Workspace Archives • Stone Soup Coworking Space

#10 FAQs About Remote Working From Athens: A Practical Guide for Digital Nomads

April 20, 2023/in Community, Coworking, Remote Work, Trends, Workspace

digital nomads; remote working; work from Athens

As a digital nomad, the idea of being able to work from anywhere can be both exciting and daunting. With the rise of remote work and the increasing popularity of Athens as a travel destination, it’s no wonder that more and more people are considering the city as a potential base for their work-from-anywhere lifestyle. But before you pack your bags and head to Greece, it’s important to have all the information you need to make an informed decision. In this blog post, we’ll answer 10 of the most frequently asked questions about remote working from Athens, so you can feel confident in your decision to live and work in the city..

1. How is digital life in Athens?

The internet connection in Athens is generally reliable and fast. Most cafes, coworking spaces, and hotels offer free Wi-Fi, so you won’t have to worry about finding a hotspot. If you need a more reliable connection, you can also purchase a mobile data plan or sign up for a broadband plan in your apartment or hotel.

2. What is the cost of living in Athens?

Athens is considered one of the most affordable cities in Europe. The cost of living is low compared to other popular destinations for digital nomads, such as Berlin or Amsterdam. You can expect to pay around €700 to €900 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center. Monthly utilities come in at around €150 to €200. When it comes to food and drink, prices are similarly affordable. A cup of coffee costs around €3 and a meal for one at a restaurant comes in at around €10 to €15.

3. What is the climate like in Athens?

Athens has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. During summertime, temperatures can reach up to 40°C. Therefore, taking regular breaks from the sun and staying hydrated it’s very important. The winter months are milder, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C, and occasional rain showers.

4. What is the local language spoken in Athens?

The official language in Greece is Greek, but many Athenians speak English, especially those in the hospitality and tourism industry. If you’re looking to brush up on your language skills, there are plenty of language schools and courses available in the city.

work from anywhere in the world; become a digital nomad; move around

5. How easy is it for digital nomads to get around Athens?

Athens has a well-developed public transportation system. A combination of buses, trolleys, and metro trains make it easy to get around the city. If you prefer to travel on two wheels, there are also several bike-sharing options available, including Athens by Bike and Kineo.

happy to work remotely; out of the office; freedom to work from any place

6. What is the food scene like in Athens?

The food scene in Athens is diverse and delicious, with a mix of traditional Greek dishes and international cuisine. From street food stalls selling souvlaki to high-end restaurants serving up contemporary Greek cuisine, there’s something for everyone. And of course, no trip to Greece would be complete without trying the famous Greek yogurt, which is widely available in the city.

7. What are some must-see places in Athens?

Athens is a city rich in history and culture, with plenty of iconic landmarks and sites to visit. Here are some of the must-see places for digital nomads in Athens:

The Acropolis: This ancient citadel is one of the most famous landmarks in the world and a symbol of Athens.
The National Archaeological Museum: This museum is home to some of the most important artifacts from ancient Greek civilization, including the Mask of Agamemnon and the Antikythera Mechanism.
Monastiraki Flea Market: This is a popular shopping destination for digital nomads, with an array of vintage clothing, jewelry, and handmade crafts.
Plaka: This is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Athens. It is known for its narrow cobblestone streets, historic houses, and traditional tavernas.

8. What are some of the best spots for digital nomads to go in Athens after work hours?

As a digital nomad, you might be wondering where to spend your evenings after a day of remote work in Athens. Fortunately, there are plenty of exciting nightlife spots in the city to explore. Here are some alternative options to consider:

Gazi: Gazi is a vibrant district known for its nightlife and cultural scene. It has a wide range of bars and clubs that cater to different tastes, including live music venues, gay bars, and alternative bars.
Exarchia: This neighborhood is popular with the younger crowd and offers an alternative nightlife scene. It is known for its political activism and street art. It is also home to a variety of bars, clubs, and music venues.
Psirri: Psirri is a hip and trendy district that has a thriving nightlife scene. The area has many bars, cafes, and restaurants, and it’s a great place to enjoy a night out with friends.
Kerameikos: Kerameikos is an up-and-coming neighborhood that is quickly becoming one of Athens’ trendiest areas. It has a growing number of bars and cafes, and it’s a great place to explore if you’re looking for something different.
Kolonaki: Kolonaki is an upscale neighbourhood that has a more sophisticated nightlife scene. It’s home to a variety of bars, restaurants, and rooftop lounges, offering stunning views of the city.

