PATRICIA & SOFIANOS

The following information is applicable to people who are fully vaccinated and traveling from Panama to Greece.

-Travelers are allowed to transit through Panama.

-Travelers in transit are required to:
Have a confirmed onward flight/ Stay in the transit area at the airport.

Fully vaccinated travelers are not required to have proof of a negative COVID-19 test result before traveling to Panama.

Note: Governments may change their policies with little notice. We recommend checking in regularly and verifying requirements with the linked sources before making travel plans.

The airport located 33 km (20 miles) southeast of Athens, it is easily accessible via Attiki Odos, a major highway constituting the Athens City Ring Road. Public transport to Athens and the port of Piraeus is provided by the metro, express airport bus connections, taxi and high-speed rail. Flights from major airport hubs in London, Berlin, Paris, New York, Frankfurt, Istanbul, Zurich, Rome, Milan, Larnaca and Dubai come in daily and frequently.

There no direct flights from Panama city to Athens. Therefore, you'll have to take connecting flights. In such cases, flight time depend on the stopover destination specified by your airline or the one you choose while booking your ticket.

For direct flights the duration from Panama to Athens is 15 hours and 47 minutes. Athens time is 7 hours ahead of Panama City.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Please make a note that all Greek airline companies are offering a voucher for summer season 2020, which allows you to move your booking day at any time within the next 18th months or receive a refund. Do not hesitate to ask them for this.

Sandy beaches that rival those of the Greek islands and luxurious seaside beach bars might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Athens, but the Athens Riviera is a delightful gem in the buzzing metropolis that should not be missed.

The Athens Riviera is the large coastal area in the southern suburbs of Athens from Piraeus to the tip of Sounio where the temple of Poseidon can be found. More and more tourists are discovering these areas along the coast; the opening of the coastal tram and the continuation of the Athens Metro all the way to Elliniko has been seen with an influx of foreign travelers.

Palaio Faliro (Faliro) is home to Flisvos Marina, one of Athens’ largest harbors and a favorite hangout spot among locals. The area is a hub for luxury yachts and boats seen parked across the seaside bars and cafes on the picturesque Marina. If you’re hungry, Vino Beeroteca is a bar/restaurant with a cool and relaxed atmosphere. They serve great burgers and pizza along with a wide selection of beer and wine for every taste. Faliro is also a spot known for its nightlife and is dotted with outdoor clubs where you can dance under the moonlight till dawn.There are beaches here but to be honest they aren’t the best that you’ll find along the coastline. If you’re into museums, check out the floating Naval Museum Battleship Averof. For something different to do with the whole family and kids, visit one of the largest and best equipped digital planetariums in the world, the Eugenides Planetarium.

Glyfada has some gorgeous seaside beach bars with picturesque views of the Aegean Sea and lots of shops and boutiques to do your shopping. If you are taking the tram, get off at Kolymbiterio stop (Κολυμβητήριο) and check out Balux Seaside on Poseidonos Avenue. It has a super cool vibe with a swimming pool, cafe/restaurant, and bar all in one!

Voula When you get to the suburbs starting with "V", the swimming and beaches get to the next level. Voula is located a few km to the south of Glyfada, and is the last stop if you’re taking the tram. There are areas where you can swim for free but the beaches with paid entry are a bit nicer and worth the money. Cross Poseidonos Avenue and there is a pay-for-use beach with the usual beach amenities such as cabanas, rental sun beds and umbrellas. Voula Beach A is characterized by a Blue Flag, which is only awarded to environmentally friendly beaches that comply with stringent safety and water quality standards. Voula Beach B is noted for being accessible for people with disabilities.

Vouliagmeni -famous for two small peninsulas, Kavouri and Lemos. Spend a lazy evening on Astir Beach, a clean beach along crystal clear waters and heaps of sun beds and places to relax. Get there early or reserve your sunbed in advance to get a spot close to the front of the beach. The only downside to this beach is that there is an entrance fee of €20-€30 depending on if it is a weekday or weekend during high season. If you’re down for some exploring after a dip in the sea, visit the Temple of Apollo Zoster. It dates back to the 6th century BC and graces Astir Beach with its elegant marble altars and thrones.
Alternatively, enjoy a rejuvenating soak in hot springs and head to Lake Vouliagmeni, where the minerals in this natural lake are said to have healing properties. The imposing rock, thermal waters, the labyrinthine underwater tunnels and the lush vegetation of the area create a unique geological phenomenon.

