Some call them digital nomads. To others, they are corona refugees or lockdown migrants. In a time where remote-working is king, Athens has become one of the hottest tickets in Europe to ride out the epidemic and hit reset on life.

This is Athens asked some second wave “corona nomads” to tell us in their own words how Athens has given them the personal and professional lift they were craving and why life is so much sweeter in the Greek capital, even in lockdown.

Chasing A Bright Urban Culture
Letizia Sebregondi, 36, Italian
Digital Wine Consultant

I was in Athens for two months last summer, staying in Mets, near the Kallimarmaro Stadium, and loved it so much. I went back to Milan a bit sad and spent the next month or so wondering, “Should I go back?”. One day, I woke up and said, “I’m going!”. I returned in late October, two weeks before the second lockdown, and plan to stay until July. Then I’ll travel around the Peloponnese and the islands.

I’ve lived abroad a lot: Brazil, the United States, France. What I find amazing about Athens is that it’s an urban city but you can still feel a human touch. Even if it’s not always an easy city, it has a really strong identity that connects you with Greek culture. But on the other hand, there are many young people relocating from Europe, even more so now because of Covid, so there’s this feeling that things are changing. People are coming to Athens to enjoy the exciting energy here.

I come from Florence, but was based in Milan, doing digital marketing for Italian and French wines; helping to create wine clubs and collectives. I still have a lot to learn about the Greek wine scene but I do see great potential in terms of the quality of the production and opportunities for local wineries to develop their sales. I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how good Greek wines are. I’ve discovered a wonderful wine bar in the city centre that focuses exclusively on Greek wines - Heteroclito – and I tried some really good value wines from the north of Greece there, including a well-balanced Assyrtiko from Ktima Voyatsi. I can’t wait to go back there when quarantine is over.

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Milan is probably the most European city in Italy, but it’s somehow too classic; a little too buttoned up, compared to Athens. Athens to me has a young and vibrant spirit, with a laid back quality of life - like maybe Lisbon ten years ago. I’m not saying that everyone here can afford everything, but compared to many other cities in Europe, the urban culture feels fresh and the quality of life is amazing.

So far, the experience of remote-working in Athens has been easy. Athens is an open-hearted city. I made some good friends during the summer: foreign girls like me who all share the same love and appetite for the city. This has helped me feel at home. Every Friday, I go to the farmer’s markets in Koukaki, next to my favourite bakery ever, Mama Psomi in Zaharitsa Street, for their amazing hand-made pies. At the markets, I pick up delicious local honey and have become friends with the fishmongers and the ladies who sell the lovely lemons and capers that I like to cook with. I’ve even managed to get to the seaside a few times during lockdown by walking up through Neos Kosmos to Paleo Faliro.

There’s so much more light in my working day here than in Milan. My apartment in Koukaki has a small balcony with a spectacular view of the Acropolis and gets the sun most of the day. I take my laptop out there to work and enjoy the 360 degree view of the city and the seaside. It’s a luxury that makes me feel so happy every day.

To read more, please visit This is Athens

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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.

Want to scratch beneath the surface of a city? Who better to ask than a former anthropologist?

 

Especially one who has spent two decades living in the said city; bringing up her two daughters around Greek traditions; and penning several best-selling novels set in Athens. London-born Sofka Zinovieff, the author of “The House on Paradise Street”, global bestseller “Putney”, and the memoir “Eurydice Street: A Place in Athens”, studied social anthropology at Cambridge and researched her Ph.D. in Greece. It was the beginning of a lifelong bond with the country. Especially Athens, where she still lives in Vouliagmeni on the Athens Riviera, with her Greek husband Vassilis.

Recently, she launched her new podcast series “Athens Unpacked” for This is Athens and she shares some snappy tips for digging beyond the Acropolis—to the heart and soul of this captivatingly complex city. 

You’ve called Athens home for 20 years. How has your relationship with the city changed and matured since you first moved here from England?
I’ve had several phases in my relationship with Greece. I first came as a research student in the late 80s, learned the language, and became involved with the place. During the last two decades, my relationship with Athens has been like a marriage – committed and based on love, but with squabbles and occasional rough patches.

What’s the most common misconception people have about Athens that you’d most like to correct?
People often visit during the hottest time of year, in a rush on the way to an island. Athens appears impenetrable and overheated. It’s a completely different city at other times of the year and can’t be rushed. I’d advise talking to locals and adopting their timetable (not going out during the middle part of the day in summer). I’d also suggest that it’s the perfect city to visit in autumn, winter or spring.

