Who better to ask about a perfect day in Athens than an Athenian Concierge?
Cara Kpoti
“Start the day by experiencing the majestic sunrise over the Aegean whilst enjoying breakfast on the deck of your villa.
A chauffeur-driven limousine will then transport you down to the Apollo Coast at Sounion, where the most-loved and best-preserved temple in Greece stands, The Temple of the Sea God, Poseidon. A few minutes to the north stands the 6th-century-BC theater of Thoriko and the tombs of the ancient Marathon Warriors. After enjoying some historical sites, you will now be ready for something more modern. Our limousine will whisk you to the cosmopolitan seaside resort of Glyfada, where a PGA 18-hole, par-72 golf course is waiting for you. This fantastic course, designed by Donald Harradine, is a green oasis of rolling hills and immaculately manicured borders, and also has excellent dining and bar facilities where you can relax. After your round of golf, we will transport you back to the resort, where the first thing we recommend you do is dive straight into the clear blue sea and wash away the day’s travails. Alternatively, you may prefer a dip in your private pool, or for those with some energy left, visit the water-sports center for more energetic endeavors. Then make time for yourself to truly unwind by taking in the tranquil atmosphere of Thalaspa Chenot, our Spa Area, which employs the latest scientific discoveries in conjunction with ancient wellness traditions based on energy channeling and balance. For the grand finale of the day, indulge your senses at Kohylia Restaurant & Sushi Bar. The restaurant’s centerpiece is a brilliant aquarium and the restaurant’s location treats diners to a romantic vista as the sun sets with deep orange hues slowly turning into night. For a nightcap, have a glass of sparkling champagne at the exclusive al fresco oyster bar perched on the lagoon of the Captain’s House restaurant. There is no better way to spend a day in Greece.”
Panagiotis Christou
Senior Concierge, Hotel Grande Bretagne
+30 210 333 0000
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“When in Athens you are surrounded by the history that shaped our modern world.
It is absolutely necessary, therefore, that you spend one day basking in its glory. Start the day by visiting the brand new Acropolis museum and experience what Athens looked like in past millennia. Then walk up the Acropolis or “Sacred Rock” and witness at its summit one of the most recognizable symbols in the world: the Parthenon. From this vantage point you can take in the mesmeric view of modern Athens. The next “must-see” is the Agora, the place where the theory of democracy was developed and great minds such as Plato and Socrates would gather. By now, with your heads full of history, your stomach will be singing for food. Head to the bustling market streets of Monastiraki and the Plaka district. With market stalls selling traditional souvlaki sandwiches, tavernas and many high-class restaurants to choose from, your hunger will soon be sated. After lunch take a leisurely stroll to the Temple of Olympian Zeus before entering the National Garden for a break. This park has no rival in terms of beauty and history; American novelist Henry Miller said of the Park: “it remains in my memory like no other park I have known.” It was also where King Alexander was bitten by a monkey and died from an infection, the result which changed the face of modern Greece. Don’t worry, there are no monkeys now; today it is full of ducks! After your break, make your way across to the Presidential Palace and witness the changing of the guard. Finish your cultural day by slipping into a seat at our GB Roof Garden Bar, sipping a cocktail and watching the sunset over the Acropolis.”
