Coffee & tea

Glykis cafe is located in Plaka – the most touristic area of Athens. But what makes it not so commercial is that is hidden at a corner of two small roads. It is one of the most quiet and relaxed places all over the city. It can be a small urban jungle as there are plants and flowers around. Take a look also at its drawings that refer to traditional myths – like the mermaid that swims across the oceans.

I like it at lunch time. Their pies (cheese, spinach, etc.) are really tasteful. You can also taste “saganaki” – baked cheese or ask for a “poikilia”(like spanish tapas). And if you are in a mood for something sweet do not miss “ipovrixio vanilia” -a great candy that is ideal when you are really thirsty.

Plaka can be an interesting great neighborhood especially if you avoid the touristic traps and discover its secrets just by wandering around.

The only reason travellers – even the residents of Athens – visit Piraeus is to take a boat and travel to the islands. But as I grew up at Piraeus I really love its special neighborhoods and mostly its open air flea market! Located really close to the central station it is worth a visit.

Multi culti meets exotism! Everything can be found there, from snails to exotic fish that are imported from Iceland. You can find all cds – or even tapes! – at its record shops. You can also enjoy a lunch at its restaurants – that mostly serve great meals with meat and then take a look at exotic fruits and vegetables. Ideal time: a Saturday morning.

The best way to end your walk at this flea market is to visit the port of Piraeus that stands opposite the market. There are some nice “kafeneia”(the greek style of a cafe) inside that you can enjoy a glass of ouzo while gazing the huge boats that are ready to sail.

And you never know! Maybe you will decide to book a last minute trip a beautiful island around. Why don’t you check an on day excursion to Argosaronic islands – Aegina, Poro, Hydra or Spetses? It takes from 30 minutes to 3 hours. You can just take a boat in the morning and come back at night. My favorite one is Hydra! Really scenic, really beautiful, really aristocratic.

Lacandona is an area of rainforest which stretches from Chiapas, Mexico into Guatemala and into the southern part of the Yucatán Peninsula. But if this Lacandona is a bit far away for you, why don’t you visit our Lacandona? And what is all this about?

Lacandona is a  cafe – grocery located in the center of the city. Its main characteristic is that all the products are based on the fair trade market. This means that the products are bought directly from the producers, making for better trading conditions and promoting sustainability.

You can buy traditional products from Greece but also products from Latin America Asia and Africa. Biscuits from Kythira island, tea and chamomile from the mountains, merenda from Mexico (this is my favorite one ) but also handmade soaps and African musical instruments. But as it is a cafe also you can enjoy a double espresso from Ethiopia, a fresh pomegranate juice and many more tasteful things !

Although it is 5 minutes on foot from Syntagma metro station it is a bit complicated to find it – just check our map and you will discover our secret  colourful place.

A small classy bistro located in the most controversial neighborhood of Athens. You should definitely give it a try and enjoy excellent coffee, wine or liqueur from a wide variety accompanied with delicious snacks. First of all, as a coffee addict, I love it for the quality of coffee they serve and then for the great atmosphere that is created from the retro style and the jazz sounds. Aleksadrino combines excellent quality with reasonable prices, inside that scenery inspired by French movies of the 30′s.

However you should be prepared! Most of the time is crowded and is difficult to find a place to sit. Even if that happened to you there are many other nice bars and restaurants just next to it.

I highly recommend this place for any occasion and at any time of the day or night. All that cozy, Paris, jazz feeling that this place provides will make you feel like belonging in another era!

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.