The city of Athens, also known as the heart of ancient Greece and the largest city in the country, has long been the prime destination for budget travelers and luxury seekers alike. Filled with historical architecture and a long-established culture, Athens is indeed well-equipped to satisfy even the most demanding of travelers. To this day, the capital city’s landscape, whether it be culinary, artistic, or historical, continues to evolve and expand to limits unknown.
For a perfect celebrity experience, we recommend exploring the city in style with a private tour guide, relinquishing you of all and any inconveniences that come with traveling. With customizable guided tours at your fingertips, your satisfaction and enjoyment will be secured, allowing you to have a luxurious stay on your Grecian holiday. We’ve listed some delightful experiences you may fancy in this city of splendor.
Enjoy Athens’ First-class Hotels
You can expect only the best service when booking a stay at one of Athens’ five star hotels, of which there is no shortage to choose from. Do not forget the name “Syntagma Square”, because on the city’s central square you will find some of the most iconic, prestigious, and elegant hotels in the whole of Greece. Not only will you receive impeccable service, but you will also be residing mere feet away from the country’s most important landmarks such as the Acropolis Museum.
If you are looking for a place away from the city center, then head 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) south to the Athens Riviera. Stroll on the beaches of Glyfada while sipping your afternoon cocktail served fresh from your seaside hotel restaurant. Or else suit up in your tennis gear and play a round in the private courts of your luxury hotel in Vouliagmeni. Wherever you stay along the riviera, you will find an abundance of action and activities to keep you lavishly busy.
Travel Tip: Book well in advance, as these elite hotels fill up months before the holiday season. It is also a good idea to book directly through the official hotel website. Make sure to check if a membership is available, because you never know when you’ll want to come back!
Sail the Saronic Gulf on a Private Yacht
Whilst sunbathing on Athenian beaches, it is de rigueur to ring the hotel staff so you can charter a yacht for a private cruise. Assuredly, this is the finest way to traverse the area while luxuriating in the comforts of your preferred yacht. If it is the case that you have a week or more to spend by the Athenian seaside, don’t be afraid to explore other intimate islands near the capital. Take the island of Hydra: semi-cosmopolitan and copiously aristocratic, enchanting even the most gifted artists such as Picasso, Chagall and the Rolling Stones. On this island, you will encounter some well-preserved buildings and historical naval equipment existing in synchronicity with 21st century elegance and expectations to boot.
If it is total respite from cosmopolitan clamor you are looking for, then make your way to another of Greece's Saronic islands, the beautiful Agistri. Captivating in its candidness, this tiny, pine-studded island overflows with unpopulated hills wafting the scents of wild oregano, lemons, and figs. Explore the island's many beaches and hidden coves on foot, or if you’re feeling more adventurous, on horseback. If you’re reluctant to choose an island to venture towards, consult with one of our professional guides for advice on the best islands, holiday dates, transportation methods, and more!
Travel Tip: If you have a sailing license, then you are actually free to hire a boat without a skipper. On the other hand, if you’re looking to fully sit back and relax, you can also hire a boat with hospitality included. Check with our guides for the best yachts and boats in the area.
Pamper Yourself with Authentic Thalassotherapy
After all the cruising and vacationing, make time for some relaxation and wellness: a timeless Greek tradition. Thalassotherapy comes from the Greek word “thalassa” which means ocean. Even Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, approved of the therapeutic merits of seawater, and with Greece’s extensive coastline, it is no surprise that these practices have attracted both locals and holiday-goers. Today, spas and wellness centers have modernized their equipment and honed their practices, providing guests with elevated spa services customized for you.
Aside from Thalassotherapy, the country is also a sought-after hydrotherapy heaven. With hundreds of thermal hot springs equipped with state of the art facilities, your spa day will definitely give you the relaxation you need. For deep exfoliation, it is best to try out a hammam, or Turkish bath, where steam plays the title role to relief and tranquility. Whichever experience you may choose, you are sure to leave the spa smiling.
Travel Tip: Read up on the guidelines of each establishment. Some places ask you to wear swimsuits or undergarments, while others do not. Before partaking in the activities, drink as much as you can, as hot rooms and water therapy can dehydrate the body.
Dine as the Local Elite do
The cradle of Western civilization is noted for its hospitality, all the more with it being an inherent part of Greek culture. Dotted with just a handful of Michelin-starred restaurants and some 3 Bib Gourmands, Athens is inching its way to the apogee of its gastronomic ventures. One with a cult following due to its ingenuity and modern take on Greek cuisine is Alexandros Tsiotinis’s CTC. With chefs using only the finest and freshest local ingredients, sitting al fresco while being served a glorious 11 course menu will indeed satisfy even the pickiest of taste buds.
Another fine dining masterpiece goes by the name of Spondi. With not one, but two Michelin stars to its name, the restaurant is a culinary marvel, perched inconspicuously in the quiet neighborhood of Pangrati. Some must-try dishes include their Langoustine made of lemon, Petrossian Daurenki caviar, grapefruit, gentian, and celery. Still French at heart, Spondi undeniably serves the best foie gras in the city. For dessert, you have to try the Alpaco chocolate from Ecuador.
Travel Tip: If you have any allergies, inform the restaurant 48 hours in advance so they can prepare separate dishes for you.
Conclusion
Discovering Athens can be a lush endeavor, and with so much to do and see, it is no wonder the Greek gods of old made it their home. For more information on Athens and its luxuries, get in touch with our local tour guides who are more than happy to attend to you. Take a look at our tours page for customizable and exclusive adventures.
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