Take the tram and get off at “Parko Flisvou” station. Or even better, stroll the promenade from as far as you can (Alimos, Edem, Batis are all within walking distance from the park) till you reach the Marina.

The way this Marina has been transformed over the last few years is something else! Let’s not even begin to mention what it used to be like… But nowadays? Oh now it’s like a playground for grown-up kids (and the real ones as well!).

- Yes; it is a bit Disney-like- Can also seem a bit corny to the Greek standards- You might as well encounter yacht-owner faces that won’t necessarily make your day . But if I must be honest, I reeeeally do enjoy visiting as often as I can!

Kids riding their bikes, teenagers roller-skating, adults wandering around with an ice-cream cone or a corn stick at hand…

The place has had a full facelift, having being converted into a picturesque, pedestrian, island-like haven. I don’t feel like I actually am within a noisy city! Attentively decorated gardens, low-rise buildings with red tiled roofs, cheerful colours… Where am I? To hell with the commercialization! I love this place!

And at night… the view is truly majestic when everything is lit up as far as the eye can see! Take your friends and a couple of beers and pop to the breakwater located right behind the Ciné Flisvos! Not Disney-like anymore, huh?

There are often various happenings taking place; even outdoor ice-skating every now and then.

A small suburban neighbourhood called Pefki, in the northern part of the town, hosts “Forma”, one of the funkiest shops selling pashminas and all sorts of scarfs, in every fabric, texture & colour scheme imaginable.

The shop does not specialize in these items only, as there’s a big variety of purses, belts, wallets, shoes, umbrellas, even slippers to choose from; with pashminas & scarfs definitely being my favourite ones in there, especially for wintertime! They also stock a great selection of woolie hats, leather or fleece gloves and mittens, too.

For the summertime, they bring out a great collection of beach bags & beach footwear.

It’s a good 20-minute bus ride from downtown Athens, but without a doubt totally worth it for some exceptional shopping on a budget. Just a 5-minute walk from close by “Maroussi” train station (green line 1). Check it out!

Hand-made jewels in bazaar prices!

Visit Alkae’s workshop in Paleo Faliro (Southern Suburbs) after calling (+302109825154 or +306944906463) or emailing them at pauranie@otenet.gr and choose among handmade leather accessories, jewellery or even ancient Greek-style sandals decorated with crystals, semi-precious stones, corals and numerous other ornaments that set them apart from anything you’ve ever put on before!

You can pick a ready-made product or create your own neckless, earings, ballerina flats, wedges, flip-flops or sandals by choosing your favourite leather, beads, stones, lace, ribbons, even feathers or any other material that inspires you.

The workshop is 2 minutes from the beach so you can combine your visit with a nice swim.

If you’re planning to get married in Greece, they undertake the design of your wedding day, organizing the whole event and creating an amazing setting both for the ceremony and party or wedding reception; either in Athens or one of the astonishing Greek islands.

World-famous gallery holder Larry Gagosian, after having established numerous galleries of Modern and Contemporary Art in the United States, as well as Europe and Asia, recently inaugurated his very first gallery in Athens.

The exhibition I visited in December 2009 (as per the picture above) was “Leaving Paphos Ringed with Waves” by Cy Twombly, an American artist who is well known for his “painterly abstraction” but starting April 27th until June 9th, 2012 the gallery will be hosting another incredibly interesting exhibition by the same artist, called The Last Paintings.

Being just steps away from Syntagma (Constitution) Square and the Parliament, it can be a refreshing break from one’s strolling around the city. For more details visit their website.

You know… there’s quite a few people I know who might tell me off for giving away this “secret” spot to you. It once used to be our favorite little beach, away from the squeezing crowds. It’s not exactly that anymore; at least not throughout the whole summer. I would say it’s more of a common secret nowadays. Yet, it remains a dearly loved spot!

An awesome sandy beach, with deep blue crystal clean waters, formed by two naturally curved coves. The left part is the one in the pic. and the right one is the nudist beach! The choice is yours. Personally, I opt for the flat, rounded rocks in between. Not much space to move around but a great opportunity for small dives and the much sought-after privacy that both two beaches often lack.

To me, this rocky spot between the two already well-known beaches is the true secret I’m giving away. So just to keep things in order, if by any chance I get there after you do, and you’ve already “occupied” my spot, I would expect you to immediately pack up your towels and allow it back to me ))

See bus schedules & map. Take bus to Sounio or Lavrio. Get off before Legrena and expect to walk at least 10 minutes on a rough dirt road (non-asphalt). Either carry supplies – cold water, snacks etc.- with you or remember to get them before you go down the steps, from the nearby canteen.