Relaxing

Located between Monastiraki and Omonoia metro station at Athinas street. Varkvakeios market is the most important market of the city. You can buy meat, fish, cheese, herbs, fruits, vegetables, second hand furniture, books and clothes. But most of all you will take a look at what a normal day looks like in this capital.

I always enjoy tasting olives there and taking the final decision of what to but after tasting kilos of them! I love its vibe that is really lively. Everything is mixed there. Pet shops, shops that sell very kitch things, bars, hotels, Arab supermarkets. And also galleries. Check the “Art tower” gallery that is located at the square of Varvakeios agora.

If you are interested in flea markets do not miss a walk at Varvakeios

P.S. It is better to make this walk during the day. You must not visit this area late at night as the neighborhood around starts to get rough when it is getting darker.

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.

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.

This whole area on the northern part of Thiseio (between Monastiraki and Omonoia Square) seems like the film set of “A touch of Spice” (or Politiki Kouzina in Greek).

It is full of small traditional spice shops with a selection of rare herbs, seeds and spices literally decorating the streets as they are hanging in the entrances of the shops or even outside of them.

A walk down Evripidou street, therefore, is like a virtual tour to a brighter, more colourful world, full of pleasant scents and nostalgia.

This aromatic street is considered a “cultural crossroad” for its “ethnic” character and diverse, multicultural communities.

Renowned chefs, gourmet fans, alternative medicine aficionados and curious passers-by, in search of a touch of the exotic in their daily routine, all flock this street to make it even more colourful and full of life!

A highly recommended destination for affordable beauty and relaxation treatments, influenced by the world around.

Indian, Thai, Japanese, as well as Balinese techniques are incorporated in both health-enhancing and wellness programmes in an environment of deep relaxation and tranquility.

Whether we call it spoiling ourselves, self-indulging, pampering… it’s all in there and we sure deserve it every so often

Plunge in the pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, or sauna and surrender to enticing treatments that will take the tension away and soothe those achy muscles.

Let them wrap you, smear you, tone & rub you till you melt! It’s a totally beneficial thing that will noticeably revitalize you.