Aficionados of Athens will be pleased to know there’s more to explore beyond the often chaotic city center. Just a 40-minute drive away, the Athens Riviera offers a Greek island vibe, with 40 miles of coastline stretching from Piraeus Port to the Temple of Poseidon at Sounio. The area boasts gorgeous beaches, lush vineyards, and a lake with thermal springs among its wonders. Developed after World War II as a haven for Athenians to escape the hardships of war, the Riviera soon attracted international stars such as Frank Sinatra and The Beatles. Even today, the region draws both local and global visitors while maintaining its simple charms. It offers a perfect blend of relaxed, family-friendly spots and buzzy beach bars, creating a versatile seaside atmosphere that caters to all tastes.
As a travel writer specializing in Greece for over 15 years, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing the Athens Riviera multiple times. Here are my recommendations for the must-visit hotels, restaurants, bars, shops, and sights, along with insider tips I’ve gathered along the way.
What to See:
Award-winning beaches, ancient sites, a natural spa lake, wine routes, and a world-class cultural center make the Athens Riviera a destination in its own right. There are over 20 beach clubs to be found; from casual, family-friendly ones such as Vouliagmeni Beach, which charges a minimal entry fee for its playground, volleyball courts, changing rooms, and umbrellas and sunbeds, to upscale options such as the Astir Beach Club. Here, a hefty entrance fee leads to private cabanas, beach-side massages, paddleboarding, yoga classes, and impeccable food and drink service straight to your beachside spot. Nestled on Astir Beach’s grounds lies the 6th century B.C. Temple of Apollo Zoster, discovered in 1924 by children from a local orphanage playing in the sand.
For a different swimming experience, visit Lake Vouliagmeni. This natural spa offers year-round swimming, with garra rufa fish providing gentle skin cleanses. The lake maintains a consistent 77°F temperature, fed by both spring and salt water.
Piraeus is more than just a bustling port; it’s the gateway to the Riviera, where sleek yachts dock at Zea Marina and exclusive cafés line the waterfront. The Hellenic Maritime Museum nearby offers a glimpse into Greece’s naval history.
Wine lovers can explore nearby vineyards, especially around Markopoulo, close to the airport. This area is known for its fertile lands and olive groves, perfect for a day of tasting regional wines. Check out Mylonas Winery, which specializes in Savatiano, a white grape variety indigenous to the region, though it also produces Assyrtiko (white) and Mandilaria (red) wines. Papagiannakos Winery also produces Savatiano wines, but is better known for its Malagouzia, a well-regarded white wine, and Agiorgitiko, a popular red variety usually found in other regions of Greece.
If you’re hoping to pick up some local wares, check out Zeus + Dione, a Greek brand focusing on traditional craftsmanship with a contemporary twist (think clothing, accessories, and handmade sandals inspired by Greek heritage) and Sun of a Beach, which sells stylish, locally made beach towels, beach bags, and other summer accessories.
A cultural highlight of the Riviera is the Stavros Niarchos Cultural Center, home to the Greek National Opera and National Library. You’ll find family-friendly events, canal-side walks, and dining at the Michelin-starred Delta restaurant, which serves up an impressive 12-course Haute Cuisine menu celebrating Greek nature through dishes such as citrus-cured shrimp with fermented pomegranate and pork loin flavored with fermented grains. The menu changes frequently and reservations should be made well in advance.
End your journey at the ancient Temple of Poseidon at Sounio, which is perched on a clifftop with stunning views of the Aegean Sea. Visit at sunset for an unforgettable experience.
Where to Eat:
The culinary scene along the Athens Riviera is as vibrant as its beaches. From Michelin-starred restaurants to cozy, family-run gems, start in Piraeus at Varoulko Seaside, where Michelin-starred chef Lefteris Lazarou creates seafood dishes with a contemporary twist, such as pastitsio — a version of the contemporary Greek meat dish but made with minced shrimp, grilled shrimps, tomato confit, and broccoli.
