The much-loved neighbourhood of Koukaki in central Athens has been for many years now a favorite touristic vacation spot for individuals who need to expertise Greek meals and tradition within the coronary heart of the Greek capital.
Despite the fact that Koukaki is a small neighbourhood, positioned proper subsequent to the well-known city of Plaka, it’s at all times stuffed with music and reside occasions, all of which exude the nostalgic ambiance of Athens in older instances.
The colorful shops and eating places, the previous and neo-classical buildings, and the picturesque rocky pavements of Koukaki haven’t gone unnoticed by among the largest media publications on this planet, which have named Koukaki the prettiest neighbourhood of Athens and one of many coolest locations in Europe.
British tabloid Daily Mail – essentially the most circulated publication within the UK – praised Koukaki and ranked it primary on the listing of the most effective locations to go to in Greece.
“Adjoining to The Acropolis, Koukaki sits on the backside of the Lofos Filopappou and, like all nice neighborhoods in Greece, is dwelling to many historical treasures,” the Every day Mail reported.
“Lately two pedestrian-only streets have cropped up within the neighbourhood, making it a incredible vacation spot for a wander.
“The place has a cafe-like really feel with the entire eating places and bars putting tables and chairs outdoors.
“Seize a espresso, a e-book, and a seat and watch the parade of individuals go by.”
Journey and hospitality website Airbnb has additionally included Koukaki in its listing with the “Up-and-Coming Neighbourhoods to Go to”, and named it the 5th must-visit neighbourhood on this planet.
Based mostly on the critiques and votes of 40 million travellers from 150 totally different nations, Koukaki was ranked the 5th greatest neighbourhood, solely behind Chūō-ku in Osaka, Japan, Banglampoo in Bangkok, Thailand, Brickfields in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Capucins in Bordeaux, France.
“Koukaki, some of the lovely Athenian neighborhoods and top-of-the-line on this planet, at all times welcomes its guests with a smile, hospitality, heat, and parts that derive from the historical past and custom of Athens,” Airbnb wrote.
“On our listing of the 16 greatest neighborhoods on this planet, our 40 million travellers have chosen Koukaki, the favorite neighbourhood of Athens, to be No. 5 because the place the place guests will each discover what they need and on the identical time can expertise an aura of the previous.”
The Airbnb listing with the most effective neighbourhoods to go to additionally contains three small cities in the USA, three neighborhoods in South America, in addition to the city of Richmond in Melbourne, Australia, which holds the 15th spot.
The admiration for Koukaki nonetheless, doesn’t cease right here.
Even the American VOGUE – the most well-liked style and life-style journal on this planet – highlighted Koukaki in its newest journey characteristic as the good neighbourhood in Athens, and top-of-the-line locations to go to on this planet
“Koukaki, which is among the oldest neighborhoods within the capital, was known as Little Paris till the 1980s.
“Now, it has lovely alleys that appear untouched by time, with bougainvillea bushes, elm bushes and old-school buildings,” VOGUE describes.
“The place is pleasant to individuals, and in addition to animals.
“It has quite a lot of locations to hangout – from gourmand eating places, conventional delicacies taverns, bars, various cafes and galleries.
“There are lots of artists who really feel fortunate to reside there and who attempt to make Koukaki extra lovely and sustainable every day.”
In 2017, the French VOGUE had additionally named Koukaki “essentially the most hip neighbourhood in Europe” in a particular characteristic for Athens, stating that “a stroll in its picturesque alleys is sufficient to see the previous mansions and neoclassical buildings of older instances, to odor the basil from the small balconies, and to make a cease on the sidewalks to benefit from the feeling of one other period.”
In addition to its magnificence, Koukaki can also be the birthplace of Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis and Olympic gold medallist Nikolaos Kaklamanakis, amongst different notable individuals.
Full of life, scrumptious smells and road performers and artists, Koukaki at all times invitations Greeks and vacationers to discover a retro, and on the identical time, fashionable view of Athens that may undoubtedly create joyful recollections.
All images by Travel Style