Vari More adventurous souls should check out Seahorse Dive Center in Vari (which is one third of the municipality of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni). If you’ve never went scuba diving before, the center offers a fun introduction course for the very beginner that last two hours. Vari is also known for its psistaries (or grill houses), where you see restaurant after restaurant with outdoor barbecues cooking whole lamb, pig, and goat.Varkiza- Vari spreads down to the sea to a town called Varkiza that has one of the most beautiful beaches within striking distance of Athens along with a fishing port and fish market

Varkiza like the rest of the coast is a town of apartment buildings, mostly modern, and lots of shops, cafes, restaurants and bakeries.

Sounio -At the very tip of the Riviera, you’ll find the photogenic temple of Poseidon in Sounio where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Aegean Sea. Visit the beach below the temple, a unique pebble beach with beautiful clear waters great for swimming. Driving to Sounio is an amazing scenic drive along the coastline, but if you don't have access to a car, the local bus (KTEL) runs hourly to Sounio from either Vouliagmeni Square stop or Vouliagmeni Lake. It is an affordable trip with a ticket costing €5. All stops are listed here. You can also join our private tour realized by car, where you can explore Sounio, the temple of Poseidon and the whole Athenian Riviera!

TIP !
You cannot leave the Athens Riviera without visiting the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, the new architectural gem of Athens, which has been designed in accordance with the principles of sustainability, ecosystems and the alternations of a place that is in constant evolution. It hosts the new building of the National Library of Greece, the Greek National Opera, a park with tall pine and olive trees and an esplanade right next to an artificial canal. Visit the Center on your own pace or on one of its free guided tours.

Cash
Greece is still using cash for some everyday B2b sales, so make sure to have cash money with you. If not, you can find an ATM at Lagonissi area , otherwise for more options you should drive around 10 minutes by car at Varkiza area to find more ATM machines.

Be Taxi-Smart
Taxi fares in Greece are in good price and you can find taxis virtually everywhere. You can call a taxi using online applications like Taxi Beat and Uber. Technically, Uber doesn’t exist in Greece. But you can request and pay for a taxi in Athens with the Uber app. The taxi drivers use the app like all other Uber drivers.

https://thebeat.co/

The Opening Hours
Throughout Greece, shops and supermarkets are open from 9 AM-9 PM. (On Saturdays, most stores close at 8 PM.) As far as the local shops, the hours are as follows: 9 AM-3:00 PM & 5:00-9:00 PM on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. On Mondays & Wednesdays are closed on the afternoon. Shops are also usually closed on Sundays, except for mini-markets.

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For WiFi
You can get an internet connection virtually anywhere. Don’t be afraid to ask for the password if the connection is secured; this is common practice.

Weather
Summers in Athens can be hot and dry. Temperatures frequently reach 32–35 °C . Sometimes June can be a slightly quick rainy so a small umbrella can be always useful as well as a pashmina and a thick jacket for the night.

Language
English is very widely spoken in Greece.

Currency
Greece is a member of the European Union and uses the Euro as its currency.

Bonus Tip!
To report any theft, loss, or any other major issue, contact the Tourism Police. You can reach them by dialing 1571.

More useful numbers:
European SOS line: 112
SOS Doctors: 1016
Ambulance service: 166
Police: 100
Fire service: 191

The Athens public transportation network offers you a wide variety of routes, combining many different means, namely the metro, railway, buses, trolleybuses and trams.
With a 1,40€ ticket you can move around using one or more means of transport within 90 minutes.

You can buy tickets from all metro and train stations as well as from the kiosks on the streets. Alternatively, you can inquire about day or 3 day & 5 day passes that offer public transport at a discounted rate.

For train reference: www.thisisathens.org/plan-your-trip/getting-around/public-transport/trains

For bus reference: www.thisisathens.org/plan-your-trip/getting-around/public-transport/buses

For tram reference : www.thisisathens.org/plan-your-trip/getting-around/public-transport/tram

Even after the sun goes down, a cool sea breeze remains an alluring prospect, and so does a seaside table. Thankfully, the Greek capital is home to Matsuhisa Athens (40 Apollonos Street, Vouliagmeni, Tel. (+30) 210.896.0510), one of Nobu Matsuhisa’s 40 amazing restaurants across the globe, all offering an inspired blend of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine. Matsuhisa Athens is situated at one of the city’s most privileged locations, within the luxury Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel, on a verdant promontory washed by the Aegean Sea. The current menu features many elements that fuse Greek and Japanese cuisine. Highlights include the Sea Bass Umami, which is marinated for three days and served with sea salt and soy salt.

