Holidays in “exotic” Athens

Beer in the yard, a summer cinema and a tram ride to the beach in Glyfada are the main plans for those who spend the summer in the capital…

The inability to fulfill the desire that “burns” in the hearts and minds of most Greeks during the winter – to spend a summer vacation on one of the beautiful islands of Greece – is not only a problem of the last two years.

All those who talked to the “Afinskiye Novosti” emphasize that even during the years of deep crisis they experienced great financial difficulties in this matter. But then they managed to find a way to organize a vacation, even for a few days. Now the situation has changed: for a significant part of the inhabitants of Greece, the previously familiar summer vacation has become a luxury item.

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The results of a survey by the Institute for Research in Consumer Goods Retailing (IELKA), according to which one in two Greeks will not go on vacation at all this year, are already being discussed in groups and social circles. Most have a backup plan – trips within Athens, short one-day or two-day trips, a short visit to a friend’s country house. Almost all of them believe that the situation that has arisen is not worth the worries and feelings of guilt.

For many, it is also a matter of principle. “They charge 120 euros for a lousy room. There is a discrepancy between the quality of service and the prices. Especially when you know how many workers who work seasonally on the islands are treated. I have little money, they sell me goods at an overpriced price? I do not agree with this says Anna, 54, a private school teacher, “It worries me that I work so hard and can’t take a break in this country whose biggest export is tourism.”

This year, she and her retired husband will not go on vacation at all. She explains why: “We are two people with one salary and one pension. As a teacher, I am not entitled to vacation in the summer. I am on vacation without vacation pay, which means that we must pay one salary and one pension to go to the island for a maximum of five days, which means that the entire monthly budget will be spent in five days.”

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Anna says that before she and her husband decided not to go on vacation this year, they were trying to find a room in one of the Cyclades – Anna’s favorite region. “We looked at Naxos at first, but it was very expensive if you wanted to find something decent. Only those who have booked since January have managed,” she says, wondering, “And if you want to eat? And sit down for coffee or something stronger? We are afraid to take paid sunbeds on the beach. We can’t afford them.”

When asked if she was worried about staying in Athens this summer, she replied: “It doesn’t bother me that I’m not going on vacation, after all, in recent years I have been constantly restricted. The last time I was “normal” rested without financial difficulties in Heraklion in 2016. I am annoyed by the state that does not allow me to do this. That I work so hard and cannot take a vacation in this country, the most exported product of which is tourism. “

Travel with friends and relatives

How does she plan to spend the summer in a closed city? Anna has already made a small plan of what the couple likes to do: “We will come to my friends in Corinth for a little swim and walk. We will also go to Epidaurus to see a few performances of our choice. We will also visit friends’ dacha for a couple of days And of course, lots of summer movies, backyard beers and outings with all the friends we can find.” Unless, of course, gas prices go up even higher…

Farewell to 20 days vacation

67-year-old Natasha, along with her 70-year-old husband, will spend most of the summer at their home in Athens. The active Ms. Natasha last vacationed with her husband in 2021 in a rented house in Fthiotida.

“Then we rested for 20 days, but it was economical. In addition, we did not eat out, I cooked myself“, – she notes, recalling the two-week and twenty-day vacations that she once spent with her family in rented accommodation and hotels, “always on the island.”

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However, this summer, although she and her husband wanted to take a two-week or a week-long vacation away from Attica, they couldn’t afford it. One of the main reasons for this is the limited income of the spouses associated with the reduction of pensions, which has been reducing their opportunities for recreation and entertainment for several years.

I’m more concerned about everyday life in general – that I can’t go to the theater every week, that I can’t go to a restaurant with my husband.

“In the last year or so, with austerity, things have gotten even worse. We are also financially supporting one of our two children who is working but needs extra money because he has a child, so there is literally nothing left.”Natasha notes.

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When asked if she is worried that she will not have a vacation this year, she replies: “Of course it does, but I’m more worried about everyday life in general – that I can’t go to the theater every week, that I can’t go to a restaurant with my husband once a week.”

And how does she plan to spend the rest of the summer in the capital? “For a few days we will be hosted by our friends in their cottage in Porto Rafti. And we will also swim on the organized beaches of Attica. But on weekdays, when the fare is more humane.”

Cheap number? Not even in Kineta

Svetlana, 38, for economic and pragmatic reasons, will suppress her longing for a summer holiday by staying in Athens. Two months ago, she started working again after two years of unemployment.

“So I have to save money to be able to cover my daily needs. Also, the job I applied for is 8 months long and doesn’t allow for much spending and planning because I don’t know where I’ll be when my contract expires. Job instability affects my decision not to take a vacation,” she says, describing her situation.

I don’t want to be a 38 year old woman who goes on vacation with her parents.

Svetlana says that last year she nevertheless took a vacation, but again, not the one she would like. “I went to Methana for four days on a social tourism program. I also went on vacation to my parents in Mytilene, but this year I can’t afford to travel that far for those few days of vacation, and I don’t want the 38-year-old The woman was on vacation with her parents. Luckily, of course, there is a holiday home, although overall it makes me feel a little old.”

And how does she feel about what will remain in Athens? “I’m a little sad, but I try to focus on the fact that I have a job after a long break. I’m already taking baths, exercising, trying different cocktails in the bars of the city.”

Ioanna, 56, a contract worker for an NGO, also told us about a failed attempt to take a break. Last year, Joanna took a five-day vacation on a social tourism program. She’s not going anywhere this year.

She explains: “Ferry tickets are very expensive, so I started looking directly at nearby destinations that are considered economical: Evia, Loutraki, Agii Theodoroi, Kineta. But even in them I could not find a room cheaper than 65 euros per night for one person. So here they are, Athens. I will go by tram to Glyfada for swimming and evening walks around the city.”

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