Marie Monde, Mange et Mode

By Marie Monde, Ramada’s Chief Eats Officer

• Greece was my first stop in my capacity as the Ramada Chief Eats Officer.  As the Hotel’s Foodie CEO, I stayed at the exceptional Ramada by Wyndham Athens Attica Riviera Hotel in the Néa Mákri area of Ayios Andreas, Greece.  While I’d been to Greece before, I’d never been to Néa Mákri and did not know what to expect.  As it turns out, the Hotel resort and surrounding areas were far more magical than I could have ever imagined.  I also had some time to return to Athens on this trip.  In fact, the Ramada by Wyndham Athens Attica Riviera provides the perfect location for travelers wanting to experience both Athens and a taste of the Greek coastal island life of luxury and leisure.  Though only about an hour outside Athens, it feels like an entirely different world.  After several days of food and fun, I’ve curated a list of 10 Tips for this Greece trip.  Check them out below!

1. LEARN A FEW GREEK PHRASES 🗣️

Whenever visiting a new country, I think the most useful tip is always language-based.  While its likely unrealistic, and often unnecessary to become fluent in a language for a short stay in the country, I find it useful to always learn at least a few phrases to make it easier to get around. Unless visiting a country in which you share the national language (such as an American visiting the United Kingdom or vice versa), it is likely that your preferred language will be a local’s second, third or even fourth tongue.  That said, it is not unlikely that things could get lost in translation.  This tip is especially important for monolingual English speakers, as many locals in Néa Mákri speak French as their second language, but do not speak English.  Even if a person does speak English, you’d be surprised to see how touched locals feel to hear a tourist at least attempting to make an effort in Greek. Also, if you are buying something, you are significantly more likely to get the owners best price for the item or that second scoop of gelato free of charge (although discounts are, of course, merely a secondary benefit to learning a language).

Thus, without further ado, here is a list of 7 useful Greek phrases:

1. Excuse Me (συγνώμη)

• sygnwmh

• /seig-no-me/
• 2. Please (παρακαλείστε να)

• parakaleiste na
• /para-cali-stay-nahh/

• 3. Thank you (σας ευχαριστώ)

• sas euxaristw

• /sus-ef-har-ee-stow/
• 4.  Hello sir/ma’am (χαίρετε κύριε/κυρία)

• chaírete kýrie/kyría

• /key-air-et-tay keer-ee-ay, key-air-et-tay keer-ee-ah/

• 5.  Where is the… (που είναι το…)

• pou einai to
• /pwee-neh-tow/
• 6.  Do you speak English? (Καταλαβαίνετε αγγλικό)

• katalavenete agglikh

• /kah-tah-luh-vain-ee-tay Ahh-glee-kah

• 7.   American (Αμερικανός 🚹/ Αμερικανίδα 🚺)

• Amerikanós
• / ah-mer-re-can-noosh/

• Amerikanída

•  /ah-mer-dee-can-ee-dah/

2. VISIT ATHENS’ PLAKA NEIGHBORHOOD 🏛

Plaka, developed around the ancient Agora of Athens, is the oldest district in Athens, Greece. This area has been continuously inhabited for around three thousand (yes, THOUSAND) years and remnants of the Agora can be seen in the area today. If you nerd out on history like I do, Plaka is a particularly interesting place, as it is the Plaka, once roamed by Pericles and Alexander the Great, Lord Elgin and Lord Byron, and many well-known Greek writers like Homer (you know, the guy who wrote The Odyssey and The Iliad, the infamously lengthy 600-page per book set from your middle school  summer reading lists).

As Greece is well known for Orthodox Christian Churches, I was really intrigued to pass some historical buildings in Plaka with Islamic origins. It was really cool to learn even more about the history of the area.  From the Fethiye Mosque and the Madrasa Islamic school, I learned that Plaka was known as the “Turkish quarter of Athens” when the city was ruled by the Ottoman Empire. Both are on Pelopida street and boast beautiful distinctive arabesque architecture.

