If you’re visiting Athens, you definitely don’t want to miss out on the best things to do in the Athens Riviera.
This stunning coastline stretches 62.5 km (38.8 mi) from Piraeus – Athens’ main port – to Cape Sounion.
I am a local Greek living in Athens, so going to the sea is a natural thing for me.
In summer, I swim in Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, and Legrena. I enjoy seafood in the posh restaurants of Glyfada and Vouliagmeni all year round.
And when the sun is not so harsh (October to May), I stroll the seafront of the Riviera, taking photos and enjoying the sunset (I am a romantic soul deep down).
This post includes links that may be affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see my disclaimer/privacy policy for more information.
Why visit the Athens Riviera?
- It’s where Athenians go to relax and escape the city without actually leaving it
- Easy to reach from central Athens by tram, bus, or car
- Offers beaches, seaside walks, and beautiful sunsets all year round
- Excellent seafood taverns and stylish cafés right by the sea
- Perfect if you want a slower, more comfortable pace after sightseeing the Acropolis and Plaka.
Best Areas of the Athens Riviera
The best areas of the Athens Riviera and close to Athens are:
- Paleo Faliro, the closest Riviera area to central Athens and the Acropolis.
- Glyfada is known for stylish cafés, high-end shopping, beach clubs, and vibrant nightlife.
- Vouliagmeni is the most upscale area of the Athens Riviera, famous for Astir Beach, pine-covered coves, luxury resorts, and the unique Vouliagmeni Lake.
How to Get Around the Athens Riviera (Quick Overview)
- Tram: from Syntagma or Piraeus if you are going up to Voula
- Car: best for longer distances, such as Vouliagmeni or Sounion
- Bus: From Pedion Areos Park in the center to Sounion (slower but cheaper).
Planning a trip to Athens and the Riviera?
My Athens Travel Guide shows how to combine the city with the coast, where to stay, and how to move around without wasting time.
1. Paleo Faliro
Paleo Faliro is the first stop on the Athens Riviera coastline and is only 15 minutes away from the Acropolis Hill.
The area has modern apartment buildings and shops, and is a well-looked-after area by the local authorities.
Food Tip: Besides fish and seafood, Faliro is famous for its Asia Minor/ Middle East cuisine. My favorite restaurant with a yard is Suzanna.
History Tip: Faliro used to be the main ancient port of Athens. During the Persian wars around 493 BCE, Themistocles, the statesman of Athens, started constructing the Piraeus Port.
Apostle Paul, during his second missionary trip, arrived in Faliro in 50 CE and not in Piraeus.
Read here my dedicated travel guide on Paleo Faliro!
2. Flisvos Marina Park
Flisvos in P. Faliro is a very popular place, especially in the summer, and my favorite thing to do in the Athens Riviera!
The whole area of Flisvos Marina is a great commercial complex that offers diverse dining (there is a great Italian restaurant), shopping, and recreational opportunities – all within a natural environment overlooking the blue Saronic Gulf.
One of the best things to do in Faliro is to walk the beautiful Flisvos pedestrian area toward Alimos Marina, less than 1 km further down the shore.
This wide, idyllic pedestrian is a trendy spot where people from all over Athens come to bike, walk, run, play beach volleyball, party, or swim.
I often visit the area myself, buy some baked corn and chestnuts from street fooders, and munch them while gazing at the sea.
Where to Stay in Paleo Faliro
Two great hotels to stay in Faliro are the Coral Hotel Athens and the Poseidon Athens Hotel, with beautiful sea views, access to the beach, and stylish rooms with classical decoration.
It is excellent for a stopover near Piraeus port.
3. Alimos
Alimos is right next to Paleo Faliro, another fantastic place for walking by the sea and admiring the luxurious yachts at its Marina.
There is always a lot of sailing commotion around, especially in the summer, with yachts sailing to the Greek islands.
A great apartment with inner courtyard views in the area is Kalimera Alimos Apartment (mid-range, family-friendly).
Best Beach Bar in Alimos
If you love organized beaches with beat music on a sandy beach half an hour away from the Athens center, you should go to Bolivar.
You can get snacks and drinks right on your umbrella; there is a bar and a very nice restaurant as well. There is an entrance fee, and you also pay for the umbrellas and bed. More about Bolivar here.
4. Greek Night Clubs in Athens Riviera – Bouzoukia Athens
If you are looking for some fancy Greek nightlife, then you should go to Bouzoukia Athens.
Bouzoukia is a Greek experience, with Greek pop music which at times sounds like Middle Eastern music, light shows, airborne carnations, young beautiful singers, cigarette smoke and booze, and Greeks of all ages partying till dawn!
