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The Halo Collection by Hurmuses, Athens (2026)

06/04/2026

A Local's Guide to Greek Easter in Athens: The Halo Collection

Experience Easter in Athens! 🌸✨ You'll discover why it's the most celebrated Greek holiday of the year! ❤️

The week leading up to Easter Sunday, called Holy Week, begins with daily church services that create the mood for the days to come! ⛪🙏

Many Greeks fast during this time, following a tradition dating back to the early Christian era. 🙏

Holy Week Traditions

The ceremonies during Holy Week remind us of the moments leading up to Easter. ✝️

On Good Friday, emotions run high as we remember the crucifixion. ✟ In the evening, there’s a candlelight procession (the Epitaphios) in the streets. 🕯️

Despite the emotion, ladies bake butter, vanilla, and orange Easter biscuits (koulouria) and a braided sweet bread (tsoureki) 🍞!

Families dye eggs bright red to represent the blood of Christ and his sealed tomb! 🥚 Spot them in supermarkets and bakeries everywhere! 🛒

Holy Saturday

Easter Saturday is happier as people wait for the Resurrection service! They gather at their local churches, and just before midnight, the lights go out! ⚫

They’re relit when the priest proclaims, "Christ has risen!" ✨ The "Holy Flame" from Jerusalem is shared from candle to candle throughout the congregation! 🕯️

Some churches have fireworks! 🎆 It’s a moving experience, so don't miss out! After church, families enjoy a late meal of Greek Easter soup (magiritsa)! 🥣

Easter Sunday

On Easter Sunday, fasting ends. In Athens, you’ll find outdoor gatherings where families come together to cook, eat, and celebrate! 🍽️

If you're looking for an authentic Easter experience in Athens, I'd be thrilled to welcome you to The Halo Collection! Discover our luxury apartments at www.thehalocollection.com! 💖

25/03/2026

Metaxourgeio: Birthplace of Laïko, Rebetiko and Greek Music Legends in Athens

Metaxourgeio is a historic Athens neighbourhood with deep ties to Greek music, especially Laïko and Rebetiko. The Silk House stands in this area that gave Greece Vicky Moscholiou and Giorgos Zampetas, two of the most iconic voices of these genres. Rebetiko dominated from the 1920s to the 1940s, with a revival in the 1960s, before Laïko took over in the 1950s–1970s. A blend of pop and Greek folk, this music became Greece’s mainstream soundtrack, and you can still hear it in
local restaurants today.

Vicky Moscholiou: The Cello of Greek Music

Vicky Moscholiou grew up in post-war Athens and began singing in a nightclub where her cousin worked. She rose to fame in her early twenties and soon collaborated with leading Greek composers and songwriters. Manos Hatzidakis, one of Greece’s greatest composers, described her voice as "the cello of Greek music." She later performed at major venues in New York, London, and Paris, carrying the sound of Laïko far beyond Athens.

Giorgos Zampetas: The Legendary Bouzouki Master

Giorgos Zampetas was a legendary bouzouki player, composer, and singer and is still considered one of the greatest of all time. As a teenager, he met his idol, Vassilis Tsitsanis, a pioneer of modern Laïko, and soon formed his first band. He became one of the most recognisable Greek musicians of his era, composing soundtracks and appearing in Greek cinema. Today, his songs remain favourites in Athens tavernas.

Metaxourgeio in Song: Giving Voice to Everyday Greek Life

Moscholiou and Zampetas sang about real life in Athens: love, loss, hardship, and hope. Metaxourgeio is still all about showing visitors its authentic side, which is why a stay at the Silk House feels timeless.

18/03/2026

A Private Chef Experience in Your Halo Athens Apartment

Ever thought about having your own private chef in Athens? Staying at a Halo Collection luxury apartment means you actually can. It turns simple dinners into memorable experiences, making your city break feel luxurious and tailored just for you.