As the Chief Eats Officer, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that there are some really lovely restaurants in Plaka. The ever-popular Plaka Stairs has a nice restaurant with a cool view. But there are many other great gems in the area as well, like the Byzantino restaurant and Plakaki Cafe.

There are also a lot of adorable little shops in Plaka, especially down Adrianoustreet. The iconic Plakan street which is named after the emperor Hadrian and boasts everything from jewelry shops and cosmetic shops to artisan craft shops and clothing stores. I found it a great place for souvenirs. I was also able to find an adorable little shop that sold olive wood products. As olive wood is naturally antibacterial, i absolutely LOVE using olive wood products in my kitchen! After doing a few price comparisons with several shops, I happily purchased a new set of olive wood serving utensils.

To get to Plaka, I recommend taking a taxi from Néa Mákri to Athens and then either walking or taking public transit while in the city. If taking public transit, you can either get off on Syntagma Metro station and walk down voulis street until you reach Kydathinaion OR get off at Monasttiraki Station and walk to Adrianou street OR get off on Acropolis station and head to Vyronos street. Many entry points mean there are lots of different scenic options you can take to end up in this historic area. Do be sure to have Euros on hand, as cards don’t always work at the metro station machines for ticket purchase and many small shop vendors have a short list of cards that they will accept as a mode of payment.

Photo taken at the Ramada by Wyndham Attica Riviera Resort. The (complimentary) resort buffet was incredible and I had olives with breakfast every day!

3. EAT AN OLIVE (OR 50) 🫒

When in Greece, olives are a must-try snack. Simply put, they’re just better here. While they’re delicious any time of the day and I’ve had them with breakfast, as a stand-alone snack, and incorporated in lunch and dinner dishes, I recently learned that they’re especially great to eat before bed. Apparently, the tryptophan and magnesium make them the perfect bedtime snack to endure sleep. Between the pre-bed olives, a few sips of ouzo and the sound of the ocean from my Ramada by Wyndham Athens Attica Riviera hotel room, I’ve been sleeping like a baby in Greece. You deserve that as well! Regardless of what time of day you have them, you’ve definitely got to eat some olives!

Another fun fact about Greek olives is that that they are integral to Athenian history. When deciding on a patron god for the city of Athens, Greek mythology describes a great quarrel between Poseidon, god of the seas, and Athena, warrior goddess of wisdom and justice. Both struck ricks to provide symbolic gifts. Poseidon struck his trident against a rock and the rock started flowing with salt water, a symbol of sea power. When Athens struck the rock, she gifted the city with its first olive tree, a symbol of peace and fruitfulness. According to mythology, twelve additional olive trees sprouted from the sacred rock-born tree.  Her gift was revered as most valuable, and she was chosen as the patron goddess of the city. Thus, the city was named “Athens”, after goddess Athena and as a symbol of peace and prosperity. In short, Greek mythology suggests that there would be no Athens without olives. The way I see it, there should be no Athens visit without olives either.

4. TAKE A TAXI 🚕

Taxi drivers are the best tour guides! They know the city better than nearly anyone and as locals, they can provide a great perspective about the local areas with fun facts long the way. While the metro and underground are definitely cost-effective and the underground is particularly expeditious, there is some real value to using taxis and Ubers as well.

Though Taxis are more expensive than public transit, they also offer a comfortable way to speak to a local who truly knows the city. I was able to ask my driver about all sorts of things, such as food and venue recommendations and information on the different buildings and sites we passed along the way. In Athens, I was also able to ask about culture and Athenian life in general. My driver even pointed out some historic sites and gave a bit of a history lesson.  He asked me which sites I had yet to see in Athens and even asked if I wanted to drive by the world’s original Olympic Stadium.  Despite being a sports and history lover, it hadn’t even occurred to me to see the Olympic Stadium until he suggested it. The taxi ride also gave me an opportunity to practice my Greek, which the driver seemed to really appreciate.

There are an abundance of Taxi’s in Athens and the licensed taxis display a distinctive “TAXI” sign on the roof and have their registration number listed.  They can be hailed in a fashion similar to New York and can also be called directly through their dispatching number. 