Posidonio Music Hall (in the Elliniko area) & VogClub Athens (Alimos) are two excellent examples of live music clubs.
Bouzoukia: When to Go & What to Wear
Here’s a quick guide so you know the best nights to go, what season Bouzoukia runs, and how to dress like a local.
- Best nights: Friday–Saturday
- Season: Mainly winter
- Dress code: Smart/dressy
- You definitely need to book a table, especially if you are visiting during Christmas/ New Year’s Eve.
Bouzoukia Tip: Until the ’70s in Bouzoukia, we used to break plates. For the last decades, it has been flowers and mainly carnations.
5. Hellinikon or Elliniko
Elliniko used to be Athens’ old airport until 2001. When flights moved to the new airport in Spata, this whole area was basically left behind for years.
Fast forward to today, and Elliniko is completely changing. A massive redevelopment project is underway, turning it into a huge seaside park with luxury homes, a five-star hotel, a marina, and even a casino.
If you take the tram along the Athens Riviera, you can already spot the construction as you pass by — it’s impossible to miss. Some parts of the project are expected to be ready around 2026, so it’s slowly coming to life.
And yes, they’re even building a 50-storey tower right by the sea, which will be the tallest building in Greece. Love it or hate it, it’s definitely going to change the skyline!
6. Agios Kosmas Marina
Agios Kosmas Marina is about 2.7 km from Alimos Marina, has 337 birthing places in total, and welcomes yachts of sizes from 15m to 80m. There is a large Sports center in Agios Kosmas with tracks for running.
I have witnessed some very beautiful sunsets in Agios Kosmas, as this is a quieter area and ideal for peaceful walking by the sea.
7. Glyfada
Glyfada, 5.5 km from Agios Kosmas Marina, is one of the most elegant and posh districts of the Athens Riviera, mostly preferred by wealthy Greeks and affluent foreigners as a residence.
The area stands out for its cosmopolitan clubs, fine hotels, sizeable shopping and boutiques, and high-end seafood restaurants.
Things to do in Glyfada
- Dine at Ark Restaurant on Asteras beach with Greek cuisine: from timeless classics to innovative creations.
- The best shopping spot in Glyfada is Kiprou (or Kyprou) Street, where you’ll find a mix of Greek and international designer boutiques.
- Walk by the beautiful sandy seafront.
- Go to my favorite seafront cafe-restaurant, Caretta, set by a tiny bay, great for a day cafe or a night drink.
Where to Stay in Glyfada
Stay at the stunning One&Only Aesthesis at the Asteras beach of Glyfada, exceptional in any detail: location, staff, luxury, ambiance, superb dining options.
Glyfada Golf tip: If you are a golf enthusiast, you will be thrilled with the Glyfada Golf Club, a modern 18-hole course!
8. Voula
Voula is just two miles south of Glyfada towards Sounion. It has two European blue flag beaches, organized and sandy, with beautiful, clear waters.
The area is dominated by the century-old Asklipiou Hospital, while all the action is centered around Voula’s main Vasileos Pavlou avenue.
Thanks to the special infrastructure that has been installed on the Voula beach, disabled people can also enjoy a swim with the Seatrac system.
Where to stay in Voula
Blazer Suites Hotel (luxury, family-friendly) is within meters of the beautiful sandy Voula beach.
9. Vouliagmeni
Vouliagmeni Bay, a pine-clad peninsula, is another gorgeous must-visit place in the Athens Riviera.
It has some of Attica’s most luxurious and popular beaches, offering stunning views of the distant Saronic Gulf islands.
The most famous beach is Astir Beach with shallow turquoise water, smooth sand, blue flag certification for cleanliness, and excellent facilities.
Near the beach lie the ruins of the Ancient Temple of Apollo Zoster, built during the 6th century BCE. The entrance fee is €10, but for a bed and umbrella, you have to pay €50!
Another beautiful beach in Vouliagmeni, surrounded by a small pine forest, is Kavouri, a secluded cove, with the ambiance of a Cycladic island beach with no entrance fee.
Where to Eat in Vouliagmeni
- I highly recommend Four Season’s Tavern 37, its tables are just inches from the water, with real traditional, unpretentious Greek food.
- Bluefish: A quality restaurant specializing in fresh fish, served right by the sea.
- Ithaki Restaurant & Bar: A legendary restaurant with many guests from the international jet set.
Where to stay in Vouliagmeni
Best Luxury Hotel in Vouliagmeni: Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens – most famous guests include Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Charlton Heston, Frank Sinatra, and Joan Collins.
The Margi (family-friendly) boutique hotel features a fascinating, almost mystical atmosphere around its swimming pool. It also offers outstanding seafood and exceptional service at a perfect, quiet location.
