July 7th 2024.
It's that time of the year again – time to start planning your next vacation and book your flights. As you consider your options, the word 'Riviera' may come to mind, conjuring up images of glittering azure seas, white sand beaches, and glamorous film stars. But did you know that it's not just the French coast that offers a 'Riviera experience'? The shoreline of Greece's capital, Athens, has long been referred to as the 'Athens Riviera' – and for good reason.
While the luxury of the French Riviera has been well-documented, from Cannes' glitter and glamour to Antibes' traditional charm, Athens offers its own version of the 'Riviera experience.' From exciting nightlife to boutique shopping and exquisite dining, the Greek capital has much to offer. So, how exactly can you get the full 'Riviera experience' in Athens? I set out to investigate – all in the name of journalism, of course.
Firstly, I explored the famous streets of Athens. While the French Riviera may be known for its iconic Cannes Film Festival and its appearance in various films, Athens has its own cinematic history. Films like Jason Bourne, Dogtooth, and Crimes of the Future have all featured scenes shot in the city. One of the most well-known streets in Athens is Mnisikleous Street, which I had the pleasure of strolling through during my initial visit to the Greek capital. I was told by locals that this street has been used by filmmakers in the past, and it's easy to see why. The steep steps surrounded by charming tavernas and restaurants, adorned with beautiful flowers, make for the perfect setting to stop for a cold Mythos beer and some delicious small plates at Yiasemi, a traditional cafe. It was a beautiful introduction to the city.
Next, I wanted to experience the luxurious accommodations that the French Riviera is famous for. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that Athens can compete with even the most glamorous of stays. I stayed at Xenodocheio Milos, a boutique hotel with a neoclassical design located in the heart of Athens. With ten different categories of rooms, from classic to the stunning Milos signature suite, there are plenty of options to choose from. Each room manages to be sophisticated and modern without feeling cold or unwelcoming. The attention to detail was evident in every aspect, including the handpicked personalized amenities like body milk, shampoo, and shower gel, created exclusively for Milos by The Naxos Apothecary. I stayed in an Executive room, which was absolutely gorgeous. The spacious open-plan dining and sleeping area offered plenty of room to relax, and the minimalistic artwork and beautiful aesthetic continued into the oversized marble bathroom – all with a touch of the 'Riviera' feel. The king-size beds were another highlight of the room, with their generous size and six pillows, making for an incredibly comfortable night's sleep. As a five-star hotel, the average price for a room at Xenodocheio Milos is around €500 a night during peak season, but the hotel manager informed me that prices can drop to around €250 during off-peak times. The hotel also offers a range of wellness treatments, including a deep-tissue massage using Naxos's unique products.
No 'Riviera experience' would be complete without indulging in fine dining, and Athens certainly did not disappoint in this department. Dining is a cornerstone of the Riviera experience, and the food in Athens was as divine as the gods who, according to legend, founded the city. One of my favorite restaurants was Dopios, a modern Greek Mezze restaurant where small sharing plates are the way to go. The "Peinirli" was a particular standout, priced at €13. With pleasant evening temperatures hovering just under 20 degrees, dining outside in one of Athens' many squares was a delightful way to enjoy the Mediterranean climate. For a more upscale dining experience, I visited Estiatorio Milos, the restaurant located within Xenodocheio Milos. As a special treat, the restaurant created a unique tasting menu for me to give me a true taste of their offerings. The meal began with olive oil, fresh herbs, and homemade bread, followed by amuse-bouche-size bruschetta. The starter of flavorful mushrooms and local halloumi topped with sesame seeds was a delightful combination. While Estiatorio Milos is primarily a fish restaurant, they offer a wide range of dishes, including the Milos Special – a delicious zucchini tower made with fried courgette, kefalograviera cheese, and homemade tzatziki. The restaurant's elegant and stylish decor, featuring Mediterranean marble and light wood, high ceilings, and a beautiful sculpture of a fisherman's net, made me feel like a true 'Riviera' film star dining in style and opulence. The good news is that you don't have to travel all the way to Athens to experience Estiatorio Milos – they have seven locations worldwide, including one in London on Regent Street St. James, which offers a three-course lunch menu for £45.00 Monday through Friday.
Lastly, no 'Riviera experience' is complete without a visit to a glamorous rooftop bar. Athens has plenty to offer in this department, with stunning views of the city and delicious cocktails to enjoy. One bar that stood out to me was A for Athens, situated on top of a hotel of the same name. With a relaxed and stylish atmosphere, this rooftop bar offers a perfect spot to take in the sights and sounds of Athens while sipping on a refreshing drink.
