When temperatures rise and you want to hit the beach but can’t face the traffic or public transportation, the next best thing is to take a refreshing dive into the Athens Hilton’s outdoor swimming pool. At 25 meters long and up to 3.5m deep, it’s the biggest hotel pool in central Athens and certainly one of the classiest, with its brand-new umbrellas, comfortable sun loungers and impeccable service, all amid palm trees and banana plants for that exotic touch. At the Oasis Pool Bar and Grill you can enjoy healthy, creative dishes, as well as fresh juices, smoothies and refreshing cocktails.

The pool is open daily from 08:00 to 21:00, but it’s preferable to visit on weekdays when it’s cheaper (€35) and less crowded. For night swimming, visit on Thursdays and Fridays, when the pool stays open until 01:00 (until August 9, €20). (hiltonathens.gr)

This text was first published as part of “Beat the Heat”, an article published in Greece Is Athens, Summer 2019 Edition.