logo
I tried switching off – and ended up finding treasure in the Attica

I tried switching off – and ended up finding treasure in the Attica

The National4 days ago
I was sceptical as we headed towards the Dolce by Wyndham Athens Attica Riviera; less so when I found our room for three days was one of 70 with our own wee plunge pool out the back. A dip on both mornings without leaving our room before breakfast was the ideal start to a holiday after a lie-in, my usual 5am start snoozed through. We were also metres from both their massive swimming pool and the cooling sea.
With my laptop tucked away for once – it's normally the first thing I unpack – I was free to explore the resort. A Greek summer may seem too hot, but if you time it right, you can enjoy the tennis court, pétanque, basketball and volleyball early doors, and in the cooler evening. There are watersports too; mercifully, anything with a motor is banned.
READ MORE: Why this 'breathtaking' and 'otherworldly' beach is named the best in Scotland
With no sightseeing to plan around, our days became bookended by meals. Breakfast was buffet-style, spectacularly so as the breakfast room peers out over the water and hills, where normally a wee hike would beckon. To be fair, it became easier staying put dining so well.
Lunch at the Secret Restaurant was chicken gyros and Greek salad by the pool. Dinners went up a notch with a superb Tomahawk steak to share at Filema, then – pick of the bunch – a seafood feast at Ammos. We kicked off with sushi and sashimi, before their fresh fish of the day, sea bass. The chef explained it was hauled from the local boats in Attica.
I was finding it easy to slip into staying put time, but to be fair to the hotel, that is a credit to them as they are a hideaway used to being all things to all people.
Manager Athanasios Zaitidis told me: 'We are like an island on our own here – we're an airport hotel, a beach resort, a city hotel for Athens, a wedding venue and a family holiday spot.'
As if to prove his point, the drums from an exuberant Indian wedding beat in the background.
This eclectic mix of guests doing different things gave the resort a buzz I was carried along with. I wasn't travelling, but travelling came to me and I chatted to Indian guests, as well as English and Americans, hearing their adventures in this most beguiling of countries. The only downside was that their colourful Greek travel stories gave me itchy feet …
I'm writing this now in Athens the day after leaving the Attica Riviera. I had been planning to finish off by telling you how I'd managed to stay within the resort the whole time. But that would be a lie.
When the kids and my wife were asleep, I sneaked out at 6am on the last morning before it got too hot for a hike. Not just any hike – there is always adventure on the road.
First, I curled around the beach from the hotel, joining one of the paths that snake through a local wildlife reserve, the Vravrona wetlands, part of the pan-European Natura 2000 network. Instantly, the comfortable world of cool cocktails by the pool and smiling waiters was gone as I yomped through reeds and thick vegetation alive with flowers, turtles and snakes, below glowering, parched hills, the cobalt sea blinking back like an old friend as I went.
My hike was worth the effort as I 'stumbled' across the ancient Sanctuary of Brauronion Artemis, a sprawling complex, the remains of whose temple is the highlight, its well-preserved Doric columns defiantly still vaulting skywards.
OK, I admit it, I had browsed the internet when everyone else was asleep the night before to check out the local area. This was a key site in Ancient Greece, one of the dozen main towns of Attica, after all. Definitely worth tearing yourself away from the buffet for.
READ MORE: The 'extraordinary' Neolithic village in Scotland that's older than the Pyramids
I also discovered Porto Rafti, a wee town with excellent restaurants. After a wee ramble along its waterfront, I can see why Athenians flock here at weekends to escape the city. I could say the same of the whole eastern Attica Riviera. The southern shores of the peninsula can be busy, but this eastern corner has not been overdeveloped yet.
My mind now popping with possibilities, I caught a bus back just in time to catch the kids sashaying to a lazy brunch overlooking the resort.
As I tucked into a hearty breakfast, I toasted with my orange juice to a relaxed proper couple of holiday days with my family – but also to the eternal thrill of discovering what lies beyond that next hill, around the next bay. And what hills and what bays they are in the spectacular Attica Riviera east of Athens.
Ah, glorious, unparalleled Athens. I will be travelling with you again – firmly back on the road – to the Greek capital next week.
easyJet flies to Athens from Edinburgh.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Ditch the cruise control: four fresh ways to shake up your next sailing
Ditch the cruise control: four fresh ways to shake up your next sailing

