IT: Known as (or named to be) the “IT” place where locals and jetsetters convene, this on-trend, all-day hangout is located in upmarket Kolonaki. Branding itself as a health-conscious eatery, everything on the menu – from its breakfasts to all-day salads – use the best of local produce. The Seasonal Greens with Mizithra Cheese (€7) … Continue reading To eat: Kolonaki
Owing to its position in the Mediterranean, the food scene in Athens is a melting pot of cultures and reinvention. Whilst there are plenty of timeless Greek tavernas, some of the new spots springing up pull together flavours from the Middle East and Asia, whilst retaining local roots by using the finest of Greek produce. … Continue reading To eat
Avocado: A solid option for a casual bite, Avocado is a vegetarian/vegan café popular with locals and tourists alike. With a wide-ranging menu spanning dishes from all over the world, the usual vegan offerings are available including guacamole, hummus, tofu and wellness smoothies. For me, the place was a little too “homely” (and brightly lit) … Continue reading To eat: Monastiraki and Plaka
Delphi: considered the capital of the earth, Delphi is the jewel in the crown of the central heartlands of Greece and is easily doable as a day-trip from Athens for a breath of mountain air. It’s worth taking a guided tour and a solid option are those run by Greek Key Tours, who offer hotel … Continue reading Day-trips from Athens
Though home to (bitter) Greek coffee, Athens has recently seen the arrival of the third wave coffee revolution with serious coffee drinkers, good local roasters (Taf in particular) and artisan baristas. On warmer days, Athenians seem to relax over a freddo cappuccino at any time of day. Refreshingly, enjoying an iced coffee is part of … Continue reading To caffeinate
Museums Acropolis Museum: no trip to Athens should miss a trip to The Acropolis and The Parthenon, but also unmissable is its museum. Open since 2009, it was founded to exhibit the finds from the Sacred Rock and its foothills. Hosting an impressive collection, it’s split between three levels, above the recently opened basement archaeological … Continue reading To see
The classical capital of Athens has been undergoing a Renaissance of late, which makes it perfect for a city break. Although subject to turmoil – treated as a stopover en route to Greece’s glamorous islands, momentarily transformed into a modern metropolis for the Olympics, only to become wounded by the recession – a dynamic revival … Continue reading Athens: a modern guide to an ancient capital
Madrid offers something for everyone: it’s steeped in history yet impressively innovative; it’s incredibly laid-back yet there’s a lot going on; it’s layered with grandeur, Baroque boulevards and manicured parks, yet has benefited from regeneration of late. That metamorphosis has been fuelled by the economic crisis and led by a new generation of Madrileños, determined … Continue reading Madrid: The Essentials
Located between the Barbican and Farringdon, the focus at Lino is on sustainability – the buzzword of the day, but an important lifestyle choice to be made in the long-term. Housed in a former linoleum factory, the team here describe their ethos as one to “re-use, re-love and re-imagine”. So what exactly does that mean … Continue reading Lino
For my first venture to the South of France, to Uzès (or just outside) we went. Situated in Le Gard, the region felt local, authentic and unspoilt. In tune with this local spirit, each town in the area had its own “fête de votive” celebration going on in honour of a local patron/saint, typical of … Continue reading Provence: In and around Uzès
Yumtini 