Somewhere in the second half of the 1960s, the well-known song “Summer in the City” was released. The lyrics speak of summer in the hot city, the heat that prevails during the day, and the lack of shade, but the rhythm changes when night is mentioned. Indeed, the night in the city is very different, even amidst the heatwave.
Summer in Athens: A guide for those who remain in the capital
Do you belong to that category of people who couldn’t go on holiday to an island? To those who don’t have the traditional house in the village? To those who aren’t entitled to leave or haven’t managed to save enough days to go somewhere in the summer? Whatever category you belong to, the fact remains: you are among those who are stuck in the city! Let us assure you that there is no reason for worry or sadness, as you are not alone.
There is a large group of individuals, groups of friends, or families who either chose or had no alternative but to spend the quintessential holiday month, August, in Athens. Some may certainly be discontented, but there are also those for whom August in the city is the best thing that could happen. Traffic on the streets decreases to a minimum, and exploring the city becomes much more comfortable. Thus, they can seize every opportunity for outings, whether in the morning, afternoon, or evening.
Beaches near Athens
The mornings of your holiday certainly start with a dip. Fortunately, Attica is surrounded by beaches, both public and organised, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim under the blazing sun.
In Attica, you can visit 17 beaches that have received the Blue Flag award for 2024. The Blue Flag is a symbol of quality awarded according to strict criteria to organised beaches managed by coastal municipalities and other entities. These beaches stretch from the Saronic Gulf to Marathon, so no matter where you live, there is a beach nearby waiting to welcome you.
On your return, with your appetite whetted by the sea, you will surely find a tavern by the waves to savour the Mediterranean cuisine for which our country is famous. Salads, grilled vegetables, seafood, and plenty of fried potatoes are the stars of summer tables. After all, it is well-known that we are food lovers, and summer could not be an exception to this, despite the high temperatures.
Parks in Athens
After the summer lethargy, you can stroll through one of the parks scattered throughout various parts of the city.
If you live in the centre, in areas such as Syntagma, Monastiraki, Psiri, or Exarchia, you can choose the National Garden or the Pedion tou Areos for your walk. The tall trees will protect you from the sun’s rays, and you can enjoy the sounds of nature, leaving behind the annoying noises of the capital. You can also walk along the cobblestoned pedestrian street of Apostolou Pavlou in Thiseio, with a view of the Acropolis.
If you reside in areas close to the centre, such as Pangrati, Mets, Zografou, Goudi, or Ampelokipoi, you might opt to walk in the Ilisia Park or the historic Scopelitis of Kaisariani.
For those living in areas like Korydallos, Aigaleo, Peristeri, Psychiko, Filothei, or on the other side of the city, such as Kallithea, Moschato, Alimos, or Glyfada, you can visit the parks and green spaces available in each suburb, such as the Botanical Garden in Haidari, the Tritsis Park in Ilion, and the Veikou Park in Galatsi.
All of the above are easily accessible either by your personal vehicle or by public transport. If you are a hiking enthusiast and undeterred by the ascent under high temperatures, you might choose the hills of Lykavittos and Philopappos, Hymettus, Penteli, or Parnitha for your day trip. Just make sure it is safe and access is permitted, as unfortunately, the mountains surrounding the capital often make headlines due to fires, especially in August.
Excursions near Athens
Speaking of day trips, Athens offers many options to escape for a few hours to nearby destinations, without needing to worry about accommodation costs, as the distance allows you to return within the day.
Such excursions can be made either by road or by ferry. By road, you can visit Cape Sounion, where you can admire the Temple of Poseidon, Nafplio with its Palamidi and Bourtzi, Chalkida, Epidaurus, Loutraki, Porto Heli, and more. These small getaways provide the feeling of a holiday without needing to travel far from Athens.
If, on the other hand, you choose to board a ship, the Argosaronic Islands await you! Salamina, Aegina, Hydra, Spetses, Poros, and Agistri are just a few of the islands where you can enjoy your mini-holidays and return to Athens the same evening. Look for day cruises near Athens on dates that suit you, and you won’t miss out.
Nightlife and Entertainment
Athens’ nightlife is vibrant and multifaceted, even when the city is relatively quiet.
From the bustling bars and clubs of Kolonaki and Gazi to more relaxed evenings with colourful cocktails on rooftops overlooking the Acropolis, the city offers something for every taste. You can choose venues where you sit on unique seating, on bean bags, on steps, on high stools, in gardens, or by the street—places where everyone becomes part of a community, venues playing jazz, rock, or Greek music—discover those that resonate with you most.
Culinary Experiences
The culinary options in Athens are countless. From traditional seaside tavernas and meze houses to modern restaurants with creative cuisine, the flavours you can try are endless.
Athens’ gastronomic scene continues to evolve, offering new and exciting options, even when referring to street food, such as the beloved souvlaki. Explore the neighbourhoods of the city and follow the aromas that transport you to the Mediterranean, Europe, and the East.
Cultural events in Athens
At this point, we must mention the various cultural events that take place in the summer at different locations in and around the city. These may include theatrical performances, concerts, book presentations, open-air cinemas, etc.
You can check the programmes of cultural venues and centres in your area, as well as the schedule for the Athens and Epidaurus Festival, where you will find all the theatrical performances, concerts, art exhibitions, etc., taking place at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, the Little Theatre of Ancient Epidaurus, and the Industrial Complex of Piraeus 260 in Tavros.
Of course, Athens is a city full of museums and historical monuments. The Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum, the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, the Museum of Cycladic Art, the National Archaeological Museum, the Benaki Museum, and the War Museum are just some of the places that reveal or house pieces of Greece’s history. Book your ticket and enjoy an unparalleled experience.
Are You a Tourist in Athens?
If you find yourself in Athens for tourism, whether Athens is your stopover on the way to an island, all of the above may help, but they don’t solve your main problem: your accommodation.
If you are looking for an Airbnb apartment, here you can choose one of the properties managed by Sparrow, which are either located in the coastal area of Athens or in more central parts of the capital. All properties are close to bus stops and metro stations for ease of transport.
Once you have sorted out your accommodation, all the previous suggestions will help you make the most of your time in the capital.