As a transplant Athenian, I love Greece in the fall. With the summer crowds and the heatwave behind us, here are my top five reasons why this season is a favorite.
#1. Rooftop Season
Did you know? Athenian sunsets are the most colorful and longest lasting during the months of October and November than any other time of year. Cooler temps, fewer tourists, more mesmerizing sunsets…need I say more?
The legendary GB Roof Garden Restaurant and Bar, located on the top floor of Athen’s historic 150-year-old Hotel Grande Bretagne, is a fan favorite in the world of gastronomy, cherished by visitors near and far, and recently completed a stunning transformation.
Since its inception, the cosmopolitan GB Roof Garden Restaurant has been a beacon of irresistible flavors, with its famous terrace hosting numerous distinguished personalities from around the world. Through his new “fine comfort” menu, Executive Chef Asterios Koustoudis launches a new menu of imaginative dishes and nostalgic flavors that blend modern technique with Mediterranean tradition and seasonality using only the freshest ingredients sourced daily from premium local purveyors and providers.
GB Roof Garden Restaurant and Bar is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For reservations, menus and more, visit www.gbroofgarden.gr/.
Courtesy of Hotel Grande Bretagne.
#2. Ancient Art…after dark?
Lovers of Greek mythology know the power of Nyx…the power of night. Believed to be the only goddess that Zeus feared, Nyx is the Greek goddess and personification of night, a time of peace, of mystery, and of profound realization. Now, guests of The Dolli can explore the new Acropolis Museum after closing hours and delve deep into a one-of-a-kind private tour devoted to the Parthenon and its surrounding temples.
NYX at the Museum is an exclusive, private after-hours tour of the iconic Acropolis Museum. This unparalleled experience allows guests to explore one of the world’s most revered cultural institutions in an intimate, serene setting, far from the bustle of the usual crowds. As the museum closes its doors to the public, The Dolli guests are granted privileged access to the museum’s treasures, providing an opportunity to connect with the art and history of ancient Greece in a profoundly personal way.
#3. Heli-Hopping through the Islands
Heli-hopping around the Aegean islands just got a lot easier. Greece’s first and only scheduled helicopter airline, hoper, adds new destinations and direct routes from Athens, including Folegandros, Santorini and Syros.
New Destination: Syros – the Capital of the Cyclades, offers a unique blend of rich history, elegant architecture, and a lively cultural scene, making it the perfect destination for a fall escape. Explore it all, just a quick flight from Mykonos and Tinos.
Expanded Routes:
- Athens to Folegandros: Discover Folegandros, a hidden gem of the Cyclades known for its unspoiled beauty and tranquil atmosphere.
- Athens to Santorini: The magic of Santorini isn’t just for summer. Fall is a great time to experience the island without the crowds.
Read more about hoper’s new routes on our blog here.
Courtesy of The Dolli Athens. / Courtesy of hoper. / Courtesy of the Municipality of Syros-Hermoupoulis.
#4. Feasts (and Festivals) for the Senses in Syros
Fall is an ideal time to visit Syros, the cultural heart (and capital!) of the Cyclades, where the island’s rich heritage comes alive through months of festive celebrations and vibrant festivals.
The island’s calendar is packed with local feast days, honoring saints with traditional music, dance, and food, while the renowned International Animation Festival, Animasyros, draws global talent and film enthusiasts to the island each September. Additionally, the Syros Cultural Festival continues into the fall, offering a series of concerts, theater performances, and art exhibitions that breathe life into the island’s neoclassical architecture. Gastronomy also takes center stage in fall, with seasonal flavors celebrated in local tavernas and markets. Read more about the culinary treasures of Syros on our blog here.
Courtesy of Thomas Gravanis for Anthologist.
#5. Holiday Shopping
Many of you know I also own Anthologist, a global design brand with Greek soul. While my summer shops in Paros close soon, our Athens showroom, located in a lovingly restored 1912 Neoclassical building in I’m the up-and-coming Vathis Square, remains open year-round. Anthologist is more than a boutique—it’s a curated experience, blending showroom, event space, and gallery. My motto is “collect, don’t shop,” and I personally greet guests, walking them through my collections of jewelry, handbags, brass objets d’art, and ceramics, all crafted by artisans from Greece, the Middle East, North Africa, the Caribbean, and beyond. My goal is to slowly re-define the retail experience while revitalizing this often-overlooked corner of Athens.
Book an appointment at athens@anthologist.com. For more information or to shop online, visit anthologist.com or follow on Instagram @anthologistliving. We ship internationally!