If you’re looking for a more relaxed experience, you can take a dip in one of the city’s many outdoor pools or enjoy a sunset from one of its many rooftop bars.

9. What kind of work environment can digital nomads expect in Athens?

Athens offers a variety of work environments for remote workers, including coworking spaces, cafes, and public parks. Most coworking spaces are equipped with high-speed internet, ergonomic chairs, and other amenities to make your workday as comfortable and productive as possible. If you prefer working from a café, you’ll find that many cafes in Athens have a relaxed atmosphere and good coffee, making them ideal for long work sessions. Additionally, public parks in Athens are great for taking a break and getting some fresh air.

10. What kind of coworking spaces are there in Athens and where are they located?

Athens has become a truly attractive destination for ex-pats, while at the same time, locals are seeking new working environments and longing to socialize in the after-COVID-19 era. That is why many different types of coworking spaces have sprung up as well! You may find everything in the Greek capital and there are online search engines specifically for this, like coworkies.com. You may find coworking franchises, international hub brands, and independent Greek businesses like Stone Soup! These workspaces are scattered all over Athens, from Marousi in the North to Exarcheia, and all the way to Peiraeus next to the port.

In conclusion, Athens offers a wealth of opportunities for digital nomads looking to work remotely. With a thriving tech and startup scene, a rich cultural heritage, and a friendly and welcoming community, it’s the perfect destination for anyone looking to balance work and leisure. If you’re looking for a coworking space in Athens, we invite you to check out Stone Soup. Our coworking space is designed specifically for remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs. We offer a diverse, innovative, and collaborative community that you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re a solo traveler or part of a team, we have everything you need to work, connect, and grow.

coworkers; news; vibrant community; private office users; members interview

How to Empower People on the Move

March 9, 2023/in Community, Coworking, Interviews, Residents, Workspace

At Stone Soup we are happy to cowork with Boat Refugee Foundation. BRF assists and empowers people on the move or stuck in remote parts of Europe. Vicky, manager of the Athens program, talked to us about the ways the Netherlands-based NGO works.

BRF operates two programs in Greece. The one in Lesvos provides medical and psychosocial support. The one in Athens provides psychological support and group empowering activities to adult refugees & migrants, while it provides advocacy for a fairer asylum policy.

humanitarian company based in Stone Soup coworking; humanitarian team

MOTIVATE, EMPOWER, INFORM, LINK

BRF’s goal is to motivate, empower, inform and link people on the move. The team consists of a psychologist, a social worker and a volunteer mental health professional. It offers various forms of psychosocial support, helping service users to take control of their lives and claim their rights.

IS IT TABOO TO ASK FOR ASSISTANCE?

“Many BRF beneficiaries who come from different cultures and backgrounds are not familiar with western terms like “mental health”. By pointing out the importance of self-care we try to destigmatize the seek for support. Therefore, we work together with the service users on the life skills and resources they could develop to cope with difficulties, to feel more empowered and to make the first steps towards personal recovery”

HELPING THE HELPERS!

We know that BRF trains members of other NGOs, since we’ve seen them organize training events in our offices. As Vicky explained, the aim is to introduce basic mental health and psychosocial concepts to also empower non-mental-health professionals operating in the field. In this light, we connect them with practices and resources that increase their awareness helping them approach relevant cases more effectively.

BRF team; our coworkers; collaboration for a good cause

HOW DOES COWORKING HELP?

