Let’s dive together into nostalgia to the days we couldn’t choose which tour to follow.

Aegina Panoramic Tour

To begin with, you can take an holistic view of the island of Aegina with the Aegina Panoramic Tour. Firstly, you will make a small tour of the island by bus, crossing between the pistachio trees. Then, you will be lucky to see Aegina’s medieval capital city, Paleochora, and its most famous monastery, St. Nektarios.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a panoramic tour without the respective gastronomic experience. So at the end of the tour, you will make a tasteful stop at a local tavern and get to try Aegina’s delicacies.

Aegina Swimming Tour

What comes to mind when you think of greek islands? Of course their clear, blue sea waters and a great urge to dive in them. That’s why our last but not least recommended tour of Athens Day Cruise is the Aegina Swimming Tour. By your arrival at the island of Aegina and choosing the swimming tour, a speedboat will transfer to an idyllic island. Depending the weather conditions, this can be either Agkistri or Moni island, both less than 10min away from Aegina.

There you will be able to dive in their crystal waters, enjoy the beach and the sun under your private umbrella, with the background of Mediterranean fauna, peacocks or even deer!

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Today, we explore the tours that Athens Day Cruise offers, in the first part of our tribune.

The Classical Tour of Aegina

This tours is a perfect match for history and architecture aficionados. It combines the visit to an archaeological site with the exploring of the official Aegina’s Saint Monastery. By choosing the classical tour of Aegina, first things first, you will visit the impeccable ancient temple of Afaia. Through a beautiful route between pistachio trees lines, you will arrive to the hill where the temple is located. There you will learn the mythology behind the temple, and that architectonically it served as a model for the temple of Parthenon.

Afterwards, your next stop will be the Monastery of St. Nektarios, the patron saint of Aegina. St. Nektarios is a relatively new saint, as he died in 1920 and he was declared as a saint only in 1961. Today the Monastery serves as a convent, where 14 nuns reside.

The Hydra Walking Tour

Hydra is an exceptional island, which somehow manages to unite history buffs, culture lovers and those who look for a short but cosmopolitan way to spend their weekend. Meaning that meeting everyone’s expectations via our walking tour was a pretty tough task.

Luckily for you, the Walking Tour of Hydra by Athens Day Cruise manages to keep everyone satisfied and delighted with their choice. The walk begins at the Merchant Marine Academy, dating from the 18th century, and the statue of ‘Miaoulis’ representing the island’s modern history. Then, you will have the option to take a break on a donkey, the official means of transport of Hydra.

The Walking Tour continues with visiting the square where a couple of “James Bond” movie scenes were shot, one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe “Rafalia” as well as the Ecclesiastical Museum. Finally, the last stop of the tour will find you next to the cannons, with an astonishing view.

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New museums and institutions, alongside with private galleries, have highlighted Athens as a promising destination for modern and contemporary art.

Modern National Museum of Contemporary Art

The new Modern National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST) is the new addition of the cultural map of Athens. The building used to be the old FIX beer factory, and its modern architecture gives a fresh insight in the old neighborhood of Koukaki.

Although EMST delayed its opening and its exhibitions for many years, due to the economic crisis. Nevertheless, 2017 was the year of EMST as it played a huge role of Documenta 14, a renowned contemporary art fair across Europe.

Basil and Elise Goulandris Foundation

The B&E Goulandris Foundation is based on the vision of its founders, that art should be open to public, not hidden in private galleries. After creating the Museum of Contemporary Art in Andros, their next step was a second museum in Athens. There, more people would have the opportunity to meet and familiarize with modern and contemporary of Greek and foreign artists.

This step became a reality in 2019, when the Basil and Elise Goulandris Foundation’s new museum started its first visitors on October 2019. The new museum is located in central Athens, in the neighborhood of Pagkrati, near the Kallimarmaron Stadium.

