Greece 2026 - Day 1, Athens
Monday, 27 April 2026
Athens, Greece
Weather: Bright sunny skies throughout the day with gentle breezes. Pleasant temperature with a high of 20°C.
Our first full day in Athens started slow and easy. We left the Airbnb in two groups. The Tans and Yeos headed off to explore the nearby market while the Sees and Yaps took a relaxed 10 minute walk to the National Garden from our villa. Quiet pathways, old stone arches and soft morning light. Athens already felt charming before the crowds arrived.
We met again at 9am at Coffee Island cafe for breakfast and coffee. Simple breakfast, lots of laughter, and everyone slowly getting into holiday mood. That first coffee in a new country always hits differently.
After breakfast, we explored the city on foot. Syntagma Square, the changing of guards, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Arch of Hadrian and Zappeion Hall. Everywhere we turned, there seemed to be another ancient structure quietly standing in the middle of modern life. Athens feels like a city where history casually sits beside traffic lights and cafes.
We continued towards Roman Agora, Tower of Winds and Hadrian’s Library before ending up at Monastiraki. Busy streets, souvenir shops, little alleys and plenty of photo taking under the bright Greek sun.
Lunch turned into a small adventure on its own. We originally wanted Atlantikos after hearing good things from the Tans, who had tried it the day before when they first arrived. Somehow we ended up walking into the neighbouring Mikraki instead. Let’s just say lunch there was forgettable. We quickly corrected our mistake and moved over to Atlantikos for a much better second round. Fresh mussels, prawns, cod, seabass and pasta. Much happier faces around the table after that.
The afternoon was spent shopping around Psiri and Ermou Street before heading back to the villa to offload our bags and rest a little.
Dinner was at Varoulko, a one Michelin star restaurant located at the beautiful Mikrolimano marina area. We went early to walk around the coastline before dinner. The marina was lovely in the evening light, with boats gently swaying by the water.
Dinner by the boats, good food, good company and a lovely sea breeze. One of the highlights for us was discovering the Malagousia grape varietal for the first time. The blend with Assyrtiko was fresh, aromatic and easy to drink. Fruity nose with a crisp and light structure that matched the seafood beautifully.
A long but beautiful first full day in Athens. Greece already felt special.
