Page 21 - ATHENS RIVIERA JOURNAL 2022

ATHENS RIVIERA JOURNAL athens riviera journal copy.pdf 1 26/05/2022 15:57
editorial

Follow us to a new journey

into the Legendary Athenian Riviera

T he athens riviera. Greece’s hidden gem. A town of Lavrio, with so much to discover along the way: Faliro and CMY C M Y

Alimos, once resort destinations for wealthy Athenians, with their
mosaic of eras, from the past to the present and
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the future.
gorgeous promenades, waterfront recreation and Flisvos Marina. The
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Ellinikon, a world-class redevelopment project set to take coastal living
I remember myself as a child walking through the
backstreets of Piraeus on my way to the reput-
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to new heights with a mix of luxury housing, shopping and recreation
set alongside Europe’s largest seafront park. Glyfada, Vouliagmeni and
ed Ionideios Model High School of Piraeus, still
standing proud today in Sotiros Dios 17, diago-
stunning swimming spots. Farther south, Lagonisi and Anavyssos, a
nally across from the iconic Municipal Theatre
stretch of coast dotted with countless little bays and beaches. Then
of Piraeus. Going to my afternoon lessons at the
Académie Française, a gorgeous neoclassical building by the water in Varkiza, with their glamorous airs, luxurious hotels and boutiques and K
Cape Sounio, where the Temple of Poseidon towers magnificent at-
Pasalimani. Looking for excuses to stroll along the promenade at Zea op the headland, shrouded in myth and history, and commanding
Marina. Fond memories of magical moments that fill me with joy. breathtaking sunset views over the Saronic Gulf. And from there to
And here I am again, all these years later, in this place that has retained Lavrio, famed in antiquity for its silver mines and beloved today for
its individuality despite being the largest port in Greece and the East- its relaxed atmosphere and typically Greek cafes and tavernas.
ern Mediterranean. A place that stands tall, rooted in history and au- Featuring insights, interviews and bespoke cover artwork for its in-
thenticity as it welcomes the future. Piraeus. The starting point of the augural issue by my longtime friend and acclaimed conceptual artist
Athens Riviera, a breathtaking filigreed coast dotted with a medley Caroline Rovithi, Athens Riviera Journal is our effort to showcase this
of marinas, fishing boats, tavernas, boutiques, entertainment venues captivating side of Athens—unknown to most, almost inconceivable
and parks that stretches all the way to the port of Lavrio. A marvellous to some, and alluring to all. A delightful beachfront destination that
tapestry of history and heritage, vibrant culture, fantastic dining, and delivers breezy coastal glamour and Greek island lifestyle just a stone’s
innate creative essence. throw from the heart of the city, inviting travellers, whether leisure or
From the mid-20th century on, artists, celebrities, statesmen and busi- business, and locals to explore it and discover it anew.
ness magnates from around the world left their mark on the Athens
Riviera with an exhilarating era of legendary parties and cultural hap- Let us take you on a journey into this new dawn of the Athenian
penings. Today, that energy is returning to these shores, with numerous Riviera, a world of sun-kissed elegance, promise and exceptional
high-profile development and infrastructure projects breathing new coastal living.
life into the area. The past and the future are coming together, and a
beguiling coastal paradise is emerging—bold, renewed, extraordinary. The story is just beginning…
And just a breath away from the vibrant and cosmopolitan Athens.
Irresistibly combining island flair and city chic, the Athens Riviera Elsa Soimiri GIANNIS BOURNIAS
is an alluring coastal journey that begins at the busy Port of Piraeus,
the beating heart of Greek shipping, and ends in the charming seaside Publisher-Editor in Chief

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