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Greece : Athens - March 2010

Country Code: Dial for Greece

This month, head along the coast to take a dip with one of the many ‘polar bears’ – an affectionate term for locals who like to take a swim in the cold seas. Or for something a little less bracing, bundle up for a brisk walk along the beach. There’s always a spring in an Athenian’s step as the weather starts to improve, so Athina Vorillas lets the Attica sunshine be her guide

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).

KOLONAKI

Definitely the smartest place to head for shopping while you’re in town. Greek design houses are located around the main square, while chic boutiques can be found on Anagnostopoulou, Skoufa, Tsakalof, Patriarchou Ioakim and Haritos streets. International chains and luxury jewellery shops, meanwhile, line Voukourestiou Street.

Sleep soundly – A stylish lounge bar/ restaurant is a recent addition to Periscope (22 Haritos Street, , periscope.gr, rooms from €150), a popular, minimalistic boutique hotel with 22 rooms – among them four junior suites and a penthouse.

Culture vultures – The Museum of Cycladic Art (4 Neofitou Douka) is a gem with a consistently impressive roster of exhibits. Running until 5 April, the Eros: From Hesiod’s Theogony to Late Antiquity display features around 270 artifacts from 50 museums in Greece, Cyprus, Italy and France.

Must eat – A Kolonaki experience wouldn’t be complete without some post-shopping sushi at Central (14 Filikis Etaireias Square, ).

Must drink – Atop the St George Lycabettus Hotel, La Suite Lounge (2 Kleomenous) offers a breathtaking view of Athens. The experience of looking out at the Acropolis while sitting amongst a backdrop of pop art décor with a beat to match is a unique one.

PAGRATI

Officially part of the municipality of Athens, this area combines proximity to the centre with a more neighbourly feel. Often the hangout of choice for chic youngsters, it was home to the late, great composer Manos Hatzidakis.

Culture vultures – The National Gallery (1 Michalakopoulou & 50 Vas. Konstantinou) never fails to impress. Running from mid-March until September 2010 is a look at the work of one of Athens’ most significant architects, Ernst Ziller (1837-1923).

Must eat – Head to the two Michelinstarred Spondi (5 Pirronos, ) to splurge on French-inspired cuisine. A less expensive alternative is Meta’s Restaurant & Bar (1-3 Frynis, ), which serves dishes inspired by recipes passed down from Metaxia’s family – hence the name.

Must drink – Café Alavastron (78 Damareos) features live contemporary jazz, pop and soul for those who appreciate fine and upcoming talent.

PIREAUS

The port town of Pireaus, one of the world’s major shipping hubs, boasts two additional and more picturesque ports: Microlimano and Zea Marina (aka Pasalimani). Both offer endless dining options, from fresh giant shrimps to burgers and Italian specialities.

Culture vultures – The Hellenic Maritime Museum (Akti Themistokleous) houses an impressive collection of photographs, paintings and model ships.

Must eat – Friendly service (ask for Spiro), good food and a good price are to be had at ouzeri Imerovigli (56 Akti Themistokleous, ).

Must drink – Take the coastal road to the end of Akti Microlimano and head to Istioploikos for a never-ending bar and 360˚ views of blue sea.

Shop til you drop – The Sunday flea market that crosses Mavromihalis and Dragatsaniou streets is a Pireaus staple.

METS & KOUKAKI

These two districts aren’t as famous as their neighbours, yet they feature some of Athens’ finest restaurants, with great views of the Acropolis.

Sleep soundly – The Athenian Callirhoe Exclusive Hotel (32 Kallirois Avenue & Petmeza, , tac.gr, rooms from €87) is a good option, with comfortable rooms and business amenities.

Culture vultures – The Athens Centre (48 Archimidous Street) offers Greek language classes, poetry classes and workshops for the erudite traveller.

Must eat – Cosy Edodi (80 Veikou, ), with fewer than 10 tables, is for softly-spoken romantics with adventurous palates.

Compiled by Athina Vorillas