Athens is a hectic metropolis with the heart and soul of a village. Would you agree with this statement and if so, how does that village vibe manifest?
Yes, Athens has been settled by villagers ever since it became the capital of modern Greece in the 1830s. Even today, most people have roots elsewhere and return to their village or island. And that’s before we look at how neighborhoods can be quite villagey, designed around their plateia (main square) with a traditional coffee shop and church, etc.

Would you classify Athens as a city that’s easy to get to know; that reveals itself readily to visitors?
Athens is a mysterious city and sometimes challenging. But many of its charms are readily apparent: the intertwining of the ancient and the modern; the neighborhoods for strolling; and the fabulous places for eating out are all there and waiting.

If someone has only 48 hours or a weekend here, how can they best tap into the authentic pulse of Athens?
Stroll around the neighborhoods. Eat and drink where Athenians do. Pause to notice the details rather than ticking off a list of ‘the sights’. And, to get a sense of perspective, go up a hill—I don’t mean the Acropolis—there are plenty of others, such as Lycabettus, Philopappou, or even a more off-radar one like Tourkovounia (the Turkish Mountains).

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

Photo by: Thomas Gravanis 

 

Established in 2007, XpatAthens is a trusted platform that connects and informs the international community of Athens and Greece. Our mission is to connect people with information, resources, services, and experiences that contribute to their personal and professional journeys in Greece. We are passionate about living well, creating local community, supporting local business, and appreciating Greece as a global cultural hub, as well as a thriving and vibrant European country!

 

 

We’re a small team with big hearts, big dreams, and an even bigger love for this city and the country we call home. We’re all about making an impact—bringing together locals, expats, and visitors—helping them connect, share experiences, and fall in love with all the quirks, charm, and magic of this incredible country.

We’re passionate about what we do, whether it’s digging into the nitty-gritty of Greek bureaucracy, sharing insider tips for exploring or connecting people with the resources they need to feel right at home. Our hands-on guidance and genuine care are at the heart of everything we do because we’re more than a team—we’re a family of dreamers and doers who believe in the power of community.

 

Come join the XpatAthens family — together we can make your adventure in Greece unforgettable!

Stay connected with us through our weekly newsletter, on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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I was 15 years old when I told my mom that I’d be moving to Greece, and I made this dream a reality literally the day after graduating from university in my hometown of Toronto, Canada. Athens is and feels like home—the energy of this city is distinct and like no other. XpatAthens came into my life in 2012 like one of those “standing on the right corner at the right time” moments. Since then, I’ve had the fortunate experience of serving, connecting, and growing Greece’s largest international community. I absolutely love the work we do and feel proud not only of what we've achieved with a small team, but also of the incredible community and how we all contribute to our great city and country.

In addition to running XpatAthens, my professional journey in Greece has been shaped by 10 years in the world of luxury travel, and the creation of two other businesses: Codico Lab where we create meaningful content and websites, and Innerbloom that is a space dedicated to empowering female-led businesses. Each of these ventures are a labor of love and a reflection of my passion for building connections and creating opportunities. You're welcome to connect with me here.

 

Sydney has become Qatar Airways’ first destination in Australia to be served by the super-jumbo A380 aircraft, just six months after it joined the carrier’s global network.

Following the route’s inauguration with the Boeing 777-300 on 1 March 2016, Qatar Airways has seen a steady growth in demand for its service on the route. The 517-seater A380 aircraft increases Qatar Airways’ current daily capacity by 44 percent on this route to meet the growing travel and trade demand.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said, “From the moment we inaugurated service to Sydney earlier this year, we have been welcomed with open arms. Customers flying to and from Sydney appreciate our global route network and our efficient flight schedules, which save them hours of time on the average itinerary. We are pleased to respond in kind with the introduction of the A380 service to Sydney, offering 517 seats per flight.”

Mr. Akbar Al Baker also said, “Qatar Airways brings travellers from Australia to more destinations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa than any other airline serving Australia today. Australia is one of the main hubs of the business world in Asia Pacific, with many passengers flying worldwide for business and leisure. What better way to serve travellers from this key destination than to introduce our iconic A380 to the country, starting with the nation’s biggest hub, Sydney.”

The 517-seat capacity is spread across twin decks in a tri-class configuration of eight seats in First Class, 48 seats in Business Class, and 461 in Economy Class, featuring world-class amenities and first rate services that set it apart from other aircraft. Passengers travelling from Sydney to London and Paris can enjoy the Qatar Airways A380 experience throughout their journey to these two European destinations.

