The coolest bookstores in Athens
They give an unequal fight every day versus big chains and digital sales, but they do not put it down. Their people are always there, fully trained and informed, always willing to serve a more personal level. KIf nothing else, it hides an air of romance.
The reason for neighborhood bookstores of Athens and their people. What you find even in the unexpected alleys of your neighborhood and you are surprised with the variety they offer you, but also with the unexpected conversations that you catch with them, always centered on the book.
“Books want readers; but readers must have an individual and stable existence: they cannot be pure consumers, pure ghosts, they must also be, in a way, subjective.” Michel Welbeck “Interventions 2020”, Translation: George Karabelas, Estia Publications
We need these little book-loving corners more than ever – and they deserve our favor. Not only because they do not lag behind in any of the behemoths of the book market, but because there is the essence of Culture, as their spaces open and living fields discussion and reflection around a fundamental cultural asset.
We did a research in the neighborhoods of Athens and we present you the warmest bibliophilic corners we found!
Pleiades – Pagrati
On the street Spyrou Mercouri 62 in Pagrati, there is one small, handsome and loaded with books space, architectural optimal with a five-meter library locked inside. Reader friendly and always up to date, The “Pleiades” shine, like the eponymous celestial constellation, giving a special recognizable aroma to this busy main street of Athens.
The jIts owners, Alkis Temponeras and Alexandra Bizi, have managed to maintain a purely bibliophilic approach, which is why they will see not only people from the neighborhood, but from all over Athens.
Skylight – Center
If, walking in the center of Athens, at 59b Kolokotroni Street, the guy and yourself in Stoa Kourtaki, you will find yourself in front of a very beautiful surprise: Julia Tsiakiri, of publications. «The Peach», one of the most beautiful bibliophilic hangouts of the city has been created there, which seems to have sprung from another era: τον «Skylight»The
It is no coincidence that Greek writers, such as Zyranna Zateli and Nikos Panagiotopoulos, attend. In his proposals you can find all the titles of Rodaki and many other selected editions of small publishing houses, united in its premises, before the coronavirus, there were exhibitions of photography, art and handicrafts.
Little Tree Books – Koukaki
In the Shadow of the Sacred Rock of the Acropolis, at 2 Kavalloti Street in Koukaki, it is located in a very special aesthetic cafe-bookstore, where you can read your book or browse its selected editions, while drinking your coffee and teasing. his dishes.
The reason for «Books for small trees» which is a unique center of culture in the region, as it combines reading with taste. In the same place, especially before the pandemic, live music, book presentations and literary evenings are organized by the owners.
Knowledge – Ilisia
One of the most up-to-date bookstores in the area of Ilisia, the «Knowledge» started in 1978 by Giannis and Katerina Bouzaki, in the company of other collaborators. And from the beginning of its operation it tried to differentiate itself in information, completeness and quality both in the field of books, and the educational game that it played then is slowly starting in Greece.
Great writers and poets have passed through its premises, such as Giannis Ritsos, Dido Sotiriou, Petros Markaris and Isidoros Zourgos, while in the children’s book “present” at the events have stated George Sari, Alki Zei, Kira Si , Loti Petrovich Andritsopoulou and the younger Maria Papagianni and Maria Angelidou. Since 2010, the new generation has taken the baton, with Alexandra and Efi Bouzaki continuing with great passion and love in the same place, at 26 Grigoriou Afxentiou Street in Ilisia.
Purple Squirrel – Center
In Karytsis Square 4 is located the «Purple Squirrel», a small, cute bookstore with a view that pulsates with poetry, prose, theater, politics and philosophy. Christina and Spyros Papaioannou, owners of the bookstore and the Publications «The Purple Squirrel», they avoided giving their hangout the classic form of such a space.
For example, the books on its shelves are not in alphabetical order, but in thematic sections, while many of them are “lined up” in elegant banking, where you can not browse them in peace.
Lemon – Thissio
The small doll bookstore, located on the pedestrian street of Iraklidon Street, started its operation in May 1998 in one of the most beautiful places in Athens. Classic music is always heard from its speakers, while its aesthetics are really exceptional.
Always choose the best titles from the Greek literature and the new editions. He has a thorough knowledge of poetry, philosophy and literature, he was united at regular intervals organizes book presentations by authors, as well as exhibitions of works by visual artists.
Literally – Center
You have definitely noticed this bookstore, as it is located in a very central part of Athens, at 32 Akadimias Street. At the same time, it impresses with its great its showcase and with the sense of depth that it creates for you. We are talking, of course, about the bookstore «On Word» created by the need of some people to communicate with book lovers.
It has been managed since 2013 by Maria Papageorgiou, who has been working in the field of books for the last 40 years. In fact, since the fall of 2017 it takes place within the action of “The work of the black wall”. Where, on the only surface not covered by the books, a work of art is exhibited every two months.
Booktalks – P. Faliro
To «Book holidays» is the bookstore-jewel of Paleo Faliro, at 47 Artemidos Street, corner of Agios Alexandros. From the first moment it opened its doors (2013), it gained the trust of book lovers in the area. Its owners are lovers of literature, the space completely escapes the stereotypical image of bookstores that we have in mind.
You can click on your banknotes and read your book while drinking your coffee, or browse the new editions to come up with your final choices.
Of course, there are many neighborhood, individual and smaller bookstores, not just the above. Therefore, keep your bibliophilic “antennas” open when you walk around the neighborhoods. Once you find such a store, do not hesitate to go inside, browse, search, or even ask its people for the books you are interested in. Believe us, you will not regret it.