Coffee Further Afield
COFFEE HOUSES AND HOTSPOTS RECOMMENDED BEYOND MYTILINI
Although coffee in Mytilini comes highly recommended, it has to be remembered that Coffee is an essential part of Greek culture (Thompson, 2014) and as such, there are countless places (some of which this page will aim to suggest), where all your caffeinated wishes will be fulfilled.
Taf Coffee, Athens. www.cafetaf.gr
This coffee shop, having opened in 2009 has gained a very reputable status over the years, and is quoted by some as being amongst the 'best roasters in the world'. Coffee is roasted on the premises, and various training courses and seminars are run throughout the year to educate and train people in the art of expert coffee making. Their mission is to continue to lead the way in high-quality coffee whilst offering value to customers and the community.
National Gardens Café, Athens www.plus.google.com
For a cooler afternoon break in the centre of the capital and within the beautiful setting of this 15.5 hectare national garden, this small cafe is said to be a 'charming reminder of what Athens was like 100 years ago' (That's Greece, No Date). Coffee, tea and desserts all have good reviews from the many people that visit.
Zonar’s, Athens www.tastegreece.gr
As the oldest Athenian Kafenion, Zonar's is worth a visit, although it is more expensive than most other coffee houses in the city. It has been recently renovated, and even has an extensive food menu, from which the burgers come well recommended.
Horizon Cafe, Athens www.orizonteslycabettus.gr
For one of the most spectacular views whilst drinking a coffee in this cafe-restaurant, you will have to head up to the top of Mount Lycabettus. At 277m high, and with spectacular views across the whole city, the Acropolis even the ships leaving Pireaus for different islands, including Lesvos. A funicular train is available from the top of Ploutarchou Street if you are not feeling energetic before your coffee, though hopefully afterwards, you will feel more up to the challenge!
Any cafe along Fokionos Negri, Athens www.google.co.uk/maps
This historic street was pedestrianised in the seventies, and is now laden with cafes and a park, along with restaurants if you find yourself staying in the area for a full day, a highly likely possibility! These cafes are often busy from the afternoon, filled with consumers of all ages, with the most popular establishments remaining busy throughout the day. Although it is common to sit outside, it is noted that nearly all cafes have impressive interiors, so a look inside is just as worthwhile (Barrett, No Date).
218 Degrees Café-Restaurant, Santorini www.218.gr
Boasting impressive views of the coastline of Santorini and the traditional settlement of Oia, this café-restaurant set upon the edge of a cliff has some great reviews of both the food and drinks that are served. So if you are visiting the Cyclades Islands at any point whilst in Greece, this café-restaurant will provide a perfect setting for indulging in a cup of Greek coffee.
COFFEE-BASED EVENTS IN GREECE
There are many events, competitions and festivals that happen in Greece each year to promote the art of coffee making and to showcase the quality of coffee within the country. Below are a couple of suggestions, however it may be worth checking the website for the Speciality Coffee Association of Europe for details of any upcoming events before visiting Greece.
The National Coffee Championships (12 - 15th February 2016)
Held in February each year, this year at the Metropolitan Expo in Athens, the National Coffee Championships puts the expertise of professionals to the test, with competitions running across a number of categories. This year included a barista championship, latte art championships and a competition in coffee brewing. A visit to one of the four days of the exhibition could prove to be an interesting addition to any visit to Greece.
Festivals on the island of Ikaria (Between May and October)
Ikaria island is famous for a tradition of panygiria, or festivals, of which it holds between two and four on a weekly basis across the island between May and October each year. Although not strictly coffee-related, the island is well renowned for its coffee, which is said to lead to the high life expectancy of the population, as outlined on the Ordering Coffee page, and this is one of the many things that is celebrated at these festivals, hosting a wealth of food and drink. The most major of all festivals is held on the religious holiday of 15th August, as a celebration of the assumption of the Virgin Mary.
Photograph Acknowledgement:
Greek flag heading image: https://www.flickr.com/photos/tjuel/5605638288/
Crowd scene banner image 2: Courtesy of Wixpress Ltd.
References:
Barrett, M. (No Date). Coffee in Athens; Cafes, Espresso, Greek Coffee and Frappe. [Online] Available at: http://www.athensguide.com/cafes/index.html [Last Accessed 24 April 2015]
That's Greece (No Date). Best cafes in Athens. [Online] Available at: http://www.thatsgreece.com/info/Peters-picks-Best-cafes-in-Athens [Last Accessed: 27 April 2015]
Thompson, K. (2013). Culture & Progress: Esc (Vol. 8). Routledge.