“We’re thrilled that Qatar Airways has upgraded to an A380 within six months of the airline’s launch in Sydney, which is testament to their early success and strong loads,” Sydney Airport Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kerrie Mather said.

“Qatar Airways’ Doha to Sydney service already generates an estimated 3,000 jobs and contributes more than $240 million to the economy per year, plus it provides passengers with more choice and connectivity. Sydney Airport estimates that Qatar Airways’ A380 will deliver an incremental $78 million in inbound visitor expenditure annually to Australia, supporting the federal government’s target of doubling overnight visitor expenditure by 2020. On behalf of Sydney Airport, I’d like to congratulate Qatar Airways on this significant milestone and wish them continued success on the route.”

The A380 aircraft will feature a luxurious and exclusive First Class Cabin with ultra-wide seats, which automatically recline into a flat bed, two-passenger table extension dining, sleeper suits, flight slippers, and amenities from Giorgio Armani. Passengers travelling with Qatar Airways’ award-winning Business Class can also enjoy private aisle access with the 1-2-1 seat configuration and a suite of connectivity options including on-board Wi-Fi, keeping them fully connected while up in the air.

In addition, passengers in First and Business Class can relax and socialise in the on-board lounge located on the upper deck of the super-jumbo.

Economy Class passengers will also benefit with the added spaciousness of the A380, with higher ceilings on the main deck, a wider seat configuration and design to offer more leg room plus contoured headrests.

When transiting through Qatar Airways’ hub, Hamad International Airport in Doha, passengers travelling from Sydney can enjoy a comfortable and efficient transit. The luxurious and modern airport has more than 40,000 square metres of retail space and restaurants including more than 70 retail and 30 food and beverage outlets, as well as a 25-metre swimming pool, gym, hotel, and spa.

Depart Doha QR908 at 21:40, arrive in Sydney at 19:35 (next day)

Depart Sydney QR909 at 22:25, arrive in Doha at 05:05 (next day)

About Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways, the national carrier of the State of Qatar, is one of the fastest growing airlines operating one of the youngest fleets in the world. Now in its 19th year of operations, Qatar Airways has a modern fleet of 190 aircraft flying to more than 150 key business and leisure destinations across six continents.

A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was awarded World's Best Business Class, Best Business Class Airline Lounge, and Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East at the prestigious 2016 World Airline Awards managed by international air transport rating organisation Skytrax.

Qatar Airways is a member of the oneworld global alliance. The award-winning alliance was named the World’s Best Airline Alliance 2015 by Skytrax for the third year running. Qatar Airways was the first Gulf carrier to join global airline alliance, oneworld, enabling its passengers to benefit from more than 1,000 airports in more than 150 countries, with 14,250 daily departures.

 For more information, please visit their website: Qatar Airways

Travellers can enjoy their tropical dream-come-true with direct daily service between Doha and Seychelles!

Travellers wishing to explore the beauty of the Seychelles – one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations in the Indian Ocean – will enjoy convenient flights and award-winning service when travelling with Qatar Airways.

Residents of the Seychelles will also benefit from the opportunity to connect to the airline’s network of more than 150 business and leisure destinations around the world via the airline’s hub in Doha. The airline’s expanding global reach and modern fleet will take travellers to exciting places across the globe including the airline’s latest destinations launched in 2016: Adelaide, Atlanta, Birmingham, Boston, Helsinki, Los Angeles, Marrakech, Pisa, Ras Al Khaimah, Sydney, Windhoek and Yerevan.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said, “Over recent years Qatar Airways has seen significant growth, expanding its worldwide footprint to provide more opportunities for global leisure travellers to premium destinations such as the Seychelles. When travelling with Qatar Airways we ensure that our passengers’ dream holiday starts with an extraordinary journey on board, where they truly experience the warmth of Middle Eastern hospitality, world-class service, award-winning cuisine and in-flight entertainment.”

Seychelles Minister of Tourism and Culture, Mr. Alain St. Ange, said: “It gives me great pleasure to see Qatar Airways serving the Seychelles. Our partnership has always been a very positive one. I know that the airline is very popular with the local community and we all look forward to many more years of fruitful cooperation and increased tourism business to our shores.”

Seychelles Tourism Board, Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Sherin Naiken, added, “The Seychelles Tourism Board is very happy to welcome Qatar Airways. We are looking forward to building a partnership with the airline that will foster the development of tourism and growth of local business.”