Here is a walk in Vouliagmeni, one of the most beautiful areas in the Athens Riviera:
10. Vouliagmeni Lake
At the end of the Vouliagmeni area, right across the sea lies the stunning Lake Vouliagmeni, the remains of a huge limestone cave fed by lukewarm springs welling from underground.
You can swim in the silky waters while getting a therapeutic spa for rheumatism and arthritis, or have a coffee at the restaurant. Find out more about the Lake here.
11. Limanakia Beach Athens
As you head toward Sounion, along Athens’ coastline, you’ll find an area called Limanakia—a series of small coves with deep blue water.
Limanakia Beach Bar is a hidden gem, frequented mostly by Athenians and those who have stayed in Athens long enough to discover its secret spots.
This simple wooden deck bar, right on the edge of a rock and just a meter from crystal-clear waters, comes alive in the evenings. It’s a favorite spot for people looking to catch a stunning sunset, sip on drinks, and take a moonlit swim.
A couple of its coves are popular with nudists. How to get there? Preferably by using your own car.
12-15. Varkiza, Lagonissi, Saronida, Anavyssos
Continuing at the Athens Riviera coastline, you find one amazing summer resort after another:
Varkiza beach is the first place you find after Limanakia and it is a quiet resort mostly preferred by Greeks with affordable seaside dining options. Many beach parties are organized at the Varkiza Beach Resort, where the post-sunset scene takes off.
Driving from Varkiza towards Sounio, you will find dozens of pretty beaches and coves with clear waters where you can have a nice dive, such as the Lomvarda beach.
Saronida is 5 km from Lagonisi and it is another popular sea resort of Attica, with its fine slopes of the surrounding hills. You can see villas and holiday resorts all around the area.
The next stop in the Athens Riviera is the beach town of Anavyssos. Anavyssos, only 7.5 km from Saronida, is popular for its windsurfing facilities and great seafood at its fish taverns.
16. Legrena KAPE Beach in Athens Riviera
12 km from Anavyssos and 7 km before the Archaeological Site of Sounion, is located the beautiful Legrena KAPE Beach.
It can be tricky to find, as you need to turn right at a certain point where a small sign is. KAPE is an isolated, small pebble beach with crystal clear turquoise waters.
In July and August, weekends can get very crowded, so I try to visit during the week, whenever this is possible.
There used to be a canteen at the top of the cliffs but it has been removed, so bring your own stuff.
17. Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon
From Legrena Beach, the coastal road continues to Cape Sounio, driving through the rugged terrain of this southern region of Athens.
Sounion Cape was ancient Athens’ strategic point, controlling the sea passage to the Aegean Sea and Piraeus, as well as the Lavrion peninsula.
In Sounion stands the imposing Temple of Poseidon, a stunning sight from the 5th century BC.
Besides the Temple of Poseidon, there are other important ruins all around that you should visit: The fortress, the sanctuaries, and a settlement as well as a cemetery.
Across the Temple, you can find one of the most gorgeous beaches in Greece, Sounion Bay, lined with fresh fish taverns and exquisite hotels.
Where to Stay in Cape Sounion
The Best Hotel to stay in Sounion, Athens Riviera, is the Cape Sounio, Grecotel Exclusive Resort, a stunning hotel right across from the Temple of Poseidon with top-notch cuisine and service.
18. Bio Farm to Fork Meal & Temple of Poseidon Tour
Ever wondered what goes into making authentic Greek olive oil? On this private tour, you’ll cruise along the beautiful Athens Riviera to a charming farm, where we’ll explore olive groves together and discover different Greek olive varieties.
After a farm-to-fork lunch and olive oil tasting, we’ll head to the breathtaking Temple of Poseidon for some stunning views.
Book this amazing food-tasting tour here.
Sunset & Swimming Tips for the Athens Riviera
Sunsets along the Athens Riviera are beautiful all year round, especially between Vouliagmeni, Limanakia, and Cape Sounion, where the sun drops directly into the sea.
- Best sunset time:
- Summer: around 8:30–8:45 pm
- Spring & fall: around 6:30–7:30 pm
- Winter: around 5:00–5:30 pm
Swimming is possible for most of the year, but expectations matter.
- Best months for swimming: June to October
- Cold but swimmable: May and November (for confident swimmers)
- Winter swimming: Popular with locals, especially around Vouliagmeni and Limanakia, but the water is cold
If you’re visiting outside of summer, Vouliagmeni Lake is a great alternative, offering warm, mineral-rich waters year-round.