The new museum hosts as its permanent exhibition the private collections of Basil and Elise Goulandris, of famous Greek and foreign modern and contemporary artists. Among them, you will find exhibits of Cézanne, van Gogh, Gauguin, Monet, Degas, Rodin, Toulouse-Lautrec, Bonnard, Picasso, Hadjikyriakos-Ghika, Tsarouchis, Moralis, Tetsis. Apart from the areas of exhibitions, in the same building you will find a café-restaurant, the museum shop, a library, a children’s workshop and an amphithteatre.

DESTE Foundation

DESTE Foundation for Contemporary Art is a nonprofit institution that promotes contemporary art. It was created by Dakis Ioannou, and its main activities include the organization of contemporary art events with the collaboration of renowned artists and curators. Furthermore, DESTE foundation has established the DESTE Foundation prize, which awards it to a Greek artist under 40 once every two years.

Except for DESTE’s premises in Athens, DESTE foundation has succeeded to host many events in Hydra too. In 2008, the municipality of Hydra donated an old slaughterhouse. After its restoration and renovation, this building is functioning as the DESTE Project Space Slaughterhouse, since 2009.

Every summer, the Foundation hosts a series of contemporary art exhibitions on the island of Hydra, including the assignment of the space to a single artist or team invited to stage a unique, site-specific exhibition.

This week in Athens and the rest of Greece, open-air archaeological sites have opened their gates for visitors, after 2 months of strict lockdown. So we will be waiting until the 15^th of June when museum will open too.

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Keeping up with our new habit, being a tourist in our own city, we searched for some of the best neighborhoods of Athens. Taking a stroll in their streets, admiring the architecture or a taking a sip of coffee in a local café, is what we call an authentic urban experience.

Plaka-Anafiotika

Just under the shadow of the Acropolis hill, lies the most picturesque neighborhood of Athens. Plaka is one of the oldest and most prestigious areas of central Athens, with its narrow streets and its neo-classical buildings. Although it is almost always packed with tourists and souvenir shops, in the post-Covid era Plaka is empty of massive crowds. So, it is the ideal time for a nice stroll down between its pastel houses.

Included the area of Plaka, Anafotika is an exceptional case of a different neighborhood. This is where islanders of the Cycladic Anafi came and residented, creating their neighborhood identical to blue-white Cycladic architecture.

Koukaki – Makrygianni

Getting to the other side of Acropolis, we find the neighborhood of Makrygianni Street and Koukaki. There you will find the museum of Acropolis, alongside the pedestrian street of Dionysiou Areopagitou. You can find yourself there either after a visit from the museum, or under the current circumstances, after a walk from Thisseion or Petralona.

From the Dion. Areopagitou Street take the turn into Makrygianni street and explore this much more urban district. Its name is Koukaki, and this is where many artists love to live or visit, because of its cool vibes.

Kifissia

Moving to the northern suburbs of Athens, we reach out to Kifissia. Kifissia used to be the district where wealthy Athenians had their villas in order to spend hot summers. Today, there are still the old aristocratic buildings, while the whole area has developed into a vivid suburb.

Beginning from the train lines, you can discover the old aristocratic glory walking downside. On the other hand, you can cross the park of Kifissia and reach to its center. This is where families, teenagers and romantic couples choose to spend their evenings. Either in open-air restaurants, or strolling towards Politeia and its parks.

Kifissia definitely gives a sense of freshness and luxury to every visitor.

Glyfada

From the north of Athens we end up to its south, and the district of Glyfada. Many consider Glyfada as the rival of beauty and luxury of Kifissia, and not without a reason. Glyfada combines great bars and restaurants, fashionable residents and visitors and the sea.

You can either choose to spend the day strolling alongside Glyfada’s marina, or opt in for swimming in one of the nearby beaches.

Bonus: The old town of Hydra

Although it is not considered a district of Athens, it is within the borders of Attica and certainly one of the most beautiful neighborhoods you can visit.

The architectonic structure of Hydra’s old town is amphitheatric, inside a close cove, under bare cliffs. Hydra is unique since it has banned the usage of vehicles and accredited the donkeys as the only means of transport. This decision has kept the atmosphere and the vibe of the island pure, while it let it flourish with artistic activities.