It is important to note that many taxis are cash only, so be sure to ask the driver before getting in and have cash on hand just in case.  Even the drivers that use a POS system and accept card payment prefer tips to be in cash.  Surge pricing exists for evening rides and taxi fare is double from midnight to 5:00 AM. 

5. TAKE A HIKE     👟

• Take a hike! Well, a coastal walk. 

Breathe in the Néa Mákri ocean air while taking in breathtaking ocean views. If you go down Posidonos street, the street the hotel is on, turn down any side walkway labeled παραλía (Greek for “beach”).  Depending on how far down Posidonos street you’re located, you’ll likely end up at a picturesque ledge where the end of the earth overlooks the sea, with many footpaths and down the cliff leading to the ocean.  There is also a beautiful trail along the coast that merely overlooks the ocean.

About 10 minutes into my walk, I happened upon a quaint little bench. I then spent some time journaling with epic scenery while serenaded by the waves hitting the rocks below me. 

After a while, I got up to walk further down the path, taking the trail to the very end.  To my surprise, there was a lovely little restaurant called Siama, nestled at the very end of the coastline.  Naturally, as the Chief Eats Officer, my curiosity led me down the walk and into the restaurant.  Next thing I knew, I was sitting at a table a mere few feet from a footpath down to the ocean. 

I highly recommend this restaurant, for the views, the vibes and the yummy food.  It is a modern fusion restaurant, so you won’t find a ton of traditional Greek dishes, but their menu does not disappoint.  I started off with some Greek coffee and ended up ordering a prawn linguine. The flavors we PHENOMENAL.  While waiting for my entree, I was given olive oil, bread and olives and the olfactory sensations experienced for such a seemingly basic starter were unreal.  The olive oil was the perfect viscosity with a rich flavor and light texture.  The olives were moldy sweet with fruity notes as just the right amount of saltiness. I could go on and on about this, but I will instead simply just redirect you to Tip number 3.

On my way back to the hotel, I opted for the view of the neighborhood.  This leg, I was able to see some lovely Greek homes and even a Greek convince store.  I love seeing local grocery options, as I feel that it sheds some light on the culture of the area.  It’s a quick and easy way to take a quick anthropological perspective into how the locals live, what they buy and what types of products are deemed as most essential to an area. It also made for a great way to practice my Greek, reading products, speaking with the shop attendant and eavesdropping on the conversations of other shoppers.

In short, the Ramada by Wyndham Athens Attica Riviera is such a serene hotel that I know it is difficult to even imagine wanting to leave the property. But I promise you that if you do, you will be pliantly delighted by the surrounding areas.  Your tastebuds may thank you as well!

(At the pool, but overlooking the ocean)

6. PREPARE FOR A POOL DAY 🏊

Make sure you have your swimsuit and sunscreen ready, because a day at the pool is a must! The waterfront Ramada by Wyndham Athens Attica Riviera beckons vacationers to enjoy a leisurely day at the pool, by the sea, or both.  There are beach chairs, recliners and cabanas, all available for the taking.  For good measure, I spent a little bit of time in all three.  I found the cabana to be best for casual reading and the recliner to be the best option for soaking up some sun and working on my tan.  Of course, the pool area is complete with its own bar (Optasia Bar), where I could get everything from snacks and drinks to beach towels and inflatable pool inner tubes.

The area is incredibly relaxing, so I recommend spending at least one full day enjoying the pool area and surrounding beach, with breaks for meals at the impeccable onsite buffet inside the Vision Restaurant.

Lounging by the pool while over-looking the sea is the ultimate form of relaxation in my opinion.  So, when the waves call, I recommend that you answer.

To feel extra Greek, I recommend ordering Ouzo at the Irida Bar after your day in the sun.  The indoor/outdoor bar overlooks the sea and is an excellent place to watch the sunset over the Evian Gulf. Ouzo is uniquely Greek and is made from the remnants or must or of grapes pressed for wine making.  Talk about “no waste”! Ouzo is only made in Greece and Cyprus and is traditionally distilled in copper stills and flavored with anise. Some varieties also include other spices like fennel, clove, cardamom or mastic.  Ouzo has a really unique flavor, with a distinct anise taste and clear, silky texture.

