makkas
An urban middle class emerges, giving rise to the polikatikia or Athenian apartment block. Through its architecture, Athens embraces modernity but also glances nostalgically back.
Athens’ first New York-style skyscraper, this building originally housed a cinema, theatre, and ballroom. Its sheer façade and Art Deco elements, crafted from concrete, hide some ingenious acoustic engineering. It was restored in the 1980s after a fire and currently houses one of the National Theatre’s stages.
Building Location: 48 Panepistimiou Street
To read this article in full, please visit: thisisathens.org
To read this article in full, please visit: thisisathens.org
Whether you've just arrived in town – or have been here for years – Athens always has new secrets to share!
This is Athens is the official guide to this captivating city of ancient energies and booming urban culture. Compiled by a team of specialist local writers, This is Athens brings you an authentic and intimate portrait of a living Athens beyond the guidebooks – along with daily curated listings of all the best events and great weekend inspiration all-year round. From must-know neighbourhoods and emerging art hubs, to gourmet hotspots, cool shopping and the buzziest bars, This is Athens will help you to get the most out of living in Athens!
Thank you This is Athens for your contribution as an XpatAthens Partner.
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City Discovery
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Tuesday, 15 March 2022 07:00
New Look For Central Athens With Museum Makeover
The first step towards the expansion and renovation of the National Archaeological Museum in Athens was taken on Friday, March 11th, after the Museum Council of Greece approved the technical criteria upon which relevant architectural studies will be drafted.
The revamped museum will have an underground car park, dining areas, a new garden, and entrance, and will harness natural light to highlight exhibits and spaces. The museum’s priority is to showcase the Greek civilization through exhibits spanning the centuries.
However, it will not be limited only to ancient Greek art, as it will also seek to open new paths into contemporary art. The plan stipulates that the main exhibition space will increase to 11,000 square meters from 7,800, while spaces intended for temporary exhibitions will be expanded to 1,430 sq.m. from 400 sq.m.
To read this article in full, please visit: ekathimerini.com
The revamped museum will have an underground car park, dining areas, a new garden, and entrance, and will harness natural light to highlight exhibits and spaces. The museum’s priority is to showcase the Greek civilization through exhibits spanning the centuries.
However, it will not be limited only to ancient Greek art, as it will also seek to open new paths into contemporary art. The plan stipulates that the main exhibition space will increase to 11,000 square meters from 7,800, while spaces intended for temporary exhibitions will be expanded to 1,430 sq.m. from 400 sq.m.
To read this article in full, please visit: ekathimerini.com
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Local News
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Monday, 04 August 2025 16:50
The Silence of Being
August 21-24 - This 4-day nature retreat in Epirus is open to people in a good physical condition and to all levels of yoga practitioners. It includes holistic yoga and meditation sessions, trekking, restorative yoga, silent time, and mindfulness.
The retreat is facilitated by Ioanna Pappa: 1800 hours E-RYT, Healing aspects of Yoga & Meditation, Shiatsu Practitioner, Sound Massage Therapist. This retreat will be held in Greek.
When: August 21-24, 2025
Where: Vikos Gorge, Epirus
Email: intheopenioannapappa@gmail.com
Contact: WhatsApp +306907910519
Instagram: ioannapappa___
Published in
Retreats & Gatherings
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Tuesday, 28 April 2026 10:52
Spring In Athens: What To Do
Spring tiptoes into Athens with longer days, softer sunshine and that delicious sense of the city waking up from its winter slumber. It’s arguably the best time to visit: the mercury hasn’t yet soared to its infamous summer heights, the streets are lined with trees bursting into blossom, and the whole capital feels lighter, brighter, and wonderfully alive. From wandering through flower‑framed neighbourhoods to soaking up ancient sites without melting in 40‑degree heat, spring in Athens is all about easy charm and effortless joy.
The Athenian Riviera
@simonewastaken
Stretching from one sun‑kissed curve of coastline to the next, the Athenian Riviera is sprinkled with lovely little spots that feel tailor‑made for those gentle spring days.
