Rediscover our southern neighbor with a focus on eternal Athens and irresistible Mykonos. We hope this will inspire you to start planning your own base much nearer, to use as a starting point for exploration journeys throughout Greece – with the special selection of offers from our partners at the real estate agency Engel & Völkers
More than thirty million tourists a year cannot be wrong: as well as being the birthplace of democracy, theatre, ouzo and the Olympics, Greece remains a hell of an attractive destination not only for a long weekend any time of the year or island holidays just a ferry away, but also for a pragmatic real estate investment. The combination of remarkable scenery (equidistant endless beaches and challenging mountains), fantastic cuisine, millennia of history, over four thousand national dances and 120 million olive trees make Hellas our better nearby neighbour.
Focus on: Athens
Athens has it all. One of the oldest cities in the world is chock full of picturesque ruins, amazing restaurants, waterfront galleries and bars, culture and hiking trails. After a decade of stagnation and financial crises, Athens is reinventing itself as a dynamic place with a first-class gourmet scene, boutique hotels, artistic neighborhoods, constant sunshine, a frenetic clash between chaos and modernity and a rebellious spirit. Whether you wander the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the National Garden and the rest of the sights, or immerse yourself in the old factories converted into galleries and the promenades of cafes along the coast, Athens is the right place for everything and everyone.
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WHAT TO DO IN ATHENS?
1. Visit the cultural center of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation
Architect Renzo Piano's phenomenal glass building is home to the National Opera and the National Library and expands the city's cultural landscape with a dynamic program of (often free) events.
2. Climb Lykavitos
One of the highest hills in Athens, it also boasts probably the best panoramic view of the city.
3. Experience outdoor cinema
Leave the soulless multiplexes behind in favour of small arthouse movies under the moonlight in one of the city's dozens of summer (retro) cinemas - tucked away in various parks, terraces and open air spaces in all the neighborhoods of Athens. Our favorite is “Cine Thisio”, for its breathtaking view of the Acropolis and bohemian spirit.
4. Tour the galleries of Piraeus
The city port of Athens is slowly but surely transforming into an artistic center with influential galleries such as "Rodeo", "The Intermission" and "Carwan" - without forgetting its working-class roots: from the covered bazaars to the fish taverns.
Focus on: Mykonos
As part of the Cyclades, probably the most famous and beautiful island group in the Aegean Sea, Mykonos has the reputation of being a lively spot for luxury entertainment in popular beach bars, clubs and prestigious restaurants, but it is actually much more: a picturesque destination with traditional architecture in white and blue, neat villages and galleries. The “Island of the Winds” has two faces: it is both a cosmopolitan and engaging destination but also a truly beautiful and enchanting place with cobbled streets, white houses, hundreds of chapels, churches and mills which soothe the eye and mind on the way to the next gastronomical experience. Mykonos is a special place because it can please everyone: enthusiasts who explore the archaeological sites of the nearby island of Delos; those wishing to get to know the local customs up close and personal; and those who (just) want the best beaches.
WHAT TO DO ON MYKONOS?
1. Ditch the car
Rent a scooter or ATV and ride around the capital Chora, stop at the Archaeological Museum and the impressive houses of Little Venice, have a bite in a traditional taverna in the town square in Ano Mera, see the iconostasis at the Panagia Turliani Monastery and finish your trip at the beautiful beach Paraga near Psaru.
2. Check the "Cavo Paradiso" program
Mykonos' most famous club under the stars hosts many of the stars of modern electronic music.
3. Windsurf on Calafati
This idyllic beach is one of the top three places to wrestle or dance with the elements – you are on the island of the winds, after all, so why not make the best of it?
4. Visit the farms, dairies and wineries
Behind the white walls and luxury of Mykonos hides an authentic world with a variety of offers for culinary courses, meetings with dairy farmers and natural wine producers, beekeepers and much more.
This is just a part of the many interesting articles in our magazine. If you wish, visit us at G.S. Rakovski 96 to get our summer issue.