You can stroll in the old town of Hydra, among its cobblestone narrow streets, admiring the old, aristocratic mansions. These go back to the times when Hydra was a naval and commercial centre. Climbing up the stairs of the old town, you will find yourself in front of the medieval fortress town of Kiafa. There, you can admire the colourful houses and the amazing view towards Peloponnese and the Saronic Gulf. Or you can always choose the Walking Tour of Hydra with Athens Day Cruise.

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What we really appreciated during the lockdown, is the few hours of rediscovering our own cities.

Before Covid-19, our frenzy “normal” lives didn’t leave us much room for feeling the vibes of our cities. We just had to wait in long traffic lanes to and from work, or give ourselves a little treat of urban spots during the weekends.

But during the quarantine times, we valuated our one-hour walks and rediscovered our cities. We felt like tourists in our own cities, and in fact…we loved it!

So while we still don’t know yet when we’ll be able to travel abroad again, we can set our eyes in being the tourist of our cities and how.

Visit parks and nature

We have already mentioned, finding and walking in nature really helped our sanity during lockdown. Now that more and more parks and natural sites are re-opening, we are eager to discover all of them!

We can either choose some central sites, like Zappeion, Pnyka or Pedion of Areos, while strolling between two Athenian neighborhoods. Or, we can set ourselves for an adventure and go for a hiking experience on Mount Hymettus or Parnitha.

Visit archaeological sites

Nothing speaks more for tourists than visiting historical and archaeological sites. Although we don’t know yet when museums will open, we are pretty lucky living in Athens. Here, there is an abundance of open space archaeological sites and monuments, which we can visit while keeping our social distances.

There is all-time classic Acropolis and Parthenon, but there are more open space monuments worth visiting, like Kerameikos, Kallimarmaron or Ancient Agora of Athens.

Make short trips

With domestic tourism being one of the most potent options of summer 2020, but still unknown the when and how, short trips in the region of Attica seem a great idea. It is not widely known that Attica offers many alternatives for one-day trips, really close to Athens.

We can definitely recommend the region of Vravrona, which hosts a really good archaeological site and many secret, ready to be discovered beaches.

And of course, our favourite islands, the Saronic islands of Aegina, Hydra and Poros. Their unique architecture and cultural vibe will let you feel like having the holiday of your life!

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Although getting back to normal everyday life may take a while, there are still some things we want get them first.

So let’s sort out our priorities in our after-lockdown bucket list

Take a really long walk

Even though walking wasn’t prohibited, strict regulations and technicalities made our efforts seem limited. With the loosening of the lockdown measures, it feels like a psychological burden is also relieved. From May 4^th, we will be able to take long walks, rediscover Athens and “reclaim” our city.

Have a drink with friends

Speaking of limitations, the necessary social distancing rules deprived us from our friends and family. Despite of our understanding of their necessity, we still missed spending quality time with them. What we crave right now most, is a couple of laid-back moments with our beloved. Why not with a refreshing drink in a summer roof bar?

Live a collective experience

Missing our friends and family members was one part of our social distancing measures. Avoiding large gatherings and collective experiences was the other one. And God, what a misery it was.

Do you remember the old days of massive concerts? Or the thrill while watching a final match? What about the serenity of religious gatherings?

But considering the upcoming summer, we definitely pick our favorite experience; watching an all-time classic film in one of the open-air, Athenian cinemas. Open-air cinemas are the cultural hotspots that send out the signal that summer has arrived in Athens. And we can’t wait to purchase a ticket for them!

Take a trip

With it being the final step of the restrictions’ loosening, vacation and holidays trips may still seem a dream. Uncertainty on the covid-19 course among countries and borders situation don’t allow us to make plans for big trips.

But we are still allowed to dream the small ones, those close to Athens, in the geographic region of Attica. Like a trip in the Saronic islands!

Whether it be domestic visitors from Athens or new foreign travelers in the middle and the end of summer, Athens Day Cruise is waiting for officials’ signal to begin again its one-day cruises.

Until then, we will be filling our bucket list!

