Australian mannequin Mary Vitinaros is accustomed to a global life-style. Born in Melbourne to Italian and Greek dad and mom, Mary has spent most of her grownup life traversing the globe as a global supermodel, together with a seven-year stint in New York Metropolis. When Mary was requested to turn out to be a coach on Greece’s Subsequent High Mannequin, she determined to make Athens her dwelling. Two years later, she hasn’t appeared again.
“There are such a lot of issues I like about Athens. I really feel prefer it actually is such an underrated and missed metropolis,” she tells ELLE Australia. “From its exceptional climate to the abundance of contemporary, scrumptious delicacies, and the nice and cozy, welcoming tradition, Athens really has all of it.”
Athens has turn out to be a go-to cease on the European summer season path, boasting enjoyable nightlife, glorious meals, and a vibrant, youthful artistic scene. So, when it insider recommendations on the place to remain, what to eat and the place to go on this thrilling coastal metropolis, I made a decision to ask somebody who lives there.
We sat down with Mary to get her native journey ideas, together with Athens’ finest eating places and bars, and what makes it a classy metropolis.
The Greatest Locations To Go In Athens: Ideas From A Native
Who higher to ask for journey recommendation than the fashionable and cosmopolitan Mary Vitinaros?
The place To Keep In Athens
For staying down south by the seashore: The 4 Seasons Astir Palace Lodge. The resort is beautiful, nice seashore entry and prime eating places throughout the resort. You don’t must enterprise out.
Staying within the centre: The Dolli Lodge – fashionable with aesthetically pleasing interiors, the rooftop has a view of the Acropolis accompanied by a rooftop pool.
*sidenote – Kolonaki is one in every of my favorite areas in Athens – it’s within the centre, strolling distance from all of the sights, so many cute and classy bars/eating places round. Positively price wanting into cute Airbnb’s on this space.
The Greatest Eating places In Athens
Greatest Souvlaki:
- Lefteris O Politis – that is simply my favourite souvlaki, the pita bread is so juicy!
- Volvi – a cute little gap within the wall spot
Greatest Seashore Restaurant:
- Krabo – this place is enjoyable and the meals is wonderful! There are additionally a number of sunbeds and seashore entry for the day time. I like to go on a Sunday afternoon for lunch after which a DJ begins enjoying into the night.
Greatest Seafood Restaurant:
- Hasapika – positioned within the fish market within the centre of Athens, it’s a really chill place, nonetheless the standard of fish is wonderful.
Greatest Burger:
- Ekiben – the smash burger in unmatched!
Greatest Genuine Greek Taverna:
- Nisiotissa – Positioned within the northern suburb of Vrilissia, it has among the finest seafood I’ve had! Good for a Saturday or Sunday afternoon lunch. The Karavithopsiha is a should!
Greatest Cafe In Athens
Me in Kolonaki – a cute brunch spot that’s at all times buzzing and has nice environment
Greatest Bar In Athens
Kalua – A rooftop bar with a view of the acropolis
Greatest Date Spot In Athens
Ithaki – the meals is wonderful and the view is simply beautiful. Sundown right here is ideal.
The place To Store In Athens
The Ermou strip, ranging from Syntagma and stretching all the way in which to Plaka. Alongside this route, you’ll additionally uncover quite a few hidden gems nestled throughout the charming backstreets branching off Ermou.
For extra high-end buying, I like to wander via Voukouretsiou road which isn’t too removed from Ermou.
The Greatest Native Designer
Eirini Makkou is a particularly proficient {custom} gown designer, providing a group of ready-to-wear clothes which are then expertly tailor-made to suit your physique completely. Alternatively, you’ll be able to go for a totally custom-made creation. The group is extremely welcoming, and Eirini herself is an absolute delight to work with—a real gem within the trade.
What’s Your Greatest Journey Tip For Athens?
Think about exploring Athens in the course of the low season for a extra genuine metropolis expertise. Whereas July and August are peak months, Could, June, and September nonetheless has wonderful climate and fewer crowds. Don’t overlook winter both; it’s a totally totally different expertise.
Don’t miss out on experiencing Bouzoukia, which is fulfilling in summer season however has extra of an genuine expertise within the winter months.
The place do you go whenever you really feel like being a vacationer in your metropolis?
After I wish to embrace my inside vacationer in my metropolis, I head straight to the center of Athens. I like to discover all of the little stalls that line the cobblestone roads in Plaka. And naturally, a go to to the Acropolis is crucial, it’s simply magical, and the views are breathtaking!
What 3 Issues Do You All the time Take In Your Carry-On?
1. Telephone charger
2. Residence-made snacks
3. Face hydrating mist
ELLE recommends: Caudalie Magnificence Elixir, $29 (30 ml – journey dimension)
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