Newsletter June 2023
Thomas Gravanis
Stand Out From the Crowd in June
There are times when our role is to inspire you and others when we need to be your guide. Talking about Athens in June is a fine balancing act between the two, as our city's peak season takes off and “authentic” gets a bit trickier than usual. But that’s what we do best.
Take our hand and let us steer you away from the hustle and bustle, towards secret local eateries where simplicity becomes luxury, to clear-blue waters just a tram ride away, and to jasmine-scented summer cinemas for a screening of a cult classic. If it's crowds you're after, join them when it's worth it; at one of the biggest music festivals of the year, for an unforgettable night at the Herodeion, or at the rainbow revolution of the Athens Pride.
Georgios Makkas
A Night at the Herodeion
The Athens Epidaurus Festival just kicked off its summer season at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. This year's programme includes concerts by Kraftwerk, John Cale, Stavros Xarchakos, Alexandre Desplat, Sigur Rós and many more. Have you booked your seat yet?
Your seat awaits
Thomas Gravanis
How to Enjoy 48 Hours in LGBTQ+ Athens
Sultry Athens has a booming queer scene that welcomes you with open arms all year round. Especially in June, when the city celebrates Pride with a saucy line-up of LGBTQ+ parties and awareness-boosting events.
Come celebrate!
Eleni Veziri
Not in the Guidebooks
Instead of braving the queues of June outside that must-visit downtown restaurant that you read about on TripAdvisor, use that time and hop on a short bus, tram, or metro ride to these low-key spots for an authentic eating experience in Athens.
Luxury in simplicity
Thomas Gravanis
3 Great Things to Do in Athens in June
• Leave the city centre behind and take the tram down to the coastal hamlet of Voula. Better yet, make a day out of it and explore all that lies in between;
• Douse the summer thirst by cracking open a cold one at one of the best microbreweries in Athens, or by savouring breezy cocktails with Acropolis views;
• Embrace the lazy pleasures of summer nights in Athens; catch a classic film screening at one of the city's open-air cinemas, take a sunset promenade through the twisting alleys of Anafiotika (remember to be respectful to the local residents), or let your evening stretch out into the small hours over an ouzo and meze.
Thomas Gravanis
What's On in Athens
Athens Pride 2023 | Until 10 June
Whip out your rainbow flags and join the local LGBTQ+ community as it leads the Athens Pride parade through the streets, ending with a free concert at Kotzia Square. This year's Pride events include a series of boisterous parties, drag pageants and performances, open talks, games, film screenings, poetry slam sessions, stand up comedy shows, exhibitions and even a high-heel city race.
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La Obra (The Play) | 14-15 June
A fascinating juxtaposition between documentary and fiction by avant-garde director Mariano Pensotti is being staged at the industrial complex of Pireos 260, as part of this year's Athens Epidaurus Festival.
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John Cale & Band Live at the Acropolis | 19 June
Catch the legendary musician at this exclusive world premiere that features an orchestra and immersive visuals, organised especially for Athens’ monumental open-air theatre.
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Release Athens X SNF Nostos | 20-23 June
Two of the biggest music festivals in Athens, Release Athens and SNF Nostos, team up and present a series of live concerts on two stages, featuring names like Rosalía, Siouxsie, Röyksopp, M83 and more.
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Midnight Express | 2-30 June
The Exorcist in Exarchia! The popular series of late night cult film screenings, with a soft spot for the fantasy/horror genre, returns to the Riviera open-air cinema in Athens' punkiest neighbourhood.
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