Newsletter August 2020

August spells the Great Escape for most Athenians. Freed from our workaday routines, we decamp to the islands and villages of our childhood summers, where we reclaim beloved rituals and languid ways. For those staying their ground in the city, August is also a great window to explore a cleared-out capital (this year more than ever!). This month, we suggest two stunning Greek island getaways right on our doorstep – captured by writers who know them inside-out – and share our guide to getting under the skin of one of Athens’ most eclectic neighbourhoods. 

Big change is in the air in Omonia – a multi-cultural district with exotic eats, scenic squares and hip new hotels. Make a date with this modern melting pot to experience the urban pulse of evolving Athens. Read more

When the Greek island cravings hit, Athenians jump on a ferry to relax and revive on lush Aegina. This welcoming Saronic Gulf isle of traditional fish markets, ouzeries and sandy beaches is just 40 minutes away  – and even has its own version of the Acropolis. Read more

Move over Mykonos. Did you know that there’s a beautiful Cycladic island just one hour away from Athens? Quietly fashionable Kea has quaint harbours, unspoiled beaches and a knockout capital that trickles down the mountainside like a glass of spilt milk. Read more

• Bag yourself a super meal deal or shopping bargain – and help Athenian businesses get back in the game, by checking out the summer specials at Athens is Back.
• Catch a free outdoor flick as the Athens Open Air Film Festival lights up atmospheric city spaces with cult classics and blockbusters – or throw down a blanket on the Great Lawn of the SNFCC to enjoy their free Park Your Cinema summer series.
• Head north to the sycamore-lined streets and stylish cafés of well-heeled Kifissia, where it’s always a few degrees cooler. This green oasis is also home to historic mansions and a family-friendly Natural History Museum.

Childrens' Imagination as an Antidote to Confinement

Take a no-boundaries journey through the eyes of a child as the B&E Goulandris Foundation displays the beguiling works produced by kids during lockdown.

Until 30 September 

Shedia Home Festival 
Shedia does an amazing job as social innovators… now they’re throwing their first festival in one of Athens' coolest streets.

Until 5 September

Luke Elliot at Technopolis

Critically acclaimed American crooner Luke Elliot marks the return of international acts to Athens’ vibrant outdoor summer gig scene.
15 September 

The Apaches of Athens

Travel back to Athens’ golden cultural age as an historic Greek film of 1930s Athens is screened at two stunning city landmarks.
12 & 15 September

Athens Digital Arts Festival 2020

From digital dives down black holes, to an immersive new world of BioArt, glimpse a future where art meets science. 
Until 10 September

Athenians can't get enough drama. In our new podcast episode, Greek theatre maverick Elli Papakonstantinou introduces the city's thriving theatrical scene. Heading off on holiday? Download our 6-part audio series, We’ll Always Have Athens, where our stellar guests share their favourite city tales. Listen now

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