Interview with Mr. Nikos Manesis

Interview with the  journalist and presenter Mr. Nikos Manesis:

“Attica presents a very interesting triptych: a modern cultural product, classical civilisation, and a culture of hospitality that is unique in Europe”

1. ‘Attica: Greece in a Snapshot’ is the Region of Attica tourism slogan. What images-moments is Attica intertwined within your mind?
Hiking to the top of Ardittos Hill,  the Panathenaic Stadium, and looking out onto Zappeion, ‘Fokianos’ National Centre, Syntagma Square, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Acropolis, and Plaka. This is the Attica I see when I close my eyes.

2. Having travelled all over Greece, what do you think are the comparative advantages of Attica as a collection of tourism destinations?
Attica combines luxury and simplicity. From the five-star hotels all around the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion to the tasteful rooms to let on Agistri island; an island with enchanting beaches, and exceptional food, that would look equally at home in the Caribbean if it weren’t in the Saronic Gulf.

3. The mountains, seas, islands, historical centres, and suburbs of Athens compose the complex puzzle that is Attica. Could you give us your favourite destinations in Attica?
Walking around Kamariza in Lavrio, where you can still visit many of the old abandoned mines, swim at any of the beaches on Makronisos, and enjoy a meal at the Athens central market.

4. The sound utilization of environmental resources, respect for the natural landscape, and the cultural authenticity of local communities are the pillars of sustainable growth for a region. In your opinion, how has Attica responded in recent years to the sustainable tourism growth model?
Attica has become a global tourism destination, so we must be doing something right.  The shop owners in Psyri and Plaka, tourist areas mostly, realize now that a big smile, good service, and quality are the three things that win visitors over. But is that enough? Athens, the islands, and the region of Attica in general must remain clean, efforts need to continue to deal with the problem of traffic and to provide even more opportunities for visitors to access the sites of their choice.

5. What cultural venues and which characteristic experiences would you recommend to a foreign visitor in Attica?
I would recommend they ride a double-decker bus and tour the historic city centre. They should visit the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum, Filopappou Hill, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Panathenaic Stadium, and anyone who needs a break from historical destinations can take a walk in Pentelli with its hidden waterfalls and Davelis Cave, or they can do hiking on Mount Parnitha or Mount Ymittos with a breathtaking view.

6. The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre, the Athens Concert Hall, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Greek National Opera, the Municipal Theatre of Piraeus, and the Elefsina Old Oil Mill; they are all jewels in the crown of Attica that host several Greek and international productions every year. Do you believe that the contemporary cultural product of Attica is attractive to visitors?
Of course, it is, and that is why Attica remains a top tourism destination.  Attica presents a very interesting triptych: a modern cultural product, classical civilization, and a culture of hospitality that is unique in Europe.

7. Greek cuisine is very popular with Attica’s foreign visitors. What gastronomic routes would you recommend to modern travellers, so that they can get a taste of Attica?
They need to visit the tavernas on Theatre Square, near the old City Hall, where they teach gastronomy classes. Visitors learn how to make Greek pies and when the food is ready, they have a great party! For people who like to wander, I recommend a tour of the area around Ermou Street, where in recent years dozens of incredible fast-food restaurants have popped up. They can try a different approach to moussaka or pastitsio there, or enjoy a refreshing cocktail. Then there are the islands, like Agistri, that have restaurants with exceptional food.

8. What local products would you give to visitors as a gift?
The goddess Athena taught the Athenians how to cultivate the olive. I would give visitors olive oil because they will have never tasted such a quality product.