This is a spot that just a few Athenians know, whilst it is under their noses; just 8km from downtown Athens! This is the Botanical Garden of Diomidous, the largest botanical garden of the eastern Mediterranean. It was founded in 1952, and in 1975, after completion of landscaping, it was open to the general public. In its area of 470 acres, trees and bushes can be found from all over the world, as well as plants mentioned in Greek mythology and history, like the myrtle of Aphrodite and Socrates' hemlock.
The Botanical Garden constitutes a special area of scientific research and education, dedicated to knowledge about the environment and raising ecological awareness, and also one of the best places for a savory walk through its landscaped parts; from the flower field, the tree field and the greenhouse to its paved paths and artificial ponds.
If properly prepared, you can have a picnic under the shade of the trees, in one of the outdoor monastery-type tables, where you can meet other groups or families (or even me?) rolling around on the grass. Nearby there are also the few lucky city residents that can drop by with the company of a book for a few moments of “natural reading”.
So, if you wish to visit this oasis of Athens, which is just 30 minutes from the city center, you can use the subway up to Agia Marina station and from there take one of the buses (811, 866, A16) heading towards the Botanical Garden.
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They run a busy schedule of publication-related talks, readings, performances, and exhibitions in their project space every year.
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This is more than an ordinary open market for me. I love to visit the market every Saturday morning and buy flowers for my friends and me.
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Dimitris (the owner) and Stella (the bartender) are great at mixing flavors and serving special tropical cocktails and spirits from all over the world.
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The small bakery opened in the 60s, as an all-night bakery that sells fresh koulouri with sesame bread rings with sesame, reggato cheese, and raisins.
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A few minutes away from the Music Hall of Athens, every night, the small truck has always queued to serve the famished people who pass from Mavili Square.
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Famous Greek designers create new posters, calendars, agendas, magazines, and books with interesting visuals and content every season.
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Famous for its vegan options and Ukrainian dishes like piroshki and borscht soup, 67 is also a very relaxed and friendly spot for studying or working.
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Aggelos, the owner, welcomes everyone with a smile and perfect suggestions, always eager to express his encyclopedic knowledge of comic books.
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Entering Pelargos Bookstore, some books will impress you, catch your attention, arouse your curiosity, or awaken some memory.
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"Lacandona" Athens is fair trade cafe/grocery store. It's one of my favorite places for a coffee - don't miss their exciting mojito parties!
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"By the Glass" in the center of Athens is in one of the most 'secret' urban arcades and offers you more than 200 different wines... Central & 100% local!
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