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Greece : Athens - June 2009

Country Code: Dial for Greece

With sandy beaches, sailing facilities, open-air restaurants and the Athens & Epidaurus Festival (greekfestival.gr) on all month, Athens in June has it all. Maria Kagkelidou has a few tips to make the most of it

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).

ZAPPEION

During the hot summer months, the Zappeion and the surrounding National Gardens serve as a cool oasis for Athenians looking for rest and relaxation.

Sleep soundly – The Athens Gate Hotel (10 Syngrou Avenue, 3, athensgate.gr, rooms from €125) is centrally located, simply decorated, offers all the modern comforts and, to top it all, most rooms have amazing views over the Zappeion, the Temple of Olympian Zeus or the Acropolis. If you’re on a tighter budget, head for Acropolis Museum Boutique Hotel (48 Syngrou Avenue, , acropolismuseumhotel. com, rooms from €85).

Culture vultures – Feel dwarfed by the ruins of the Temple of Olympian Zeus just across the street. Check for festival events taking place at the ancient open-air Odeon of Herodes Atticus (Dionysiou Areopagitou Street) or catch the latest films at Aigli openair cinema in the grounds of Zappeion.

Must drink – The National Gardens’ simple coffee shop serves a variety of coffees, teas and juices until late afternoon. Aigli’s bar also serves drinks and snacks until late.

AIOLOU

Lined with affordable shops and overlooked by the Acropolis, this ancient – and for the most part pedestrianised – road takes you from touristy Plaka to the city’s busy heart, Omonia Square. It has recently been discovered by international high street retailers, such as H&M, but retains its quirky aura.

Must drink – Magaze (33 Aiolou Street) is one of the city’s coolest bars and stays open until late. If you’re after Acropolis views without the crowds, try the roof café at Notos Home Galleries (5 Kratinou, Kotzia Square).

Shop til you drop – Pick up affordable clothes and accessories at Greek department store Notos Galleries (99 Aiolou Street).

PIRAEUS

An ancient port and gateway to the Greek islands, Piraeus is littered with listed buildings but is often overlooked by visitors.

Must eat – The beachfront restaurant at Piraeus Sailing Club (Mikrolimano Coast, ) is posh, pricey and serves a variety of fish dishes. Trehantiria (52 Koumoundourou Coast, ) is a family-run taverna serving great fish.

Shop til you drop – For gentlemen’s clothing, accessories, cigars and wines, head to Premium Store (110 Grigoriou Lambraki & Vas. Georgiou A’) in a listed building in the heart of Piraeus. You can also get a shave, a haircut, dinner and drinks here. The family can get kitted out at Replay next door

GLYFADA

This affluent suburb is right by the beach and just a tram ride away from the city centre.

Sleep soundly – Hotel London (38 Poseidonos Avenue, , londonhotelathens.com, rooms from €65) is a great bargain as it stands just a few metres away from the beach and many of its recently renovated rooms have great sea views. The luxurious but minimal Brasil Suites (4 Eleftherias Street, 6, brasilhotel.gr, rooms from €160) is located in a quiet yet central part of Glyfada.

Must eat – Nikolas tis Schoinousas (Chr. Nezer & Themistokleous Streets, ) does spanking fresh fish. Simply Burgers (187 Dimitriou Gounari, ) serves a great selection of burgers until late. Ladofanaro (68b Archipelagous, ) stages live Greek music and serves good meze.

Dance the night away – Open-air club Akrotiri (B5 Vassileos Georgiou Street) is right by the sea and an Athenian summer favourite. Discover how Greeks enjoy themselves at the legendary bouzoukia (music halls where people play the bouzouki and, up until a few years ago, smashed plates) at Thea (3 Poseidonos Avenue), where rising star Thanos Petrelis is performing all summer.

Compiled by Maria Kagkelidou