Athens, Greece, is a destination not only rich in history and culture but also one that is actively working towards a sustainable future. The city has faced numerous environmental challenges in recent years, such as heatwaves, wildfires, and rising air pollution and sea levels, all of which have far-reaching impacts on its residents and infrastructure.
In response, the city certainly hasn’t stood still. In fact, Athens has become the first city in Greece to develop an integrated Climate Action Plan, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 and help the city adapt to the changing climate.
This ambitious plan includes measures such as increasing green spaces, promoting sustainable transportation, improving waste management, and investing in renewable energy sources, all of which has made the city an appealing prospect to tourists who value sustainability above all else.
With that in mind, here is our IDEAL guide to eco-friendly holidays in Athens, Greece.
Eco-Friendly Accommodation Options
The prevalence and quality of sustainable hotels in Greece have come a long way in recent years, and it’s in the capital where some of the most forward-thinking are found.
Indeed, the hospitality industry in Athens has been making serious strides in promoting sustainable practices, energy-efficient lighting, water-saving devices, and waste reduction initiatives becoming increasingly standardised.
The prevalence and quality of sustainable hotels in Greece have come a long way in recent years, and it’s in the capital where some of the most forward-thinking are found.
Indeed, the hospitality industry in Athens has been making serious strides in promoting sustainable practices, energy-efficient lighting, water-saving devices, and waste reduction initiatives becoming increasingly standardised.
Here are a handful of our favourite eco-friendly accommodation options in the city…
The Foundry Urban Luxury Suites
Located in the hip neighbourhood of Psirri, The Foundry Urban Luxury Suites is arguably the eco-conscious traveller’s hotel of choice in the city.
Offering refined industrial-style apartments that blend modern design with an environmental consciousness, the hotel implements eco-friendly features aplenty.
One of the most striking features of the Foundry Suites is its roof garden, which is home to over 30 different species of plants, trees, and herbs. This green oasis not only aims to combat the urban heat island effect of inner city Athens, but also contributes to stormwater management in the area. Even the mural painting on the exterior wall of the building was created using eco-friendly paints that promise to help improve air quality.
Energy conservation is a top priority at the Foundry Suites. All lightbulbs used are LED, solar panels are installed to heat water, and RFID cards are utilised in all rooms to ensure electricity is only consumed when guests are present. The hotel’s laundry is done using energy-efficient machines that reuse 70% of the total water consumption. Recycling plastic, glass, and paper packaging is an ongoing process at the hotel. What’s not to love?
COCO-MAT Hotel Athens
Located in the upscale neighbourhood of Kolonaki, COCO-MAT Hotel Athens offers luxurious, eco-conscious lodging. The hotel is committed to using natural materials, such as wood, cotton, and wool, in its design and furnishings. Guests can also enjoy a complimentary bicycle rental service, encouraging emission-free exploration of the city.
Periscope Hotel
Certified by Green Key and situated in the heart of Athens, this boutique hotel boasts an array of sustainable practices, including energy-efficient lighting, water conservation measures, and locally sourced food and beverages.
Athens Green Apartments
These self-catering apartments offer a more budget-friendly option for eco-conscious travellers. The property employs solar panels for water heating, LED lighting, and provides recycling facilities for guests. The 60 year old lemon and olive trees in the garden areas only enhance that feeling of eco-consciousness, if only on an aesthetic level.
Alternatively, consider checking out EcoBnb for sustainable apartment rental options.
Sustainable Dining
The Greek capital is a mesmerising mix of ancient Greece and a contemporary, cosmopolitan vibe, with plenty of luxury experiences to be found, particularly in the city’s sophisticated restaurant and bar scene.
Fortunately for eco-conscious travellers, some of Athens’s most highly regarded restaurants are also their most sustainability-minded…
Nice n Easy
This organic bistro in Kolonaki focuses on serving fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Nice n Easy’s menu offers a variety of dishes, including vegan and gluten-free options. By supporting local farmers and producers, the restaurant contributes to the reduction of food miles and promotes a sustainable food system.
ManiMani
ManiMani is a popular eatery in the heart of Athens, specialising in traditional Greek cuisine with a modern twist. The restaurant sources its ingredients from small-scale producers in the Mani region, ensuring high-quality, sustainable products. With an emphasis on organic and seasonal ingredients, ManiMani delivers a true farm-to-table experience.
