Meet Angelika Lessy, a Digital Nomad who has chosen to live and work in the Athens Riviera
Greece’s inviting climate, delectable cuisine, and welcoming locals make it an appealing destination for those seeking a blend of work and leisure. In particular, the southern suburbs of Athens have emerged as a popular choice for Digital Nomads looking to reside in the picturesque Athens Riviera. We had the pleasure of speaking with Angelika Lessy, a lovely young woman who has recently relocated to Palaio Faliro and is passionate about sharing her wellness classes with the community.
- 04/04/2024
How did you first become interested in the Digital Nomad lifestyle and what inspired you to make the move to the Athens Riviera?
Being a Digital Nomad in Athens has been a journey filled with discovery and transformation. My love for travel and exploration has been ingrained in me since childhood. Born in Paris to immigrant parents from Greece and Iran, my multicultural upbringing in France fueled my curiosity for the world.
From my first flight to Greece at just 20 days old to my frequent travels during school holidays, I’ve always sought adventure and new experiences
As a university student, I eagerly saved up to explore new destinations with friends, immersing myself in diverse cultures and environments.My journey took me to London, where I embarked on an internship that evolved into pursuing a Master’s degree in Business & Finance, ultimately leading to an 8-year career in the financial industry.Throughout my career, a significant portion of my income was dedicated to traveling.Despite my success, I longed for more freedom to travel and connect with loved ones.
We tend to forget about the recent pandemic but to some it opened a new world of opportunities…
The pandemic unexpectedly granted me that freedom, allowing me to work remotely and spend quality time with family in Greece and Paris.During this time of reflection, I realized that the Digital Nomad lifestyle resonated deeply with me. Not only could I enjoy more sleep, feel more rested, and slow down to have quality time for myself, but I also had the opportunity to work remotely, allowing for increased flexibility, more travel, and cherished moments with my family and allowing me to align my work with my passions and personal values. During the pandemic, I also experienced emotional lows. However, thanks to working from home, I had the time and space to reflect, do therapy, read lots of books, and listen to podcasts and Youtube videos, gaining clarity and knowledge along the way.
“It was during this period that I discovered my passion for spirituality and personal growth”
As the pandemic waned, I faced a pivotal moment: return to the corporate world or embrace a new path. With courage and conviction, I chose the latter, venturing into freelance world with my online Spiritual Life Coaching practice and other freelance work in the travel industry, and fully embracing the digital nomad lifestyle.Having experienced life in both Paris and London, two bustling urban centers, I sought out a place where I could retreat from the frenetic pace of city living, while still being within easy reach of urban conveniences.
This gave you the opportunity to see life from a different perspective, correct?
I embarked on a profound journey of healing, reconnecting with my true self and my purpose, learning to love myself, and reshaping my mindset to release limiting beliefs. Along the way, I delved into understanding the power of the mind, the universal laws to create the life we desire and how we can shape our reality for more alignment. Most importantly, I learned the importance of self-love and nurturing, laying the foundation for personal growth and fulfillment.This journey led me to transition into becoming a Spiritual Life Coach, dedicated to helping others become the best versions of themselves and make their dream life a reality.
And why Athens?
I decided to settle in Athens for many reasons, aside from having Greek heritage and dreaming of living in Greece since I was young.Athens offers a rich culture, a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle with delicious food and warm weather, and it’s more affordable compared to other European capitals. The city also has improving tech infrastructure, plenty of co-working spaces, and cafes with reliable Wi-Fi. Additionally, there are stunning landscapes and nearby islands to explore, providing a perfect balance between work and leisure for digital nomads. Athens has a growing community of foreigners and digital nomads, offering networking and collaboration opportunities.
And let’s not forget, Greeks are incredibly warm and welcoming people.Settling in the Athens Riviera near the beach emerged as the perfect base for my new chapter, I found a balance between work and leisure, surrounded by natural beauty and a welcoming community.Personally, I thrive in warm climates and love the energy of summer, especially since my birthday is in August. So, Athens felt like the perfect fit for me. It’s been a year since I chose to make the southern suburbs of Athens my home, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision. I wholeheartedly recommend it to others.
Can you describe a typical day in your life as a Digital Nomad in Athens ? How do you balance work and leisure activities in such a vibrant city?
My daily routine as a Digital Nomad can vary greatly from one day to another.
Most mornings, I prioritize getting enough sleep to start my day feeling refreshed. Then, I kick off my morning routine with a calming ritual on my balcony, where I enjoy a cup of tea, or lemon water, or celery juice while taking in the serene view of the sea. I make a conscious effort to disconnect from my phone during this time, allowing myself to fully embrace the present moment.Afterwards, I typically engage in some light stretching or yoga sometimes, followed by a meditation session to center myself for the day ahead.
Once I’m ready, I settle into a few hours of focused work from the comfort of my home. However, I often break up my workday with a refreshing walk along the Riviera in Palaio Faliro, soaking in the sights and sounds of the beach.
Sometimes, I work until late in the evening, while other days, I only work half-days. I often find myself doing some work on weekends as well. Each day tends to blur together for me, but I appreciate the flexibility to adapt my schedule as needed. Other days, I like to schedule meetings or meet up with friends at Marina Floisvos or at a coffee place on Leof Agiou Alexandrou.
Other times, I opt to work from various coffee shops, enjoying the company of fellow digital nomads or friends. Although these settings can be more social, I make sure to balance productivity with networking opportunities.
I take care of my physical health by attending Pilates sessions at Pilates Bow Studio in Palaio Faliro, and I work out at home with the guidance of my online personal trainer, Myrto Kalogeropoulou. During weekends, I embrace the opportunity to explore central Athens, dine at local restaurants and bars, embark on scenic hikes, or relax at the beach, depending on my work schedule and the season.
Sounds like the ideal lifestyle
Balancing work and leisure as a Digital Nomad, especially in a vibrant city like Athens with numerous attractions and social events, requires some planning and discipline, but it’s definitely doable. I like to establish a daily or weekly schedule that allocates specific times for work and leisure activities, prioritizing tasks, setting boundaries, and making intentional choices about how to spend my time.
“The aim of being a Digital Nomad is to achieve a healthier balance between work and leisure through flexible working hours”.
Sometimes, this means blending both worlds by working from scenic locations like the beach or being near leisure spots, allowing for seamless transitions to relaxation after work hours.Other times, it means experimenting with various working routines and working environments to discover the one that best suits you, enabling you to attain both professional success and personal fulfillment.
Read the rest of the interview by clicking here
Meet Angelika Lessy, a Digital Nomad who has chosen to live and work in the Athens Riviera