TRIP AROUND

WHAT'S AROUND MAROYSSI: KIFISSIA

Only two subway stops from Maroyssi, still in the Athens Nothern Neighbourhoods and even is Kifissia. Kifissia is unduobtely the most stylish of the Athenian suburbs. Situated 12 km north of central Athens, at the end of Metro Line 1, the area benefits from a cooler climate and less pollution thanks to its raised elevation. It is the preferred home of the weel-heeled and weel-to-do, who flock to the area's elegant mansions, luxury apartments, tree-lined streets and immaculately tended gardens.

As the official playground of the city's rich and famous, Kifissia naturally also sports a whole host of exclusive stores, independent boutiques, outdoor cafés, expensive restaurants and luxury hotels. At the weekend the area really buzzes, with people drawn from all quarters of the city to browse the boutiques and parade the cafés. For the occasional visitor, Kifissia offers an opportunity to splah out on new purchases and mix with the in-crowd.

From the metro station, walk through Kifissia Park to reach Kifissia Avenue, the area's main throughfare. The malls opening onto this street contains a host of shops and cafés. The more exclusive boutiques lie behind Kifissias Avenue, where Dimosthenous, Argiropoulou, Kolokotroni and Kassaveti strees meet Levidou running north-east. Check your bank balance and go equipped to spend on everything from perfumes and cosmetics to designer clothing and footwear.

DON’T MISS

• Wandering beneath the spreading plane trees of Kifissia’s leafy streets, lined with stately mansions and elegant villas; a far cry from busy central Athens

• Boutique browsing along the roads that intersect Levidou Street, where the area’s most exclusive stores are located

• A cool drink at one of the cafés in Kifissia Park, a shady retreat from the summer sun and a great spot for discreetly admiring the suburb’s beautiful people.