Those who grew up there or in the neighbouring areas, such as Agia Paraskevi, have spent countless hours shopping, having fun or just relaxing.
At some point the metro line appeared, with more than one station within the boundaries of the municipality and suddenly Halandri became a hotspot for all Athenians. Halandri is a “northern suburb”, a “middle-class area”, “close to Athens”, and an “outpost” at the same time.
How and why?
At the beginning of the 20th century, Halandri was a sparsely populated Athenian district. Slowly, refugees and migration to the capital changed its borders. In 1925, Halandri seceded from Athens and became a separate community. In 1942 it became a municipality. In the 1970s, as many residents of the centre of Athens abandoned it and looked for another place to live in the Basin, Halandri began to develop rapidly and gradually formed its present character. Today, Ηalandri has about 75,000 inhabitants, its own shopping area, metro station, parks, bicycle paths and pedestrian streets that are full of life and offer many options for entertainment and recreation. At the same time, it has leafy neighbourhoods, sparser buildings and even a few detached houses that echo its more suburban era.
Halandri Creek
A landmark, a lung and an oasis for Halandri and its neighbouring municipalities, Halandri Creek is a surviving trace of a Vrilissos river stream, i.e. the torrent that begins from Nea Penteli and ends in Tourkovounia. A large part of the stream has of course now been buried under roads, but fortunately for local residents this is not the case in Halandri.
We spent a whole morning there and we didn’t regret it. We started our day at the local everest café and sandwich bar on Agias Paraskevis Street. There we bought coffee (we had a choice of three different blends: Intense Brazil, Special Arabica and Exotic Hondura), delicious puff pastries, hot and cold sandwiches, salads and juices.
Armed with all the essentials for a picnic, we sat down and enjoyed nature. All along the stream there are trees such as fir and sycamore trees. We also saw a lot of birds; not only magpies, goldfinches and collared doves, but also more exotic species such as green parrots that have established a colony in this corner of Athens.
The theatre of Rematia
One of the most important summer festivals with more than 30 years of life takes place here, at the theatre of Rematia, which belongs to the municipality of Halandri. Important Greek theatrical performances, troupes and musical groups from Greece and abroad perform on stage and attract visitors from all over Attica. Here you can attend everything from performances of ancient Greek tragedies to Indian music festivals.
Halandri is ideal for shopping, which is why it attracts people from all over Attica. The many pedestrian streets and spacious sidewalks make it easy to browse the windows. There are shops of well-known chains, but also smaller shops, full of rare and beautiful things; from handmade jewellery and home decorations, to clothes and shoes with special designs. All you need is patience and time.
A delicious spot for burgers and other delights
After all that shopping, it was a given that we would be hungry at some point. A timeless landmark of Halandri, Goody’s Burger House at the beginning of Penteli Avenue is a quality choice.
We had to choose between 3 different types of juicy beef burgers (original 80gr, extreme, & the new stuffed extreme burger loaded with Philadelphia), which are then tucked into our all-time classic favourites Cheese, Green & Golden, or the more special Chilli or the exuberant Hangover. Hangover.
The place also serves fresh salads, hearty club sandwiches, chicken nuggets and numerous other options such as meat free & veggie burgers, pasta dishes, chicken wraps etc.
The central square of Halandri
The central square of Halandri is actually “many squares” in a single package. On one side, there is a playground, almost always full. On the bleachers and the fountain, you can see youngsters rapping while listening to the latest music hits, teenagers skating and young lovebirds on their first dates. On the other side of the square is the church of Agios Nikolaos, on the steps of which young people gather before their night out.
La Pasteria, Italian cuisine at its best
The residents of Halandri – given the plethora of choices on offer- are serious foodies. And it is no coincidence that La Pasteria, on Penteli Avenue, is always among their top choices. Here you will have the best experience of Italian cuisine, be it pasta, pizza, meat or fish dishes. We tried the Funghi Misto all’olio, a variety of mushrooms sautéed with garlic, extra virgin olive oil and parsley, which was delicious. We also tried the spot’s now-renowned pizza, with the new La Pasteria dough, left to ferment for 72 hours before being put into the oven. We had the delectable Mascarpone e Prosciutto Affumicato, with soft mascarpone cheese, fresh tomato and smoked ham.
Pasta lovers will have the opportunity to enjoy La Pasteria’s signature carbonara. For the slightly indecisive who find it hard to choose between a classic Italian burger and a plate of perfectly cooked pasta, there is a solution and it’s called Macinata Pomodoro. Don’t leave before trying one of the dolci on the list. After all, La Pasteria’s tiramisu has been an Athenian favourite for many years.
A bicycle and skateboard-friendly neighbourhood
In a capital that is certainly not famous for the infrastructure it offers to cyclists, Halandri is an exception. With a network of cycle paths that exceeds 5 kilometres, it is an area where cycling as an alternative means of transport is a real solution. Residents of the area seem to recognise this, as they increasingly use bicycles for their commutes and walks.
Halandri features three large sports centres and an amazing skate park for all skate and BMX lovers. Besides, you will see kids skateboarding almost everywhere. In addition, there are nine outdoor sports facilities, including a callisthenics park.
The Roman Aqueduct soon to revive
Hadrian’s Aqueduct was built in the 2nd century AD by the Roman emperor of the same name, in order to supply Athens with rainwater from Penteli and Parnitha. After 19 centuries, the municipality aims to revive it. Through an irrigation network, thanks to the major redevelopment that will accompany the hydraulic installation, a pedestrian walkway will connect the monument to Halandri Creek and the city centre.
Two pumping stations will make the aqueduct productive and its non-potable water available to residents for irrigation and other needs. Thus, there will no longer be a need to consume and waste water for non-potable uses. The project has been included in the European project CULTURAL H.ID.RA.N.T.
Nightlife and cinema
Halandri is a truly sufficient Athenian neighbourhood. Some of the city’s most historic cinemas, such as Havana with its always excellent film selection and the open-air AMIKO can be found here. AMIKO’s screen is fringed with lush ivy and fragrant jasmine.
When it comes to nightlife, there are plenty of choices. In the main streets, but also in smaller alleys you are sure to find something that suits your tastes, whether we are talking about cocktail bars, classic bars or beer bars.
Whether you prefer the movies or a night out, the best way to top-off your evening is with a DIY sandwich or a hot dog at the local everest outlet.