Personalised Private Chef Experiences in Your City Residence

With a private chef visiting you at The Hive, The Hill, and Silk House, you can choose gourmet cuisine, vegan dishes, or comfort meals. Menus are customised to your tastes, dietary needs, and any allergies, so everyone feels looked after. You can celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or just a long overdue catch up without any clean-up or stress. No shopping, no cooking, no serving; everything’s taken care of from table setting to placing while you enjoy your Athens vacation.

Master Greek Recipes with a Private Chef and Wine Pairing

Many private chefs also offer interactive dinners or cooking classes with meals. It’s a fun and interesting way to learn about local Greek cuisine, flavours, and the history and traditions behind the dishes. You cook together and pick up new techniques, then sit down to a delicious multi course meal with optional wine pairing.

Book a Private Chef in Athens for Your Halo Apartment

We recommend trusted platforms serving central Athens, including our elegant apartments in Kypseli, Lycabettus, and Metaxourgeio. Consider ChefMaison, Cozymeal, and individual chefs like Adamantia Konstantopoulou and EatwithGK, all of whom are excellent. Contact them directly and mention you’re staying at one of the luxury apartments of The Halo Collection by Hurmuses.

Ready to turn your Halo stay into an unforgettable in apartment dining experience?

Let our superior Athens residences become your private restaurant setting.

17/03/2026

There is something deeply satisfying about bringing a historic building back to life — not as a museum piece, but as a living, breathing space with purpose.

Soon, we will be opening the doors of The Silk House in Metaxourgeio — a carefully restored neoclassical revival that reflects both the soul of old Athens and the rhythm of contemporary urban living.

This project has been a journey of patience, instinct, and respect. Every cornice, proportion, and architectural detail has been approached with intention. The goal was never simply to renovate — but to reveal. To allow the building’s original character to speak again, while introducing a quiet layer of modern comfort and design clarity.

Metaxourgeio is a neighbourhood that has fascinated me. It carries a certain authenticity — raw yet poetic, layered with history yet full of creative energy. The Silk House feels at home here. It belongs to the evolving narrative of the city: where heritage meets reinvention.

Neoclassical restoration today is not nostalgia. It is responsibility. These buildings are fragments of cultural memory, and when treated thoughtfully, they become catalysts for regeneration. They create continuity in a city that is constantly shifting.

The Silk House is not just about aesthetics. It is about atmosphere. About texture, light, proportion, and the subtle dialogue between past and present. It is about creating spaces that invite people to pause, connect, and experience Athens in a more intimate way.

This is just a glimpse. The story is only beginning

11/03/2026

Athens: A Cultural Calendar for Guests of The Halo Collection

Step into Athens this March and discover a city alive with culture, lights, and stories.
Swan Lake – Greek National Opera, SNFCC
07 March - 04 April

If you see one performance, make it Swan Lake at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center in Kallithea. The Greek National Opera Ballet reinterprets Tchaikovsky's classic masterpiece with a modern twist. Performances run at 7.30 pm and on Sunday, at 6.30 pm.

For this popular Athens cultural event, I always suggest booking your tickets online in advance or by calling +30 216 809 1000. I love arriving early to stroll along the canal before the show, taking in the sound and lights of the dancing fountains.

Greek Independence Day
25 March

Wave a Greek flag and join the patriotic crowds on 25th March as Greece honours its struggle for independence. The day commemorates the Greek War of Independence (1821–1829), which sparked the fight for freedom after centuries of Ottoman rule.
Highlights include a grand military parade at Syntagma Square (around 11 AM), school parades, and fighter jet flyovers. The Acropolis Museum offers free entry until 8:00 pm, and local tavernas serve the traditional Bakaliaros Skordalia (fried cod with garlic dip).

Athens International Literature Festival
27 - 29 March

The first Athens International Literature Festival comes to Technopolis City of Athens, a former gasworks transformed into a cultural landmark. The event in Gazi welcomes readers to Athens for a lineup of book signings, workshops, exhibitions, speeches, and seminars.

