Stretching along the Saronic Gulf, along the coastal area west of the ancient centre in Athens the Athenian Riviera offers sun-soaked beaches, vibrant nightlife, and cosmopolitan charm just minutes from Athens’ city centre. This seaside strip runs from the southern edges of Piraeus through charming coastal suburbs, each with its own personality and appeal.
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Where is the Athenian Riviera?
- The Athenian Riviera follows the coast along the Saronic Gulf.
- It starts around the neighbourhood of Tzitzifies and extends to Vouliagmeni and beyond, about 16 kilometres from the ancient centre.
How to Get There
- From Athens Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos):
- Taxi or private transfer (30-45 min)
- Bus X96 to major suburbs like Glyfada and Vouliagmeni
- From Central Athens:
- Tram Line 3 (Syntagma to Voula) offers a scenic route along the coastline.
- Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber and Beat operate throughout the area (although they call you taxis not private cars)
How to get around the Athenian Riviera
- Tram: Reliable and connects the main coastal suburbs.
- Buses: Frequent, though trams provide a more scenic option.
- HOHO – The red Hop On Hop Off bus has 15 stops along the beachfront on top of 15 stops in the ancient centre. Be sure to buy a ticket that includes the ‘Riviera loop’.
- Taxis: Readily available and affordable for short journeys.
- Biking & Walking: Many paths along the coastline are perfect for leisurely strolls or bike rides. You can also do a guided electric bike tour along the waterfront.
- Car Rental: Recommended if exploring beyond the main suburbs to remote beaches or the southern tip at Cape Sounion.
- Private Driver: Don’t want to tackle the traffic and parking and want someone to show you all the hidden gems. Book our trusted drivers for a personalised tour.
Overview of Athenian Riviera Suburbs
Palio Faliro
Located between Piraeus and the Athens city centre, this area is a gateway to the Riviera. It offers a blend of urban vibrancy and coastal appeal, making it popular for locals seeking quick seaside escapes. This area has undergone recent redevelopment and features waterfront cafes, open-air venues, and artsy cultural spaces. It is where you will find busy Flisvos Marina, home to many yachts, museums, restaurants, parkland and more.
Attractions:
- Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre: A modern complex housing the National Library, National Ballet and Greek National Opera, surrounded by landscaped gardens and a canal where visitors can kayak or stroll along scenic walkways. There is always an event, exhibition or performance on here, year-round. Often festivals too.
- Flisvos Marina is a large, popular marina with luxury yachts, upscale restaurants, cafes, and bars. It’s perfect for evening strolls along the promenade with views of the Saronic Gulf and hosts various events, including concerts and cultural activities.
- Floating Museum Neraida is a restored 1939 ferry that showcases Greece’s maritime heritage through exhibits on coastal shipping, the ship’s history, and its restoration. Managed by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, the museum offers scenic views of the Saronic Gulf and hosts educational programs and events, making it a unique attraction along the Athenian Riviera.
- Flisvos Park and Beach provide a green space with playgrounds, walking paths, and access to a small beach area, ideal for families, joggers, and cyclists enjoying the Athenian Riviera.
- The Floating Naval Museum (Battleship Averof) is a historic battleship turned museum docked at Flisvos Marina, offering exhibits on naval history and Greece’s involvement in significant wars.
- Ellinikon Experience Park is one of Europe’s most ambitious urban regeneration projects. Work has begun to transform the former Athens International Airport into a fully sustainable metropolitan hub, with greenery and leisure facilities, residential and commercial spaces, hotels and restaurants and much more.
- Edem Beach offers free access to an urban beach with organized facilities for swimming and sunbathing, lined with cafes and tavernas serving traditional Greek food and drinks.
- If you’re visiting with kids, the Benaki Toy Museum near Flisvos Marina has one of the largest collections of vintage toys, games and children’s books in Europe.
Kalamaki
Kalamaki is a lively marina and beach club hub, with yachts docked along its waterfront and a vibrant dining scene. The neighbourhood strikes a balance between urban and coastal living, drawing in yacht enthusiasts and those seeking water adventures. It’s also an ideal launch point for island-hopping day trips.
Attractions:
- Alimos Marina: One of the largest marinas in Greece, offering yacht rentals, sailing schools, and cruises to nearby islands.
- Kalamaki Beach, a sandy urban beach with organized swimming areas, sunbeds, and beach bars.
