For the next stop on our Five Healthy Days tour, we’d like to bring you to one of our most beloved spots on the Mediterranean: Athens, Greece.
Beyond the dancing, the plate-breaking, and the blue-capped houses, Greece has so much history and culture to enjoy. Don’t let this ancient city fool you—life may move a bit more slowly here, but it’s just as lively as any other city; you can quickly go from touring ancient ruins to dancing off your fresh seafood dinner in just a matter of hours.
Note that the best time to travel is during the spring, early summer, or early autumn. Although walking is the recommended way to get around the city, there are plenty of public transportation options to choose from.
The language barrier may present a bit of a challenge, so bring along a Greek dictionary to help you communicate better with locals.
DAY 1
- Breakfast: There’s plenty to see during this trip, and you’ll want to make sure you get off to the right start each day. Whether you refuel with a cup of coffee or a fresh fruit smoothie, pair it with a croissant for breakfast at The Leonidas Café.
- Workout: Stretch our after your flight with a yoga class at Athens Yoga.
- Lunch: The food at Papadakis N., & Co. Ltd, run by Greek celebrity chef Argiro Barbarigou, is known for serving Greek food with a twist. Whether you try one of the seafood-based dishes or vegetarian fare, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch.
- Mind/Body Balance: Enjoy the beautiful flora and fauna of Greece’s National Gardens, once the private garden of kings.
- Must-See Attraction: Back in ancient Greece, agoras were common assembly places for military, political, and communal purposes. The Ancient Agora is the most popular of its kind, and it is said to be the location where Socrates used to lecture.
- Dinner: The Mediterranean diet is considered one of the healthiest in the world. Enjoy a freshly made Greek salad and chicken in basil sauce at Mesogios.
DAY 2
- Breakfast: Greek yogurt is all the craze these days, but you probably haven’t lived until you’ve tried the real thing. Stop by Fresko Yogurt Bar for a refreshing and protein-filled breakfast.
- Workout: The Ancient Promenade walk is a great workout, and will likely be a day-long adventure. It’s a great way to see many of the ancient main attractions of Athens.
- Mind/Body Balance: Visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus, which took 700 years to finish and is the largest temple in Greece.
- Lunch: Before you ascend to The Acropolis, grab a chicken gyro at Kosmikon.
- Must-See Attraction: The Acropolis, one of the most famous ancient cities of Athens that dates back to before 300 B.C., contains a variety of famous monuments, including the Parthenon and the Temple of Athena Nike.
- Dinner: After you’ve returned from your hike to The Acropolis, stop by Daphne’s Restaurant in the neighborhood of Plaka for some gourmet Greek cuisine. The fish in Greece is some of the freshest and best in the world, so you’ll enjoy a healthy dinner here as well.
DAY 3
- Breakfast: Fuel up for the morning with a cup of Greek coffee and a freshly made breakfast at Rosebud.
- Workout: Walk up Mount Lycabettus and enjoy one of the best views of Athens and the Aegean Sea.
- Lunch: Try the grilled shrimp or select a traditional Greek dish at Smile Restaurant.
- Mind/Body Balance: If you didn’t get a chance to check out the Acropolis Museum, definitely stop by and see some of Greece’s finest treasures.
- Must-See Attraction: Visit the Theatre of Dionysus, a semi-circular theater which once held classical dramas and musical performances.
- Dinner: Milos, which has branched out to locations in New York, Vegas and Miami, features some of the best seafood in Athens, but don’t leave without trying the baklava vanilla ice cream!
DAY 4
- Breakfast: Grab an early traditional Greek breakfast at the Acropolis Museum Café—you’re going to need it for the day!
- Workout: The Poseidon Excursion bike tour is more of a day trip, but it’s definitely worth it. Enjoy an invigorating bike ride along the sea down to the tip of the Attika Peninsula. When you’re there, you’ll be able to grab lunch and go swimming, so be sure to bring some Greek money and your swimsuit.
- Lunch: Stop by Elias Fish Restaurant for a delectable seafood lunch.
- Mind/Body Balance: Take in the beautiful Greek land and seascape during your bike ride to Sounion.
- Must-See Attraction: Visit the Temple of Poseidon, one of the most important sanctuaries in the area. Poseidon is the Greek god of the ocean, so be sure to pay your respects.
- Dinner: Sit outside, relax, and enjoy traditional Greek food, such as stuffed peppers and lentil salad, at Mamacas.
DAY 5
- Breakfast: Feast on a filling breakfast and find your inner artist at the Kimolia Art Café.
- Workout: Go for a jog around the historical neighborhood of Plaka, which features tons of restaurants, cafes, and shopping. Who said shopping wasn’t exercise?
- Lunch: The Pita Bar has more than gyros to choose from, so either go with a chicken gyro or try the souvlaki, which is skewered veggies or meat.
- Mind/Body Balance: Head over to the hot springs at Lake Vouliagmeni and enjoy a soak in one of the largest lakes in Athens.
- Must-See Attraction: The Benaki Museum is perfect for any traveler, especially art and history lovers. The collection includes mostly ancient and modern Greek art.
