of layers. Athens has it all: historic ruins, impressive museums, fantastic restaurants and food markets, as well as balmy weather. The city also somehow manages to combine being both utterly charming and intriguingly gritty: what’s not to love? More and more people seem to be realising just how much the Greek capital has to offer, as it’s ideal for a city break or as the starting point for a longer Greek adventure.


WHAT’S NEW


While most guests will likely focus their sightseeing on the city’s landmarks of antiquity – which are, quite literally, around every corner – Athens is a buzzing, modern and sprawling city. What’s more, it’s been reinventing itself for centuries.


On the accommodation front, the newest and most glittering option is Grecotel’s The Dolli, which opened in 2023. Also new is One&Only Aesthesis, located a few miles south in Glyfada on the Athenian Riviera.


The Ellinikon development is one to watch. This


giant regeneration project on the site of an old airport will transform the area over the next couple of decades. It’s already home to a park, playground, splash area and zipline, but it’s set to gain a marina, beach and thousands of homes, as well as bountiful green space.


WHEN TO GO


As with most European cities, I would recommend visiting during the shoulder seasons, when conditions are warm and pleasant, but there are fewer crowds to contend with.


WHERE TO STAY


The Dolli is the perfect city-centre escape. Its top- yooÀ ÃÜimmin} «ool >n` ÀiÃÌ>ÕÀ>nÌ ovviÀ Ìhi moÃÌ incredible views of the Acropolis. Day or night, the vista is breathtaking. Once a grand mansion, this 1925 neoclassical listed building is now home to 46 rooms and suites, all of which are crisp, clean and


40 ASPIRE MARCH 2025


aspiretravelclub.co.uk


Athens


CREDIT: Shutterstock/Saga Photo and Video


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100  |  Page 101  |  Page 102  |  Page 103  |  Page 104  |  Page 105  |  Page 106  |  Page 107  |  Page 108  |  Page 109  |  Page 110  |  Page 111  |  Page 112  |  Page 113  |  Page 114  |  Page 115  |  Page 116  |  Page 117  |  Page 118  |  Page 119  |  Page 120  |  Page 121  |  Page 122  |  Page 123  |  Page 124  |  Page 125