- Akti tou Iliou, a lively beach bar complex with music events, watersports, and lounge spaces for relaxation.
- Alimos Marina Promenade, perfect for evening walks or cycling along the coast, offering beautiful views of the Aegean Sea.
- Seaside Tavernas near the marina are famous for their seafood, serving freshly caught fish alongside traditional Greek dishes.
Bolivar
Akanthus Summer Club
Nalu Cafe
Bolivar Beach Club
Where to stay in Palio Faliro and Kalamaki
The Athens Marriott is just a few blocks back from the beachfront and Marina and is a popular choice, especially with Marriott-Bonvoy members. It is also very popular with people attending events at the Cultural Centre.
Right on the beachfront and a short walk from the Marina is Coral Hotel Athens which has great sea views, sunbeds on the beach, a rooftop restaurant and two-bedroom family apartments that can sleep 4 people.
Right across from Alimos Marina is Celia Residence which is a short walk to the sea and offers rooms from standard doubles to one-bedroom apartments.
We also like Urban Suites and Maison 66, which are both across from some of Athens best beach bars and clubs and have great sea views.
Glyfada
The beating heart of the Athenian Riviera, Glyfada is synonymous with luxury. It offers high-end shopping, a thriving food scene, and a bustling nightlife. Known as a playground for the rich and famous, this suburb attracts locals and tourists looking for stylish boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and trendy clubs.
Attractions:
- Glyfada Beach: A golden sandy stretch perfect for swimming or soaking up the sun.
- Glyfada Golf Course: The premier golf course in Athens, offering excellent facilities.
- Glyfada Marina, a hub for yachts, sailing activities, and waterfront dining at trendy cafes and restaurants.
- Upscale Shopping District: Explore boutiques featuring international designer brands, as well as Greek fashion labels and jewelry shops.
- Seaside Promenade, ideal for scenic walks or cycling with views of the Saronic Gulf.
- Nightlife and Dining, with a wide selection of high-end restaurants, beach bars, and clubs that offer a vibrant nightlife scene.
Voula
Voula is a sophisticated, upscale suburb, ideal for those looking for a more refined coastal experience. With well-maintained beaches, quiet streets, and chic cafes, Voula offers an excellent quality of life. The area appeals to families and retirees alike, thanks to its peaceful vibe and proximity to nature.
It is possible to walk into Glyfada and enjoy many things in and around the Riviera from Voula. This is also where the tram terminates, at this stage.
Attractions:
- Voula Beach (Asteras Complex): An exclusive beach club with pools, restaurants, and luxurious sunbeds, perfect for a relaxing day.
- Local Parks and Playgrounds provide recreational areas for children and families to enjoy outdoor activities.
- Upscale beachfront resorts and restaurants
Where to stay in Glyfada and Voula
Ace Hotel & Swim Club is a trendy new offering and the first of the Atelier Group hotels in Greece. Recently opened after the major renovation of this ’70’s style apartment block the retro vibe are strong with an expensive pool which can be accessed by non guests with day passes.
Right in the middle of the main shopping area and the beach is Dusit Suites Athens, the first forray by the luxury Thai brand in Greece, while the nearby Sea View Hotel is in a similar location with a lower price point.
In Voula, luxury UAE brand One & Only has opened the new and very beautiful One & Only Aesthesis, while right next door luxury Greek operator Domes has dipped their first toe in the Athens market with the very unique 91 Athens Riviera resort, offering 28 opulent ‘glamping’ tents, a tennis club and the 2nd offshoot of famous Barbarossa restaurant from Naoussa, Paros.
Vouliagmeni
Vouliagmeni is the crown jewel of the Riviera, known for its natural beauty, luxury resorts, and serene atmosphere. The area draws visitors seeking a luxurious retreat with world-class amenities and unparalleled sea views. Its coastline is dotted with upscale hotels, fine dining restaurants, and secluded coves perfect for swimming.
Attractions:
- Vouliagmeni Lake: A natural lake with warm, mineral-rich waters reputed for their healing properties. The lake is surrounded by cliffs and offers a tranquil setting for swimming and spa treatments.
- Vouliagmeni Beach offers pristine waters, organized facilities, and beachfront cafes, perfect for relaxation and swimming.
- Astir Beach: An iconic high-end beach club offering a luxurious experience with private cabanas, gourmet dining, and beachside service.