Time Out

timean hour ago

  • Time Out

Ditch the cruise control: four fresh ways to shake up your next sailing

There's so much value in a cruise vacation that it's no surprise millions of Americans choose these types of trips. Your cruise fare typically includes your cruise cabin, most food venues, entertainment and onboard activities—including the pool deck, fitness center, and amenities like sports courts. But, if you keep sailing the same itineraries and cruise lines, you could miss the boat—literally. Instead, consider trying something different for your next voyage at sea. Here are some suggestions to inspire new cruise ideas. Plot a new course If your cruise goal is to sail to the tropics and immerse yourself in the sun and surf, there are ample great choices out there. And you are likely to have a favorite line because you feel you know what to expect from a particular cruise line, but don't let that keep you in a cruise rut. If you're a fan of beaches and crystal-blue water, think about visiting a port in the Caribbean you haven't already been to. Some cruise ships have varying itineraries, so a bit of research on your end can facilitate a visit to a new island stop. For example, there are Southern Caribbean itineraries on Celebrity Cruises that visit Aruba, Antigua, Barbados, Bonaire, and Curacao. These ports could be new ones you haven't experienced. Sail into a new season If your cruise plans are to escape the winter season and visit sunny and warm destinations, you could be repeating the same trip every year. If you are a fan of cruising due to its ease of travel, consider swapping the time of year for your next cruise. For example, consider a summer cruise to Alaska or Iceland. Many of these high-demand sailings book up a year in advance, so consider booking your stateroom for next summer now. Winning picks include Crystal Cruises to majestic Alaska and Viking Ocean in Iceland, which offers an Iceland's Natural Beauty itinerary featuring an included shore excursion in each port. Think beyond the buffet There's no shortage of food on cruise ships, and that's what makes a cruise so much fun and value-based. These impressive buffets serve breakfast, lunch and dinner—and sometimes bonus meals—to guests and the menu and selections are well-curated and bountiful. Additionally, your ship's main dining rooms offer sit-down table service, changing menus and attentive staff that make you feel like you're truly on vacation. Additionally, some cruise lines offer included themed venues and poolside grills, as well as additional complimentary options. Consider elevating your dining experience. Most cruise lines now offer specialty dining restaurants that elevate your cruise experience. These will come at a cost. During your next cruise, it could be a treat to pay extra for a visit to a specialty venue or two for gourmet meals or top-tier service. My favorite specialty dining picks include Cagney's Steakhouse on Norwegian Cruise Line, Eden Restaurant on Celebrity Cruises and Pinnacle Grill on Holland American Line. Splurge on a specialty dining venue on your next cruise, you'll be glad you did. Trade sea views for river vibes Whether you enjoy the unpack-once convenience of a cruise or the concept of using a cruise ship as your floating hotel, you can expand your vacation options by trying a new mode of cruise travel. For example, river cruise vacations can open new sailing opportunities. For example, river cruise itineraries sail on calm rivers in Europe, offering city-based excursions that provide up-close culture, history, and culinary immersion. Viking River Cruise offers several good choices in the Danube, Rhine and other rivers. Other river cruise carriers, such as Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, offer themed cruises, including Christmas Market sailings to various European cities. Standout choices on Uniworld include the Belgian Holiday Markets and Magical Parisian Holiday, which offer cruise guests the gift of visiting various Christmas markets to experience the enchanting holiday season abroad.

