From Kifissia to Kefalari
Taking a walk from the centre of Kifissia to Kefalari square offers a fuller picture of this area. We began from the Everest coffee and snack outlet on Levidou St, a classic meeting point for locals as well as visitors from other parts of Athens. We chose a signature blend coffee, Special Arabica, but if you are interested in trying other varieties, the spot also offers Intense Brazil and Exotic Hondura blends. We also grabbed some deliciously filled fresh rolls and cereal bars, ideal for diet-conscious consumers.
Following our short break, we headed up towards nearby Kefalari, making frequent stops, to see the area’s greenery and marvel at the old mansions, some of which have been converted into shops, even bars.
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The walk ended at Kefalari park, one of the most elegant to be seen in the wider Athens area, and the area’s square, possessing distinct character.
The Goulandris Natural History Museum
The Goulandris Natural History Museum, Greece’s first natural history museum, was opened in 1964 by Aggelos and Niki Goulandris. It is housed at a superb 19th century building that was adjusted and expanded to meet the museum’s scientific and educational needs. The museum is now comprised of two buildings whose architectural harmony bridges the centuries.
The museum hosts two important exhibitions, standing independently with interrelated themes, the Natural History collection at the Natural History Museum building (13 Levidou), and the environmental exhibition at the new GAIA Centre (100 Othonos).
Coffee at the Kifissia Tower
The Flocafe espresso room, situated at Kifissia tower, a classical building dating back to 1830, is one of the most elegant cafes in Athens. The spot is highly recommended for a coffee, either inside or out, equally charming. Furthermore, expert baristas make coffee offering three different blends.
The shop’s front window display is filled with freshly baked butter and chocolate croissants, cookies with chocolate, white chocolate and lemon flavour, as well as sweets such as homemade apple pie, carrot cake, red velvet cake, chocolate cake, plus health-food selections like smoothies and salads. Flocafe espresso room is a great place to settle for a good relaxing time.
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Kazouli Villa, historic and cinematic
Kazouli Villa, historic and cinemati
The Kazoulis Villa, standing imposingly on Kifissias Avenue, at number 241, is architecturally unique as it combines neoclassical and renaissance-era elements. It was built in the early 1910s by Alexandria-based Egyptian entrepreneur Nikolaos Kazoulis.
Two lovely sculptures stand outside the mansion, lion statues created by the renowned sculptor Dimitris Philippotis (1839-1919). Scenes for an old Greek film, “Lieutenant Natasha”, a major commercial success starring Aliki Vougiouklaki, were shot at the villa. The film held the country’s box office record for decades.
LEZANTA
Following Athens’ liberation from Nazi forces, in October, 1944, the building was also used by ELAS, the Greek People’s Liberation Army, and, in 1949, was transferred to the Greek State. The city’s first KAT hospital was based at this building. Also, the building was used as accommodation, between 1953 and 1955, for victims of a major earthquake that devastated the Ionian Islands, especially in the south, in 1953. The Kazoulis Villa nowadays hosts the National Centre for the Environment and Sustainable Development. Viewing the building takes you back to previous times.
Kifissia also great for shopping and lunchtime
As could be expected, this affluent and cosmopolitan old area is also a good shopping district. This is made evident by the clothes and accessories sported by locals as well as the many shop windows. Kifissia probably features the country’s greatest concentration of luxury brands. Even so, the area has lots of bargains to offer at many of the area’s older shops selling clothes, accessories, jewellery and art.
LEZANTA
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If feeling hungry after shopping, Goody’s Burger House, on Levidou St, is a sure bet for a satisfying and delicious meal. The spot serves burgers made with beef patty variations (original 80gr, extreme, as well as the new extreme loaded patty with Philadelphia cream cheese), selected by the customer for a wide range of classic recipes such as Cheese, Green & Golden, as well as imaginative options such as Chili and the giant-sized Hangover burgers.
The menu also offers a satisfying Club Sandwich, as well as classic chicken fillet or chicken wraps. The spot also has vegan customers covered with its delicious Μeat Free Burger & Veggie Burger, as well as freshly cut salads.
Ktima Syngrou
Ktima Syngrou (Syngrou Park)
For people not living in the area, Ktima Syngrou (Syngrou Park), an immense park of protected nature alongside Kifissias Ave, comes as a surprise. Once having entered its grounds, visitors quickly forget they are somewhere in Athens. Syngrou Park is the wider Athens area’s only extensive forest area. Its 70 hectares hosts pines, cypresses, kermes oak trees, as well as other plants.
A further 27 hectares feature farmland with almond and pistachio trees for cultivation, as well as vineyards, plus impressive buildings, including the Andrea Syngrou Tower, a neoclassical building designed by famed architect Ernst Ziller. The park is also ideal for exercise, including cycling. It is open to the public from sunrise to sunset.
Food at La Pasteria
Kifissia locals appreciate good food, a reason why Italian restaurant La Pasteria has been a top choice for years. The same goes for many Italians who live in Athens and want to reconnect with the best of their homeland’s cuisine. Whether with friends, children, or your partner, La Pasteria has proposals for all. The restaurant offers a wide range of pizzas made with a superb crust left to ferment for 72 hours before being placed in the oven. Classic pasta dishes, including La Pasteria’s popular carbonara, as well as more particular recipes such as Linguini con Bottarga, linguini with grated fish roe, lemon zest, olive oil and garlic, are also served.
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Also on offer are special dishes such as risotto Milanese, a light risotto with saffron and parmesan, as well as meat-based recipes, including the Tagliata. In addition, the restaurant offers a wide range of wines matching all dishes. Do not leave without trying La Pasteria’s Tiramisu or panna cotta, two of the finest desserts to be had in Athens.
Seeing Strofyli by bike
Kifissia is good for cycling. With the exception of Kifissias Ave and the central shopping district, the biggest part of Kifissia has limited car traffic, making it an appropriate area for exploration on a bicycle. The Strofyli area, filled with beauty and history, is a good place to explore by bicycle or on foot.
The area’s magnificence and history begins to unfold in all its glory from Othonos St. Grand houses and holiday residences were built here in the past, including by Pavlos Melas, a revolutionary and artillery office, Emmanouil Benakis, a merchant and politician, and other esteemed figures. To this very day, Kifissia is home to some of Greece’s most impressive buildings.
Drinks and snacks to top off the visit
Kifissia has served as an ideal nightlife solution for residents of Athens’ northern suburbs not willing to head all the way down to central Athens for a night out.
The area’s bars are nowadays renowned and popular amongst people from all over Athens. We had a great time and topped off the night in the best way possible, with a hotdog and a DIY sandwich at the local Everest cage and snack bar.