Explore Athens during wintertime

Image by Nimrod Oren from Pixabay

Have you ever thought of travelling to Greece during winter time ? What about exploring seasonal fruits, herbs & spices at the Varvakios market in Athens city center, an excursion to Stavros Niarchos cultural center and a refreshing winter swim. Enjoy a weekend program for all senses.

Since 1884 the so called Dimotikí Agorá Athinón or how the locals call it Varvákios market opens its doors from Monday to Saturday for everyone who loves fresh local food. Immerse into a world of smells and tastes between Europe and the Orient. Let me guide you through the market hall and follow me on a short walk between fruit & vegetable stands to having lunch in a simple greek taverna.

Skinned goats hanging upside down, a cowhead staring at you, fishrow on ice, a smell of slightly old blood and a marketer screaming at you in a hall filled with active hustle. Doesn't sound too inviting ? Well, that's reality here. The market hall shows authenticity to its fullest and gives you a throwback to how it must have been 100 years ago. You won't find neatly packed beef filets here, prepared fish carpaccio or beautified little packages of ham. It's raw, it’s rough and it’s real.

What an experience ! Let's continue our walk to the vegetarian area of the market that extends alongside the square. You´ll find a variety of local and seasonal fruits in the brightest colours and best qualities. In wintertime you´mostly see oranges, apples, lemons, tangerines, chestnuts, cale, persimmons, carrots and potatoes. In between you´ll find stands that offer oriental spices and all kinds of nuts, dry fruits and herbs in bulk. So make sure you have some bags with you and fill them with whatever attracts you most.

After seeing all this delicious food you´ll be hungry for sure. Enjoy a variety of greek specialities on small plates and share with your friends or family in one of the surrounding restaurants.

From raw, rough and real to amazing architecture & art. The Stavros Niarchos foundation is an organisation that makes grants in the areas of arts and culture, education, health and medicine, and social welfare that solely derived from sales of fossil fuels, as Niarchos was one of world's largest transporters of oil. Granting $860 million in 2017 the Stavros Niarchos cultural center designed by the renowned architect Renzo Piano opened its doors to the public. This modern monument includes the national library of Greece and the Greek national opera. A meeting point for everyone who wants to experience breathtaking views, state of the art architecture and enjoy the new greek culture. Inspired by the natural greek flora and fauna the surrounding parks are full of lavender, rosemary and olive trees. A fountain accompanied by classical musical played every hour leads to a path towards the sea.

The aegean sea. In winter ? Yes, it´s cold. But why not give winter swimming a try ? You won´t need a wetsuit. Only a bit of courage, a towel and a coffee shop close by where you can warm your body with a hot beverage afterwards. The average water temperature in January ranges from 20-22°C and can drop to 14°C in March. There are several beaches close to Athens, that you can reach by tram or bus. To name only a few: Alimos, Vouliagmeni or Glyfada beach. And if that´s a bit too much for you, enjoy the view and the beautiful sunset.

After this little winter trip you tasted, heard, smelled, saw and felt Athens with all its beauty and authenticity. So, what holds you back ? Book your trip to Athens and enjoy !