Athenian Riviera
The Athenian coast totals around 70 kilometers and Minavra Hotel’s location couldn’t better connect you to discovering its beauty. All the way from the main port Piraeus, along Faliro, Glyfada, Voula to Vouliagmeni and Sounio are all wonderful seaside areas full of communal vibrancy. Each has its own appeal while the furthest you go the more you leave the city traits behind, and the scenery changes into resembling the countryside. All along the coast, there are beautiful visuals to experience. Just put in the time and the Athens Riviera is yours to discover!
Vouliagmeni Lake
An attraction of the Riviera, Vouliagmeni Lake is astonishing, created out of a cave and surrounded by the wildness of nature. The lake is often frequented for swimming since it is known for having properties that are beneficial to the body. It has thermal waters that are always at 25 degrees Celsius and can be enjoyed all year round. It is closed at night but it is beautifully illuminated most of the year. Vouliagmeni Lake is only a 10 minute drive away from our hotel.
Glyfada scene – It is vivid district, brimming with life both day and night, accessed in just 15 minutes by foot from our hotel. A wide range of shopping stores, restaurants, cafes, bars, eateries, sweet shops, the list goes on. You can easily spend an entire day in Glyfada at your own leisure. Kids will especially love the ‘wooden park’ as locals call it, with many fun rides for them to try.
Sounion | Temple of Poseidon
Sounion is a sensational spot at the end of the Athenian Riviera that holds an ancient and mythical past. The Temple of Poseidon is one of the most beautiful temples to come across in Greece, due to it being built on the top of the Sounion cliff. At sunset it is simply magical.
Athens
Α mix between ancient sites and a more edgy, urban side.
Ancient sites
The historical center of Athens is centered around the ancient rock of the Acropolis. Don’t miss a visit to the citadel and see the Parthenon up close and personal. Consider the Acropolis Museum that contains a huge collection of ancient artefacts. The Odeon of Herodes Atticus, situated at the foot of the Acropolis is also an important attraction, used until this day for various performances usually during Summer and early Autumn. Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Olympian Zeus are found opposite to the pedestrian road Dionysiou Areopagitou that leads up to the Acropolis. The Ancient Agora and Stoa of Attalos are also interesting to visit, located on the other side of the rock in the district of Thisseio. The National Archaeological Museum and National Library are two more remarkable places to visit if you seek to get to grips with the history of Athens, located on 28th Oktovriou Street.
Urban side
For experiencing the more urban, modern side of Athens city, venture towards the center and make sure you saunter around Koukaki. A hip area that retains its old Athens character filled with quaint little cafes and eateries. It will lead you up to the pedestrian street of Dionysiou Areopagitou. Opposite Syntagma Square you will find Ermou Street where with a massive choice of high street shops. On the parallel streets of Karagiorgi Servias, Perikleous, Lekka and Kolokotroni is where you can discover some amazing little places for coffee, snacks and drinks in the evening. If you follow Mitropoleos Street all the way down, it will lead you to Monastiraki Square, a key meeting point. There you will find a street market, and more little tavernas and cafes, although it is quite a touristy spot. For the more authentic side of Athens, try Psyrri which is literally next to Monastiraki, but is mostly frequented by younger crowds and locals enjoying the outdoor culture of sipping raki (or ouzo), accompanied by meze bites.
Stavros Niarchos
You can check out the state-of-the-art SNF Cultural Center that now houses the National Ballet, and hosts many performances throughout the year, including musical, dance and the wider range of performing arts. The building is a contemporary architectural marvel while it is surrounded by a great expanse of green, making it a wonderful place for all ages, with many spots to enjoy a beverage either at the indoor café or at one of two outdoor cafés, for soaking up the wonderful ambiance of the contemporary structure.
