Sea, sun, tanned skin, and pumping house; a combination not uncommon on the Greek Islands, known the world over as little slices of vacation heaven dotting the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean. But, many people travel to Athens and want to have a taste of this unique atmosphere without going too far out of the city. Cariocas is the answer.
Located an hour outside Athens in the sleepy beach community of Schinos (image bottom), Cariocas has been a secret among the Athenian dance crowd for the better part of a decade. Sundays are the best days to visit, thats is when names such as David Morales, Timmy Regisford, or Danny Krivit take time away from playing the mega clubs, and bless the decks of this little hotspot by the water.
The first impression that sticks with anyone who takes the drive to Cariocas, is the scenery on the way there. Once you turn off the highway, and pass through the town on Megara, you will be treated to a phenomenal view; hills and cliffs ending abruptly in the blue waters, and a lush greenery that screams “Turn off the air-condition and roll down your windows” the smell of the forest seeps in and reminds you that you are not in the city anymore.
Arriving by the coast you pass through small beach towns dotted with Greek tavernas serving fish and other local delicacies on the seaside. The final part of the drive takes you along a small cliff side road. Rocks jutting out of the water, and the sheer rock face is randomly broken up by small beaches where people set up camp for a weekend, you really aren’t in Kansas anymore Toto.
Once in Schina, you know you are near Cariocas by the multitude of cars parked up and down the streets of this little town. Walk down to the beach and in front of you are throngs of glistening bodies laying out in the sun, people swimming, and jet skis cruising up and down the coast. Located right up on this beach is the wooden structure that houses the bars, snack bar and dance floor where the party happens.
Around 5pm, just as you feel it is about time to get out of the scorching sun, the music grows much louder, then the guest dj gets on the decks. The people start to gather, and the ritual that is house begins. Check out Morales below.
The energy from the dance floor is unmatched in any big club. No pretentious people flashing bling here, just good house heads who want to listen to a renowned DJ spin his story. Ask any of these A-list DJs about Cariocas and they will have nothing but praise for the little party paradise. The feeling created in such a venue cannot ever happen in a big club, no one knows why it happens, maybe it’s the music, maybe it’s the scenery, and maybe it’s the crowd itself, I personally believe it is a combination of all the above.
So next time you are in Athens on a Sunday, steer clear of the busy coast line with its traffic jams and packed beaches, rent a car and drive out to Cariocas for an afternoon and most probably a night that you will never forget. House for the people, House on the Beach, Cariocas. This little spot is definately an Argo Travel Keeper – Rigas out for now, I’m hitting the beach.
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