Nobel Prize winner László Krasznahorkai, one of the most important voices in world literature, will open the festival. You will also meet renowned international authors who will speak about pressing social challenges.

If March in Athens sounds like your kind of city break, let’s start planning your cultural stay at The Halo Collection.

03/03/2026

Greece Among the World’s Top Vegan-Friendly Destinations

I’ve got great news for guests of The Halo Collection who follow a plant-based diet while on vacation. Greece now ranks among the world’s top 10 countries for vegan restaurants per capita. According to The Vegan Society's “Veganism Around the World 2025” report, the country proudly claims tenth place globally.

Greece’s Surprising Number of Vegan Dining Options

HappyCow, the world's largest vegan, vegetarian, and veg-friendly food directory, lists 2,260 vegan dining options across Greece. Given the country’s population and the fact that only a small percentage of Greeks identify as vegan or vegetarian, this is remarkable. It shows how vegan-friendly this Mediterranean paradise has become.

Athens Restaurants

Athens is undergoing a culinary transformation, with vegetarian and vegan restaurants popping up everywhere.

First up is Mother Vegan at 95 Dimitrakopoulou in Koukaki, near the Acropolis. Eva and Vicky welcome guests to their arty, fully vegan café and bistro, where you can try their popular jackfruit burgers. There’s also a kombucha-infused gluten-free bean “steak,” cinnamon-scented apple pie topped with maple syrup, dark chocolate brownies, and irresistible vegan “Nutella” treats.

If you’re in the mood for traditional-style Greek “souvlaki “and gyros, you’ll find innovative vegan interpretations. Spots like Vegan Beat at 56 Perikleous in Syntagma and Peas at 40 Falirou in Koukaki serve excellent plant-based food. Check out their menus for pea and rosemary pie, carrot hot dogs, and cauliflower or tofu nuggets.

For a grab-to-go option, pop into Wild Souls at 36 Voulis Street, near Syntagma Square. This specialty food market and café offers healthy nut butter-based snacks, halva toasted sandwiches, tahini brownies, and granola bowls.

Join us, explore the city’s top vegan spots, and taste the future of dining in Athens.

22/02/2026

We’re proud to announce that The Halo Collection is finally live.

This platform brings together our passion for thoughtful renovations, curated interiors, and homes with character. Each space reflects our belief that a property should feel intentional, welcoming, and full of soul — never ordinary.

From carefully restored details to modern comforts, every home in our collection has its own story. We’ve built this site to showcase not just beautiful spaces, but the lifestyle that comes with them.

We invite you to explore the journey, get inspired, and discover our properties. Welcome to The Halo Collection.

www.thehalocollection.com

21/02/2026

A Halo Collection Athens Itinerary

It’s impossible to share just one of our Athens itineraries with you because this city will always surprise you. But if I were to show you “my Athens” on your very first visit, here’s what I’d suggest.
Start in Central Athens

Begin your stay by heading down to central Athens and Syntagma Square. See the Presidential Guard standing at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in front of the Hellenic Parliament. Discover ancient Greek exhibits in the metro station, visit nearby archaeological sites, and relax in the National Gardens. From Syntagma, shop on Ermou Street and explore historic Plaka and Monastiraki, at the foot of the Acropolis.

Kolonaki & Lycabettus Hill

Visit Kolonaki, one of Athens’ most elegant districts, known for its top museums, neoclassical buildings, and upscale Athenian life. It boasts plenty of art galleries showcasing both classic and contemporary Greek culture. You can also climb Lycabettus Hill to the chapel of St. George, which offers sweeping city views and sunsets.

Athenian Riviera, Cape Sounion and Aegina

Organize a half-day coastal tour along the Athenian Riviera to Cape Sounion. Take a short ferry ride to Aegina for beaches, famous pistachios, and the remarkably preserved Temple of Aphaia.