• Fun Fact: Greece has exclusive rights to the name Ouzo.  It is literally protected by an appellation PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) and a PDO (Protected Designation of Origin).  So, if in Greece, Ouzo is a definite must-try!

The Resort Buffet was filled with great hydrating fruits, like watermelon, cantelope and oranges, hydrating veggies, like broccoli and bell peppers and an abundance of fresh juices, like apple juice. I also had a bottle of water (or two) with each meal, but the water is not pictured above 🙂

7. STAY HYDRATED 🚰

Athens is one of many countries going through a heat surge, with this summer boasting particularly unprecedented temperatures. The Ramada by Wyndham Athens Attica Riviera is perfectly air conditioned and has plenty of bars and other areas with unlimited and ever-flowing access to refreshing and hydrating drinks.  However, once you leave the resort, a water bottle is a must.  I went through 4 bottles of water in 3 hours while walking around Athens. 

Luckily, there are many great cafes and restaurants to leisurely enjoy hydrating libations.  If you are on the go, you are likely to pass convenience stores that offer an even wider array of drink (and snack) options.  Of note, many stores, restaurants and cafes only accept cash and certain chip credit cards.  I’d recommend having a decent amount of euros on hand in Athens for incidentals.  While I did bring sufficient cash, separated between my purse and incognito locations like my pouch, I mistakenly thought that I could rely on my debit and credit card for larger expenses.  However, many of the smaller, more authentic restaurants did not take credit card at all, and those that did only accepted Visa (not American Express or Discover).  As for ATMs, Greek ATMs are not created equal.  Functionality and exchange rates vary, with Alpha Bank being a bit more difficult to find but having the lowest amount of additional charges for foreign cards.  EuroNet ATMs are abundant but should be avoided at all costs.  In addition to high exchange rates and hidden fees, many in Athens are defective and do not even work. Cash in King in Athens, so plan accordingly.  Also be sure to factor in the cost of severe hydration beverages.

Photo taken at the Acropolis Museum in Athens. Pictured you can see the ruins of an ancient Athenian neighborhod, with streets, houses and workshop areas still visible

8. VISIT ATHENS 🏺

• The Picturesque Attica Riviera is about an hour from the Athens International Airport.  While the property is beyond beautiful, making it hard to leave, it would be a pity to be so close to Athens and not take at least one day to take a walk through some of history’s most enchanting sites.

• I’ve always been a bit of a history buff and texts regarding Ancient Greece have long been some of my favorites. So naturally, I wanted to see the Acropolis and the like.  Although I’d seen all the major sights on my last trip to Athens, the views never get old. This trip, I did a little additional exploration and climbed a hill to see the Acropolis from another angle.

• Also, I started learning Greek this year and was overjoyed to be able to practice with native speakers while in Athens.  While at the resort, nearly everyone I met, from guests to hotel staff alike, spoke French.  And those that did not, spoke English.  As a French and English speaker, I found myself deferring most conversations to French, making my usage of Greek a bit rare while on the resort.  In contrast, I had a hard time communicating in English and French in Athens, forcing me to lean on my Greek skills. I must say, something about placing an order at a hole in the wall Greek place down a random backstreet after leaving the Parthenon really made my trip feel authentic and made me feel like I was living out a scene from Greek literature.

View from M&S Rooftop Garden, watching the sunset fall over the Acropolis in Athens

9. ENJOY THE ACROPOLIS WITH AN APERITIF 🍸

• As a foodie, the only thing more satisfying than a good meal or drink, is to enjoy something delicious with a delightful view in the background. If you’re like me, you will certainly enjoy a nice rooftop bar overlooking the Acropolis. 

I recommend checking the time of sunset ahead of time and making sure to arrive to at least 40 minutes before sunset to receive a good table with an unobstructed Acropolis view and drink in hand.  After checking out multiple views, I found M+S Roof Garden to be the best location to enjoy a delightful libation while watching the sunset over the Acropolis. 

