A Love Song For Greece – An ARJ exclusive with Dimitris Fragakis, Secretary-General of the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO)

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TRAVEL NOTES DESTINATIONS HOSPITALITY

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Sandy Glories

YOU COULD ONLY EXPERIENCE SUMMER ATHENS, IF YOU SPENT A WHOLE DAY DISCOVERING WHAT WE CALL “BEACH LIFE AT THE ATHENIAN RIVIERA”.

Text by VIVIAN VOURTSA

Lapped by the Aegean, Athens is blessed with a coastal line that every European capital is jealous of. Visitors who expect to be impressed by the cultural and gastronomical grandeur of the city, they surprisingly find themselves thrilled by the fascinating beach hopping. Starting from Phaliron with the landmark of Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center where the first beaches emerge the alluring blue of the sea, the coastal line embraces the area of Glyfada, Varkiza and Vouliagmeni with its unique lake all the way to the all time classic, Astir beach, only to continue towards the beach complex of Anavyssos and Lagonissi to meet the breathtaking sunset at Cape Sounio.

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Grand Beach

ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS BEACHES OF THE ATHENIAN RIVIERA KEEPS ALL THE NOSTALGIA OF A GLORIOUS ERA ON ITS CRYSTAL CLEAR WATER.

Another timeless gem of the Athenian Riviera, the golden coast of Grand Resort Lagonissi would have been the most instagrammable place in summer Athens, if social media had been 70 years old. Nowadays, the Grand Beach of Grand Resort Lagonissi still remains a beauty adding the small beach of Mediterraneo restaurant to its assets. Fervent lovers of the beach may benefit from the Grand Beach cards and have a free entrance all summer long along with free delicious meals from the Grand Resort Lagonissi chefs, free parking at the Grand Beach, auto button service on their umbrella for orders and 15% discount on water sports. This is a wonderful way to spend the day next to the beach. As for those who prefer the proximity to the Mediterraneo Restaurant, they should have in mind that an umbrella can be found upon availability.

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This summer, the flavors, the music and the dreamy design of Asteras Vouliagmeni, create an unforgettable experience of relaxation and luxury.

Astir Beach

THE GLAM AND THE GRANDEUR, THE BEAUTIFUL BEACH AND AN EXCELLENT LOCATION, THEY ARE ALL STARRING AT THE "JEWEL" OF THE RIVIERA.

The cosmopolitan and emblematic Astir Beach in Asteras Vouliagmeni has been awarded for the 23rd year with a Blue Flag. The summery meeting point of prominent personalities for many decades, it still offers a full range of high-quality services; from exclusive shopping and water sports to a high-quality gastronomic experience. Spend the day at the beach and stay until dinner time for the brand new Beefbar Athens. A culinary myth is to be revealed in front of you with the backdrop of the seductive beach. Remaining the ultimate holiday destination in Athens, it promises all visitors a top seaside experience of relaxation, enjoyment and luxury. With new proposals and collaborations, as well as upgraded services giving the possibility of electronic reservation of their place since last year, visitors can easily and quickly book the place of their choice. Visit Asteras beach and browse for summer shopping at Salt Water, MC2, Vilebrequin, Dirty Laundry, Ma Cherie, R, Summer Stores and Prime Timers. Do not miss a refreshing wellness and beauty experience on the beach at Assai Seaside Spa. Choose the Astir Ski Club for sports and water skiing lessons. For those who wish to have unlimited access to both the beach and the luxurious facilities of Astir Beach, they can become a member by obtaining the Platinum Card.