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HOTELS
A collection of luxurious new hotels has opened in Athens over the past few years , although a host of stylish old favorites remains .
Set in the opulent 1925 former home of a wealthy fabric magnate , The Dolli opened its doors to guests last year . It wears its history like a badge of honor , with 46 rooms and suites splashed with white marble and 18th-century furniture . The view from the infinity pool of the Acropolis is the real show-stopper — it reflects the scene like a mirror at golden hour .
Opened in 2022 , Xenodocheio Milos is the estiatorio Milos restaurant chain ’ s first hotel , conveniently located next to the Old Parliament House . Its restaurant , helmed by renowned chef Costas Spiliadis , occupies most of the ground floor . Once guests have polished off a plate of salt-crusted fish , they can head to the roof terrace to bathe in a hot tub accompanied by a chilled glass of Malagousia .
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The Acropolis Luxury
Junior Suite at The Dolli
Elsewhere , New Hotel is situated in bougainvillea-draped Plaka , its unassuming modernist facade concealing a vibrant , avant-garde personality on the inside . The lobby bar gives a great first impression , complete with signature cocktails made using Greek tipples ranging from mint-like mastiha from Chios to kumquat liqueur hailing from Corfu .
Not far from here is Hotel Grande Bretagne , a grande dame located just across the road from the Hellenic Parliament . Opened in 1874 , there ’ s an air of the Belle Époque everywhere you look , from the palm-and-fountain-filled spa to afternoon tea served in the opulent Winter Garden .
Perhaps the most wonderful thing about Athens is that it can be both a beach and city break . The Four Seasons Astir Palace , in seaside town Vouliagmeni , combines the best of 1960s Athens glamour with green-and-turquoise waters , plus jewelry boutiques and a lounge-worthy pool deck tumbling into the Aegean .
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ESSENTIALS
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When to go : From May to October , the city hosts the Athens and Epidaurus festival , which sees performance artists from around the globe descend on Athens ’ ancient venues . September and October bring sunny days perfect for swimming , but with fewer crowds . Currency : Euro Language : Greek , with English also widely spoken Getting around : Athens has three
metro lines . The blue line extends to the airport and goes via the city center to the Port of Piraeus . The green and red lines crisscross the city from north to south . To get to the beach , a tram runs down to Glyfada . Buses go almost everywhere in the city .
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BOOK IT NOW
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Extend your time in the Mediterranean with a nine-night sailing from Athens to Dubrovnik , Croatia , aboard Atlas Ocean Voyages ’ 1940s-inspired yacht , World Navigator . Follow the sun as you travel through UNESCO highlights , historic villages and pristine beaches on your private haven at sea . Departs Athens , Greece , on August 16 , 2025 .
CALL US
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Contact our agency to book your trip to Athens .
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image : the dolli . Illustration : Lis watkins |
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