Escape to Everywhere

Overnighting in Athens, two favourite hotels in Sweden and 15 Airbnbs to run away from the heat

I’ve just got home from a blissful 2.5 weeks in Greece (my instagram is still there, I’m so behind with posts) and while I catch my breath and gather together a post with suitcase MVPs, books read (six) and new discoveries on the islands, I have lots of other travel content to share after a busy month. Thanks so much for your patience by the way - I know it’s been a few weeks since my last post but I would always rather wait and drop more of a bumper article into your inboxes that scrabble together something a bit half-hearted or lacking in my estimations. So let’s dive into this travel special of sorts.

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So you’re overnighting in Athens….

Our annual one or two nights in Athens has become a much a part of our summer ritual as the islands themselves. It’s an amazing city, always pulsing with energy and flanked of course with ancient history. A lot of trips out to the islands require a ferry and the timings of flights and boats normally means a night spent in Athens which, far from a draw back, is a total journey perk to be honest. Often, we don’t get into the city until mid afternoon or early evening, check into our hotel and head out for dinner, before getting up early the next morning to head to the port. But it’s still enough time to get a miniature dose of Athens… Of course I’d always recommend spending a couple of nights in Athens itself and actually doing a proper city break ahead of setting sail to the islands but time is precious and I know it’s not always possible and sometimes the priority is just getting in that Aegean Sea. So if you have just a few hours, here’s what I’d do….

Stay:
Shila - we stayed here before our wedding and it’s very cute. A modern iteration of charming and antiquey with four poster beds, tiny sun-filled courtyards and breezy linens. Tucked away in a peaceful but central residential area, it’s romantic and cosy.
Mona - Owned by the same owners as Shila, Mona has more of an industrial feel and is excellently located for both getting to Piraeus port within 30 mins and next to some of the best restaurants. The rooms are big and lots open up onto a share or private terrace and there’s a rooftop honesty bar for sundowners.
Airbnb - I haven’t stayed here yet but it’s on my wishlist. Super chic from top to bottom.

On the rooftop at Mona Athens wearing my Andros dress.