Hello!
I’m Andreas, an Athenian journalist and travel lover.
I was born and raised in Athens, Greece. I studied Communication and Media Studies at the University of Athens, and a few years later, I completed an E-MBA at the University of Piraeus.
For over a decade, I worked at some of the largest and most reputable Greek media outlets.
The areas I covered mainly involved topics about my city: culture, entertainment, food, drink, and new shops.
In 2021, at the beginning of the second COVID-19 lockdown, while I was confined to my house and unable to travel like everyone else, the idea for Sunny Athens was born: a blog essential for all travel enthusiasts as we returned to normalcy.
From the beginning, the goals were clear:
- The blog would feature the same information and tips I use for my own travels.
- It would not depend financially on anyone, so I could write what I truly believe.
- All the information would be free for everyone.
- Quality over quantity.
Why Athens?
Every year, millions of tourists arrive in Athens from all over the world.
In 2023 alone, it is estimated that more than 7 million visitors came, a number expected to grow in the next few years.
And it makes perfect sense: Athens offers a perfect blend of history, culture, gastronomy, and modern amenities, with hotels for every budget and guided tours for every interest, making it an ideal destination for all types of travelers.
Why Sunny Athens?
As I already mentioned, I was born and raised in the Greek capital.
I experienced the city without a metro (trust me, you didn’t want to drive on its streets), I lived through one of its brightest moments, the 2004 Olympic Games, but also its worst phase in recent decades: the financial crisis that began in 2008 and lasted over a decade.
I’ve walked its streets as a school student, frequented its bars as a university student, and got paid to attend theatrical performances and dine at its restaurants – okay, it wasn’t as ideal as it sounds, but you get the point.
At the same time, I really love traveling around the world. I’m not a digital nomad, but I prefer to spend all my free time traveling.
I love thoroughly researching a place before visiting, learning about its history, finding the most efficient ways to get around, deciding which landmarks are must-visits and which to skip, and creating detailed itineraries.
So, I decided to put all this knowledge and passion into Sunny Athens.
Whether you are planning a trip or you are already in a city looking for fresh ideas, you will find what you are looking for here.
If you follow what I recommend, you can be sure that you will leave your destination happy, having seen and done as much as possible at your own pace.
Information from a travel lover for fellow travel lovers.
The Sunny Athens Team
Of course, doing journalistic research, creating new guides, and updating existing content requires countless hours of work.
This travel blog wouldn’t have the same quality without its small but extremely talented team.
Dimitris Chaliotis
Dimitris studied journalism at Panteion University in Athens.
He has worked as a journalist for radio stations, newspapers, and websites.
In addition, he writes scripts and directs theatrical and musical performances.
He loves theater, cinema, and of course, traveling.
He enjoys discovering new restaurants and hotspots in the city and spending his summers on the island of Paros.
For him, Athens is at its most “sunny” after dark.
Enjoy!
Warmly,
Andreas
PS. Subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive tips and updates, or connect with me on social media to share your own experiences. Let’s explore the world together!