- Temple of Apollo Zoster: An ancient archaeological site located within the Astir Beach complex, providing a glimpse into the area’s history.
- Vouliagmeni Marina is a charming spot for yacht enthusiasts, perfect for an afternoon stroll or waterfront dining.
- Hiking trails through pine forests and along the coast, offering scenic views of the Saronic Gulf
Where to stay in Vouliagmeni
At the top end of this area, we love Divani Apollon Palace, especially for families.
Down near Astir and Vouliagmeni Beaches, The Margi is popular with couples and singles while the Athenian Riviera Hotel & Suitesis very good value for all types of travellers and is a short walk to the beaches and restaurants.
on the Astir peninsula, you will find the only Four Seasons Hotel in Greece, the Four Seasons Astir Palace.
There are also a number of exclusive bars and restaurants including an exclusive beach club and Marina. This area is very popular with celebrities, politicians, and VIPs, many of whom live nearby.
Vouliagmeni Beach
Vouliagmeni Lake
Astir
Beaches on the Athenian Riviera
Visitors to Athens often don’t realise how many good beaches there are so close to the ancient centre.
In fact, the region of Attica has some 94 notable beaches along its coastline, with the Riviera home to over 20.
Several of these beaches are ‘Blue Flag’ beaches which means they have met stringent measures for cleanliness and water quality.
Some of our favourite beaches in Attica include:
Kalamaki
Kalamaki Beach is located in Alimos, only eight kilometres from Athens. It’s a small beach with yellow-brown sand visited by different locals and travellers, which is why it can get crowded during the high season.
Kalamaki Beach has many amenities: a rental service of loungers and parasols, changing rooms, toilets, a lifeguard service, and beach restaurants. Around the beach, there are also several good hotels.
Kalamaki Beach is easily accessible, and a large parking spot is located directly on the beach side. It adjoins the even more popular beach of Akti Illiou.
Akti Illiou
Further along from Kalamaki this larger beach starts with popular Bolivar Beach Bar – a year-round destination, and ends with Nalu restaurant which adjoins Akanthus Summer Club. This whole stip is extremely popular in summer where Athenians spend entire days enjoying the beach and staying well into the night.
Alimos
On the other side of Nalu ( a collective development often referred to as ‘Blu’ by locals, is Alimos Beach which is where Bikini Beach Bar is found. This is another of the most popular summer destinations for Athenians. At the southern end of the this beach are even more bars and Tavernas – Lafitis Dimitrios Kantina and Ellados Eikones among them.
This area is undergoing a huge transformation – the largest currently in Europe. Alimos used to be home to Athens Airport and that old site is being turned into the impressive and very aspirational Ellinikon Project including beautiful Ellinikon Experience Park.
Glyfada
Glyfada Beach is located along the coast southeast of Athens and tends to be very busy during the summer season. The beach is pebbly, and the clear waters are perfect for a refreshing swim.
Glyfada Beach is free to enter, and it is partially organized. You will find showers, changing rooms, toilets, a lifeguard service, and some parasols. However, remember that parasols are rented out quickly in the early morning. There are no restaurants and bars on Glyfada Beach, but you can find places to eat nearby.
Glyfada Beach is easily accessible by local bus and by car, but there are no parking lots available in the beach’s proximity.
Astir
Situated along the Athenian Riviera, 30 minutes from Athens, Astir Beach is an exclusive beach club in Greece open to the public for a significant entry fee.
Surrounded by pines, Astir Beach is a 400-meter-long sandy beach with incredible high-level facilities: besides lounges and parasols, there are restaurants and bars, boutiques, spa treatments, and free Wi-Fi.
At Astir Beach, you will also find the Astir Ski Club, the Beach Volley Courts, and the Beach Racquets Area.
Make sure to book a sunbed online in advance if you would like to stay at Astir Beach. A big plus? Sunbeds come with towels and a bottle of water!
Yabanaki
Whilst not technically on the Riviear Yabanaki Beach is just around on the next cove south and is famous for its soft sand and shallow waters. The beach is situated in a wide bay, protecting it from strong winds and large waves, which makes it perfect for families with kids.
This beach is very well-organized in summer with many sunbeds and umbrellas available for rent, as well as toilets, showers, and changing rooms. Many people play beach sports, such as volley, or water sports like water skiing and windsurfing, to spend some fun time with your friends or family. There is also a kid playground with a train and a bouncy castle.
Further reading: The Top Beach Club in Athens
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