Pro-Palestine protesters block Israeli cruise ship from docking on Greek island
Pro-Palestine protesters block Israeli cruise ship from docking on Greek island

Metro

time3 hours ago

  • Metro

Pro-Palestine protesters block Israeli cruise ship from docking on Greek island

Israeli passengers on a cruise ship have been blocked from disembarking on a Greek island. Around 150 protesters stopped the Crown Iris from docking on Syros on Tuesday while waving Palestinian flags and holding banners reading 'stop the genocide'. Initially, passengers were supposed to disembark at about 12pm for a six-hour stay on the island, but when the protests continued for more than three hours, the ship decided to reroute. The ship, operated by Israeli company Mano Cruise, is now on its way to Limassol in Cyprus with all of its roughly 1,600 passengers still on board. The protesters were calling for an end to the conflict in Gaza, which has led to 'mass starvation' of the population and dozens of Palestinians 'shot dead by Israeli troops' while seeking aid. A statement from the protesters criticised Greece's close relationship with Israel, saying: 'As residents of Syros but more so as human beings, we are taking action that we hope will contribute to stopping this destruction from the genocidal war that is taking place in our neighbourhood. 'It is unacceptable that tourists from Israel continue to be welcomed here while the Palestinians are suffering in the Strip.' It's understood passengers were not blocked from disembarking the ship by Greek authorities, but instead by its Israeli crew, who feared the protests could turn violent and endanger the passengers if they went ashore. On board staff also told passengers to stay indoors rather than using the deck. In response to the protests, some passengers on the Crown Iris waved Israeli flags, sang songs, or chanted slogans. Mano Maritime said in a statement: 'The ship arrived at Syros, encountered a demonstration by pro-Palestinian supporters, and passengers were stuck on board without permission to disembark. 'The management of Mano Cruise has decided in light of the situation in the city of Syros to now sail to another tourist destination. 'All passengers and crew members are resting and spending time on the ship on their way to the new destination.' Israel's foreign minister has contacted his Greek counterpart over the incident, the Greek foreign ministry said, but no details have been shared about their discussion, the Independent reports. Greece is a popular tourist destination for Israelis – in 2024, around 621,000 Israelis visited the country Adonis Georgiadis, the Greek health minister, called the protests 'offensive' and added: 'I consider what happened to be unthinkable. 'Some people – no matter what their origin, unless the Israelis have lost their human status – have paid for their ticket on their ship and have chosen to vacation in Greece. 'I consider this tragic, very offensive for Greece. I want to apologize to these people. 'I want to send a message of great alliance and friendship to Israel, to say that Israelis are welcome in Greece and that anti-Semitism cannot exist in Greece.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: I've heard enough words – I want more Government action on Israel-Palestine MORE: New £17 travel charge comes into force across popular Greek islands MORE: Lonely Planet founder reveals the Greek island tourists haven't destroyed yet

Londoners beg American tourists to stop 'annoying' act
Londoners beg American tourists to stop 'annoying' act

Glasgow Times

time5 hours ago

  • Glasgow Times

Londoners beg American tourists to stop 'annoying' act

Writing in the Reddit group, r/London, one user shared a post titled: "PSA to Americans visiting this summer: we do not shorten place names here." Adding that they'd come across many American tourists needing help with directions and all facing the same problem, shortening location names. You can see the full post via Reddit. Londoners beg American tourists to stop this act The Reddit post explained: "Was hanging out around Victoria/Pimlico yesterday having coffee and food with friends and we had three separate occasions of holidaying Americans asking directions or for help: first was how to get to "Green" (Green Park), and that they'd come via "Edgware" (Edgware Road - obviously a totally different part of the city to Edgware itself), the next wanted to find their hotel in "Holland" (Holland Park, obviously not the country region). They added: "An unnecessary layer of friction and could quite easily end up catastrophic if you're googling the wrong thing, asking for directions, researching somewhere (Gloucester instead of Gloucester Road, Liverpool instead of Liverpool Street, Leicester instead of Leicester Square, etc, etc)." It's not the first time Londoners have come across American tourists confusing locations, as a fellow Reddit user shared their own experiences of lost tourists: Recommended Reading "Can confirm from working on the railway that this is a genuine problem. Once sold about £200 worth of tickets to Gloucester when a group wanted Gloucester Road. "Before selling them, I'd asked in every conceivable way I could think of if it was really Gloucester they wanted (It's not a top US tourist destination!)." A third person wrote: "Distinct but related (and somewhat less their fault) but I always remember the panicked American couple who approached me and some friends in St. James' Park during the 2012 Olympics asking where the arena was ...they were supposed to be in Newcastle"

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store