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#10 FAQs about coworking: A practical guide for Athens, Greece.

Private office members at Stone Soup Coworking

“We have the talent. We just need to work together. Different environments need to overlap, connect, and interact in order to transform our culture. In order to create a sustainable community based on trust, we value:

  •    collaboration over competition
  •    community over agendas
  •    participation over observation
  •    friendship over formality
  •    people over personalities
  •    value ecosystem over value chain”

The Coworking Manifesto (2011)


Fifteen years later this still rings true! With remote work now the norm, professionals across the globe are seeking balance, flexibility, and connection. Millennials and Gen Zers are leading the charge, choosing experiences over routine and working from places that inspire them.

One of those ever increasingly popular coworking destinations? The vibrant, sunny, and evolving city of Athens, Greece.

We’ve seen our community grow, and we love welcoming remote workers, digital nomads, and local creatives alike. So here’s a friendly guide with answers to the 10 most frequently asked questions about coworking in Athens.

10 FAQs About Coworking in Athens

1. What is coworking and who’s a coworker?

Coworking is a way of working that blends independence with community. If all you need is a laptop and WiFi, and you like switching things up (or just don’t want to feel stuck at home), coworking might be your thing.

A coworker isn’t necessarily a colleague, they’re someone working near you, not with you. You can chat over coffee one day or focus solo the next. You set the tone. Coworking is about freedom with the option to connect.

2. What is a coworking space?

A coworking space is a shared environment designed for flexible work. It typically includes:

  • Open-plan desks (“hot desks”)
  • Dedicated desks for regulars
  • Private offices for teams or solo focus
  • Meeting rooms
  • Phone booths
  • Common areas like kitchens, lounges, or terraces

You’ll usually find fast internet, office essentials, and a supportive vibe. Think of it as your office away from the office—without the long-term lease. At Stone Soup Coworking, we offer high-speed internet with Redundant High-Speed Internet (Total Bandwidth of 1700Mbps).

3. What kinds of coworking spaces are there in Athens?

Athens has become a coworking hotspot. You can find:

  • Independent local coworking brands (like Stone Soup Coworking)
  • International coworking companies or franchises
  • Creative hubs
  • Workspaces with a specific focus (for ex. tackling societal issues)

Coworking spaces in Athens are scattered all over the city. From Marousi and Kifisia up north, to the lively neighborhoods of Exarcheia, Monisteraki and Keramikos in the center. And even down south along the Athens Riviera. You can browse platforms like coworker.com or Instant Offices, better yet, just reach out to the spaces that catch your eye. Most are happy to chat and offer a quick tour.

Stone Soup Coworking is one of those cozy, independent spots right in the heart of Athens. It’s down-to-earth, friendly, and perfect if you’re looking for a place where you can actually get work done—without the fluff.

We love helping teams grow in our coworking space. Whether you need an open desk or a fully equipped private office, we offer the right balance of support and flexibility. A flexible workspace means finding the setup that fits your needs! If that sounds like your cup of tea, come check us out. You can book a tour straight from our website.

4. Is location important?

Definitely. Even in a remote-friendly world, location still matters. Your workspace affects your daily rhythm—so think about the lifestyle you want. Athens has something for every pace. Just pick your corner of the city.

  • Want energy, convenience, and lots to do after hours? Go for a central location. Close to metro lines, cafes, bars, and gyms.
  • Prefer peace and green surroundings? Try Kifisia or Marousi in the northern suburbs.
  • Dreaming of sea breezes and coastal scenery? Look into spaces in Glyfada or Peiraeus.

Tip: If you’re driving, ask about parking options. They’re not always included in the membership.

Stone Soup Coworking Athens rooftop
Stone Soup Coworking Athens rooftop

5. What membership options are available?

Coworking is all about flexibility. Most spaces offer:

  • Hourly or daily passes
  • Part-time or full-time monthly plans
  • Long-term options
  • Hot desk or dedicated desk packages
  • Private office rentals

You don’t have to commit on day one. Try it out, see how it feels, and adjust as you go. Community managers are usually super friendly and happy to guide you. Check out our Stone Soup Coworking memberships here!

6. What is a coworking desk?

It’s where your workday happens!

  • Hot desk: Choose any available desk when you arrive. Great for flexibility.
  • Dedicated desk: Your own reserved spot with storage and extras like a monitor or locker. Ideal if you want to settle in and stay consistent.

Both options usually include high-speed internet, access to common areas, and a creative atmosphere.

7. What’s a private office?

If you prefer a quieter setup or need to work in privacy, private offices within coworking spaces are a great option. You get your own enclosed space. Perfect for teams, confidential projects, or fewer distractions.