Soil
This Michelin-starred and, more importantly, Michelin Green-starred restaurant offers a unique and holistic gastronomic experience that is falls very much in both the environmentally conscious and fine-dining camps.
Nestled in a charming house with a romantic patio-terrace shaded by leafy orange trees, Soil Restaurant is the brainchild of Chef Tasos Mantis, who recently featured on the Apple TV documentary Zero Waste Chef where he extolled his ‘earthy’ cooking philosophy.
Here, the journey from ‘farm to table’ begins in the chef’s private garden in Alepochori village, where herbs and vegetables grow wild and free. By sourcing ingredients locally and using exceptional Greek produce, Soil Restaurant has earned a reputation worldwide for green gastronomy at its finest.
Delta
Located at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC), Athens’s ‘’environmentally sustainable center of education, art, sports and recreation’’, Delta opened its doors in July 2021 and has already made a significant impact on the global food scene.
The restaurant is the conception of two talented chefs, Thanos Feskos and George Papazacharias, who returned to their hometown of Athens after honing their skills in world-renowned establishments like Geranium, Maaemo, L’Air du Temps, and Under. Their vision was to put Athens on the map as a food destination, change the culinary landscape of Greece, and inspire other restaurants to follow suit in terms of sustainability and creativity.
To say they have thus far succeeded in that mission would be an understatement; Delta already holds 2 Michelin stars and a Green Star, the restaurant’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its use of local ingredients, many of which are foraged by the chefs themselves from Greek forests.
The restaurant’s Nordic-inspired cooking style, influenced by the chefs’ Scandinavian background, emphasises experimentation with fermentation and other preservation techniques to ensure that their “no loss, no waste” principle is more than just a strapline.
The Farmer’s Markets Of Athens
Speaking of which, Athens is home to some truly spectacular food markets. It should come as no surprise; Greece is a land of fertile soil, with a rich and diverse agricultural landscape that is well-known for producing some of the world’s most prized ingredients. From the lush olive groves that cover the hillsides to the fields of aromatic herbs that dot the countryside, Greece offers up a bounty of fresh, flavorful produce that is truly indigenous to the country.
In Athens, you’ll find local markets brimming with plump tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, fragrant basil, and juicy oranges, all picked at the peak of ripeness. Look for the prized Kalamata olives, sweet, delicate figs, and velvety eggplants that are used to create some of the most iconic dishes of Greek cuisine, like moussaka and souvlaki. And don’t forget to sample the famous Greek honey, made from the nectar of wildflowers that grow all across the country.
Some of the best markets in Athens stocking this beautiful organic produce include:
• The Monastiraki Flea Market is another great option for foodies looking for fresh produce. Located in the vibrant neighbourhood of Monastiraki, it offers a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey, as well as an eclectic range of clothes, nick-nacks and the rest.
• The Central Market of Athens, also known as the Varvakios Agora, is a must-visit food market in Athens. You can find anything here, from fresh fish and meat to vegetables and spices.
• The Evripidou Street Market is a hidden gem in Athens that is worth exploring. This market is famous for its exotic spices, olives, and dried fruits. You can also find a variety of traditional Greek sweets here.
• The Victoria Municipal Market is one of Athens’ largest and most diverse food markets. It offers a blend of fresh produce, meat, fish, and spices from around the world, making it a great place to discover new flavours.
• The Kypseli Municipal Market is a bustling, authentic market that is well worth a visit. It features a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats, as well as traditional Greek products such as olives, feta cheese, and honey.
• The Psyrri Flea Market is a vibrant, open-air market that sells everything from vintage clothing to antiques, but it also has a food section. Here you can find stalls selling traditional Greek food, such as souvlaki, moussaka, and spanakopita.
• The Fokionos Negri Street Market is a lesser-known market that is perfect for those looking for an authentic Greek experience. It features fresh produce, meat, and fish, alongside traditional Greek products like cheese and herbs.
For a full rundown of local Greek farmer markets in Athens (known locally as laiki agora) then check out this useful list from the Athens Centre.
