I should state for the record that I do not own a car in Athens. I use cars often enough (rentals, generous friends) – but normally I use public transport, taxis and my own two feet.

So I had another friend in town this week (note to self: time to open a b&b). He was en route to the islands, and stopped in to check out Athens… After a day around the city-centre, he decided to check out the beaches of Athens – I told him this was a good idea, since he’s not the type to stare at ancient artifacts for very long… (!)

But without a car, he was obliged to use the services of the Athens public transportation network. This made him cringe – but I reassured him that the only challenge in this scenario would be the time required to make it from Kifissia to the paralia.

He jumped on the Green line all the way to Neo Faliro, then took a tram across the waterfront to Kalamaki beach – not a glam spot, but more than adequate for a day in the city. He tells me this took him just over an hour. And so he spent his easy afternoon in the sun, with a bite of lunch and a coffee – not so bad! And all of that (including air conditioning!) for the €1.40 public transport fare. Not a bad deal.

Car-free in Athens – oh yes, it’s possible…!

Until next week,

Jack

In this weekly space, keep up with ‘Jack’ as he navigates daily life in Athens… Anecdotes, stories, hits & misses, the good, the bad and, well, the rest…

Πότε: 5-10 Νοεμβρίου 2025

Πού: Αθήνα

Ωρες Σεμιναρίου: Καθημερινές 17.30 - 21.30, Σαββατοκύριακο: 11.00 - 17.30

Email: soqtantin@gmail.com

Site του Διοργανωτή: Divine Nektar Workshops

I spent the last several days in northern Europe (read: Brussels) on a work-related trip. Brussels is what one might expect – organized, orderly, (mostly) clean and ‘subdued’… it’s a lovely city, lots of history, lots of interesting architecture, some cool places to visit...

But on this trip, I felt I had journeyed into the future, into November to be exact! The grey skies, the 18-degree weather, the rain… Oh the rain…

I know that I tend to put a lot of stock in climate, perhaps too much. But it really does affect my mood – the sun shining in a blue sky in the morning, somehow makes my day a little bit better, a little ‘lighter’…

So I must admit I spent most of my days in Belgium secretly praying for warm weather, longing for the warm sunshine of Athens…

And then I arrived in Athens. The phrase ‘be careful what you wish for’ came to mind… 41 degrees, boiling hot, and my little aircon unit sweating to keep up with the demand. Strange how a couple hours in a plane can take you to such a different place.

But still the sun and that blue sky…

Shopping for an aircon or fan? Check out www.skroutz.gr for deals and comparisons!

Until next week…

Jack

In this weekly space, keep up with ‘Jack’ as he navigates daily life in Athens… Anecdotes, stories, hits & misses, the good, the bad and, well, the rest…

Connect with the organizer HERE!

Athens isn’t just temples, cafés, and city buzz; it’s also surrounded by four majestic mountains, the “Keepers of Athens,” each with its own character, history, and secret corners. These guided hikes take you deep into their meandering trails, revealing panoramic views, ancient paths, hidden churches, seaside ruins, and forest sanctuaries.

Expect rich stories, changing landscapes, and a surprising cast of local residents — including the curious, always-hungry tortoises that roam all four mountains.

Choose your adventure:

Pendeli — The Outdoor Museum

• Wander through an open-air museum of history and nature

• Discover hidden stone churches

• Enjoy sweeping views of Marathon Lake & Bay

• Picnic lunch included

Thalassa — The Seaside Trail

• Scenic coastal hike along ancient seaside paths

• Explore the ruins of Nemesis’ sacred city

• Finish with lunch at a beachfront fish taverna

Polis — Athens From Above

• View Athens and Piraeus from dramatic mountaintop lookouts

• Visit monasteries and centuries-old churches

• Lunch at a hidden forest restaurant

Why You’ll Love It

• Breathtaking panoramic views few locals have ever seen

• Bursts of wildflowers, fragrant herbs, and seasonal greenery

• Off-the-map historical sites and ancient trails

• A beach-to-taverna coastal walk

• Hidden monasteries and charming old churches

• Seasonal foraging opportunities: thyme, mushrooms, asparagus & more

• And of course… the tortoises! 

What’s Included

• Delicious meals & healthy snacks

• Transport available on request

• Optional yoga sessions

• Suitable for all ages & fitness levels

Details

From €45 per person

Duration: 4–5 hours

Minimum: 4 people (contact us if your group is smaller)

Organizer's Page: Nefeli Nine

This week was one of the hottest I have experienced in my life. Outside of trekking around southeast Asia or the Caribbean, I have never sweat more ‘at home’, anywhere…! I must admit I stayed indoors most of the week – even a trip to the beach was beyond me…

What does a person do to cope with heat? Well, if you’re like ‘some’ people that I know, you head for the nearest climate-controlled building facility – The Mall.

And what’s more, it’s a bonus when the need for climate-control corresponds to the start of Summer Sales. Yes, the sale season started this week – and judging by the numbers of cold-seeking shoppers at The Mall, retailers must have been quite happy. On the flipside, it seemed that day that most of the rest of Athens also had the same idea – The Mall was jam-packed!

With prices at 10-20-30-40% off (and more!), it’s a good time to pick-up some deals on everything your life is missing…

And if The Mall proves too crowded, an evening at an open-air cinema is a great way to wind down and enjoy(?) the heat…

Until next week…

Jack

In this weekly space, keep up with ‘Jack’ as he navigates daily life in Athens… Anecdotes, stories, hits & misses, the good, the bad and, well, the rest…