Coffee in Athens: Where Tradition Meets Third Wave Cool

After kicking off our Europe trip in Zurich, a few of the Ublend® crew touched down in Athens — and it didn’t take long before we were fully caffeinated and slightly over-caffeinated.

Enter the Reigning Champion: Fredo Espresso

Forget flat whites — in Athens, Fredo Espresso is the real MVP of summer.Strong espresso, shaken with ice till it’s smooth and frothy, poured over cubes and served cold. Simple, bold, and highly addictive.

We had more of these than we care to admit (purely for research, of course).

Traditional Vibes, Big Personalities

Step into almost any neighbourhood kafeneio, and you’ll find:

• Strong Greek coffee served in tiny cups

• Loud debates about football, politics, or both

• A vibe that hasn’t changed in decades (in the best way)

If you're not careful, you’ll be sipping a briki-brewed coffee while getting life advice from a local who’s been coming to the same table since the '80s. Honestly, we loved it.

The New Wave of Athenian Coffee

But the real surprise? Athens has a booming specialty coffee scene.

From flat whites in Exarchia to filter flights in Koukaki, local roasters and cafes are stepping up their game with:

• Precision espresso machines

• Single-origin beans from Colombia, Ethiopia, and beyond

• Baristas who’ll talk fermentation with the same intensity locals discuss mythology

We stopped by a few spots (okay, more than a few), and it’s safe to say: Athens is brewing with passion — and it shows in every cup.

What We’re Taking Home

1. Greeks make coffee social — and fun

2. The Fredo Espresso may be the perfect summer coffee (we said what we said)

3. Hospitality is everything — and they deliver it with heart

4. Athens is a perfect mix of heritage and third-wave hustle

At Ublend®, we love seeing how coffee evolves in different places. Athens reminded us that you can be cool, traditional, and highly caffeinated all at once.

Stay tuned — next stop ??????