Although we have a private office, we feel part of a bigger community with a variety of professionals around us. As a result, we both decompress while we connect with people from completely different areas. Observing their work and problem-solving routines can be of great support to us. It offers new ways to approach decisions concerning your own work and see things from a different angle”.

raise awareness; collaboration; help each other; community

Around Stone Soup: Food, Drinks and Good Times

December 9, 2022/in Community, Residents, Trends, Workspace

Hey Stonesoupers! We know you love our office spaces and coworking areas, but The neighborhood has so much to offer besides convenient commuting. Being in the heart of the city, we are around so many places where you can eat, drink and have fun. So here are some of our tried and true options for good food and good times around Stone Soup!

Breakfast food for every mood

A good breakfast can surely boost your productivity! Black Salami Sandwich, the meta-bakery of our neighborhood, has the best warm sandwiches and focaccia. Fancy a traditional greek pie? Spinach, cheese, mushroom or zucchini, you name it! Bakeries like Artiston or Starata will offer plenty of options.Alternatively, you can boost your day with a freshly squeezed juice or healthy smoothie at Up Kittariki Threpsi.

Let’s grab a coffee!

Need a pick-me-up? For some fine blends, we recommend Banca cafe just across the street. Bayard Cafe has a wide range of drinks, snacks and the famous Area 51 Coffee, which makes it the right place for a break. Behold theman is a small boutique coffee shop which serves specialty 5th wave coffee and cold-pressed juices. Just around the corner from Stone Soup, you’ll find a small espresso bar called Foyer, that makes simple, high quality coffee and amazing cold brew. Samba has rightfully earned its cult status among coffee lovers, plus, you can buy some of their specialty beans for home, or maybe to share with your coworkers.

Hungry for more?

So you’ve worked all morning, and you’re starving! We get the feeling… We have some great options for every craving you may have, and more! If you love pasta, then Alex Pasta Bar is the right destination for hearty, delicious dishes. Wanna try a traditional greek “Souvlaki” instead? How about some ewe meat wrapped in a warm pita? Then, Prigkripas is the place for you. Fancy a huge steak? Then head to Prodorpion. Maybe you’ve been craving some noodles, and Microulee will satisfy that need with its value for money options.

Have you ever tried French Tacos? Well, there’s a first time for everything, and Le Panam is the place! If you’re up for some Greek comfort foods you can try Tivoli, a family run restaurant with many traditional options, Mageireuto Sti Gastra, or, if you’d like a buffet option, Kimatothraustes. Don’t forget to pay a visit at Fata Morgana! This cozy little place, just steps away from Stone Soup, takes you on a delicious culinary journey that brings together the comfort of homemade food with contemporary twists. Crete also has its own cuisine, and the best places to sample it are the Cretan taverns Nikiforos and I Kriti.

Fata Morgana transports you back to comforting tastes and flavours!

Craving a burger? Talking Breads has some of the juiciest burgers in town, and a lamb sandwich that reminds us of Greek easter! Falafellas is so good it often has a queue, but it’s definitely worth the wait. Were you looking for some Italian pizza or amazing lasagna? Visit Granello, we’re sure you won’t regret it. Finally for traditional greek “meze”with a modern twist, and some beautiful garden seating, head to Ama Lachei.

Vegan? We got you covered

We know Greece may not seem like the easiest place to enjoy food as a vegan, but don’t be fooled. Many traditional greek foods just happen to be vegan, and the traditional restaurants mentioned above will have some options for you! But we do also have some special places in mind: Magic Kitchen has some amazing handmade vegan food (we recommend the veggie meatballs). To revithaki has some middle eastern options, and people can’t stop hyping their homemade hummus.

Of course, you can’t leave Athens without trying some gyros and souvlaki! So,head to Cookoomela Grill and try the vegan version of these iconic greek dishes. Have you ever tried savory doughnuts? If you are looking for some fast food, or some excellent vegan ice cream, then Keenkies is the answer. Ap’allou serves some high quality vegan and vegetarian food (make sure you try their falafel).Finally Bamboo Vegan has some great snacks, the best matcha latte we’ve ever tried, and even a small deli section.