Many private offices offer 24/7 access, which is great for night owls or international workers. And you still get to enjoy the perks of the wider community during coffee breaks. Here at Stone Soup Coworking we offer 24/5 access to our private office members. 

Team in a meeting room

8. What’s a meeting room?

Need to host a client? Share ideas with your team? Or attend a meeting without background noise?

Meeting rooms are available to book by the hour or day. Some memberships include free hours each month; others charge a small fee. Even if you’re not a full-time member, you can usually rent one for occasional use.

9. What kind of equipment can I use?

Most coworking spaces offer:

  • Monitors
  • Printers and scanners
  • Fast WiFi and sometimes Ethernet connections
  • Whiteboards and projectors
  • Some even have 3D printers or podcasting booths!

Basic office gear is usually included, and extras can often be rented or requested. Don’t hesitate to ask the staff, they will help you set up what you need.

10. Can I bring my dog (or cat)?

In many coworking spaces in Athens, the answer is yes, pets are welcome! Just give the team a heads-up first. They might have a few guidelines to keep the space comfortable for everyone. Pets are welcome at Stone Soup Coworking too, as long as they’re used to being in shared spaces. Just let us know in advance so we can make sure everyone has a good experience, including your furry friend!

Dog in coworking space

Still have questions about Coworking in Athens?

Coworking is more than just a desk, it’s about choosing your own rhythm, connecting with people, and making work a little more enjoyable.

Whether you’re here for a few days, a few months, or calling Athens home, there’s a coworking space with your name on it.

Come explore the different neighbourhoods, order a freddo espresso, and find your next favorite place to work.

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

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?

The historical centre of 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

stone soup rooftop

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.

happy coworkers in a coworking space

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.

Athens lockdown: opportunities and challenges for freelancers

Meet Ambre, our coworker from the French city of Bayonne in the Basque country! She is a copywriter and translator (English and Spanish to French) for e-shops and commercial websites. She got her first job offers through the translation and copywriting agency Textmaster and she now works for a network of regular clients and agencies that offers her a steady workflow.  We had a chance to speak with Ambre about the pros of online work and how did she cope with the spring and winter lockdowns in Athens. We also asked her how did she end up in Athens in the first place, and how did she experience the lockdowns as a freelance worker.

This is her story.  

The pros and cons of freelance work

After obtaining a Master’s degree in international purchases and logistics Ambre worked for five years, until 2017, for different companies in Paris. After evaluating the experience she gained from this kind of fixed work she decided that she needed a fresh start. She left Paris and started a small business in the fashion industry that seemed hard to succeed. So she looked for something different driven by her other passions, languages, communication, and reading. Copywriting and translation services proved a field where she felt truly comfortable.

Working as a freelancer gives Ambre the freedom she looked for. She remembers that during her previous 9 to 5 work scheme she felt stuck in a structured and hierarchical workplace. When talking about the pros of freelancing she mentions the ability to organize her free time and to write about different fields that appeal to a curious personality. When it comes to the cons she adds that in a globalized market there is competition for the same job and fewer quality offers. Before forming personal links with her clients she used to grab every opportunity. 

Ambre freelance work at Stone Soup

Picking Athens for remote work: before and during the lockdown

Ambre works remotely and she agrees with the concept of nomadic work. When she left Paris she went to Seville, Lisbon, and Bayonne before choosing Athens with her partner. She laughs remembering that she didn’t know anything about the modern city, just that it was an affordable place! They first came in January 2019 and started exploring different places in Greece. 

In March 2020 everything changed! At the beginning of the first lockdown, she was working as a content creator for a tourist journal. It was shocking when the company told the copywriters that they could not work anymore. At first, she was feeling a lot of insecurity and uncertainty. Her (already remote) work did not change but she was really bored because she had no other choice but to work! Her narration of the life during spring lockdown is revealing: “waking up, yoga, working, working, working, yoga!” Work was an escape from the fear but in a depressing way that made her feel stuck. Athens was in a cocooning phase too and Stone Soup was closed. So it was her home that was both a workplace and a safe space.

Ambre freelance work

Remote work after a calm summer: and another lockdown in autumn!

Summer was a calm and relaxing time for Ambre. Traveling to Santorini and meeting with friends was an escape from the numbness of spring. But in autumn restrictions were re-imposed again and freelance workers like her had to deal with another Athens lockdown in November. But this time both coworking and online work emerged stronger than before. She clarifies that the digitalization of small businesses drove up the demand for online content creators. As a result, autumn began with hopes up. She gets the chance to walk to Stone Soup and see friendly faces. She walks from her home in Petralona to her coworking space early in the morning and enjoys the sun rising and the quiet ambiance (fewer people and more cats on the streets!). Athens feels cozier in this controlled freedom state now.

