Snapping, editing and uploading our holiday moments can easily become second nature. But without an audience influencing your choices, what would you really want to do in Athens? The choices we make for ourselves may reveal how we want to enjoy our stay.
From The Hill, our boutique apartment beneath Mount Lycabettus, Athens can be as full or as unhurried as you wish. Here, you are free to follow your mood and make space for moments nobody else needs to see. For some guests, it means rising early, staying out late and filling the day with plans. For others, it means discovering unfamiliar cheeses at a local grocer’s or enjoying a peaceful morning at home.
Of course, there is nothing wrong with planning. We save recommendations, bookmark restaurants and promise ourselves that this time, we will see everything. However, there is also pleasure in leaving room to adapt as you go.
The point is not to prove that you were there but to notice the city unfolding around you. So, how would you spend a day in and around Lycabettus if nobody else knew what you did?
Perhaps you begin with fresh croissants at the kitchen table and decide there is absolutely no hurry to leave. Your Halo Collection hideaway is quiet, so you stay home longer than expected. You read outside on the private terrace, then find yourself still there hours later.
Nobody travels to Athens specifically to read three chapters of a novel. Still, there is no reason not to. That is one of the pleasures of a quiet stay in Athens. A Halo home gives you the comfort and independence to discover how you want to spend your time.
Eventually, curiosity may draw you outdoors. Around The Hill studio flat, terraced steps and leafy lanes lead through a calmer, more residential Athens. Bougainvillaea frames the entrances. Balconies overlook small gardens. Meanwhile, the occasional cat may claim the centre of the path.
Across from the apartment, pine-edged trails take you up Mount Lycabettus. They feel almost like a shared front garden for the neighbourhood. You may notice seasonal flowers, prickly pear cacti and rosemary along the way. If you wish, you can wander without reaching the peak, simply enjoying the chance to reconnect with nature.
Another afternoon, you might choose the summit instead. Follow the paths to the top for Lycabettus’ panoramic views across the capital. There, the whitewashed Church of Agios Georgios (St George) sits at one of the city’s best-known lookouts. Take that stunning sunset photograph. Perhaps you share it later. For now, simply enjoy the setting. This is a quieter kind of Athens travel experience, one that lets you appreciate the beauty on your own terms.
By now, something subtle may have happened. Without an audience, you begin noticing which places you genuinely want to revisit. Perhaps yesterday's pastry was so good that you want to go back for another. Maybe you liked a particular café and see no reason to find a different one. If you enjoyed somewhere, go back. Authentic Athens travel does not require constant discovery. Sometimes familiarity becomes part of the pleasure.
You may notice a new flowering balcony. You may see the same cat in a different patch of sun. Some other evening might take you to the City of Athens Lycabettus Theatre. Then again, you might decide that tonight is for doing very little. This is not repetition for its own sake. It is how a place begins to feel personal.
Perhaps the idea of a holiday moment that doesn't need to be shared feels almost unusual now. No perfect photograph. No triumphant itinerary. No explanation for choosing breakfast at home, a local walk or a couple more hours with your book. It shouldn’t. The Hill, Lycabettus is for guests who want a quieter setting while keeping Athens close. Here, you decide what happens next.
Visit the Acropolis because you genuinely want to see it. Stroll up Lycabettus Hill because the evening light draws you outside. Catch a performance at the Lycabettus Theatre. Head downhill to Kolonaki for coffee and something sweet. Or stay home a little longer and enjoy the comforts around you.
You may see everything on your visit. You may see half of it. Either way, the best Athens travel experience is simply the one you would choose if no one else were watching.
What would you genuinely like to do during your stay with The Halo Collection? Do exactly that.
I have spent so much time looking at our homes through a practical lens. Does the light work in this room? Is that chair comfortable? Will someone know where to put their suitcase?...
Explore three boutique residences across Kypseli, Lycabettus and Metaxourgeio, each shaped by its neighbourhood and designed to offer a distinct way to experience Athens.
A warm, design-led apartment in Kypseli, one of Athens’ most vibrant neighbourhoods, close to local cafés, culture and everyday city life.
A calm apartment near Lycabettus Hill, designed for guests who want a quieter Athens stay close to the city centre, scenic viewpoints and local dining.
A restored 1930s neoclassical house in Metaxourgeio, blending original architectural character with modern comfort in Athens.
A collection of real guest reviews from recent stays across our boutique homes in Athens, sharing what guests loved about the comfort, design, locations and thoughtful details.
" I really enjoyed my stay at terracotta house. The apartment is clean, stylish, and thoughtfully designed. I enjoyed spending time on the terrace surrounded by plants and a sense of privacy. Highly recommend! "
" The place was beautiful and easy to find. It is in a nice area that is close to the “hill.” It is on the elevated side of Athens. So be prepared for stairs and hills but it was well worth the climb. The bed is very comfortable and the shower stayed warm which is a huge plus for me. Overall, I would stay here again. "
" Absolutely fabulous place. Spotless and well-equipped. The location is amazing. "
" Incredible and beautiful home, as well as super fabulous hospitality!! Absolutely loved the decor, the area, and it was very clean. We felt so at home and both hosts were so accommodating and had the best communication. Definitely recommend for your stay!!! We will be back and only stay here :) "
" Beautiful house exactly like the pictures! "
" The appartment was fully equipped with everything you might need. Host was responsive all the time. The appartment was very clean and nicely decorated. There were couple books on the book shelf in English language which we would read before bed. "
" We had such a lovely stay at the Hill. It’s incredibly neat and well organised, all you need is present at the apartment. We walked up the hill in the morning for a beautiful view over the city and if you’re looking for a nice place to spend an evening nearby, Jazz in Jazz is recommended! "
" Very nice , good communication and will recommend 100% "
" So much more than a “cold” rental , Sergei & Jeff actually provide a home with everything you need for a perfect stay. "
" My stay in this apartment was absolutely wonderful! It’s perfect for solo travelers as well as couples—spacious, comfortable, and furnished with high-quality pieces. The designer who arranged the apartment clearly has exceptional taste and a real love for detail; every element feels thoughtfully chosen. "
" Excellent location, very comfortable with all the convenient amenities and facilities available "
" It was a great option, real value for money! "
" I stayed at the Hive for 1 week and found it to be amazingly comfortable. It is very quiet, private, secure and beautifully furnished. It has all the amenities anyone would need for either a short or long stay. It is in a very interesting area of Athens with welcoming restaurants within walking distance. "
" We stayed at the Hive last year and I can only give it 5 stars. Jeff and Sharona have really done an amazing job renovating this place and Kypseli really surprised us. Vibrant community, lots of great restaurants, parks and coffeehouses in the area. "
" We stayed at this recently renovated gem in Athens and loved it! The art deco entrance and common area was magical and the marble stairs made us feel like royalty when we entered. The flat was spacious and bright tastefully designed by a professional interest designer. "
" We had a truly five-star experience staying in Kypseli. The area is vibrant, authentic, and full of character, with fantastic cafés, bakeries, and local shops just steps away. Everything felt convenient and walkable, and getting to all the major tourist attractions was easy thanks to great public transport links nearby. "
" Incredible cozy apartment. Very clean and quiet, great amenities. A quick walk into the heart of the city. Great food and coffee all around. Beautifully furnished with a great balcony. Perfect place to stay with a family or a group of friends. Open concept is ideal for hosting. 10/10. "
Follow The Halo Collection on Instagram for a closer look at our Athens residences, local neighbourhoods, design details and everyday moments from Jeff and Sharona.
