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Greece : Athens - January 2010

Country Code: Dial for Greece

Although January can be chilly in Athens, even with its generally mild climate, you might still be a little surprised to find one ice rink in the Attica region, let alone several. But thanks to the wonders of modern technology, ice rinks have been popping up for the skilled and not so skilled to enjoy. Athina Vorilla gets her (ahem!) skates on and does some exploring

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).

METAXOURGIOU

This up-and-coming area (with its own metro station) has been compared by many to New York’s famed meatpacking district. Its trendy lofts and warehouses turned bars and restaurants are the main attractions.

Culture vultures – The Benaki Museum of Islamic Art (22 Agion Asomaton and 12 Dipylou) has a collection that is one of the world’s finest. Over 8,000 works of art depict the evolution of Islamic civilisation up to the 19th century.

Must eat – In a restaurant with a name inspired by a 1960s French film, George Iliou, the chef/owner of Polly Maggoo (80 Leonidou Street, ), prepares Mediterranean dishes with French flair and ingredients. The place has an impressive wine list, as well as a cosy atmosphere.

Must drink – Nixon (61b Agisilaou) continues to be the popular yuppie hangout for those who appreciate a good mojito, Bloody Mary, and the film festival which is often housed in the bar’s cinema annexe.

GLYFADA

The American air base that was housed here in the 80s left its mark with a lingering population of ex-pats. But visit the cafés on any day or night, and it’s unmistakably Athenian, with good-looking twenty and thirtysomethings everywhere.

Sleep soundly – Savvy businessmen choose one of the 28 Blazer Suites (1 Karamanli Avenue, , blazersuites.gr, rooms from €140). Good-value luxury.

Culture vultures – Glyfada Golf Course (Terma Pronois), opened in 1966, is the only golf course to be found in Athens.

Must eat – Italian journalists in the know go for the pasta, pizza and risotto at Peccati di Gola (50 Kyprou Street, ).

Must drink – Molly Malone’s (8 Yiannitsopoulo) is an Irish pub/sports bar, complete with TV screens, jolly fans and a good selection of brews on tap.

PALEO FALIRO

This is the beginning of the Athenian Riviera. Take the tram to the Trocadero stop, go right to Flisvos Marina and embark on some of the most impressive mega-yacht viewing this side of the Mediterranean.

Sleep soundly – For a uniquely cosmopolitan experience, get a good night’s rest at the Metropolitan (385 Syngrou Avenue, , chandris.gr, rooms from €110).

Culture vultures – If you are lucky enough, you might still catch the ONICE.gr Frozen Lake (Flisvos Marina) ice-skating rink that has been a holiday and winter centrepiece at the marina each year since 2007.

Must eat – TGI Friday’s (Pier One, Flisvos Marina, ), to be found in the Pier One gastronomic complex, is a cut above your average burger haunt. Plus, it has a spectacular view of the Saronic Gulf.

Must drink – Just steps away is Due Cavalieri (Flisvos Marina). Have Costa the mixologist create your own personal cocktail, using your favourite tipples.

Dance the night away – Discotheque Boom Boom (363 Eleftheriou Venizelou and 4 Daphnes), in the nearby district of Kallithea, is close enough for those who want to boogie like Travolta.

MAROUSI

M must stand for “Malls to check out in Marousi”. This is shoppers’ paradise.

Culture vultures – The Yannis Tsarouchis Foundation Museum (28 Ploutarchou Street) is based in the home of the well-known Piraeus-born artist who died in 1989. The collection includes paintings, drawings and set designs.

Must eat – Vasili Kallidi’s Aneton (19 Stratigou Lekka, ) made the 2008 Food & Wine Go List. What they loved? “The moussaka served in a 1960s coffee cup.”

Shop til you drop – Golden Hall (37a Kifisias Avenue) is the smaller, higher-end version of big sister The Mall Athens (35 Andrea Papandreou Street, Neratziotissa metro station). Both offer fine and casual dining, shopping and parking. The latter also houses Village Cinemas.

Compiled by Athina Vorilla