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Showing posts from May, 2026

Food Onboard - What to Look For

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Exclusive Yachting Menus does't necessarily mean oyster and champagne. But it certainly is not frozen goods and poorly prepared meals or cheap ingredients served on plastic.  A good example of wellness at sea is through the new collaboration of 1852 Private Boat Tours with the professional service of a dietologist/nutritionist . The experience of a luxury cruise is not just about crystal-clear waters and premium service, it extends deeply into gastronomy. At 1852 Private Boat Tours, they are taking the next step in holistic hospitality by welcoming a professional nutritionist to their team as an official partner for their onboard menu design. The goal here is to create curated or even personalized meals that offer scientific nutritional balance, energy, and health, catering to every unique need of the guests. The menus rely exclusively on genuine, fresh, seasonal Greek products, which are transformed into dishes of high culinary value. This combination of rich nutrition and authen...

Athens Becoming the Top Destination in Greece

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Athens has successfully shifted from being a mere stopover, to a primary travel destination. Visitor arrivals and overnight stays are experiencing a continuous upward trend, fueled by the growing demand for city break travel and an expansion of direct flight connections. The US market serves as a critical source of revenue and visitors, now accounting for 19 percent of the tourist share, while visitors from the European Union make up 48 percent and the Middle East represents 6 percent. The first quarter of 2026 has concluded with highly positive indicators for local hospitality. Average hotel occupancy rates rose by 2.4 percent compared to the first quarter of 2025. Key performance indicators also demonstrated steady growth, with the average daily room rate increasing by 2 percent relative to 2025 and 9.7 percent compared to 2024. Additionally, revenue per available room experienced a 4.5 percent boost. Passenger traffic at Athens International Airport further confirms this upward traj...

How is the Weather in Athens Riviera

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The Athens Riviera enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate of long, dry summers and mild winters, with a seaside microclimate that keeps the coast fresher in July and warmer in January than central Athens. Summer, from June to August, is completely sun-drenched and dry. Highs average thirty-one to thirty-four degrees Celsius, occasionally crossing thirty-eight during heatwaves. The sea reaches a warm twenty-six degrees, making it peak season for swimming and yachting, though strong northerly Meltemi winds in late summer can create choppy waters. Autumn, spanning September to November, is highly favored by locals. The fierce heat breaks, yet the sea remains warm and perfectly swimmable well into October at twenty-three degrees. Highs drop from twenty-eight degrees in September to a crisp nineteen by November, when brief rain showers begin to return. Winter, from December to February, is exceptionally mild. Highs hover around fourteen degrees, and nights rarely drop below seven. December ...

Time is a Premium

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When you are on vacation in a foreign country, time is your most precious commodity. A private powerboat cruise ensures you don’t waste a single moment. By moving quickly between destinations, you unlock an incredibly diverse side of the Athenian coastline that most travelers never have the time to reach. Leaving the navigation to an expert local captain means escaping the tourist crowds and discovering hidden gems with absolute peace of mind, maximizing every minute of your holiday. A private powerboat cruise is the ultimate way to experience Athens from the water. Because you can move quickly between destinations, you'll unlock a diverse side of the coastline that most travelers completely miss. By leaving the details to a local captain and crew, you can step away from the tourist crowds, discover hidden gems known only to insiders, and enjoy complete peace of mind while we handle everything. #privateTour #exclusive 

Athens has Still Hidden Gems

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Despite Athens attracting millions of visitors each year, a surprising 71% of foreign tourists bypass the nearby Saronic Gulf islands and the Attica coastline. A recent study by GPR Consulting, conducted in collaboration with Athens International Airport and the local hotel association, sheds light on why these regions remain "off the radar" for the majority of travelers. The primary obstacle is a simple lack of time, cited by 71% of respondents. However, deeper structural issues are also at play. About 14% of tourists prefer more famous island destinations, while 7% suffer from a lack of information. Other deterrents include limited transportation options. Many visitors stay in central Athens and rely on public transit rather than rental cars, making the trek to the "Athenian Riviera" or local ports feel daunting without clearer guidance or better connectivity. Interestingly, while sea quality remained top in 2025, visitor satisfaction regarding beach natural beaut...

Is Athens Solely a Destination of Culture ?