Varvakios Market and Spices

Mornings at Varvakios Market are loud, colorful, and chaotic, but you can sample olives, cheeses, cold meats, and traditional sweets. Wander around the backstreets near the market to call in at herb and spice stores. Experience everyday Greek life at a leisurely pace.

Athens: Culture and Nightlife

Round off by checking out performances at the Megaron Athens Concert Hall or events at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center. Spend time in popular neighborhoods like Psirri or Koukaki.

12/02/2026

The Halo Collection Celebrates Carnival Season 2026

February is undoubtedly one of my favorite times to be in Greece, as it marks the Carnival season (Apokries). This year, Athens will celebrate from 12 to 23 February with 65 free public events throughout the city. Traditional Carnival customs will include lively street parties, spectacular parades, and the Philharmonic Orchestra following customary routes. Staying in a Halo Collection luxury apartment during Carnival? You’ll be perfectly placed to join in with the celebrations!

Athens Carnival Events Guide:

Thursday, 12 February: Charred Thursday (Tsiknopempti) is an important part of the Carnival celebrations that take place on the Thursday before Lent. This day marks a key moment dedicated to enjoying meat. Expect to see spontaneous smoky barbecues on the sidewalks and full-on roasted meat feasts in the neighborhood squares.

Sunday, 15 February: At 11 a.m., "The Carnival of the World," one of Athens' most colorful festivals, will take place at Zappeion within the National Garden. Expect dancing, stilt walkers, a magnificent Chinese dragon, and other surprises.

Sunday, 22 February: Don’t miss the Carnival finale starting at 5 pm from Syntagma Square. The costumed procession moves through Ermou and Eolou streets to finish at Kotzia Square on Athinas Street.

Monday, 23 February: Clean Monday (Kathara Deftera) is the first day of Lent in the Greek Orthodox Church, which officially ends the carnival period. People stop eating meat and dairy and switch to fasting foods like shellfish, octopus, olives, beans, and flatbread (lagana). In the morning, head up to Filopappos Hill, close to the Acropolis, to watch the traditional kite flying.

Experience Athens Carnival in comfort and luxury! Guests can easily reach all the festivities by taxi, subway, or by taking a pleasant stroll.

09/02/2026

Kypseli: The Athens Neighborhood Featured in Singapore

I’ll admit, I got goosebumps a few days ago. Kypseli, the neighborhood where our Hive Luxury Apartment is located, was recently featured in The Straits Times, a Singapore newspaper. This popular daily broadsheet, founded in 1845, is generally recognized as one of the prominent English language papers in Asia. So, for the Halo Collection, spotlighting Kypseli in Athens feels incredibly special.

The Hive, Athens: Beyond the Landmarks

The article is unfortunately behind a paywall, but the writer offers a glimpse of why Kypseli has become so appealing. She describes the cosmopolitan neighborhood as a place where everyday life matters more than monuments. And that’s exactly why we chose Kypseli as a location for The Hive.

A Welcoming ‘Heartland’ for Curious Travelers

For her Singaporean readers, who are accustomed to the lively, bustling atmosphere of Singapore, Kypseli offers a welcoming central neighborhood. I totally agree! If you enjoy exploring beyond the well-known areas of Athens, this district is perfect for experiencing everyday Athenian life. Diverse food and cultures, traditional tavernas, bakeries, and markets all paint a vivid picture of its busy local energy.

The Hive Luxury Apartment: Your Home Base in Kypseli

If you're thinking of visiting Athens, Kypseli has a real sense of community and is a great place to start. Our Hive Luxury Apartment is designed to be a warm and stylish home base while you explore the Greek capital at your own pace. As part of the Halo Collection, it combines modern comfort with authentic neighborhood character.

Curious why Kypseli was featured in The Straits Times in Singapore?

Make Kypseli your base at the Hive Luxury Apartment and enjoy one of Athens’ most ever-changing areas.

The Halo Collection by Hurmuses

06/04/2026

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