Ark in Glyfada serves meals from breakfast through to dinner, but its weekend brunch menu of traditional Greek fare is a highlight. Enjoy mezedes such as traditional Greek and Cretan cheese pies and the famous bougatza — custard-filled pie originating from Thessaloniki.
Further along the coast in Vouliagmeni, Matsuhisa Athens offers world-class Japanese-Peruvian fusion (like sushi, octopus carpaccio with miso, and Dover sole with a chile shiso salsa) paired with breathtaking sea views.
For those seeking an authentic meal, dine with the locals in Dourabeis, Piraeus, which has been serving up classic Greek seafood in a warm, cozy atmosphere since 1932. Don’t miss the fish soup, the whole fresh sea bream (including the head, be warned), and the seafood linguine.
Where to Stay:
The Four Seasons Astir Palace near Vouliagmeni was a famous hotspot among the global elite in the 1960s and has made a comeback due to a stunning recent refurbishment. Spread across 75 acres of a private peninsula along the edge of the Aegean Sea, the five-star resort has a state-of-the-art spa, a stunning pool bustling with influencers, and rooms, suites, and bungalows featuring calming coastal hues of white, sand, and light blue. There are a variety of restaurants on-site, but one Michelin-starred Pelagos shouldn’t be missed. Using fresh seasonal and local Greek products, it features dishes like lobster in romesco sauce and caviar pasta.
The 89-room Margi Hotel in Vouliagmeni stands out for its boutique charm and chic design. Surrounded by pine forest, the tranquil hotel is near Astir Beach, only a 20-minute walk from Lake Vouliagmeni, and boasts an indoor and outdoor pool, fitness center, and a wonderful spa. The highlight, however, is its private farm, about a half hour away, where guests can sample farm-to-fork offerings during live cooking demonstrations. All food served at the hotel uses ingredients grown on the farm.
Meanwhile, the One&Only Aesthesis in Glyfada — a new addition to the Athens luxury hotel scene that opened October 2023 — combines contemporary elegance with Greek heritage, yet more Aegean Sea views, and world-class amenities. It’s home to Greece’s first Guerlain spa, three pools, beachside cabanas, and bungalows with private pools, outdoor fireplaces, and a 24/7 dedicated host.
How To Get to the Athens Riviera:
This palm-fringed, golden coastline is just 10 miles from central Athens and takes less than 30 minutes to reach, depending on traffic. If you'd rather avoid driving or taxis, public transport options, including the Metro or tram service, can take you to certain parts of the Riviera, though the Metro ends at Helliniko, so you’ll need a car to reach Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, and Sounio.
From Athens Airport, it’s about 16 miles to the Riviera by car or taxi, reachable in 30 minutes, traffic permitting. The Metro line runs every half hour to Piraeus, a one-hour journey.
To fully explore the region under your own steam and not be constricted to timetables, a car is your best bet.
The Best Time To Go:
The Athens Riviera is perfect year-round, particularly in spring and fall when temperatures range from 59-80°F — warm enough to swim, especially in September, when the sea has had all summer to heat up. Peak swimming time is from mid-June to August, though July 2024 was the hottest on record at 93°F, a 33°F increase from previous years.
Late spring to early fall is ideal for visiting as outdoor cinemas across the Riviera open. Most screenings are in English with Greek subtitles. Enjoy a wine or beer under the stars while watching a classic film — a true Athenian experience.
Combine It With:
Divide your time between a central Athens city break for about three nights, then head down to the Riviera for an "island within the mainland" getaway to round off your vacation.
What To Know Before You Go:
- You can explore the Riviera in two or three days, but to properly appreciate all the area has to offer, including hotel facilities, five to seven days are recommended.
- Make use of hotel pick-up services. All hotels mentioned here can arrange to collect guests from the airport or elsewhere and have concierge services to arrange trips.
- If you want to rent a car, note that you must request an automatic in advance as most cars are manual.
- Pack light layers for spring and fall visits as evenings can get chilly, especially with humidity levels reaching 72%.