Digital Nomad’s Guide to Athens, Greece: Work, Wander, and Live Well in the Cradle of Civilization
Imagine starting your day with a sunrise over the Acropolis, sipping a freddo espresso in a sunlit café, and wrapping up your workday with a stroll through ancient ruins. Welcome to Athens—a city where history meets modernity, and the digital nomad lifestyle thrives. The world is your office—let’s make it work for you.
Valentina Mazzone
3 min read
🇬🇷 Why Choose Athens?
Athens offers a unique blend of ancient history and contemporary living, making it an ideal destination for digital nomads:
Affordable Living: Compared to other European capitals, Athens provides a lower cost of living without compromising on quality.
Rich Cultural Heritage: From the Parthenon to vibrant street art, the city is a feast for the senses.
Mild Climate: Enjoy over 250 days of sunshine annually.
Thriving Expat Community: Connect with like-minded individuals from around the globe.
🏡 Where to Live: Neighborhoods & Accommodations
🏙️ Best Neighborhoods:
Koukaki: A charming area near the Acropolis, known for its bohemian vibe and proximity to cultural sites.
Pangrati: Offers a mix of traditional and modern, with plenty of cafés and green spaces.
Exarchia: Known for its artistic community and vibrant nightlife.
Kolonaki: An upscale neighborhood with chic boutiques and elegant cafés.
🏘️ Coliving Options:
Co & Living - Athens Art Apartments: Provides a community-driven coliving experience with modern amenities and coworking spaces.
Athens Hawks Urban: Offers various coliving spaces tailored for digital nomads, balancing work, leisure and sport.
Coliving.com: Lists multiple coliving options across Athens, catering to different preferences and budgets.
💻 Coworking Spaces & Cafés with Excellent WiFi
🏢 Top Coworking Spaces:
Pi55 Coworking: A creative space in the heart of Athens, ideal for freelancers and startups.
Impact Hub: Coworking, featuring hot desks, private offices, and a rooftop bar.
Spaces Athens: Located near Syntagma Square, offering modern facilities and a vibrant community.
☕ Laptop-Friendly Cafés:
Third Place: Offers a cozy environment with reliable WiFi, perfect for remote work.
The Underdog: A spacious café with excellent coffee and ample seating.
Kinono: Combines art and coffee, providing a creative space for work.
Plegma Coffee & Living: A stylish café with a focus on comfort and productivity.
🤝 Community Events & Networking
Digital Nomads Athens Meetup: Regular gatherings for remote workers to connect and share experiences.
Athens Nomad Fest: An annual festival celebrating the digital nomad lifestyle with workshops, networking, and cultural events.
Nomad Hub Greece: A community fostering connections among digital nomads through events and meetups.
🏛️ What to Do in Athens & Surrounding Areas
Explore Ancient Sites: Visit the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, and Temple of Olympian Zeus.
Stroll Through Plaka: Wander the picturesque streets of Athens' oldest neighborhood.
Day Trips: Take a ferry to nearby islands like Aegina or Hydra for a quick getaway.
Hike Mount Lycabettus: Enjoy panoramic views of the city from its highest point.
🇬🇷 Local Etiquette & Practical Tips
Greetings: A friendly "Yasou" (Hello) goes a long way.
Tipping: While not mandatory, leaving a small tip is appreciated.
Public Transport: The metro is efficient and affordable; consider getting a rechargeable travel card.
Language: English is widely spoken, but learning basic Greek phrases enhances the experience.
🏥 Staying Healthy & Balanced
🏃♂️ Fitness:
Outdoor Activities: Jogging in the National Garden or along the coastline.
Gyms: Numerous fitness centers offer short-term memberships.
🥗 Nutrition:
Local Cuisine: Enjoy Mediterranean dishes rich in vegetables, olive oil, and lean proteins.
Markets: Visit local markets for fresh produce and traditional products.
🏥 Healthcare:
Public System: EU citizens can access public healthcare with a European Health Insurance Card.
Private Clinics: Offer high-quality services; recommended for non-EU citizens.
Insurance: Ensure you have international health insurance covering your stay.
📱 SIM Cards & Connectivity
Easy Solution: The easiest and quickest way to get online is using an eSIM service. I personally recommend Airalo—it’s reliable, simple, and stress-free (use the code VALENT2242 to get a discount).
Providers: Cosmote, Vodafone, and Nova are the main operators.
Where to Buy: SIM cards are available at airports, official stores, and kiosks; passport required for registration.
Costs: Prepaid plans range from €10 to €30, depending on data and call packages.
✅ Quick Checklist: Key Takeaways
Best Neighborhoods: Koukaki, Pangrati, Exarchia, Kolonaki
Top Coworking Spaces: Selina Theatrou, Spaces Athens, Pi55 Coworking
Laptop-Friendly Cafés: Dope Roasting Co., Third Place, The Underdog, Kinono
Community Events: Digital Nomads Athens Meetup, Athens Nomad Fest, Nomad Hub Greece
Healthcare: Access to both public and private systems; ensure proper insurance coverage
Connectivity: Affordable SIM cards with extensive coverage
Ready to embrace the digital nomad lifestyle in Athens? With its rich history, vibrant culture, and welcoming community, Athens is more than a destination—it's a place to live, work, and thrive.
The world is your office—Athens is your next workspace.