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Greece : Athens - May 2010

Country Code: Dial for Greece

Spring is already in full swing by the time May arrives in Athens, which could be why there are such bountiful flower shows in full bloom across the city. This month also brings Mother’s Day and the highly celebrated Labour Day, when many city residents flock to the countryside for picnics and kite-flying. But May’s arrival is best heralded by the city’s many jazz, dance, art, flora and fauna festivals. Athina Vorilla has a skip in her step

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).

KIFISSIA

It’s not surprising that this plush green northern Athenian suburb has been home to one of the finest flower shows in the Balkans – and some would say Europe – since its inception in the 1930s. The municipal organisers are well-travelled horticulturists, and it shows.

Sleep soundly – Affordable luxury accommodation and destination dining with the signature style of cutting-edge designer Karim Rashid can be enjoyed at the Semiramis Hotel (48 Charilaou Trikoupi Street, , semiramisathens.com, rooms from €190).

Culture vultures – The Alsos park, just behind the Kifissia railway station, is the perfect setting for the 56th annual Kifissia in Bloom flower show, which takes place until 16 May.

Must eat – Salumaio di Atene (3 Panagitsas Street, ) is a charming eat-in Italian deli/trattoria that serves both traditional and contemporary dishes.

Must drink – After the flower show, go across the street and you’ll suddenly find yourself in… Mykonos. Well, not really, but you might as well be when you have a drink or coffee at Menta (8 Agion Theodoron Street).

CITY CENTRE

‘Centre’ is an umbrella term for the many districts making up the hub of Athens, each one possessing a range of interesting art galleries, museums and places to eat and drink. So put on comfortable shoes and explore the past and the present all in one day.

Sleep soundly – O&B Athens Boutique Hotel (7 Leokoriou Street, , oandbhotel.com, rooms from €150) offers chic and comfy urban sophistication and is situated close to both ancient sites and the burgeoning nightlife of Psiri.

Culture vultures – Now in its 10th year, Athens’ European Jazz Festival (Technopolis, 100 Pireos Street) runs from 25-29 May and presents some of the greatest genres and biggest names in the business.

Must eat – At Kuzina (9 Adrianou Street, ) you can choose between dining on the roof terrace or having a cocktail at the endless wooden bar downstairs.

Must drink – Athenian jet-setters claim the Lightroom Gallery (65 Evripidou Street) with its café/bar as the city’s coolest place for a drink.

Shop til you drop – For traditional yet chic souvenirs, try Olive-Tree Shop (65 and 82 Adrianou Street) for the obvious and Kedima (74 Lefkosias Street) for a modern take on embroidery.

ATHENIAN RIVIERA

A series of coastline neighbourhoods (Paleo Faliro, Alimos, Kalamaki, Agios Kosmas and Elliniko) that unofficially begins at Flisvos Marina in Paleo Faliro, this area offers several dining and nightlife options – some glitzier than others, but all satisfying.

Culture vultures – Take the tram and visit the Faliro Pavilion (Faliro Bay Complex, tram stop Delta Falirou) – this former Olympic tae kwon do Stadium is the venue of choice for the annual Art Athina International Contemporary Art Fair (13-16 May, art-athina.gr), where hundreds of artists exhibiting their work.

Must eat – The authentic Cretan cuisine of Tzougri (53-55 Thoukididou Street, ), in the seaside district of Kalamaki, takes your senses straight to the island. Alternatively, try Breeze Pasta & Pizza (Flisvos Marina, ) for everyday Italian with a “rich and famous” view.

Must drink – Skippers and Ostria Café at Alimos Marina (tram stop Edem) are more casual, while Cruiser at Flisvos Marina (tram stop Trocadero, Palaio Faliro) is both casual and cosmo.

Dance the night away – Buddha Club (Diadochou Pavlou) is the place to go for an all-night dance. This club has a resort feel and has maintained a fun image with its Olympic sized seaside pool.

Compiled by Athina Vorilla