Greece is becoming one of the most popular digital nomad destinations around the world because of its dazzling beauty and history. Known for its Mediterranean views and rich history, Athens is a place that invites people from all over the world.
If this place has captured your attention with the stunning beaches and breathtaking mountains then make sure to read this article.
This comprehensive guide covers all the details about what it’s like living in Athens Greece as a digital nomad.
Where is Athens located?
Athens is a city in Greece, located on the southeast end of Greece’s mainland. It is the largest and capital city of Greece, situated on the attic plain about 5 miles from the Bay of Phaleron.
Fact: did you know that Athens is crowned by the ancient Acropolis which further depicts its classical spirit?
Why Choose Athens as a Digital Nomad? Pros and Cons
Athens has a plethora of natural beauty and historical landscapes. Despite this, the place has its fair share of flaws. Let’s dig into the pros and cons of living as a digital nomad in Athens.
| Pros | Cons |
| Vibrant nightlife | Very hot |
| Strong health standards | More costly than in South America |
| Low cost of living | Dry summers |
| Incredible local cuisine | |
| English speakers |
Make sure to remember that in addition to these pros, Athens also has a rich history. The architecture and local culture perfectly portray that which means that a simple walk down the block will be a unique experience.
Athens also has a large international community. The locals being as friendly as they are, welcome tourists and digital nomads into the city. You’ll be able to feel right at home and blend in.
How to Get to Athens?
Athens has an international airport, three ferry points, and two intercity bus stations which means you can get here through various means.
By air
Many people believe that the best way to get to Athens is by air. You can land at Athens International Airport or get a connecting flight.
This is also the fastest and cheapest route, especially if you are traveling from abroad. You can get direct flights or connecting flights by checking out Delta Airlines or Emirates.
By sea
You can also get to Athens by cruise. This method is better for people who are already in Europe but it is an option for others as well. For instance, if you are traveling from the United States, it will take 27 nights and multiple stops before you reach Athens.
By Bus
This option only applies to people who are already in Europe. You can take a bus to get to one of the ferry points and travel from there.
Transportation and How to Get Around Athens?
Once you are in Athens, you can get around by various means.
On foot
Athens is a beautiful and very walkable city. If you are residing in the right part of the city, most of the important services will be a short distance away from you.
Taxis
However, summer heat can get intense sometimes and other circumstances can hinder walking too. Athens also has taxi services that are easily available.
Just make sure that the drivers are using the meter.
Apart from that, Ubers are also functional in the city. You can get a car ride for an affordable rate.
Public transportation
Athens also happens to have an effective public transportation system. The reliable services include buses, metro, tram, trolleybuses, and even suburban trains. All options can be availed at affordable prices.
6 Best Accommodation Options in Athens
There are plenty of good neighborhoods in Athens. Each has its own unique features and benefits so make sure to do your research before making a decision.
Plaka
Photo credits: Booking.com. Hotel: Electra Metropolis.
Plaka is one of the oldest and most touristy neighborhoods located in Athens. It is situated under the famous Acropolis hill and is home to stunning Cycladic houses. Plaka has everything a digital nomad desires; hotels, cafes, bars, shops, and even museums.
People living here get to enjoy neoclassical architecture in the form of various landmarks such as the Tower of the Winds and the Temple of Zeus.
Thissio
Photo credits: Booking.com. Hotel: Thissio.
If you want to live in a relatively quieter area then Thissio is the best option for you. It is a beautiful neighborhood that has pedestrian streets, cafes, and bars. The local people are also friendly and hospitable.
Gazi
Photo credits: Booking.com. Hotel: Gazi Home.
For remote workers who are all for the vibrant crowds and bustling environments, Gazi is a great option. It has one of the best nightlife scenes and a scope of outdoor activities. This neighborhood also has some of the best clubs in the city and the cultural center, Technopolis art complex. Living here means you’ll be close to concerts and events.
Marousi
Photo credits: Booking.com. Hotel: Civitel Attik Rooms & Suites.
Marousi is also one of the best accommodation options for digital nomads. Despite not being on the coast, this neighborhood is most popular among expats. The residence here is a lot more affordable than most of Athens.
Koukai
Photo credits: Booking.com. Hotel: Acropolis View Hotel.
Koukai is one of the best neighborhoods with the most local nature. If you want to immerse yourself with the locals and experience their lifestyle then consider residing in Koukai. The area is walkable and has a bunch of cafes, bars, and restaurants to keep you entertained.
Kolanki
Photo credits: Booking.com. Hotel: The Modernist Athens.
For digital nomads on a high budget, you can always reside in Kolanki. This neighborhood has luxurious and classic properties. The place is close to the city center and home to stylish boutiques and high-class cafes.
