Dimitris Kossyfas was born and raised in Thessaloniki, the second-largest city in Greece. Like many young people do, Kossyfas left home in pursuit of an education — he studied and worked in London and Brighton, England, then earned an MBA in France before returning and setting up shop in Athens, where he’s lived for 16 years.
In 2024, he and some entrepreneurial friends founded Hoper, a helicopter transfer company that whisks travelers to the Greek islands (Santorini, Mykonos and Paros included) in a fraction of the time of a ferry transfer, and with arguably better views. That being said, from his seat as Hoper’s chief commercial officer, Kossyfas knows that many Hoper users linger in Athens for a few days before flying to the Aegean Sea. And the city is worth the time.
Hoper offers helicopter transfers to Greek islands from Athens.
Photo Credit: 2026 Hoper
“It used to be the case that travelers bypassed Athens and went straight to the islands,” Kossyfas said. “Now, they use it as a short city break destination — and there are many reasons to stay. The food has become more important and more diverse. There’s great art and nature.”
Here’s how Kossyfas recommends visitors get to know modern Athens.
The cultural center in Stavros Niarchos Park Foundation Cultural Center
Photo Credit: 2026 Thomas Gravanis/This Is Athens
Take a walk in: Stavros Niarchos Park. The 52-acre development was built where there used to be a horse-racing track, and it’s a very happening place with gardens, an opera house, a big library, an open-air cinema and a schedule of activities.
Enjoy the art at: the Basil and Elise Goulandris Foundation Museum. Visitors will see pieces by names such as Edgar Degas and Paul Cezanne, but also modern Greek artists.
Monsieur Didot is a beloved boutique accommodation in Athens.
Photo Credit: 2026 Monsieur DidotSpend an afternoon exploring: Exarhia, which is in the city center and adjacent to the posh neighborhood of Kolonaki. There are bakeries, nice bars and small restaurants here, but it retains a very local and Greek vibe. If clients want to spend the night in the area, consider the serviced apartments at Monsieur Didot.
Try a few traditional dishes, such as: beef liver, which you can find in any Greek house. It’s become a more refined dish, but it’s simple. They drizzle it with olive oil and a bit of vinegar and add oregano — a mixture that emulates the classic Greek salad. Try wood-fired pies, too, because Greece has a long history of dough making. Go to Akra in Pangrati for the chicken or vegetable pie. Having a slice for breakfast is very Greek.
Dimitris Kossyfas, chief commercial officer of Hoper
Photo Credit: 2026 HoperFor a luxury hotel option, look at:The Dolli, the landmark property of a very famous Greek hotel chain. It’s right in the middle of the city center, very close to Agias Eirinis Square and more or less walking distance to the Acropolis, as well.
Of all the Greek islands, Kossyfas recommends visiting Patmos now.
Photo Credit: 2026 Georgios/adobe.stock.comFor an island adventure, take a Hoper flight from: Athens to Patmos. It’s an 8-hour ferry ride, but just 1 hour and 10 minutes by helicopter. The island is cosmopolitan; it has very nice beaches and great food. But because it is notoriously difficult to reach, not many people go — and fewer visitors is another reason to like it.
