Newsletter July 2023

What does your Athens in July bucket list look like? We're dying to know. For one it's because, well, we're just a bit nosy, you got us there. But more to the point, we want to make sure you're aware of all the fantastic choices Athens offers this time of year. To help you out a bit, our tip to you is this: give the city time. Trying to take in the history, the culture, the food, and the people in 48 hours is, if we might say so, a bit unrealistic at any time of the year, especially during the summer.

So stay a bit longer and redo that list as you go; cool off at some of the city's best beaches and downtown pools within easy reach; linger a little longer at the finest museum gift shops in Athens for the perfect design souvenir; and do Sunday like a local by throwing a seaside feast with friends. Read on for a small taste of what Athens has to offer in July. It was hard for us to choose, too.

Gregarious feasts by the seaside, drawn out over many hours and many carafes of wine, are a favourite Sunday pastime for Athenians. Here's how to join in, along with our top picks for your perfect weekend gathering.
Live the good life.

Athens is one of the few European cities where you can swim all year round. Come July, a watery escape is a necessity. Question is, where will it be; at a closeby urban beach or a rooftop pool with Acropolis views?
Choices, choices!

Pair your visits to our world-renowned museums with some serious souvenir shopping. Actually, forget we said souvenirs—think artefacts turned art.
Exit through the gift shop.

• Hear us out and make time for a day trip to the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus. Get your drama served by one of the great ones, such as Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides at the Athens Epidaurus Festival;
• Track down the city's best ice-cream parlours, where Italian gelato traditions are blended with Greek ingredients to create a whole new flavour thesaurus;
• Enjoy the wealth of exclusive experiences Athens has to offer high rollers. From Michelin-starred restaurants to tailor-made tours, here’s how you can get a taste of luxury in Athens. 

Peggy Gou | 8 July
One of the world’s most famous DJs (and to many the reigning “it girl” of our times) drops in town for a summer party to remember (or perhaps have no recollection of).
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Isadora Duncan | 9-10 July
The work of Isadora Duncan, the mother of contemporary dance, is being celebrated at the Pireos 260 industrial complex in this homage led by choreographer Jérôme Bel.
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Andrea Bocelli | 18 July
The legendary Italian tenor with the angelic voice returns to Athens for his biggest performance ever in Greece. Join the tens of thousands of fans for an unforgettable night of romance at the Olympic Sports Complex.
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Frank Castorf’s Medea | 21-22 July
German avant-garde director Frank Castorf applies his trademark mix of anarchic acting style and improvisation in this all-time classic tragic tale of matricide.
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Bearly Athens 2023 | 27 July - 1 August
Practise your growls and come meet the Greek bear crowd at this week-long extravaganza that involves parties, drag shows, brunches, a yacht cruise and more.
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