For a family outing, you can’t go wrong with Flisvos Marina in Palio Faliro. Lined with cafés and restaurants and dotted with parks and waterfront play areas, it’s the sort of place where everyone finds something to enjoy.
While only the bravest will dare a first dip in the still‑fresh sea, Lake Vouliagmeni offers a far more tempting alternative. Its underground currents keep the water at a blissful 24 degrees, making it a haven even for the most cold‑averse among us.
Continue your coastal wander all the way down to Cape Sounion and the majestic Temple of Poseidon. Less than an hour from Athens, it’s the perfect perch for an unforgettable sunset over the Aegean, the sky melting into shades of gold and rose.
@simonewastaken
Stretching from one sun‑kissed curve of coastline to the next, the Athenian Riviera is sprinkled with lovely little spots that feel tailor‑made for those gentle spring days.
For a family outing, you can’t go wrong with Flisvos Marina in Palio Faliro. Lined with cafés and restaurants and dotted with parks and waterfront play areas, it’s the sort of place where everyone finds something to enjoy.
While only the bravest will dare a first dip in the still‑fresh sea, Lake Vouliagmeni offers a far more tempting alternative. Its underground currents keep the water at a blissful 24 degrees, making it a haven even for the most cold‑averse among us.
Continue your coastal wander all the way down to Cape Sounion and the majestic Temple of Poseidon. Less than an hour from Athens, it’s the perfect perch for an unforgettable sunset over the Aegean, the sky melting into shades of gold and rose.
Out & About
@syd_records
All through May, the This is Athens City Festival brings the Greek capital to life, with dozens of events popping up every single day. Whatever your interests and whatever your schedule, you’re bound to find something that fits like a glove.
And if a little hunger strikes mid‑stroll, make your way to the Gazi district, home to the annual street‑food festival, where you can nibble your way around the world without ever leaving Athens.
For a breath of pure springtime bliss, head to leafy Kifissia and fill your lungs with the scent of roses. From early to mid‑May, the town hosts its flower show in the park just opposite the station. Last but certainly not least, if your visit happens to coincide with the reopening of Athens’ open‑air cinemas (usually mid‑April to early May, weather permitting), don’t hesitate for a second. Watching a film under the stars is one of those unforgettable, quintessentially Athenian experiences that stays with you long after the credits roll.
Museums
@vickakyphotography
@vickakyphotography
On 19 May 2026, Athens celebrates International Museum Day, which means free entry to all of the city’s museums. It’s the perfect excuse to explore, or re‑explore, Athens’ most iconic cultural treasures, from world‑famous collections to lesser‑known gems that deserve a moment in the spotlight.
Island Escape
@island_wanders_by_kostopoulos
@island_wanders_by_kostopoulos
Why not pair your springtime stay with a little day trip to one of the nearby islands? With calm seas, mild weather and ferries running like clockwork, it’s the ideal moment to hop across the water and soak up a slice of island life — all without straying far from Athens.
Nature
Nature
@athanassios.kollyris
Pack yourself a delicious little picnic and take your pick — you’re truly spoilt for choice when it comes to scenic spots. Spread out your blanket on the great lawn of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre and pair your lunch with a dash of culture. Or wander up to pine‑shaded Philopappou Hill for sweeping views across the whole city. If you fancy something more serene, the National Garden offers a leafy escape right in the heart of Athens, while the Tatoi Estate invites you to step back into Greek history as you explore the former royal family’s summer grounds.
For anyone who’s been craving greenery after the chilly, grey winter months, that picnic outing can easily turn into a proper walk or hike. Athens is full of accessible trails for every taste and fitness level — the perfect excuse to stretch your legs and breathe in the season (see Green Gateway routes). And of course, because spring is all about renewal — for nature and for you — why not turn your visit into a rejuvenating wellness weekend surrounded by fresh air and blossoming landscapes.
