Celeste is a proud Dutch gal who has really embraced Greece as her new home. She loves it so much that she shares her adventures and blogs about all of her family experiences in Greece.
Contents
- 1 If you are from outside of Greece, what brought you here?
- 2 How has the Athens Coast has played a role in your life?
- 3 Which is your favorite beach and why?
- 4 What is your favorite area to spend time in during the day and why?
- 5 For a night out, which area do you prefer and why?
- 6 Do you have any tips for someone who is a new resident on the Athens Coast?
- 7 What should the rest of the world know about the Athens Coast?
- 8 Is there anything else you would like to add?
If you are from outside of Greece, what brought you here?
I completed my Master of Arts from the University of Amsterdam in Cultural Science here. The subject of my thesis was the Foreign Institutes in Athens and I did research here. I further completed a post doctorate internship at the Dutch Institute of Athens.
How has the Athens Coast has played a role in your life?
My Greek husband had a house in Palio Faliro and we spent many years along the Coast. The clubs used to be great and so were the restaurants.
I loved cycling from Palio Faliro down the coast towards Balux for coffee. Our boat was docked in Marina Kalamaki and from that spot we made many boat rides along the coast and beyond.
The coast also played an important role during my job at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games and I had my wedding there. My wedding reception was at the Flisvos Marina.
I moved to Marousi in 2005 when I started to work for the Coca Cola Company. But I still often visit because there is much to do for children and I wish I was closer to the sea.
Which is your favorite beach and why?
When the kids were very young I used to go to organized beaches at Astir Beach, Lagonissi beach resort and the small private beach at Divani Apollon palace in Kavouri. Now that they are a bit older, we are getting more ‘adventurous’ and also go to Anavyssos and Sounio.
What is your favorite area to spend time in during the day and why?
I love the Nautical Club of Palio Faliro. It is a romantic hidden spot in the Flisvos Marina with an amazing view for morning coffee or lunch. It is a very Greek spot with the comfort of parking in the private Flisvos Marina parking. On the weekends I enjoy watching the kids in their little sailing boats there.
Another hidden gem is the Kalamaki and Alimos Marina are great for a stroll in the sun. For nature and nature with kids, the amazing phenomenon of Vouliagmeni Lake cannot be missed, especially in spring.
For a night out, which area do you prefer and why?
Before I had my kids, I was an active participant of the coast’s nightlife 😉 Those days are over now but I still enjoy drinks or a meal with girlfriends. My favorite is fish restaurant Papaioannou in Mikrolimano.
Do you have any tips for someone who is a new resident on the Athens Coast?
For families I would recommend the Stavros Niarchos Cultural Center, the Flisvos Park, the newly opened Benaki Toy Museum, the Archelon Turtle Rescue Center in Glyfada and the Planetarium in Palio Faliro. The Averof warship Museum is great too but it is currently in Thessaloniki. Finally, my kids always love the tram ride!
What should the rest of the world know about the Athens Coast?
The Athens Coast is a vibrant area with an exotic boulevard, first class beach clubs, five-star hotels, and very good restaurants. It is also a very family friendly area with lots of walking routes, playgrounds and luna parks. Combined with Athens’ amazing climate, it is a place for outdoor activities all year round.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Although I live in the North suburbs now, the Athens Coast is easy to reach from here. With the new connecting road to Anavysos via Attiki Odos Markopoulou, or via the National Road Kifissos , it does not take longer than 30-45 minutes.
How is it for biking?