Last July I wrote a blog post with a shortlist of some of my top choices on what to do in Athens during the summer (Athens in the Summer!) and I just realized that I omitted one of my regular summer activities . . . diving into my favorite Athens swimming pool for a refreshing and energizing swim!
In July and August especially, I never feel like I’m stuck in the heat of the City! Instead, with so many locals away on holidays I take advantage of the more tranquil & humane City to wander around and discover the unexpected (often people or places) . . . and/or spend a good part of my mornings, when not working, at the Hilton Hotel outdoor swimming pool where I’ve been a member ever since I moved to Athens quite a few years ago!
For me, the 25 meter long pool is a great alternative to driving to the nearest beach, especially as it’s only a short walk away from my home. For visitors and guests it’s open every day at a price . . . with friendlier fees on weekdays as well as on Thursday & Friday evenings when the pool is open for Night Swimming (21.00 – 01.00)!
If you don’t feel like swimming, you can always visit the on-site Oasis Pool Bar & Grill (10.00 – 19.30) that serves, amongst other, healthy smoothies and cocktails as well as a casual meals and salads with a Mediterranean flair.
Recently, a breakfast menu has been added to the food selection (served from 10.00 – 13.00) with some tempting sweet and savory choices as well as a special snack menu that offers you a picks of salads, sandwiches, mini beef burgers and flatbreads during night swimming evenings.
For a sweet ending . . . or a start, you can always enjoy a cooling ice-cream . . . . before it melts!
Athens Hilton Outdoor Pool
Where: Vasilis Sofias Street #46
Tel: 210 7281000
Hours: 08.00 – 21.00 (June, July &
August)
09.00 – 20.00 (September & October)
Prices: €35 per person on weekdays & €55 on
weekends. Children up to 3 years are free
and children 3-12 years receive a 30% discount.
The prices include the use of the main and children's swimming pool, as well as the use of a locker, a bath towel and a sun bed.
On Night Swimming evenings (Thursday & Friday) the entrance to pool costs €15 per person
Membership: There are various Hiltonia Spa memberships available which also include the use of the outdoor pool. Please call for further info.