Newsletter May 2021
Athens Gets Active Again
Athenians adore May. It’s when summer comes knocking at the door. Mellow rays and drawn-out days are made for exploring our world-famous monuments or heading up historic hills on nature strolls. Or soaking up the blue-sky beaches of our sunbaked coastline. As Athens emerges joyfully from its long hiatus this month to welcome visitors once again, we’re even more May-mad than ever. Because being anti-social? Just not our style.
Athens Reopens for Summer
Athens finally opens its doors and legendary sites to the world once more with the official restart of tourism in Greece this Saturday (15 May). Everything that makes summertime in Athens so awesome is back on the menu this month - and we can’t wait to share it all with you again.
Hike on History on Mount Penteli
Get high on sublime mountain and sea views - and tread ancient marble quarries that literally paved the way for the Parthenon. Historic Mount Penteli, on the outskirts of Athens, is your perfect spring adventure.
Trekking Hellas
Wolves, Deer and Donkeys’ Tails: Mountain Biking on Mount Parnitha
Just one hour from downtown Athens, Mount Parnitha is a true “mountain’s mountain”. With deep dense forests, crisp cool air and thrilling terrain, mountain bike enthusiasts who take on this untamed natural playground are richly rewarded.
3 Great Things to Do in Athens in May
• Restaurants are back! Book an outdoor table for lunch or dinner on the glam Athens Riviera or tuck into a portside feast at pretty Mikrolimano harbour in Piraeus (you’ll be especially spoiled for choice for excellent seafood dining).
• Usher in open-air cinema season at a blockbuster movie screening under the stars. It’s a quintessentially Athenian pastime. (Outdoor cinemas are tipped to reopen on 21 May.)
• Coast down the seaside highway to Poseidon’s epic ancient temple at Cape Sounion before the summer crowds hit. On the way back, stop in at stunning Legrena cove - 3 kilometres west of Sounion - to pretend you’re on a remote Greek island.
What’s On in Athens
Sterling Ruby at Cycladic / 12 May-21 June
California-based artist Sterling Ruby teams up with the Museum of Cycladic Art to sprinkle his boundary-pushing ceramics among the ancient artefacts.
Athens Technopolis Jazz Festival 2021 / 27-29 May
City favourite, the Athens Technopolis Jazz Festival, returns for its 20th edition with (fingers crossed) some live outdoor gigs.
Ghost Light / 14-17 May
The Hamburg Ballet’s inventive new dance highlight conveys the eternal human craving for connection in the age of pandemic.
Jonas Kaufman at the Odeon / 12 September
A rare chance to catch the “King of Tenors” do his thing on the legendary Odeon stage in a one-off recital. Make haste.
Faces of the Hero / Until 31 December
A multifaceted bill of visual arts, performances and readings as culture hub SNFCC explores the archetype of the hero from antiquity until today.