ATHENS AT A GLANCE
Athens is protected by hills, and even within the city there are about 12 hills offering scenic views of the surroundings. When the capital of Greece was moved to Athens from Nafplio, city planners were hired to construct a new city next to the ancient ruins and the result is an attractive metropolis dappled with public buildings, large city squares, green spaces and grand neoclassical homes.
But there are no skyscrapers in Athens, they have a law banning high buildings. Acropolis should be the highest structure in Athens and since Greece is prone to earthquakes, this law will also prevent further destruction in the city.
Athens is massive, but don’t fret as it is quite easy to get around here, and most of the top tourist attractions included in this Athens itinerary are concentrated in a small area within the city center.
I am going to spend 10 days with my best friend and her fiancé, they will take me to some of the best restaurants in Athens. After going to Athens a few years ago for just 4 days, I really need to prepare myself for all the food!
... I will update during/after my trip...
So, I'm back again...
My wonderful friends Nihal and Illias live in a leafy, chilled out, coastal suburb in southern Athens called Glyfada. The area stretches from the foot of the Hymettus mountain to the Saronic Gulf. It is the largest of Athens' southern suburbs. Illias's place is located just a few minutes walk from the metro so it was pretty easy to get anywhere we wanted.
When I first landed in Athens the adventure began. We went straight to a restaurant to have dinner. The next day we went to a beach bar in Glyfada called Balux (Β58, Vasileos Konstantinou, Glyfada 166 74, Greece), where I had the best cocktail made with mastiha essence.
As I mentioned earlier, I came to Athens a couple of years ago, and I visited the most iconic places such as the Acropolis. This time I wanted to see the places where locals go and as Nihal has explored Athens more than the average local and she took me most amazing places!
We went to the oldest taverna in Athens, Diporto. Which is ran by a very traditional old Greek man. He cooks fresh food daily and you pretty much get what you're given, so don't expect any menus! It tastes so fresh! Just like from my grandma's kitchen in Cyprus. He makes his own wine and you should have a glass with your food! If you want to eat like a local you should definitely visit (Diporto, Sokratous 9 &, Theatrou, Athina 105 52, Greece).
I wanted to go somewhere with a panoramic view of the city, so Nihal took me to A For Athens. You can see the whole of Athens! Such an amazing view!
I hadn't been to Roman Angora before so I deiced to visit there whilst I was in Athens. We went there during the sunset and I took great photos with afternoon sun light.
The Acropolis when I went to Athens, 2017.
The next day we decided to go to the marina in Palaio Faliro. It has the most expensive yachts. For lunch we went to a restaurant/bar called Living. Where I had my usual Mastiha water ! I am so obsessed with that sparkling water I even took a few bottles home in my suitcase.
For dinner the next day we went to Ellinikon which is my favourite restaurant! I'm sure the food is made in heaven. We ordered our usual Greek salad and lots of other Meze plates. In Greek tavernas they normally bring you a complimentary dessert which is amazing! in Ellinikon they bring Portokalopita (Orange Pie) which is very similar to Revani but with orange syrup. I love that dessert it's just amazing.
For coffee I advise you to go to Charlie Espresso Bar, Fivis 11, Glyfada 166 74, Greece. You can have the best cappuccino freddo.
On our last day we decided to go to Karamanlidika, (Sokratous 1, Athina 105 52, Greece). They have the best pastirma and sucuk. The best thing about this restaurant is, for the complimentary dessert, they bring you greek yoghurt with a dollop of carrot jam on top. it's incredible! You can not find this jam anywhere, it is kind of unique to that restaurant!
Last thing, if you suffer any pain because of too much eating this amazing food or any other health conditions you should visit Grammatikaki Pharmacy, (Themistokleous 29, Glyfada 166 74, Greece). Illias will be very helpful if you need anything.
I would like to say Ευχαριστώ πολύ to Ilias and Nihal for their hospitality!