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City Discovery
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Wednesday, 18 February 2015 12:34
Hiking Ancient Trails In The Vikos Gorge
In the mountains of Zagoria villages you can hike through the deepest gorge in the world in Vikos-Aoos National Park, wander the cobbled streets of tiny rural communities with their preserved old mansions in the unique Zagorian style. Follow ancient tracks you can discover elegant stone bridges and refresh the clear rivers of Zagoria.
The Vikos Gorge lies in the North Pindus Mountains in the historic area of Epirus, 30 kilometers north of Ioannina and 38 kilometers from the Albanian border. The area, called the Zagori, has 44 villages called the Zagorohoria. The 12-kilometer gorge itself can be hiked in two or three parts: Monodendri north to Vikos; Vikos to Papingo, and Monodendri south to Kipi and its lovely arched stone bridges.
Part of the pleasure of hiking the gorge comes from the long journey to get there. A car trip from Athens to Ioannina takes 7 hours with an advised overnight in Ioannina to enjoy this lakeside town with its Ottoman-flavored bazaar and inexpensive eateries rimming the lake. After Ioannina, it's only 16 kilometers to the first villages of the Zagori. The mountain road is steep, narrow, and winding. Local drivers tear around hairpin curves leaving little space for oncoming traffic.
By bus from Athens, the journey requires calculation to connect with the smaller buses to the Zagori. Long-distance (KTEL) buses leave Athens Bus Terminal A (Kifissou Street) nearly every hour starting at 6:00. The trip is approximately 7 hours with a spectacular crossing of the new bridge at Rio. Buses can be packed with Albanians making bus connections in Ioannina for the Albanian border so arrive at the station early if you need to make a connecting bus to the Zagori.
Two bus services leave Ioannina for the Zagori. One goes to Monodendri and villages near the south end of the gorge, leaving Ioannina at 6:15 and 16:15. The second goes to Mikro Papingo and Megalo Papingo and the villages near the north end of the gorge, Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 5:15 and 14:30.
The village of Monodendri, on the rim of the gorge near the south end, is a good spot for those who want to hike the entire gorge as well as view the famous stone arched bridges over the river below the gorge. Nearby Vitsa is also good for hiking the gorge, although it's a distance to reach the entrance to the gorge.
The villages of Mikro Papingo and Megalo Papingo, at the north end of the gorge, are better suited for hikers who want to hike the gorge as well as east into the Gamilla range.
The challenge of hiking the Vikos Gorge is how to return to your point of origin. The long, winding gorge and its deep side ravines separate villages from each other. It can take hours to drive to a village that is visible across the gorge. Local buses make twice a day flying stops in the village squares with one service connecting the villages near Papingo and the other connecting the villages near Monodendri.
Source: Hiking in Greece
Published in
Travel Greece
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Thursday, 19 February 2015 13:32
Stormy Weather & Low Temperatures On Election Day
The national meteorological service EMY has announced that the weather will take a turn for the worse over the weekend, when the critical general elections are scheduled.
According to EMY the west, east and southern party of the country will experience rainfall and occasional storms, while the rest of the country will see overcast skies with sporadic showers. Mountainous regions may see localized snowfall.
The westerly winds will be strong, measuring between 20 and 50 Km/h in most parts of the country. In the eastern parts of the country, particularly in the Aegean, the south southwesterly winds may exceed 70 Km/h.
To read more, please visit tovima.gr/en
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Local News
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Thursday, 23 April 2015 17:17
Airbnb Athens Bookings Boosts Local Economy By 69 Million Euros
Hospitality platform Airbnb has boosted the local economy by 69 million euros, supported over 1,000 jobs and is attracting new visitors to Athens, a study released on Wednesday found.
The survey, conducted between October 2013 and September 2014 jointly by Airbnb and Athens University professor Christos Genakos, revealed that the platform complements the existing tourism industry and spreads the economic benefits across Athens to new neighborhoods and small businesses.
