September 2021: It was Summer 2021, the lockdown had been lifted, the borders opened and as a result it seemed like every person in Munich had packed their bags and went on vacation. Everyone but yours truly. A conscious choice on some level as I thought a summer in the home-city would be fun, chill and affordable. That was the case until the travel bug bit me, the weather was beyond bland and from there the FOMO grew. Alas, my friends Joseph and Danny invited me to join them on an adventure to Athens including our friend Nathalie --
Greece, Gays, Girls ... what could be better?
Athens on first impression may not be the most aesthetically pleasing city however, what it offers in exchange is beyond what some beautiful cities could ever offer. A bustling night life (in Athens I ate dinner at 9pm, in Munich I am in bed by 9pm), the Acropolis!, warm weather, the most delicious fresh mediterranean food, cats literally everywhere, palm trees swaying about, cafes on every corner, rich history, chilled out locals AND the ocean is right on the doorstep. For a gigantic city, Athens boasts a community knit feel in its friendly and welcome-ness vibe.
So how did we spend our week in Athens? The first few days were super hot therefore the beach was priority numero uno and with that we checked off four beautiful beaches on the outskirts of the city. Living out my inner mermaid in bathtub temperature water was THE highlight for me on this vacation! The evenings were spent eating in taverna's and on that note if you have never tried a cretan dakos salad, Google it now and add it to your food bucket list pronto!! Holy food-gasm, we couldn't get enough of it. Wine, ouzo, dolmades, dessert, olives that was also apart of the mix. Then as anyone who is visiting Athens must do, we went to explore the Acropolis - a collection of ancient buildings with significant architectural and historical value. Even for those who aren't so interested in history, the acropolis is a must! It's 360-degree view of the city is surely to impress. And the endless alley ways that find themselves around the Acropolis and extending into Monastiraki is ever so enticing. Also, had a reunion with an old friend I partied, I mean studied with back in my semester abroad in Warsaw. Wondered through the streets, made friends with alley cats, day-dreamed about life as a local, laughed alot, drank wine and ouzo and ate till my belly literally ached! But it was all so very much worth it.
Some favourite food recommendations:
- Mikrivenetia a traditional local taverna in the area of Koukaki with some of the best food we tasted in Athens. The fact that this restaurant wasn't touristy but in a locals scene made it that much more spectacular and yummy. So yummy we went back a second time. https://mikrivenetia.com/
- To Kousoulo we walked past this taverna on our first evening and were instantly grabbed by the look and charm of the outside. And the food did not disappoint! I mentioned it above but will mention it again - if you haven't heard of a cretan dako's salad then google it now and book yourself a ticket to Greece because you're in for salad dream. If you think Greek salad is tasty, just wait till you try this piece of love. This taverna was also so delicious that we went back on our last evening. Unfortunately, they only have a tacky tripadvisor website but if offers an impression.
- Mother vegan cafe and bakery - feed the change as their motto implies!
Also, major bonus of dining in Greece...dessert is almost ALWAYS complimentary!!
Areas of the city worth checking out: - Acropolis - Monastiraki
- Koukaki
- Psiri
- Plaka
And there you have it! Our 3G trip to Athens in a nutshell. I hope I have inspired the one or other reader to add Athens or any other place in Greece to their travel bucket list. I can proudly say that Greece has become one of my favourite countries to visit. And with a golden group of friends to share the adventures with it makes the travels that much more fun and memorable. I would happily travel with my 3G group in the future. <3
And! If you ever plan on driving in Athens, be warned...rules do not exist.
Now keep scrolling for extensive visual impressions!
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