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Greece : Athens - February 2009

Country Code: Dial for Greece

During February, life in the Greek capital revolves around the ancient tradition of carnival. From 8 February this year, and for the next three weeks, Athenians in fancy dress will be celebrating. Maria Kagkelidou explores three of the best streets to head for

Getting around

The nearest airport is Athens International Airport, 33km southeast of the city.

Bus: Six express bus routes serve Athens and Piraeus. Buses leave from arrivals. Tickets cost €3,20 and are valid for 24 hours on all public transport.
Taxi: You can pick up taxis from exit 3 at arrivals. A journey to the city centre costs from €25 to €36, and takes about 30 minutes.
Tourist information: The main office is at 26 Amalias (tel. , gnto.gr).

VASSILISSIS SOFIAS AVE

Setting off from Athens’ heart, Syntagma Square, this upmarket thoroughfare is lined with handsome hotels, museums, galleries and apartment blocks.

Sleep soundly – Enjoy fantastic Acropolis views from the Athens Hilton. Or opt for the cosier and much cheaper Alexandros Hotel

Culture vultures – Catch Greek folk song legend Domna Samiou’ performing at the lush Athens Concert Hall (Vas Sofias & Kokkali St) on 24 and 25 February. Until 22 February, the B&M Theocharakis Foundation (9 Vas Sofias) is hosting The Eras of the Moderns. From Monet to Yves Klein exhibition. It showcases the work of 51 major artists.

Dance the night away – The Athens Tower (2 Mesogeion Avenue and Vas Sofias) is a new club-cum-restaurant in the city’s tallest building. Long-standing Athenian favourite Sui Generis (7 Ventiri & 6 Hatzigianni Mexi) is just off the Avenue next to the Hilton.

HARITOS

This narrow, windy street in Athens’ poshest neighborhood, Kolonaki, is the ideal place to buy a Valentine gift.

Sleep soundly – The St George Lycabettus Hotel has stylish rooms done out in cool neutrals and polished woods. Try to bag the Acropolis Suite, which comes with fantastic views.

Dance the night away – Don full carnival attire rented from Sofia Konta’s Magepste (26-28 Spefsippou), just a few steps up from Haritos, then head straight to Plus X (37 Patriarchou Ioakim).

SARRI STREET, PSIRRI

Psirri’s network of narrow alleyways – practically closed off to night traffic – is the ideal carnival destination. There are countless places to party.

Must eat – Rub shoulders with the Athenian elite at Ratka (30-32 Haritos, ). Q (43 Haritos, ), just a few metres down the road, has a shorter menu. Food here is less expensive but still tasty.

PLATEIA KARYTSI

Centrally located but tucked away from the main avenues, this square is a fashionable, relaxed place to hang out.

Compiled by Maria Kagkelidou