I opted for a non-alcoholic option and ordered the Masticha Lemonade.  It was sweet, slightly sour, and super tasty!  Native to the island of Chios in Mastichochoria, masticha has been revered for centuries for its beneficial and therapeutic properties and pleasant aroma. Masticha is a semi-transparent resinous sap that is gathered from the evergreen Lentisk bush.

As I finish writing this tip, it occurs to me that some of you may be wondering what all the fuss is about regarding the Acropolis.  Well, the Acropolis is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its architecture, antiquity and influence.  It is also a key historic site, as it hosted Classical Greek politicians who established Democracy, such as Perikles and Themistokles; key Athenian philosophers, like Plato and Socrates; and ancient Athenian artists, like Pheidias and Alkamenes. There is a deep cultural and religious heritage as well, as the site holds great significance for Ancient Greek religion.

 What I find particularly interesting about it is how structurally sound and well maintained it is after so many centuries.  It truly is an impressive architectural marvel. 

10. COMFORT IS KEY 👟

Be sure to bring cozy clothes for the resort, and comfy shoes for your time in Athens.  Tranquility is a theme that resonates throughout the Resort, and nothing is more on trend in the tranquility department than casual resort wear.  Other than a kaftan and linen sets, you’ll absolutely need some swim attire and some gym clothes, to either work out, or to walk to the beach or along the coast. 

• While Athens attire may be a little less casual, your footwear choices should remain comfortable and practical, as there will be a LOT of walking.  According to my smart watch, I hit 15,000 steps in the first few hours of being in Athens.  I don’t think I could have made it if I wasn’t wearing cozy shoes. 

• For summer travelers, it is also important to remember that it is extremely hot in Greece from June through August, with the temperatures this summer being particularly high.  Light-weight, breathable clothes are key!

This photo was taken at the Resort. I had some fresh honeycomb alongside my greek yogurt and oranges. I felt this honey photo a bit more serene than the rushed photo taken in the airport Duty Free section and provides yet another chance to see the Resort’s beauty.

11.  BONUS TIP: DUTY FREE HONEY TASTING🍯

•  Before leaving Greece, you MUST treat yourself to a honey tasting! If time permits, I recommend an olive oil tasting as well. There is a cornucopia of varieties for each and each one is so darn delicious! Short on euros, luggage space, or both? I got you! Just go to the airport early (well, not too early, as Greek flights do not allow check in until 2-2.5 hours pre-flight) and sample olive oil and honey at one of the Duty-Free shops. There are designated reps at each station who truly know the products and can walk you through everything you need to know to make an informed choice based on flavor and size.

• Although they do provide you with a Duty-Free bag, which allows you to carry purchases onboard without any additional fee, duty free only applies to the consecutive flights for your current reservation. So, if you have a connection on a different airline requiring you to have to go back through security, an extended layover or simply multiple trips back-to-back, like I did, size is a very important consideration when purchasing any additional items, as they will count towards your baggage weight total. This includes Carry on weight allowances, if applicable.

• A few things I learned about honey during my tasting:

1.  Type and Texture- The type of plant pollinated and harvested change the color and intensity of the honey. Thus, honey names are not flavors, but types based on origin. For example, lavender honey comes from bees pollinating the lavender plant, whereas eucalyptus honey is from eucalyptus pollinators, orange blossom from orange blossom pollinators, etcetera etcetera. In regard to color and viscosity, black honeys are those that come from the forest. The thick, dark trees lead to thicker, darker honey, such as forest chestnut, fir and walnut.

• 100% Honey? – I also learned from my honey connoisseur that honey should run consistently with no splitting or sparse drips. That’s how you know that the honey is pure and free of any fillers or additives.

• For more Tips, Photos and More, Check out http://mariemondelavie.com , WyndhamHotels.com/Ramada and https://www.ramadaatticariviera.com and Follow @Marie_Mange_Monde , @ramadabywyndham and @ramadaatticariviera on Instagram