Passengers flying to the Seychelles from any of Qatar Airways' more than 150 destinations around the world will enjoy a quick and convenient transfer at the airline’s state-of-the-art hub Hamad International Airport. Offering more than 100 retail and dining options and unique services such as a 25-metre swimming pool, hotel and spa, designed exclusively for those in transit, the airport is sure to further enhance the passengers’ overall travel experience.

Qatar Airways, the national airline of the State of Qatar, is one of the fastest growing airlines operating one of the youngest fleets in the world. Now in its 19th year of operations, the airline has a modern fleet of 190 aircraft flying to more than 150 key business and leisure destinations across six continents.

Qatar Airways, the national carrier of the State of Qatar, is one of the fastest growing airlines operating one of the youngest fleets in the world. Now in its 19th year of operations, Qatar Airways has a modern fleet of 190 aircraft flying to more than 150 key business and leisure destinations across six continents.

A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was awarded World's Best Business Class, Best Business Class Airline Lounge, and Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East at the prestigious 2016 World Airline Awards managed by international air transport rating organisation Skytrax.

Qatar Airways is a member of the oneworld global alliance. The award-winning alliance was named the World’s Best Airline Alliance 2015 by Skytrax for the third year running. Qatar Airways was the first Gulf carrier to join global airline alliance, oneworld, enabling its passengers to benefit from more than 1,000 airports in more than 150 countries, with 14,250 daily departures.

For more information, please visit their website: Qatar Airways

Travel should be more than crossing attractions off a bucket list. It should be an opportunity to see some truly magnificent and unique parts of the world.

From a Japanese island that doubles as an active volcano to a neon green lake in New Zealand, Business Insider named 100 places deemed worthy of a trip of a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Here are a few of our favorites!

 

 

10. Journey to the edge of a cliff in the Faroe Islands to visit the remote village of Gásadalur and enjoy breathtaking views.

 

 

Living in country that’s less than 250 years old, it’s understandable that some Americans decided to import a little extra history from abroad. There is a faux-Venice in Las Vegas, a Stonehenge II in Texas, and a replica of the Athens Parthenon in Nashville, Tennessee.

 

Tennessee’s full-scale replica of the Parthenon was created in 1897 for the Centennial Exposition in Tennessee. The recreated ‘Parthenon’ served as the exposition’s art gallery and intended to amplify the city’s self-declared reputation as the ‘Athens of the South.’

 

Even though the Nashville ‘Parthenon’ was intended to be a temporary structure, by the time the fair ended, the unique structure had grown on the local population. Over the years the building underwent major restorations and still stands proud amidst a large public park.

 

Finally, in 1990 a 42-foot-tall replica of the statue of Athena was unveiled. While the replica appears opulent, concessions were made: The original was coated in over 2,400 pounds of gold leaf, whereas Nashville’s version boasts just eight pounds.

 

Despite intricate attention to detail, there are some major differences between the original Parthenon and the one in Tennessee. The Athens Parthenon, the most prominent landmark in Athens, is built on a hill and can only be approached from behind; the replica in Nashville is situated in a park and can be entered from the side or front. Also, each structure’s building materials differ significantly; the original was built from gleaming marble while the Nashville version is made of concrete.

 

Compared to the ancient ruins in Greece, the Nashville ‘Parthenon’ boasts a major historical detail: color. Along with other parts of the building, the massive Athena statue is painted in bright colors. It’s a bit odd-looking by contemporary standards, given that people are used to the inaccurate notion that ancient buildings and statues were dominated by a simple, unadorned white marble aesthetic. In fact, the ancient Greeks painted all of their statues and seeing them painted in bright colors is actually more historically accurate.

The summer is over, and fall is gradually making its presence with autumn showers and chilly evenings. Even though the memories of the warm Greek summer holidays are still fresh, there is something about the transition between seasons that invites us to explore unknown and remote destinations.

 

Visit these 5 great international destinations in October to take advantage of the affordable rates and thinner crowds, while being able to visit world-famous attractions in a more relaxed manner.

 

Visit Spain in October, and you are in great luck. In the fall, you'll be able to go chestnut picking, and wine tasting in Catalonia, surf in the Basque Country, or climb the Teide volcano. Compared to other European countries, Spain is warmer and drier in October, making it an excellent destination for an autumn retreat! Most probably, you'll even still be able to swim as waters are still warm in October.