Varoulko: At the other end of the Athens Riviera, in the picturesque marina of Mikrolimano, you’ll find Varoulko Seaside (54 Akti Koumoundourou, Mikrolimano, Tel. (+30) 210.522.8400). Here, owner and chef Lefteris Lazarou offers diners a wide range of creative seafood. Working alongside talented chef Giannis Parikos in the kitchen, Lazarou has created a number of iconic dishes that you can savor only here, such as shrimp tartare with carrot gelée and ginger-lemongrass consommé, or grouper filet with Jerusalem artichoke mousse and mustard pickle. The comprehensive wine list is focused on Greek wines but also includes a choice of renowned international labels.

A few steps further along, Papaioannou (42 Akti Koumoundourou, Mikrolimano, Tel. (+30) 210.422.5059), a traditional fish restaurant, uses quality ingredients to create dishes that are classics without being boring. We recommend the sea urchin, the red mullet, or the catch of the day for large grilled fish. Order a bottle of Greek white from the long wine list.

BEST BAKERY IN TOWN

The classic pit stop for Athenians wanting to grab a snack on their way to a day at the beach, the town of Varkiza is indelibly associated with one of the most historic bakeries in Attica, the Georgiadis Bakery, which has been selling bread, sesame rings and amazing piroshki at the same spot since 1957. If you’re put off by the lines here, try the Artopolis Bakery, which also enjoys a loyal following.

INFO: Georgiadis, 98 Vas. Κonstantinou & 2 Afroditis, Tel. (+30) 210.897.5602

KRABO

If you were air-dropped onto Krabo Beach, you’d swear you were at a cool beach club somewhere in the Cyclades. There’s nowhere quite like it in Athens. An instant hit since it opened in 2018, Krabo is a wicker and wood hideaway on a secluded cove at the end of a pine-covered track. Book one of the tables right on the sand about half an hour before sunset to soak up the Astir peninsula views. You’ll catch the last of the all-day crowd, taking a last dip and polishing off their rosé. Pick a medley of appetizers and a salad or two for everyone to share, instead of ordering from the expensive mains. I keep coming back for the beef carpaccio with lime and pickled cucumber, the grilled Mastelo cheese with sweet chili jam and roasted pistachios from Aegina, and the marinated crab with apple, celery, lime and chili. Don’t rush off after dessert. Once the DJ fires up, Krabo (which is open from April to October) morphs into a cool beach club.

INFO : Thespidos, Vouliagmeni 166 71 Tel. +30 21 0896 3309

RAFALE

Another neighbourhood restaurant that wows everyone we take is Rafale, across from the Vouliagmeni Nautical Club. The whimsical decor makes it always feel like summer: you dine in a tropical garden on a white deck, surrounded by super-size white planters and flickering lanterns. The seafood pasta dishes are fantastic. Go for the tagliatelle with tuna, wine, garlic and mint; or the pappardelle with salmon, cognac and crème fraiche (it’s rich, so share). The always excellent monkfish with celeriac puree and spinach deserves a shout out too. Prices are a notch down from what you’ll pay at the area’s luxury hotel restaurants, and there’s a thoroughly drinkable wine list with a good showing of local labels. A favourite with the shipping set, you might find yourself sitting next to a Greek tycoon without knowing it.
INFO: Apollonos 28, Vouliagmeni 16671 Tel.+30210967 1184

NERO

It may not be exactly by the sea, but the swoony setting of Nerõ, on the shore of Vouliagmeni Lake ranks sky high on the romance-o-meter. Savour sophisticated seafood (like red mullet tartare with caviar or roasted scallops with feta cream) on the smart teak deck that flanks this spectacular, mineral-rich lake. The water glows like liquid gold after dark, illuminated by the lit-up limestone cliffs behind it. From spring to autumn, you might also catch a live jazz or classical music performance to enhance your evening.