In conclusion, while the French Riviera may be the first destination that comes to mind when thinking of the 'Riviera experience,' Athens offers its own unique version of this luxurious lifestyle. From exploring the famous streets to indulging in fine dining and staying in luxurious accommodations, Athens has everything you need for an unforgettable 'Riviera experience.' So, don't hesitate – book your flights to Athens and get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty, glamour, and charm of the 'Athens Riviera.'
It's that time of year again – time to start planning your next vacation and book those flights. And what better destination than the renowned Riviera? When we think of the Riviera, we often envision sparkling blue waters, white sandy beaches, and the glamorous lifestyle of the rich and famous. However, the French coast isn't the only place to experience the luxurious Riviera lifestyle. Greece's capital, Athens, also offers its own version of the Riviera experience – the Athens Riviera.
While the luxurious towns along the French Riviera, such as Cannes and Antibes, have been well-documented, Athens boasts its own exciting nightlife, chic boutique shopping, and exquisite restaurants that rival those found in the French coast. So, how can you get the full Riviera experience in Athens? Well, I embarked on a journey to find out – all in the name of journalism, of course.
One of the best ways to experience the charm of Athens is by strolling through its famous streets. While the French Riviera is renowned for its cinematic history, with its iconic Cannes Film Festival and numerous movie sets, Athens is not lacking in this aspect either. The city has been featured in several films, including Jason Bourne, Dogtooth, and Crimes of the Future. During my first exploration of Athens, I found myself on Mnisikleous Street, a famous street that has been used as a filming location in the past. It's easy to see why – the steep steps lined with traditional tavernas and restaurants, adorned with beautiful flowers, make for a perfect spot to stop for a cold Mythos beer and some delicious small plates at Yiasemi, a charming traditional cafe. It was a beautiful introduction to the city, and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Athens.
When it comes to luxurious accommodations, the French Riviera is known for its glamorous hotels, such as those in Monte Carlo, Saint-Tropez, and Nice. But Athens can definitely compete when it comes to opulent stays. For my trip, I stayed at Xenodocheio Milos, a stunning boutique hotel with a neoclassical design, located in the heart of Athens. With ten different room categories to choose from, ranging from the classic room to the lavish Milos signature suite, the hotel offers a range of options to suit every taste. All the rooms are elegant and modern, yet warm and inviting, with every little detail carefully considered. As a guest in the Executive room, I was blown away by the spacious open-plan dining and sleeping area, adorned with minimalist artwork and a beautiful aesthetic that exuded the charm of the Riviera. And let's not forget the incredible king-size bed with six pillows – perfect for a comfortable night's sleep. The hotel also offers a range of personalized amenities, such as body milk, shampoo, and shower gel, all exclusively designed for Milos by The Naxos Apothecary.
Dining is an essential part of the Riviera experience, and Athens definitely delivers in this aspect. The city boasts a wide range of delicious food, from traditional Greek Mezze to international cuisine. One of my favorite dining experiences was at Dopios, a modern Greek Mezze restaurant where small sharing plates are the star of the show. I highly recommend trying their Peinirli, a delicious dish priced at €13. With temperatures still warm in the evening, dining outside in one of Athens' charming squares is a must-do for any visitor.
But for a truly Riviera-style dining experience, I suggest visiting Estiatorio Milos, the restaurant at Xenodocheio Milos. As a special treat, the restaurant created a unique tasting menu for me to sample their best dishes. The meal began with olive oil, fresh herbs, and homemade bread, followed by flavorful mushroom and local halloumi topped with sesame seeds. One of the highlights of the meal was the Milos Special zucchini tower – a stack of fried courgette with kefalograviera cheese and homemade tzatziki. Surrounded by the restaurant's elegant Mediterranean marble and light wood decor, I felt like a Riviera film star, dining in style and luxury. And the best part? You don't have to fly all the way to Athens to experience this – Estiatorio Milos has seven locations worldwide, including one in London, which offers exceptional value at £45.00 for three lunch courses Monday to Friday.
Finally, no Riviera experience is complete without sipping cocktails at a glamorous rooftop bar. Athens has no shortage of these, offering stunning views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. During my trip, I visited several rooftop bars, each with its own charm and style. But one that stood out to me was the rooftop bar at Xenodocheio Milos. With its chic and stylish ambiance, it was the perfect spot to end my Riviera-inspired journey through Athens. So, if you're planning a trip to the Riviera, don't forget to add Athens to your list – the Athens Riviera experience is not to be missed.
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