Newsletter September 2020

September is boss for many Athenians (and savvy visitors). The summer swell has thinned out on our favourite sandy shores. The sea temperature is divine. The crisper mornings are spot-on for urban safaris. And the city’s culture hubs rev into top gear. Let Athens surprise you this month by venturing beyond the usual tourist attractions and selfie spots for an off the beaten track adventure. Or raise a glass to the booming Greek wine scene at one of the great wineries right on Athens’ doorstep. Stin igia sas! 

Athens’ unpredictable fizz is one of its best drawcards. So ditch the playbook and embark on our two-day guide to uncover the Greek capital at its most authentic and unexpected: from avant-garde galleries and unusual museums to offbeat neighbourhoods and underground clubs. Read More

Sometime over the last ten years, while no-one was looking, Greek wines got good. Great, in fact. And the vineyards of Attica hold an extra ace: the region’s special light has been lauded since antiquity. Sample delicious varieties of native Greek grapes at one of our terrific local wineries - you can even combine a vineyard tour with a visit to a nearby beach. Read More

Athens has been given a well-deserved pat on the back from the World Health Organization over its model handling of the pandemic. In a lengthy on-line article, WHO applauds the City of Athens for curbing the spread of Covid-19 through decisive early action and by protecting vulnerable groups of the population by providing access to healthcare, social support and essential supplies. Read More

If any city can take your mind off 2020, it’s exciting and alive Athens. Mastercard has created 8 long weekends of immersive city breaks during October and November, with an exclusive 30% discount for cardholders (and a tempting 15% price-cut for everyone else!). Stay in one of Athens’ finest hotels and craft your perfect 3 day city-break from a raft of fantastic discounted experiences. Read More

• Go stargazing at the National Observatory of Athens on the wooded Hill of the Nymphs, and learn about the Greek myths hidden in the night sky.
• Embark on an art walk around the cultured neighbourhoods of Thissio and Ano-Petralona and tick off galleries, museums and some historic lookouts along the way.
• Conserve your cash after the summer blowout with our 25 Free Things to Do in Athens guide. How about a free walking tour? An urban adventure? Or an outdoor-concert?

Athens Pride Week 2020
This year’s re-scheduled Athens Pride Week is a mixed goody bag of digital and live events - from webinars and exhibitions to Greek poetry slams, DJ sets and racy performances.
4-12 September

Maria Callas: Letters and Memories
From one legend to another - screen siren Monica Belucci inhabits the soul of Maria Callas on the epic Herodion stage.
28 & 29 September

Ennio Morricone Tribute
The Italian maestro of movie soundtracks is hailed at this free screening of five iconic flicks on the Great Lawn of the SNFCC.
8-13 September

Brice Marden - Marbles and Drawings
Admire the marble and ink works of this coveted global artist at the Gagosian Gallery’s smart new Athens address.
24 September - 19 December

Athens Democracy Forum 2020
This high-powered annual think tank heads on-line to give one of our most sacred western ideals a much-needed healthcheck.
30 September - 2 October

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