 

Great Things To Do: Visit the Alhambra, and explore the cities of Seville and Barcelona

Ideal For: Honeymooners

 

 

Prague is one of the most exquisite destinations in Europe. Airfares are more affordable in October, there are many festivals and events happening around the city in the fall, and the temperature hasn't yet started to drop to its low winter grades. Furthermore, the traditional beers, local foods, and delicious pastries will definitely treat your taste buds too.

 

Great Things To Do: Walk on the Charles Bridge, visit Prague Castle, cruise Vltava River, and watch a Black Light Theater Performance

Ideal For: Families, friends, and couples

 

If you have the time and the budget for a more extended trip outside Europe, Canada is an excellent option. Packed with beautiful landscapes and amazing sites, Canada is one of the ideal holiday destinations in the world. Not only is Canada the second-largest country in the world, but it's also home to the breathtaking Niagara Falls and other incredible natural sites. With such a variety of places to visit, don't be surprised if you manage to explore snowy mountains, quaint port towns, and the Arctic Ocean on the same trip.

Great Things To Do: Go to Niagara Falls, visit a maple syrup farm, and explore Toronto's Sugar Beach
Ideal For: Families and honeymooners

 

 

 

Great Things To Do: Visit as many pubs as you can, discover Irish music, and take a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher

Ideal For: Young travelers and families

 

 

Greek locals probably haven't thought of October as a great time to explore our beautiful country.However, October is the best time to visit Greek islands like Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu, Crete, and Kefalonia. In October, the weather is still quite warm, the crowds are thinner, and travel costs can plummet by as much as 20%! From hiking beautiful island trails to bird watching, there are plenty of outdoor activities that you can pursue in Greece in the fall.




Great Things To Do: Climb Mount Olympus, watch the Santorini sunset in peace, or visit a year-round destination like Crete

Ideal For: Couples and families

 

Due to recent events, people around the world are spending more time inside their homes, so the need for a digital portal to the cultural world is more vital than ever. Did you ever imagine that you could explore some of the world's most astounding Museums from the comfort of your own home?

 

In fact, more and more museums are offering virtual tours and putting their collections online. Here are a few of our favorite virtual tours and exhibits and how to access them:

1. National Archaeological Museum of Athens

The National Archaeological Museum is the largest in Greece and one of the most important in the world. While it was initially designed to house findings from all the 19th-century excavations, it gradually took the form of the country's primary National Archaeological Museum. The Museum includes more than 11,000 exhibits, which offer visitors a panorama of ancient Greek culture from the beginning of prehistory to late antiquity.

Discover the collections of the National Archaeological Museum Here.

2. The Louvre Museum, Paris

The Louvre Museum in Paris is one of the most notable art Museums in the world; housing 35.000 works of Art in an exhibition area of 60.600 square meters. The museum's collection is divided into 8 departments: Egyptian Antiquities, Near Eastern Antiquities, Greek, Etruscan and Roman Antiquities, Islamic Art, Sculpture, Decorative Arts, Paintings, Prints and Drawings.

Click Here to visit the Louvre's exhibition rooms and galleries, online.

 

The Pinacoteca di Brera in Milan exhibits one of the most significant Italian art collections. The gallery is housed in the Brera Mansion along with the National Library, the Brera Observatory, the Botanical Garden, the Lombard Institute of Science and Literature, and the Academy of Fine Arts.

 

4. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

The Metropolitan Museum of Art showcases over 5,000 years of art from all over the world for everyone to experience and enjoy. Since its foundation in 1870, The Met has always aspired to be more than a treasury of rare and beautiful objects, but a place where art comes alive, revealing new ideas and unexpected connections across time and cultures.

 

To experience the museum's collection online, click Here.

5. The State Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg

The State Hermitage Museum is home to a collection of more than 3.000.000 artifacts. Founded in 1764 by Empress Catherine the Great, the museum is a beacon of culture and a treasury of significant works by artists like Renoir, Van Gogh, Leonardo da Vinci, Matisse, Kandinsky, and Picasso. Furthermore, the museum houses an extensive collection of jewelry and ancient artifacts from Greece, Rome, and Egypt.

Take a well designed virtual tour of this stunning museum Here.

6. The British Museum, London

The British Museum was founded in 1753 and first opened its doors in 1759. Since then, the museum has been driven by an insatiable curiosity for the world and a deep belief in objects as reliable witnesses and documents of human history. Take a tour of the Great Court and discover the ancient Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies.