INFO: Vouliagmeni 166 71, Vouliagmeni Lake, Tel. +3021 0896 2237

BALUX

For equally smashing sunsets all-year-round, head to the next venue along the Glyfada coast, Balux House Project. You’ll find a Miami beach party groove that spills over from the glass-fronted clubhouse onto the sand, with DJ sets and regular theme parties. Next door, its seasonal sister venue, Balux Pool Seaside, has a more chilled, barefoot appeal. You can sprawl on bean bags on the lawn or inside the thatched, tiki-style bar. After sunset, they light lanterns along the shore. The cocktails and clubby tunes keep coming until 2am

INFO: Posidonos 58, Glifada 166 74 Tel. +30210894 0566

PERE UBU

While Pere Ubu is queen of the scene in Glyfada.
Ramp things up at the eternally festive Pere Ubu Bar, about a two-minute walk away on Kiprou Street. Until 11pm or so, it’s all about the pavement scene at this industrial-design bar where a sleek, older crowd knocks back espresso martinis. After that, things ignite inside with DJ sets and the spectacle of Athenians dancing it up under the Le Corbusier lights. Wear black if you want to fit in, and book ahead for a table (you can do it online)—unless you like the idea of competing for elbow room. Order one of their terrific stone-baked pizzas to soak up the booze. The party burns bright until the wee hours.

INFO: Kiprou 74, Glifada 166 74 Tel.2108941450

YABANAKI

In fact, if beach parties are more your bag, head down to Yabanaki Beach where the post-sunset scene has taken off. There’s a whole swag of affordable seaside dining options—from burgers to Italian, sushi or Greek—and pop-up Latin dance parties all summer long. Yabanaki is open from May to October and entry to the resort is free after 7pm, so take your swimmers. For many Greeks, this is the best time of day to hit the water.

INFO: Varkiza area beach Tel. +302104511888

ISLAND

Most locals only consider summer in Athens officially over after Island has thrown its annual closing party in mid-September. There’s live music, fireworks and an armada of selfies. This celebrity-heavy, open-air venue tumbles down the cliffside on a stretch of unspoiled coastline in Varkiza. Everyone from Meryl Streep to Moby has partied on its whitewashed terraces. For the best experience, book a dining table—even if you only share a few starters—and opt for the earliest slot you can (usually about 9.30-10pm). It gets crazy crowded as the night wears on and getting your hands on a drink can feel like mission impossible. The buzz is worth it though.

INFO: 7ο χλμ, Leof. Athinon Souniou, 166 72 Tel. 210965 3563

GREEK BOUZOUKIA

If you know any Athenians, ask them to take you along to one of the Riviera’s bouzoukia clubs on a Friday or Saturday night. Greeks come alive at the bouzoukia—flashy nightclubs with live Greek pop music—and you’ll have more fun in a pack. In the summer months, the bouzoukia scene migrates to the coast. Your chances of catching a famous headline singer at venues like Posidonio Music Hall are high. Bouzoukia may be expensive (a bottle of wine can set you back 100 euros), but it’s an “only in Greece” experience that you’ll smile about long after your holiday tan has faded. Expect light shows, airborne carnations and a dawn finish!

Therapeutic waters of Lake Vouliagmeni

Almost hidden off the main beach road, Lake Vouliagmeni’s (limnivouliagmenis.gr) entrance is easy to miss but that would be a mistake. It’s named after a Greek word for ‘sunken’, and legend has it that a lost city fell into the deep lake which is bordered by a huge limestone cave. Managed as a stylish resort, its 24°C therapeutic waters boast mineral properties proven to heal various skin problems, rheumatism and arthritis.

Shopping in Glyfada
The US airbase may have closed years ago, but the businesses that once catered to American families in the upmarket seaside neighbourhood of Glyfada are still thriving (it helps that some of the remaining residents include millionaires and celebrities). Glyfada’s downtown area is an energetic shopping hub where boutique stores are sprinkled between cafes, eateries and bars.

Sailing the Riviera
The Athenian Riviera is the Greek capital’s hub for sailing, and the several harbours along the coast are the starting point to explore fantastic coves and islets or go on a day trip to nearby Saronic Gulf islands such as Aegina, Poros or Hydra. The most popular harbours to set off from include Flisvos, Agios Kosmas, Alimos and Glyfada. For day cruises and boat hire, try yachts-sailing.com in Paleio Faliro.

Open-air cinema at Flisvos Marina
Some of the most impressive yachts in the Mediterranean dock at Flisvos Marina (flisvosmarina.com), whose pedestrian promenade is the destination for a relaxing stroll, a fancy cocktail or a great meal with a perfect sea view. Also nearby is the Cine Flisvos (cineflisvos.gr), one of Athens’ classic open-air cinemas which operates under the moonlight by the sea every summer.