PARKS AND GREEN ZONES

Since the 5th century BC it was evident that few were the parks and the green zones in general, inside the city, which explains the droughts that always tormented Athens.

Of course, there is a big difference between a drought and the inexcusable absence of green belts. What was the reason that caused Athens to be built so cooped up, with adjoined buildings?

Was it its speedy development done in haste because the waves of immigrants needed to be housed? Why is the analogy of square areas of green belts per inhabitant (according to a 1994 survey) 9 for the Eternal City of Rome, 27 for Amsterdam, 50 for Washington, but just 2,55 for Athens?

Setting aside the rhetorical questions and looking on the map, the large green areas could be counted on two hands. The National Garden, Pedion tou Areos and other large green zones are far off what is internationally called "park". Practically, Athens has no green belt corresponding to its size and we regard as "lungs of the city" the planted with cypress trees cemeteries, for example the First Cemetery of Athens.

The Ministry of Environment Physical Planning and Public Works announced some years ago the plans to unify the green belts, similar to the unification of the archaeological sites. For the time being, residents and visitors must be content with the continuous remodeling of the existing green zones.

Gastronomy

KIKU
For the lovers of the authentic Japanese cuisine, beside the classical sushi and the sasimi, try the chicken teryaki, always... more
DOMINO'S PIZZA
Imported chain of restaurants, where the tasty pizza is simply the rule. Great offers for pick-up and on-line orders.... more
LIBADIA
Just a step away from Omonia Square. Enjoy Greek souvlaki by the stick with free bread under the shade of... more
LE GRAND BALCON (Hotel Lycabettus)
Creative cuisine in an award-winning domain with romanticism and a wonderful view, under the leadership of Hector Botrini. Try... more
BRAZILIAN CAFE
Although recently renovated, this café still brings us all of the nostalgia of the days when the legendary Melina Merkouri... more
TO KIOUPI
This small, traditional, basement tavern has been operating since 1929 in the heart of Kolonaki Square (Filikis Etairias), serving delicious... more
KRINOS
Old patisserie with traditional doughnuts and cream pies for customers of every age.... more
TO KAFENEDAKI TOU KIPOU
For those who are looking for a natural green shelter in the heart of the city! A quiet café on... more
DESPOINA
Famous millefeuilles, tried in ...Zaire, to finally end up in the nine shops of Athens and specialty plates.... more
BOOZE COOPERATIVA
A neoclassical building that functions as events multi-space. Café, bar, club, exhibitions, live music, theater and seminars... more
GLYKYS
Nice snack bar in Plaka, away from noise and the overcrowding, with tasty dishes.... more
TO KAFE TOU NOMISMATIKOU MOUSEIOU
The well-cared-for garden of the Ilion Building offers the ideal surroundings for a stop on Elefterios Venizelos (Panepistimiou) Street.... more