Ioannis’s flat is quite simply perfect – just like in the photo’s, only better! (It actually feels larger in real life).
The view is incredible, the Acropolis, of course, is visible from almost everywhere in the flat (including the shower and even the toilet - it doesn’t get much more exotic than that!) but from the balcony you also get a tremendous sweep across the rooftops of central Athens – the red-lit chimneys of Gazi are especially beguiling at night.
There’s a VERY comfortable double bed, cool seats to lounge and take in the view, a minimal but perfectly functional kitchen space ... and that extraordinary ‘concrete’ bath/shower.
The location is great. The streets in all directions are packed with a range of bars and places to eat. There’s also a regular market just round the corner. Everything is within very easy walking distance, while, if you’re exploring further afield, the Metro at Monastiraki is literally 2-3 minutes away (and takes you directly to/from the airport).
Access from the street feels very secure – there’s a very nice 2ndhand/vintage shop alongside the entrance, open during the daytime, and a little lift that takes you straight to the door of the flat.
We didn’t meet Ioannis in person but were welcomed to the flat by his mother. She was absolutely lovely. Explained everything we needed to know about the place and left us some excellent ‘homemade’ biscuits to accompany the coffee, milk & tea etc. that we were encouraged to make use of.
Ioannis also has a great library of English language books you can dip into if you didn’t bring anything to read.
We wouldn’t hesitate booking with Ioannis the next time we are in Athens. We’d enthusiastically encourage you to do the same.