According to the findings, Airbnb is attracting new visitors to Athens, with 71 percent of guests visiting for the first time and 67 percent reporting that they were more likely to return. The platform has 11,500 entries for Greece, 2,500 of which are for Athens, a figure that has doubled since 2009. Airbnb hosts’ properties span 25 neighbourhoods in the Greek capital.
Besides contributng to the local economy, the community-driven hospitality platform also helps locals who share their homes to stay afloat in difficult economic times. The typical Athenian host shares their home with guests for about 68 nights per year, with 68% of hosts saying they rely on this income.
“Airbnb hosts attract new visitors to Athens, who are looking for an authentic, local travel experience,” explains Airbnb Regional Manager Jeroen Merchiers.
“This helps boost Athens’ tourism market and support the local economy while extending the economic benefits beyond the popular city spots. Meanwhile, Airbnb hosts have an extra income to sustain themselves and their families in this difficult economic period,” he adds.
Airbnb guests stay an average of 3.6 nights and spend 551 euros over the course of their trip. Some 26 percent said they would not have come or would not have stayed as long without Airbnb, while 91 percent would recommend the Airbnb property they stayed in to friends and family.
Guests opting for Airbnb are looking for genuine experiences with 75 percent saying they wanted to stay in a specific neighbourhood. In the meantime, 98 percent of hosts provide their guests with personalised recommendations on alternative neighbourhoods to visit and 70 percent provide their guests with locally produced products.
To read more, please visit Greek Travel Pages.
Published in
Local News
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Thursday, 02 June 2016 07:00
Greek Archaeologist Claims He Found Aristotle’s Tomb At Stagira
A Greek archaeologist, who has been excavating Ancient Stagira in central Macedonia for the last 20 years, has claimed he found the tomb of Aristotle. At a conference in Thessaloniki to commemorate the 2,400th anniversary of Aristotle’s birth, the archaeologist, Konstantinos Sismanidis, said he was almost certain that what he found was Aristotle’s tomb.
Even though Sismanidis and his team have no definitive proof that what they found is Aristotle’s tomb, there are strong characteristics that led them to believe this was in fact the tomb. The characteristics include the location and panoramic view, its position at the center of a square marble floor, and the time of its construction, which started at the beginning of the Hellenistic period. The tomb, according to Sismanidis, was built in honor of Aristotle after his death in 322 B.C.
In addition to finding the tomb, Sismanidis and his team of archaeologists have also found the altar referred to in ancient texts and the road that leads to the tomb.
Another excavation that took place in 2014 in Amphipolis, northern Greece, led to the discovery of the largest ancient tomb ever found in Greece. There was speculation that the tomb belonged to Alexander the Great, Aristotle’s most famous student, but later evidence showed that the tomb had probably been built for a close companion of the king and conqueror.
To read this article in full, please visit: NY Times
Published in
Greece In The News
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Thursday, 19 July 2018 09:30
Ithaca - Mobile Laundry For The Homeless
Ithaca is a non-profit organisation founded in July 2015 with the view to diminishing social exclusion of homeless people and raising awareness for the plight of the homeless. Ithaca operates the first mobile laundry unit for homeless people in Europe.
Ithaca's goal is twofold: to raise homeless’ people hygiene standards and restore their dignity, as well as to create opportunities for them. Ithaca manages to accomplish the latter by employing people from social vulnerable groups on a part-time basis for up to 12 months, contributing in this way to their social integration.
Ithaca's goal is twofold: to raise homeless’ people hygiene standards and restore their dignity, as well as to create opportunities for them. Ithaca manages to accomplish the latter by employing people from social vulnerable groups on a part-time basis for up to 12 months, contributing in this way to their social integration.
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Community Groups
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Tuesday, 02 October 2018 14:53
October 2nd - Autumn Inspiration
Athens is perfect for every season and has a bit of something for everyone! Check out some of the best events the city has to offer this October and a few of the coziest Cafes we can recommend!
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Newsletters
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