Athenian Tours

In the days when the world was new, the young goddess Persephone wondered away from her friends, through the fields of Eleusis, looking for flowers to gift her mother. There she found a bloom unlikely any she had ever seen before. Curious, she tugged it and, like the clap of thunder, the earth split beneath her hand. From the chasm below a chariot burst through and just like that she disappeared.
For months her mother searched for her but neither tree, nor stream, nor god, nor nymph could tell her where her daughter went. In the end the sun revealed to her the truth. Hades, king of the Underworld, had fallen in love with her and, having petitioned Zeus, taken away from the world above to wed and be his queen.
Such was Demeter’s rage and grief, she blanketed the earth with snow and swore to let none grow until her daughter was returned to her. In vain did the other gods try to appease her with gifts and promises, in the mortals prayed for a good harvest. The dead grew in numbers and thus Hades agreed to let his wife and queen return to the world above. But Persephone, having eaten six seeds of pomegranate, bound herself to the Underworld, to spend six months of the year ruling at her husband’s side and six on the earth keeping her mother company.
And so the world has been since, split in seasons by Demeter’s grief and the underworld gained their queen.

Image credit: © Marie-Lan Nguyen / Wikimedia Commons

Vouliagmeni – legends and history

The year, 1928. The location, a pine-covered stretch of land 24 km south of Athens and facing the Saronic gulf. Before the yachts and large hotels, Vouliagmeni was the mythical sanctuary to Leto, where she rested before continuing on to Delos to birth the divine twins, Artemis and Apollo. Echoing the myths of old, the area has been a trading hub with the Aegean islands for at least 4500 years, with housing of the time being made by stone imported from the volcanic isles of Milos and Kimolos.

This taste for the finer things has remained a central part of the character of the area since, with the focus eventually switching to the lake that gave the area its modern name (literally meaning the sunken one). Its creation happened 2000 years ago, when the roof of a massive cave system collapse, leading to flooding in the area. The waters even now are a steady 22-29 Celsius and held in high regard for their therapeutic properties. It is said that the lake is home to a fairy, who guards its waters and will drag young men down to her domain, if she take a liking to them.

Want to know more about Vouliagmeni and its surrounding coast? Join one of our catamaran cruises for a different view of Athens from the sea.

The original Riviera

Before Mykonos, before Matala and the legendary “Greek summer”, there was the original Athens Riviera in the seaside neighborhood of Faliro. Rising out of temporary huts for the fishermen of the area and the insistence of a local doctor that people should really know how to swim, the early 1900s saw young Athenians enthusiastically embrace the concept of a beach day.

The first “organised” beaches popped up in Pasalimani, Delta and Neo Faliro, complete with policemen ensuring that men and women did not mix their swimming hours and everyone’s swimwear was suitably modest (especially men seeking to scandalise the young ladies riding by). Of course this would not last long, and by the 1920s the fashionable (if scandalous) bains mixtes were established. Despite loud public outcry, and even the occasional arrest, the young men and women of Athens started mingling by the sea. Coffee shops, restaurants and even events spaces for live music followed shortly behind them.

These days many of those original landmarks of outrage are still there, albeit modernised and adapted for the times. Take a closer look at the coastline that started Greek summer as we know it. Join us for a catamaran cruise and see a whole new side of Athens!

Understanding the Athenian Summer Pace
July in Athens has its own rhythm. The city is lively, but locals often adjust their day around the heat: quieter afternoons, then active evenings. You may notice that some smaller businesses take short breaks or operate different hours, while main attractions stay open and busy. If you embrace the pace, the experience improves—do your outdoor plans early, take a midday pause, then enjoy dinner late when streets feel cooler and more social. A helpful mindset: don’t try to “win” Athens in one day. Give yourself time, drink water, and let evenings be long. Athens in July isn’t about rushing—it’s about flow. 🌙

Summer nights in Athens are something truly special, and one of the city’s most beloved traditions is the experience of open-air cinemas 🎬✨🌙