All of these neighborhoods are good choices for digital nomads. Once you have chosen the one that fits your preferences, you can find listings by searching on Nestpick and Airbnb. Other than that, you can also look at Facebook groups.
Internet Connectivity in Athens
The internet connection in Athens mostly depends on your location. Some hotels and apartments have high-speed internet and good mobile signals while others do not. However, there are strong local networks at popular destinations and you can access them for free.
Furthermore, almost all of the coworking spaces and cafes have great Internet connections. If you choose your workspace and go there daily, you won’t face a problem at all. You can also get a local SIM card to avoid network problems. The most commonly used sim providers are Vodafone and Cosmote.
Esims
You can also opt for an Esim and avoid the trouble of a physical SIM card overall. Make sure to compare data plans before choosing your provider.
Holafly
| Data | Days | Price |
| Unlimited | 5 days | 19$ (18€) |
| Unlimited | 7 days | 27$(25€) |
| Unlimited | 10 days | 34$(32€) |
| Unlimited | 15 days | 47$(44€) |
| Unlimited | 30 days | 64$(59€) |
Airalo
| Data | Days | Price |
| 1 GB | 7 days | 5$(4.6€) |
| 2 GB | 15 days | 9$(8.35€) |
| 3 GB | 30 days | 12$(11€) |
| 5 GB | 30 days | 15$(14€) |
| 10 GB | 30 days | 25$(23€) |
6 Best Places to Work from in Athens
Athens is the perfect destination for remote workers because of the variety of working spaces here. You can work in one of the many cafes or opt for a coworking space.
Kain
Kain is a two-in-one bar and cafe located in Mets. Not only is the surrounding neighborhood beautiful but the place is amazing too. The artsy atmosphere promotes productivity while the fast wifi connection adds to the intrigue. Kain has comfortable seating and a cozy aura.
The underdog
The underdog is another good option if you like working from a cafe. This place also offers outdoor seating where you can sit and work on a pleasant day. The food and coffee are also delicious!
Kinono
Kinono is one of the best coffee shops and a good place to work because of its spacious seating area. The place is known as one of the best brunch spots in town so you can also enjoy good food while working. Kinono also happens to have a good wifi connection, perfect for remote working.
Selina Theatrou
Selina Theatrou is one of the best coworking spaces in Athens. This place is a nomadic hostelry and coworking space simultaneously, best for digital nomads. Selina offers everything from hot desks and wooden cubicles to private offices and meeting rooms. The free coffee and tea certainly gives this place some extra points. You can work with the fast internet and take a break at the rooftop bar.
Impact hub
If you are someone who has trouble working from cafes then consider going to coworking spaces such as the impact hub. The place offers private offices and communal workspace, catering to various preferences. Impact Hub has a high-speed internet connection and a great working environment. Additionally, they also host events for Athens digital nomads, giving you plenty of networking opportunities.
Stone soup
Stone Soup is another coworking space, perfect for remote workers. This place is perfect for people in the tech industry. Stone Soup also encourages entrepreneurship in general so make sure to visit this place regardless of your field. The three workspaces add to the intrigue of this place. They also have a fast internet connection along with a rooftop garden.
Cost of Living in Athens
While Athens is more expensive than some places in South America and Southeast Asia, it is a budget-friendly city overall. It is cheaper than several cities in Europe with an affordable cost of living.
| One-bedroom apartment (in the city center) | 518.26$ (480.77€) |
| Restaurant | 13.08$(12.13€) |
| Coffee | 3.35$(3.11€) |
| Basic utilities | 177.60$(164.75€) |
| Internet | 38.16$(35.40€) |
| Beer | 4.55$(4.22€) |
| Gym (monthly) | 36.24$(33.62€) |
| Coworking | 86$(79.78€) |
These are the estimated costs that apply to a standard digital nomad lifestyle. The prices will change based on your spending pattern, lifestyle, and overall willingness to spend.
The cost of living here is 39% lower than in the United States.
Culture, Nature, and Food in Athens
Athens is a laidback, peaceful, and ancient city, perfect for people who are looking for a refreshing break. The city is referred to as the capital of culture, creation, and collaboration in the world. There is a heavy emphasis on art, literature, and architecture. Apart from that, the locals have great pride in their traditional practices and they highly value their rich culture.
Athens is also popular for its stunning landscapes. The city is great for exploration as each corner depicts its ancient history. From beaches and mountains to classical architecture, the city is straight out of a storybook.
As for the food, there is a wide array of restaurants all over the city. The local cuisine and traditional Greek food are undoubtedly amazing. You can enjoy delicious food at one of the homey taverns or go to a high-end restaurant
Best Time to Visit Athens
The best time to visit Athens is either between March and June or September and November. Athens is warm all year long but this is the time when the heat is somewhat tolerable. This will allow you to explore the city and see the historical landmarks.
