Overpopulation remains a pressing issue in central Athens today, exacerbated by periods of overtourism, resulting in a volatile and stressful environment. Alarmingly, the pursuit of solutions has not garnered sufficient attention, with sustainable living and tourism largely absent from mainstream discourse. For us, veganism embodies responsibility, justice, decency, and an elevated quality of life for all beings on this planet; thus, engaging in this movement is vital to validate and act upon our ideology.
The importance of travel and intercultural connection must be preserved without inadvertently fostering a neocolonial status that displaces local populations and undermines their communities. In Greece, particularly on the renowned island of Santorini, we have witnessed instances where the tourist experience has been altered to the detriment of its authenticity.
While we acknowledge the significant role government actions play in this context, we believe that individual contributions can also make a difference—and that includes your involvement.
Consider visiting during the off-peak season. In our view, this is the most critical recommendation. Athens has been experiencing a surge in popularity over the past few summers, making it potentially more rewarding to explore during spring or autumn. The fact that this insight has not yet been effectively communicated reflects a shortcoming in Greece's promotional efforts. While summer visits to the Greek islands are certainly worthwhile, Athens offers a rich experience year-round.
Familiarize yourself with who we are. We value your time, attention, and energy immensely. Prior to your visit to our city, we encourage you to educate yourself using trustworthy sources of independent media. Avoid perceiving Athens and its inhabitants solely as commodities for your travel needs; instead, take the time to understand the challenges we face, what causes we advocate for, and by extension, what we deem as ethical and unethical practices within the Greek tourism industry.
Explore other regions. If you intend to rent a vehicle, the broader Attica region—which encompasses Athens—boasts numerous picturesque locations often situated near coastal areas that you will undoubtedly appreciate. Should you lack access to a car, consider spending a couple of days on one of the nearby islands such as Aegina or Agkistri.
Support local businesses and embrace the local culinary experience. For a few days, consider setting aside your familiar lunch favorites from home to explore what Greek cuisine has to offer. You will be pleasantly surprised by the diverse flavors and variety inherent in Mediterranean cuisine. To promote localism effectively, we strongly recommend prioritizing your spending at Greek establishments rather than multinational chains. While it may not always be feasible, remember that this commitment is vital for preserving the unique offerings of Athens for future visitors.
Select sustainable businesses for both your accommodations and daily needs. It is essential to support enterprises that prioritize environmental protection and the well-being of the city, keeping in mind the challenges posed by greenwashing, which can obscure true sustainability efforts. Fortunately, locating eco-friendly lodging has become increasingly accessible. Be vigilant for green filters on specialized accommodation booking platforms, such as Airbnb’s ‘off-the-grid’ option.
Customize your experience. Following curated lists of essential sights offers a convenient and reliable means to enhance your visit to Athens while conserving valuable planning time. However, it is crucial to recognize that these recommendations may not align perfectly with your personal preferences. Whenever feasible, endeavor to tailor your journey through Athens in advance.
For instance: Are you interested in hiking? Consider exploring Hymettus Mountain. Curious about a local bar's ambiance? We can provide recommendations. Eager to engage with local activists? Let us guide you to animal shelters or other opportunities aligned with your interests. If you wish to experience a serene neighborhood in Athens, areas such as Koukaki, Nea Smirni, Halandri, and Holargos may be ideal for exploration.
Communicate with us and become actively involved in your neighborhood. When visiting local venues, engage in conversations with residents to gain insights into the current state of our city. On Saturday mornings, visit Kallidromiou Street to experience its vibrant market atmosphere and perhaps enjoy a delightful coffee at Strefi Hill. Participate in cultural events such as traditional music concerts and dance performances. Additionally, consider attending an open-air cinema screening of a Greek independent film.
Avoid purchasing plastic water bottles, as tap water throughout Athens is safe to drink. If someone suggests otherwise, you can politely request tap water. Should they decline, it may indicate that the establishment does not prioritize sustainability. Therefore, be mindful of the values you endorse by choosing to patronize such places.
Do not throw paper inside the toilet. We get that the advice might not fit with what you're used to and we completely understand the confusion. However, in Greece, you shouldn't flush toilet paper because the sewage pipes are narrower than in many other places (2 inches wide compared to 4 inches in the USA) and flushing it can lead to clogs.
Utilize the subway for your travels. It is a reliable and comfortable mode of public transportation for navigating regions served by the metro.
Consider accommodations slightly outside the central area of Athens. The vicinity surrounding the Acropolis features many popular attractions; however, there are walkable neighborhoods just beyond this core that offer access to metro stations and are more affordable, safe, and often overlooked. Notable areas include Pagrati, Zografou, Kipseli, Panormou, Ampelokipoi and Dafni.
Engage in community initiatives. If you appreciate participating in collective efforts, we suggest reaching out to the local organization Save Your Hood for opportunities to contribute. This initiative provides an enjoyable avenue for connecting with locals who are dedicated to enhancing their community and environment.
