Athens holidays

Athens isn’t best known for its beaches, but if you’re staying here and fancy a dip in the sea, you won’t have to venture far. The Athens Riviera is the city’s coastal strip, stretching 60 kilometres from Piraeus in the west to Cape Sounion in the east. It’s peppered with beaches – mostly pebble numbers lapped by Greece’s trademark clear waters.

Kalamaki Beach is one of the closest beaches to central Athens, and its sheltered, central spot means it's just as popular with locals as it is city-breakers. You can reach it by tram – there’s a stop right behind the pebbles – and once you’re here, you won’t need to leave all afternoon thanks to a crop of restaurants and a handy supermarket on the seafront.

If you’re after a swimming and sunbathing spot minus the crowds, head to Agios Kosmas Beach in the south of the city. This small, quiet stretch is made up of sand and shingle, and the water’s clear and calm – perfect for paddling in on a hot day. It’s only a 20-minute train ride from the city centre, too.

If you want to get your hands on some bargain souvenirs, your best bet is to head to one of Athens’ markets. Monastiraki Flea Market is one of the biggest – it feels a bit like a Turkish bazaar, and sprawls out across cobblestone streets near Monastiraki Square. The vendors here sell everything from traditional Greek clothing and olive soap to paintings and antiques.

For your high-street faves, make a beeline for Ermou Street. This pedestrianised strip unravels for around a kilometre, lining up big names like Zara and H&M. The shops rub shoulders with restaurants and cafés, too, so you won’t be short of options when it comes to lunch stops.

If it’s the likes of Gucci, Prada and Cartier you’re after, grab your wallet and head to the Kolonaki district, in Athens’ centre. This area heads up the city’s high-end shopping scene, and its tree-lined avenues are quite a contrast to the rest of the Greek capital.

Athens is known for its rooftop bars, and some of the best can be found in Monastiraki Square. Here, cocktails come with a side of Acropolis views. If you’d rather gaze out to sea over dinner, make your way to one of the restaurants lined up along the coast, instead.

Gazi was once the industrial centre of Athens, but these days it’s better known for its supersized nightclubs housed inside former factories. Big-name DJs flock here to play their tunes throughout the summer, and even in the quieter seasons, there are events happening every night of the week.

Gyros is a popular Greek dish made of grilled meat wrapped in pitta along with salad, chips and tzatziki. The traditional version is made with lamb, and you’ll be able to get your hands on it from pretty much any street-food stall or Greek restaurant in Athens.

You’ll probably be used to seeing souvlaki on Greek restaurant menus in Ireland, and it’s the same situation in Athens. Skewers of grilled meat are served with tomatoes, onions and olives, and often paired with chips, salad or pitta bread.

These triangle-shaped chunks of feta cheese are usually served as an appetiser. The cheese is wrapped in pastry and deep-fried, before being topped with lashings of sweet honey and sesame seeds.

Loukoumades are perfect for sharing with friends or family. Order a portion, and you’ll end up with a bowl of fried dough balls coated in honey and sprinkled with cinnamon or crushed walnuts.

If you’re in need of a quick bite while you’re on the go, grab one of these snacks from any of the city’s bakeries. Creamy spinach and feta cheese are folded inside filo pastry along with a generous helping of herbs.