PrivatSea’s Insider’s Guide to Athens

The Acropolis: A Private Encounter with History

Athens is a city defined by its past, and no visit would be complete without an encounter with its crowning glory, the Acropolis. While millions of tourists flock to these ruins each year, our insider’s guide to Athens opts for a bespoke, after-hours private tour. We can organise this exclusive experience which allows for a tranquil walk through history, devoid of crowds and midday sun. With an expert historian by your side, delve deep into the architectural mastery of the Parthenon and the enduring symbolism of Athena’s temple.

The Acropolis – © Atlantide Phototravel / Getty Images

The archaeological excavation inside the Museum – © Acropolis Museum

The Acropolis Museum: A Collection Fit for Royalty

Just a stone’s throw from the Acropolis lies the Acropolis Museum, a modern architectural marvel that houses some of Greece’s most priceless artifacts, making it an essential stop on our insider’s guide to Athens. Private tours can be arranged before the museum opens to the public, allowing you to admire the famed Caryatids and other treasures in serene solitude. Elevate your experience with a tour led by a curator, ensuring a deeper connection to the significance of each artifact, and sip champagne on the museum’s terrace while gazing up at the ancient citadel.

Kolonaki: A Shopper’s Paradise for the Sophisticated

Athens offers much more than ancient history. For those with an eye for luxury, the fashionable district of Kolonaki is the epitome of Athenian high society. The neighbourhood’s tree-lined streets are dotted with designer boutiques, art galleries, and sophisticated cafés. Brands like Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Dior on Voukourestiou Street sit comfortably alongside the finest Greek designers at Aesthet, whose bespoke pieces are inspired by the classical past and modern elegance. Our insider’s guide to Athens wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Attica, Greece’s most fashionable department store, lavishly adorned for a heightened retail experience. Grab a coffee to fuel your retail therapy from Carpo, and visit Ergonfoods to purchase Greek treats.

After a morning of perusing high fashion, enjoy a leisurely lunch at Papadakis, a famed restaurant where celebrity chef Argiro Barbarigou serves elevated Mediterranean cuisine, blending tradition with the freshest seafood from the Aegean. This intimate spot is a favourite of the Athenian elite and offers a dining experience tailored to those who appreciate quiet refinement and impeccable service.

Attica can be found just northeast of the Acropolis

October 28th: Ochi Day and Athenian Defiance

One of the most significant and patriotic events in Athens is Ochi Day, celebrated on October 28th. This national holiday commemorates the moment in 1940 when Greece’s Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas refused Mussolini’s ultimatum, famously responding with “Ochi” (No), sparking Greece’s entry into World War II. The city comes alive with pride, with military parades and cultural events taking place throughout the day.

For the most exclusive experience, secure a private balcony or rooftop terrace overlooking Syntagma Square to witness the impressive military procession. Elite guests can enjoy unparalleled views of the Evzones—Greece’s Presidential Guard—in their ceremonial attire, marching alongside soldiers, tanks, and jets flying overhead. The day’s energy is a stirring display of national pride and solidarity, offering a rare glimpse into the heart of Athenian patriotism.

An Enduring Legacy of Culture and Luxury

Athens is not merely a city to visit; it is a place to experience, where every corner reveals a new facet of its profound heritage, and where modern luxury is seamlessly integrated with the echoes of its ancient past.

(Main Image Credited to SEN LI / Getty Images)