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Filopappos Hill

Another hill after the mount Lycabettus, the Filopappos Hill is located next to the Acropolis. According to Greek mythology, it used to be the home of the nine muses. In Filopappos Hill you have two options. Both hike towards the top, through its various paths, and get to see the breathtaking panoramic view. Or, you can cross it, and find yourself from the neighborhood of Monastiraki to the one of Petralona.

Mount Hymettus

When in Athens, most probably you’ll see it laying on the eastern front. It is the mount Hymettus, one of the mountains that surround Athens, and it hosts one of the best parks and forest experience of this city. More specifically, in mount Hymettus you will find the “Aesthetic forest of Kesariani”, a protected nature reserve that is only a 15- to 20-minute cab ride from downtown Athens.

Temple of Afaia in Aegina

Although its name doesn’t promise a walk in the forest, the temple of Afaia in Aegina is a unique opportunity for every traveler. It is located on the top of a small hill, and it is surrounded by a lavish forest. You can reach there by picking the Classical Tour of Aegina, one of our activities.

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Zappeion

Although Zappeion garden is close to the National Garden, it is a considered a different garden with its own glory. Apart from the stroll among trees, get the chance to admire the Megaron, a beautiful neoclassical building which hosts conferences and meetings.

Moni island of Aegina

Although not located in Athens, Moni island of Aegina is a unique destination even for locals. Besides its turquoise water beaches, there is a centennial forest that offers shadow and peace. You can visit Moni island directly from Aegina.

Diomedous Botanical Garden

A hidden gem of western Attica, that even Athenians mostly ignore its existence. The Diomedous Botanical Garden hosts in its 500 acres some beautiful gardens with ancient or medical plants and 25 ponds. It is located in the area of Haidari, next to the last exits towards Salamina. But trust us, a visit there will reward you. This is also a great getaway experience for families with young children.

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In order to keep our spirits up we take a stroll to the best and most famous parks of Athens and the Saronic, in three parts.

National Garden of Athens

We begin with the most central garden of Athens, the National Garden in Syntagma Square. This urban oasis is actually home to more than 7,000 trees, and 519 different kinds of plants, along with six ponds and some wildlife.

Mount Lycabettus

Even if the name doesn’t promise a garden, the mount Lycabettus is an oasis of central Athens. Taking the path that goes through the little forest of the hill, you will get your chance with nature. The view for the top will reward all your efforts

Lemon forest of Poros

In the mid of April, the lemon forest of Poros should be blooming with fresh lemons and extraordinary aromas. In addition to the lemon trees, you can also find pomegranates, cypresses and olives.

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With Greece being the first suggested country to visit after coronavirus, there are a lot of options of islands you can choose from.

Is island hopping from Athens worth it, and how should you do it?

Before you go island hopping from Athens, here are some important things to know about the beauty of the Greek Islands.

There are a lot of them!

Greece has over 6,000 islands within its territorial waters, and not all of them are inhabited. Some Islands like Aegina, Santorini, Mykonos are more popular than other islands because of their picturesque landscapes and world-famous monuments.

There are six groups of islands spread around Greece. It is next to impossible to cover all the big islands in a short time. The best option would be to visit one chain every time you visit Greece.

You can go island hopping from Athens to the Saronic Islands, or if you have time, you can spend one day in each of the colourful islands. Aegina, Methana, Salamis, Agistri, and Poros are the main Saronic islands. Hydra is often added to the list although it belongs to the Argolic Gulf. You can board a ferry from Piraeus and the Peloponnese to reach most of these islands.

Island hopping from Athens with Athens Day Cruise

Athens Day Cruise runs one-day cruises to Aegina, Poros and Hydra.  We cover all the famous sites, and in our vessels we cover a lot of fun activities while travelling between the Saronic islands. You can opt for an upgrade on the ticket and buy the VIP pass if you prefer luxury during your cruise and reserve your participation in island tours.

One important thing to remember while island hopping is that quality is more important than quantity. So instead of trying to cover 10 islands in 2 days, focus on spending a whole day in three important ones. You can enhance your experience during your one-day island hopping cruise, by selecting the historical, cultural or swimming tours. In that way, you will customize your experience, for the best value-for-money package.

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