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Athens experienced a transformative year in 2025 marked by unprecedented growth and high visitor satisfaction according to recent industry data. The Athens International Airport achieved a new historic record by welcoming 8.7 million foreign visitors while the city saw a notable ten percent increase in daily tourist spending. This financial boost was particularly evident in sectors related to entertainment and local attractions.  Culture remains the primary draw for the Greek capital earning an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Travelers reported feeling culturally enriched and inspired by their visit highlighting the deep emotional connection the city fosters with its guests.  Furthermore Athens was praised as an inclusive and welcoming destination for all backgrounds and abilities. Despite these successes industry experts note that a significant challenge remains in fully translating high passenger traffic into hotel occupancy.  While the city functions as a vital gat...

What Countries Prefer Greece for Their Holidays

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In 2025, Greek tourism reached record-breaking levels with 37.9 million arrivals and 22.6 billion euros in revenue. According to a study by INSETE, half of these total revenues came from just five countries. Key Market Breakdown: Germany: Remained the top market with 6 million arrivals and 3.8 billion euros in revenue. However, average spending per visitor continued to decline, dropping to 636 euros from 735 euros in 2019. United Kingdom: Followed closely with 4.9 million arrivals and 3.7 billion euros in revenue, showing an increase in average spending to 765 euros. United States: While having fewer arrivals (1.4 million), American tourists provided 1.737 billion euros in revenue and maintained the highest per capita spending at over 1,100 euros. France: Generated 1.3 billion euros in revenue with a per capita spend of 671 euros. Italy: Contributed 1.28 billion euros from 2.2 million visitors, with an average spend of 584 euros. Regional Concentration: Tourism activity remains highly ...

Things to do in Aegina

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Aegina is a gem of the Saronic Gulf that perfectly balances ancient heritage with a laid-back island vibe. Just an hour from Athens, it offers a rich escape whether you are a history buff or a fan of simple seaside living. The island’s historical weight is best felt at the **Temple of Aphaia**, a stunning 5th-century BC structure that forms a "sacred triangle" with the Parthenon and the Temple of Poseidon. Closer to the harbor, the **Kolona** archaeological site—named after the lone standing column of the Temple of Apollo—provides a deep dive into the island's prehistoric past. Walking through Aegina Town reveals its short but significant stint as the first capital of modern Greece. You’ll find charming neoclassical mansions, the pink-hued Markellos Tower, and vibrant waterfront cafes. For a change of pace, a hike through **Palaiochora**, the abandoned medieval hillside capital dotted with dozens of tiny chapels, offers hauntingly beautiful views. Of course, the experienc...

Is Greece Quantity or Quality Tourism? The Facts

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Greece is seeing a major boom in luxury tourism, and the year 2026 is shaping up to be a huge milestone for the country. International hospitality giants are pouring money into high-end projects, shifting the focus from mass tourism to more exclusive, quality experiences. The biggest news is the return of the Conrad brand. The most iconic project is "The Ilisian" in Athens, which is the total transformation of the old historic Hilton. It just opened its doors in late April 2026 as a massive mixed-use spot featuring luxury rooms, private residences (under the Waldorf Astoria name), and a heavy emphasis on high-end dining and wellness. But it’s not just Athens. Corfu is also getting a brand-new Conrad resort in May 2026, taking over an old beachfront site to offer luxury villas and top-tier spa facilities. Other big names like Four Seasons, Radisson, and Hyatt are also expanding quickly in places like Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete.  Overall, the message is clear: Greece is rebr...

How to Hire a Boat in Athens for a Day Trip

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Hiring a boat in Athens for a day trip is a straightforward process that grants you access to some of the most beautiful hidden coves and crystalline waters in the Saronic Gulf. To ensure a seamless experience, follow these essential steps: 1. Define Your Trip Type Decide if you want a bareboat rental (driving the boat yourself) or a crewed charter. If you lack a valid skipper’s license or simply want to relax, hiring a professional skipper is the best way to discover secret spots like the Temple of Poseidon at Sounio or the uninhabited island of Fleves. 2. Choose the Right Vessel Athens offers everything from agile Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) and luxury motor yachts to elegant sailing catamarans. Consider your group size and desired speed; RIBs are great for "beach hopping," while catamarans offer more stability and lounging space. 3. Book via a Reputable Provider Visit official websites like 1852.gr to browse available fleets and check real-time availability. Booking in ...