For your sweet tooth

Are your energy levels starting to drop? Maybe a sugary treat will do the trick! If you love cookies, cakes and brownies you must try I Cake You. Au Grand Zinc is probably the most authentic creperie around Stone Soup. You should taste the delicious “built-to-order” crepes while listening to some jazz and enjoying the ambience.

Portatif is an elegant cafe with delicious pastries near Stone Soup. We do love profiteroles in this office, and we are in disagreement about the best in town: Some say it’s Choureal, while others prefer Sorolop, so you may have to try both and help us decide.

Have a drink (…or two)

After a long day of work, a drink may be necessary. If you don’t feel like walking for more than 2 minutes, Red Lotus has good vibes, affordable drinks and uplifting music. You’ll rarely see this place empty, even after hours. The Black Cat is preferred by locals for its chill atmosphere and cool, jazzy music, while Barley Cargo has a huge selection of beers, with many local labels to choose from, and new additions almost every week. The Clumsies is the place to go for cocktails in a multi-room bar with a warm,cozy atmosphere.

Is wine your drink of choice? Head to Cinque Wine & Deli Bar for amazing greek wines and charcuterie boards full of local products. Lulu is a stylish little bar with great food options, while Kobra is an amazing option for any time of the day. Is it too late? Think all the bars are closed? Walk towards the commercial triangle to find the Dude bar and get a real taste of the Athenian nightlife. Closer to Syntagma, 7 Jokers is a quirky little bar with great cocktails, and it’s going to be open until the early hours of the morning.

Head to “The Blind Beggar” for our monthly meet-up!

Last but not least, don’t forget about our monthly meet & drink events. This is the perfect opportunity for you to socialise with fellow coworkers and like-minded individuals. It’s a chance to unwind, network, and engage in thought-provoking conversations while enjoying some well-deserved relaxation and fun!

While you’re at Stone Soup, look around you! There’s so many great options, and we couldn’t possibly include them all, but that’s what our community is all about: Ask your coworkers for tips, try new spots together, and don’t hesitate to ask us for suggestions or information. What makes Stone Soup thrive, after all, is the things we do together! So, whether you’re exploring the culinary delights of the area or joining us for our lively meet & drink, there’s always something exciting happening around Stone Soup.

Ingredients for a tasty coworking experience

November 18, 2022/in Community, Coworking, Office Space, Workspace

Coworking spaces have established themselves as the “new normal” and their fundamental characteristic is a sense of “community” and “collaboration”. Coworking communities are a transformed version of the traditional workplaces which are slowly decreasing in size as an aftermath of the pandemic crisis.

The coworking space is a new type of workplace: heterogeneous professionals, in terms of employment, their field of work, organizational status, and relationships, work all together in the same space.

This broad definition is due to the fact that there is no common interpretation of coworking in the academic literature. It is not a coherent phenomenon but a “new normal” based on the values of collaboration, openness, community, accessibility and sustainability, which each organization interprets ad hoc.

Uda’s (2013) definition of coworking spaces is a widely accepted one and goes as follows: “it is a way of working in which individuals gather in a space to create value while sharing information and knowledge through communication and collaborating under conditions of their choosing”.

We all agree that the practice of coworking in a space is a hybrid of remote working and working from a flexible office that does not commit you to anything!

Coworkers enjoying their hotdesk memberships

The importance of co-creative work

Co-creative work is linked to the concept of “hubs”. Their structure and content can take various forms, such as coworking spaces, studios, clusters, incubators, accelerators etc. Often the boundaries between these are blurred and there are no clear definitions.

Co-creative work is a manifestation of affective creative labor and its essential ingredients are proximity and co-location. These two characteristics, together with inclusivity, are usually necessary to bring out a complete profile of a coworking space.

The importance of informality as a component of openness is also in the core of coworking. Informal relationships are truly motivating. When it comes to joining coworking spaces such as Stone Soup, we are proud of our coziness!