Scattered throughout the city, these charming venues offer the chance to enjoy films under the stars ⭐, often surrounded by lush greenery 🌿, soft lighting 💡, and the warm Athenian evening air 🌆. From iconic historic cinemas to hidden neighbourhood gems, they are an essential part of local culture and a perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring 🏛️🍷

Whether you’re watching a timeless classic 🎞️ or a new release 🍿, open-air cinemas capture the romance, nostalgia, and unique atmosphere of Athens at night 💫


For those who would like to discover more about the city’s culture, history, and hidden experiences, we warmly invite you to join one of our tours 🌿🏛️✨

Staying Cool While Sightseeing
Athens summer heat is manageable if you plan like a local. The trick is timing: explore outdoor sights early in the morning, then take a midday break indoors—museums, cafés, or shaded neighborhoods. Carry water, wear breathable clothing, and don’t underestimate sunscreen. A hat can make a huge difference, especially in open areas with little shade. If your schedule allows, save longer walks for late afternoon when the temperature drops. Also, listen to your body—heat exhaustion is real and can ruin a trip fast. Athens is best enjoyed with a flexible pace: a bit of exploring, a bit of resting, then a long evening out when the city cools down. 🧢

🏟️ Discover Callimarmaro Stadium – a true Olympic legend! 🏅

Step back in time to the birthplace of the first modern Olympic Games and walk in the footsteps of history. This iconic stadium, made entirely of marble, is a masterpiece of architecture and a symbol of athletic spirit that has inspired generations. ✨

Feel the atmosphere as you imagine athletes competing and crowds cheering, explore the track where records were set, and snap unforgettable photos at every corner! 📸🔥

Whether you’re a history buff, sports fan, or just looking for a unique experience in Athens, Callimarmaro Stadium will leave you in awe.

🌿 Fun tip: Take a moment to relax in the surrounding areas and enjoy the view – it’s as much about the experience as the history!

If you want to find more, join one of our tours! 🌍🚌

Sounio sunsets

Just forty-five minutes to the south of Athens, lies Sounio. Famed for its dramatic views of the Aegean, and the temple of Poseidon still standing guard over Attica, it is an ideal escape from the busyness of Athens.

Sounio is especially known for its beautiful sunsets and moonrises, particularly during the summer season. Spend a quiet day away from the hubbub, swimming in one of the many beaches (or windsurfing for the more adventurous ones). Explore Sounio national park with its pine-shaded trails, visit the temple of Poseidon or even the nearby Mineralogical Museum of Lavrio. Fill up on seafood in one of the seaside tavernas and, time permitting, check out any musical events that might be taking place.

Want a chance to explore the temple of Poseidon for an unforgettable view of the Aegean? Check out one of our day trips to the Cape!

The naming of Athens

It is said that in the days of old, when Athens was founded, the gods vied for the spot of being her patron deity. Of all two emerged, Athena and Poseidon, who presented their cases to Athens’ first king, Kekrops. Upon the hill, where the Acropolis now lies, Poseidon struck his trident and a spring of salt water came through. Athena then struck the ground with her spear and an olive tree grew.

The other gods convened upon the hill, to witness the boons and judge the worthiest. The olive tree was deemed the best by Zeus and thus the city was henceforth known as Athens, sacred and protected by the goddess whose name it now bore. And it is said that Poseidon never forgot the insult of his gift being spurned, and to this day Athens suffers for a lack of fresh water in punishment for the choice made then.

For this and many other stories about Athens’ past, mythical or otherwise, join our Acropolis tours.

Summer Life in Athens Begins
June is when Athens shifts into full summer mode. Days are longer, nightlife gets livelier, and the city’s rhythm changes—locals often avoid the hottest hours and come alive in the evening. You’ll notice more rooftop venues, later dinners, and a general “let’s stay out” feeling after sunset. If you’re visiting, plan your days smartly: do outdoor sightseeing early, pause midday, then enjoy the city later. One of the best parts of Athens in June is how social it feels—squares, streets, and cafés are full of energy. It’s a great month to experience Athens as a living city, not just a checklist of sights. 🌇