Quick Links for Athens Riviera
- Top Hotel in Voula, Athens Riviera: Blazer Suites Hotel
- The easiest way to see Greece your way is by getting a rental car.
- Top-rated Guided Tour: 2 Hour Private Tour through the Athens Riviera in a Sidecar.
FAQs for Athens Riviera
Is the Athens Riviera free to visit?
Yes. Public beaches, seaside promenades, and most areas are free. Organized beaches and beach clubs charge an entrance fee
Is the Athens Riviera suitable for families?
Yes, it’s great for families! Many beaches are family-friendly, with shallow waters, and there are plenty of parks, restaurants, and kid-friendly activities
Are beaches in the Athens Riviera sandy or rocky?
Both. Glyfada, Voula, and Astir Beach are sandy, while Limanakia are rocky with deep blue water.
Is the Athens Riviera windy?
It can be breezy, especially in summer afternoons (meltemi winds). Mornings and evenings are usually calmer.
Is the Athens Riviera worth visiting if I’m not a beach person?
Definitely. It’s great for walking, dining, sunsets, marina views, and relaxed local life—even without swimming.
Athens Riviera Quiz: Test Your Knowledge!
- Which historic cape is a must-visit landmark in the Athens Riviera?
a) Cape Sounion
b) Cape Tainaron
c) Cape Akrotiri
d) Cape Lefkatas - What is the best way to explore the Athens Riviera without a car?
a) Renting a bicycle
b) Walking and using public buses
c) Hiring a taxi
d) Renting a scooter - Which beach in the Athens Riviera is known for its luxurious resorts?
a) Glyfada Beach
b) Vouliagmeni Beach
c) Kavouri Beach
d) Alimos Beach - Which popular seafood dish should you try when visiting the Athens Riviera?
a) Grilled Octopus
b) Fresh Sea Bass (Lavraki)
c) Fried Calamari
d) All of the above - Which of these activities is a must-do for ocean lovers in the Athens Riviera?
a) Sailing the coastline
b) Shopping in local boutiques
c) Staying at a seafront hotel
d) All of the above
Here are the correct answers for the quiz:
- The must-visit landmark in the Athens Riviera is Cape Sounion.
- The best way to explore the Athens Riviera without a car is by walking and using public buses.
- Vouliagmeni Beach is the beach known for its luxurious resorts in the Athens Riviera.
- The popular seafood dishes to try in the Athens Riviera include Grilled Octopus, Fresh Sea Bass (Lavraki), and Fried Calamari, with the correct answer being all of the above.
- Must-do activities for ocean lovers in the Athens Riviera include sailing the coastline, staying at a seafront hotel, and all of the above.
Join my FB Group & Subscribe to My YouTube & TikTok Channels!
For more travel to Greece tips and beautiful destinations in the Greek islands please join my FREE Facebook Group or SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube & TikTok channels for amazing videos of Greece! Happy and safe travels, Evgenia.
My Most Popular Posts
- Greece Packing List – What to pack for a 10-day trip to Greece
- First Time to Greece – Most Important FAQ
- Mamma Mia Greece Locations – All the mainland and island shooting areas in Greece
- Athens Hotels Near Acropolis
- Apartments Near Acropolis
Essential Travel Resources for Greece
- ‘Hello’ and ‘Thank You’ in Greek: “Ya sou” and “Efharisto”
- Booking.com: I use Booking.com mostly for Europe.
- All-Inclusive Resorts in Greece
- Rent an Affordable Car in Greece
- Athens Metro Website (timetables and ticket info)
- Trains (Hellenic Train)
- Public Buses KTEL
- Get Your Guide: For all your day or multi-day tours and city guide needs, I use Get Your Guide
- Emergency Numbers Anywhere in Greece: AMBULANCE 166 – FIRE 199 – POLICE 100– EMERGENCY NUMBER 112
I think it’s almost time to look for a ticket to Greece, for the fall. These photos make me want to visit more and more, and I think even this week it may be possible for Americans to enter! But I will wait for the cooler weather in the fall because its better for hiking.
Yes, I also think it is high time you booked your ticket to Greece and join me for good hikes in Athens and the Greek islands! Indeed Americans will be allowed into the country. The best time for hiking in Greece is April and May because everything has blossomed and the nature is full of hundreds of different flowers.
Hello, please tell me if in June I can go on the Athens Riviera with a small dog on the beach. Please also recommend some pet friendly beaches in this area. Thank you.
Hello! Yes, you can go as long as you have the dog always on a leash and you have a pet passport with you that indicates that the pet is vaccinated and chipped. The best beaches to go with a dog are the unorganized/remote/ empty of human ones. The dog is not allowed to swim in the sea.
Thank you!