The weather is cooler from November to March and prices are low as well. July and August are the months when tourists are abundant in the city, so consider these factors.
12 Best Things to Do in Athens
There are a lot of beautiful places in Athens, each more special than the other. Here are 12 best things to do.
1. Visit the Acropolis Museum
Athens is known for its rich history. When you are in the city, make sure to visit the Acropolis Museum and understand the Acropolis’ history. There are around 4000 artifacts and objects displayed here.
2. Visit the Acropolis
It is almost mandatory to visit the Acropolis when you are in Athens, Greece. This world-famous citadel is a sight to behold. It is also declared a UNESCO World Heritage site and has great historical value.
3. Visit the national garden
If you want to have a refreshing day then make sure to visit this public park. You can people-watch, enjoy a stroll, or have a picnic. The fresh air is guaranteed to help you wind up.
4. Visit the Syntagma square
The Syntagma Square is the main point of Athens, popular for demonstrations and sporting events. This place holds historical and social value to locals and tourists alike. Syntagma Square is also good for sightseeing.
5. Climb Mount Lycabettus
If you want to have the experience of a lifetime and witness panoramic views of the acropolis then consider climbing Mount Lycabettus. The hike there promises a breathtaking view and you also get to see the orthodox chappel of St. George. You can also take a cable car to get to the top.
6. Visit the ancient agora
The ancient agora has a rich history as it was the main market in ancient times. Its ruins have become a popular tourist destination nowadays and it is a great place for exploration. The combination of around 30 buildings and monuments make up these ancient ruins.
7. Visit the Paetonal Ermou street
The Paetonal Ermou Street is the perfect shopping spot in Athens. This street is near Syntagma Square and houses some of the best restaurants and bars. You can find several international brands here as well.
8. Visit the Roman Agora
Another one of the best things to do in Athens is visit the Roman Agora. This point was built in 19 and 11 BC and is located in the famous Plaka neighborhood. If you go there, make sure to see the gate of Athena Archegetis, the Fethiye Mosque, and the Tower of Winds.
9. Visit the Panathenaic stadium
The Penathenaic Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Athens that is one of the most popular tourist areas. This stadium is unique because it’s the only one in the world that is completely made out of marble. It is also famous because of hosting the first ever modern Olympics.
10. Temple of Olympian Zeus
The temple of Olympian Zeus is an ancient Greek and former colossal temple located in Athens. As the name suggests, it was dedicated to the god of Olympians i.e. Zeus. it was also one of the largest temples in the ancient world. Make sure to visit this temple if you are a fan of ancient Greek history as the architecture is bound to astonish you.
11. Greek walking food tour
The guided food walking tour offers an amazing time where you can privately experience the Greek local cuisine. The guide takes you to the top food spots in the city and gives you a chance to enjoy the culinary heritage.
12. Take the guided walking tour
Lastly, one of the best things to do in Athens is simply explore the city. If you are inclined to explore the city properly then take a guided walking tour. The skip-the-line tour is reliable as it gives you the ultimate opportunity to “skip the lines” and enjoy the historical sights. They also have a well-versed archaeologist on board who makes the tour much more informational.
Is Athens safe?
Much like most European cities, Athens is also a safe place for digital nomads. Recent reports have shown that Athens is safer than many of its contemporaries. This lively city is filled with friendly people and the crime rate is low as well.
However, you are always recommended to take precautions and remain careful at all times. This includes carrying self-defense items, avoiding late-night walks, and carrying less amount of cash on your person. Additionally, you should always report the crime or danger of a crime to respective authorities as soon as possible.
Visa Requirements in Athens
Fortunately, the Greek government has recently introduced Greece’s digital nomad visa that allows remote workers to stay and work in the country for 12 months. This is specially designed for non-EU citizens who had trouble visiting there before. You can stay in the country and work remotely as long as you are not involved in any Greek business activity.
If you intend on staying for less than 90 days then you can simply apply for a tourist visa.
Here is what you’ll need for the Greece digital nomad visa
- Valid passport
- Proof of remote work
- Proof of income
- Clean criminal record
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of accommodation
- Certified health check
Conclusion
Athens is a mesmerizing concoction of beautiful sights. From stunning mountains to breathtaking beaches, the city has it all. It is especially a perfect place for digital nomads because of its affordable cost of living and digital nomad community. Other than that, the scenic architecture and rich history may also attract several people.
If you have decided to move to this dreamy city then make sure to learn all the essentials beforehand. We wish you the best of luck on your journey!
Make sure to contact us if you have any further queries.
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