Find hundreds of artifacts on the museum’s virtual tour Here.

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Few experiences herald the joys of summer living like eating and drinking outdoors, or dining al fresco as Italians call it, literally "in the open air."

But when you've lived through what has felt, at times, like an endless lockdown -- or indeed been unable to dine out at all, for up to a year -- then the thought of eating on sun-dappled terraces, elegant lawns, waterside promenades, or private balconies takes on whole new levels of excitement.

From the home of al fresco in Italy to the wilds of the UK's Lake District, cool metropolitan dining in Berlin and Dublin to ancient Greek vistas, these are some of the tables where we'd love to rock up this summer.

DaV Mare at Splendido Mare, Portofino (Italy)


@belmondsplendidomare

In the place that gave us the phrase al fresco, few dining vistas are as iconic or sought-after as those overlooking the waters of the Mediterranean. And when it comes to the waters of the Med, few destinations are as iconic as Portofino on the Ligurian Coast, a famously romantic fishing village with colorful houses.

It's also home to Splendido Mare, a Belmond Hotel that's just opened a new restaurant called DaV Mare in partnership with Italian culinary powerhouse Da Vittorio Group. Their open-air terrace overlooks gleaming yachts in Portofino harbor, while the menu features fabulous local seafood, signature pasta and inventive dishes like risotto with pesto and shrimp from Santa Margherita Ligure just along the coast.

Amanzoe, Kranidi (Greece)


@amanzoe

Unquestionably Mediterranean in both feel and location, Greece's Peloponnese is a famed peninsula southwest of Athens. On the east coast sits an ultra-luxury resort, Amanzoe, which overlooks olive groves and the shimmering blues of the Aegean Sea.

Their restaurant specializes in ethically sourced seafood, with one highlight being the catch of the day -- such as freshly caught bass, bream or grouper -- that is cooked in salt dough and cracked open. Local lamb and pork also feature, as do wood-fired pizzas and delicious local desserts for those with a sweet tooth. Once again though, it's all about those views, encompassing UNESCO-protected ancient ruins, fragrant gardens, and speedboats zipping between the islands off the coast.

@hotelalfonsoxiii

At first glance, you'd be forgiven for thinking that Hotel Alfonso XIII in the charming Spanish city of Seville was a centuries-old Spanish palace. In fact, the ornately decorated property only dates from 1929, but the past 90 years or so have seen it welcome countless dignitaries and celebrities, enchanted by its romantic architecture that's typical of Andalusia.

Nowhere is that more visible than in their stunning Patio, a sizable outdoor terrace where beautiful, intricately decorated Moorish tilework, a fountain, colonnades and more make it the place to be seen -- and increasingly an Instagrammer's dream. Irishman Brian Deegan oversees the menu, where wild sea bass with pumpkin and vanilla risotto, or truffled beef with pork belly and potato are just some of the decadent creations on offer.

Sky Bar by Seen, Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Hotel, Lisbon


@tivoliavenidaliberdade

Portugal's capital seems to go from strength to strength and has firmly cemented itself as one of Europe's coolest cities to visit. That's thanks in part to additions to its rich cultural history, such as Sky Bar at the Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Hotel, which itself dates from 1933.

The Arrábida Mountains, Lisbon's botanical gardens, and the imposing Castelo de Sāo Jorge are some of the landmarks to look for, but it's the views over the city's hills and down the length of Avenida de Liberdade towards the Tagus river that really set Sky Bar apart. The cosmopolitan vibe comes from a mix of glamorous locals and visitors enjoying drinks and small plates such as lamb croquettes, ceviche of fish, and lobster buns to accompany their carefully crafted cocktails.

La Terrasse, Cheval Blanc, St Tropez (France)


@chevalblancsttropez

The Mediterranean is at its sparkling finest along France's famed Cote d'Azur and one of the top places to enjoy it comes from La Terrasse at Cheval Blanc, St Tropez. Dazzling views come from underneath the shade of pine trees, which are hundreds of years old, looking over the beach and towards the water. Fifty shades of blue, as it were.

La Terrasse is open from breakfast throughout the day, with all of chef Arnaud Donckele's menus celebrating produce grown under the Provence sun. Whether it's indulgent long lunches fueled by a bottle or two of Rosé, or perfect summer dinner plates like a chilled soup of tomatoes, strawberries, and watermelon with burrata and Corsican Ham, La Terrasse perfectly distills the chic essence of the legendary coastline.

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

Main image: @amanzoe