Green Activities
Beyond visiting the Acropolis, Pantheon, Temple of Poseidon and other iconic, historic sites, Athens also boasts a whole host of activities with an eco-friendly focus…
Explore The Regenerated Athens Commercial Triangle
The city of Athens has taken a bioclimatic approach to regenerate its commercial triangle, focusing on energy efficiency, green spaces and most ambitiously, a huge pedestrianised area known as The Great Walk. Stroll through the area ad admire the innovative architecture, green roofs, and newly planted green areas that contribute to the city’s sustainability efforts.
Visit Athens’s Green Rooftops & Urban Gardens
Athens is home to numerous green rooftops and urban gardens that provide fresh produce and help reduce the urban heat island effect. Some popular spots include the rooftop garden at the Numismatic Museum and the urban garden at the Onassis Cultural Centre. These green spaces not only offer a breath of fresh air but also serve as excellent examples of sustainable urban planning.
Embark On An Eco-Tour
There are several eco-tours available in Athens that focus on sustainable practices and responsible tourism. Some popular options include the Private Acropolis Electric Scooter Tour by Parthenons Scooters, the Full-Day Private E-Bike Tour of Nemea Ancient Vineyards, and the Green Athens Riviera Private Guided Tour by Electric Minivan. These tours not only offer a unique perspective on the city but also help reduce your carbon footprint during your visit.
Experience Ecotourism In Nearby Zagoria
For a day trip or an extended stay, consider visiting the breathtaking region of Zagorochoria National Park in Epirus. One of Europe’s richest ecosystems and famous for its 45 stone villages and lush pine and oak forests, Zagori is an excellent example of ecotourism in Greece. Don’t miss the Bourazani Environmental Park, which offers stunning landscapes and a chance to connect with nature.
National Garden
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city by visiting the National Garden, a lush oasis in the heart of Athens. The garden is home to various plant species, ponds, and even a small zoo. Strolling through this green sanctuary offers a peaceful and eco-friendly way to spend an afternoon.
Getting Around Athens Without Leaving A Trace
Getting around Athens needn’t be overly polluting or expensive. Here’s how to explore the city in an eco-friendly fashion…
On Foot
Walking is, of course, life’s most sustainable mode of transport, and central Athens is compact and easily walkable. Most of the city’s major attractions are located within walking distance of one another, making it easy to explore the city on foot. Large areas have been pedestrianised, such as the previously mentioned Commercial Triangle and the Great Athens Walk, while the ‘pocket parks’ initiative is reclaiming formerly neglected corners of the city to create new green spaces.
The Athens Metro
The Athens Metro system is an efficient and eco-friendly way to get around the city. Consisting of three lines, the metro connects to the tram, bus routes, and suburban railway. Running daily from 5 am to midnight, the metro is a fast and convenient way to reach various parts of Athens while reducing your carbon footprint.
On Two Wheels
Although cycling infrastructure in Athens still lags behind other major European cities, new bikeways are popping up everywhere, and there are some great traffic-free cycling routes for sightseeing.
Start from the historic neighbourhood of Thissio and glide down the coastline to check out Renzo Piano’s cutting-edge beacon to sustainability, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre, in Faliro.
Buses & Trolley Buses
Athens’ above-ground public transport system is affordable, reliable, and covers most of the city and suburbs. To get to grips with Athens’ buses and trolley buses, download the handy OASA Telematics app, which offers route planning, ticket info, and live vehicle locations in English.
Magic Bus Eco Tours & Transfers
This travel and tour agency provides high-end green transport in Athens and its suburbs using 100% electric professional minivans with 0% carbon footprint and 0% sound pollution. The company offers a holistic environmentally friendly experience for guests, not just by using electric vehicles but also replacing plastic water bottles with eco-friendly alternatives and developing a green reward system to encourage visitors to participate in protecting the environment.
Electric Vehicles
If you prefer your own electric wheels, Athens has a growing network of electric car charging points, some of which are free. All municipalities are now required to provide EV charging points, making it easier than ever to explore the city in an eco-friendly manner.
The Bottom Line
A sustainable, eco-friendly holiday in Athens is within reach for environmentally conscious travellers. By choosing green accommodation, dining at sustainable restaurants, engaging in eco-friendly activities, and utilising low-impact transportation, visitors can enjoy the best of Athens while preserving its beauty for future generations.
Next, we’re off to Santorini to try some of the island’s incredible local dishes. Care to join us?