Coworking seems like an excuse, a way to get out, take coffee breaks and feel like we are all in this together, she adds. The feeling that comes up first in her mind when she thinks about coworking is socialization!

Looking forward to a post-lockdown Athens

“PARTY HARD!” That is what Ambre misses the most! She is not a fan of the digital social life of the pandemic world and wants to see people again. Discovering more of Greece (“what about a road trip to the Peloponnese?”) is another goal along with climbing Mt Olympus! The Athenian cultural sites like the National Museum of Contemporary Art and the small bookstores are the places she cannot wait to visit again. Physical activities she used to do like yoga and volunteer teaching of English to refugees in a real classroom for the Za’atar NGO will also be more than welcome in her everyday life again. Her online work for companies like Sweet Small Pea, MonPlanCBD, and Agence Boca will feel even more exciting then. Athens will feel authentically charming again and the real-life small neighborhoods can be explored after some evening drinks with her Stone Soup friends such as Jelia! At the end of the day, we saw the limits of the digital way of living, she concludes, and it is time to re-appreciate what we miss and hope for.

Lockdown & Remote Work: How to Adjust to Working From Home.

COVID-19 lockdown has forced the majority of the workforce worldwide to work from home. Lyda Michopoulou is a freelancer and a member of Stone Soup coworking space. She has worked remotely since January of 2017, and she has long experience in distributed work. One could argue that being a remote worker, Lyda would have an advantage over other workers who were abruptly forced to change their routines. But let’s see to what extent this is true. 

Lyda will help us answer the question, whether working from home is the same as working remotely. She will also share her own experience.

Stone Soup Coworking Member

Adopting a work from home routine and how is that different?

Lyda considers herself lucky as she didn’t struggle much during this transition. Her life as a freelancer requires her to travel around Europe and work from different countries. One of Lyda’s consulting gigs is to an American startup in the travel industry called NextVacay. She is working on US time, following a specific time frame and specific online tools. For that reason, the processes and dynamics within the organization haven’t changed much with the lockdown. 

Because of the corona crisis, Lyda is telecommuting from home and she spends most of her time hosting or participating in online meetings. This has decreased her actual working time and disrupted her usual working routine from Stone Soup.

Lyda had a functional working routine for herself, allowing her to work from anywhere as long as the WiFi connection was strong.

Fast WiFi

 

However, working from home is completely different from working from “anywhere in the world”. Social distancing, the new norm that has been given to all of us, is hardly a gift. Being able to keep a working pace, your motivation high and your productivity under control can be compromised especially when you are forced to work without a suitable working environment. 
It is quite easy to fall into traps such as working all day long, without proper breaks or even realizing that your working time is up and you should relax. Lyda sees the value of participating in virtual coworking spaces such as Stone Soup’s and Digital Nomad Girls’ Inner Circle, in finding a sense of belonging and support. 

Online Meetups

How to do your best during the COVID-19 era?

Instead of isolating yourself at home binge watching TV-series and movies, you have the opportunity to do something to better your skills and develop yourself. You can host or join online meetings with friends (networking), figure out how to support others with the skills you already possess or participate in activities that are valuable for the community.

During the previous weekend, Lyda participated in an online hackathon, called: “Hack the Crisis Austria”. She mentored a team who was tackling a challenge: “How can we support the mental health of people”. Lyda has only positive feedback to give about it. It made her more eager to participate in a bigger scale and even think about organizing something similar in Greece.

Stone Soup Coworking Member

Shaping the future of remote work after coronavirus

The corona crisis has unprecedentedly escalated the need to work remotely. The situation might be temporary but it pushes the gears of change and those won’t come back. Companies keeping previously a negative pose to the idea, are forced tο consider continuing with remote work after the lockdown.

Having a global network of contacts, Lyda has heard discussions about the struggles of friends and partners and has acquired some interesting insights. Many companies don’t understand how to use the online world to better support their work. There was no time for guidelines and transitioning. A new culture and priorities need to be set on the go. And of course, this changes the balances and threatens the up to now acquired stability. Companies and teams are being troubled by basic aspects of functionality such as what would be the best way, time, frequency, and means to conduct online meetings.

The discussion moved from online meetings to how people handle the grief that comes with being locked inside their houses. Lyda’s perspective of the situation was altered due to an article on Harvard Business Review. If individuals and companies go through the stages of grief we will be ready to accept what lies ahead and work with that.

After the lockdown is over a changed situation and land of opportunities for digital nomads and remote work is to be expected. The ground will be paved for the companies to keep workers distributed. And they would most probably like to shape their businesses in a way they could cope with similar future situations.

Creative Innovation