Paleo Faliro is one of the most scenic residential areas in Athens, renowned for its prime location along the Saronic Sea. Its most famous landmark, Marina Flisvos, is a must-see but it is not the only one! There are plenty of things to do in Paleo Faliro that you simply don’t want to miss during your trip to Athens.
I live in central Athens so getting to Paleo Faliro for a stroll on its lovely seafront with the palm trees or an evening cocktail admiring the mega yachts in Flisvos is super easy.
So if you are thinking of staying at the Athens Riviera but be back for the Acropolis and the other sites fast, then Paleo Faliro is your best choice.
But Paleo Faliro is not only the sea views! Whether you are looking for charming taverns or great shopping in an authentic Greek neighborhood, you will find something for yourself here. The list of things to do in Paleo Faliro is long!
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Things to Do in Paleo Faliro
As this is one of the closest areas of the Athens Riviera to the Acropolis (6.3 km), with easy access via Syggrou Avenue, getting there for a visit is very easy. It is also a fantastic area to stay especially if you would like to combine the beautiful beaches with a local experience in a well-kept area. Paleo Faliro has a laid-back vibe with chic cafés, and small boutique shops, perfect if you are after relaxed and high-quality living.
Below you can find my favorite things to do in Paleo Faliro.
Paleo Faliro & Flisvos Marina
The most typical thing to do in Paleo Faliro is to visit the beautiful Flisvos Marina. I actually suggest you do so even if you stay centrally in Athens. You can take a taxi and be there in 20 minutes.
Flisvos Marina is the most organized one in Athens, featuring 310 berths with more than 50% able to accommodate yachts over 30m. I often go around the piers watching the super luxury yachts as there is a dedicated area where you can enjoy a volta (stroll in Greek).
Along the main strip, you’ll discover various dining options, from authentic Italian cuisine at Napolitivo to Greek seafood specialties at Nisos restaurant. There are also numerous cafés where you can grab a snack or an ice cream, and cocktail bars that are particularly popular during sunset hours.
Besides the lovely seafront, the large green complex of Flisvos Park and Marina is also very family-friendly with facilities that include:
- Playgrounds for 2-5 years and one for children up to 12 years old.
- A field for sports with outdoor gymnastics equipment, mini soccer, and basketball courts.
- An 80-seat wooden amphitheater for cultural events and a canteen.
- An open-air Cinema, the Ciné Flisvos, one of Attica’s most popular summer cinemas.
- And a designated dog park!
If you walk for 10 minutes to the north of Flisvos Marina you will get to the 140-metre Averof Battleship that played an important role in the Balkan War in 1912. It operates today as the Averof Naval Museum – an interactive and fun experience for all ages.
**Looking where to stay in Paleo Faliro? Check out the Modern Apartments near Marina Flisvos (450 m away).
Paleo Faliro Beach
If you walk at the end of Flisvos Marina toward the Open Cinema you will get to the waterfront of Flisvos, a favorite promenade decorated with monuments such as the half submarine. This walk will take you to the first of the Faliro Beaches, named… Faliro! The other two are Batis which is a more low-key beach and Edem, the ultra popular beach in Paleo Faliro. All beaches have free entrance.
The Faliro Beach is lovely to swim, it is always popular with swimmers and sun lovers throughout the year. The Faliro municipality has installed umbrellas along the entire stretch of the beach, along with changing rooms, restrooms, showers, and wooden walkways to improve accessibility. They’ve also done some planting around the area.
Most notably, the sand is cleaned nightly with specialized equipment, ensuring a pristine shoreline. The result is a beach that rivals the finest private resorts but with the advantage of being open and free for everyone to enjoy.
Paleo Faliro has a 1.5-kilometer coastline where the following have been installed:
- 1 cabin for people with disabilities/Seatrac in Batis Beach
- 70 umbrellas
- 2 kiosks & 40 wooden bins
- 12 double changing cabins
- 7 double showers
- 3 lifeguard towers and 800 meters of wooden beach walkways
You can walk to Batis and Edem (1.4 km from Faliro Beach) along the beautifully paved promenade lined with large palm trees. Next to the trees are the tram lines that connect Athens’ center to the Athens Riviera, and right beside them is the large Poseidon Avenue.
I highly recommend strolling along this lovely promenade. Not only is the sea view stunning, but there are also many statues and monuments to admire along the way.
Edem Beach
Edem Beach is a great spot along the Athenian Riviera in Paleo Faliro, perfect for a laid-back day by the sea. The golden sands and calm, clear waters make it an ideal place to swim, sunbathe, or just relax and enjoy the coastal vibes. The best part? Entrance is free, and it’s super easy to get to by tram—just hop off at the “Edem” stop and you’re there!
You’ll find all the basics like umbrellas, showers, lifeguards, and changing rooms to keep you comfortable. If you are the sports type, there is a volleyball pitch and a free gym. During the summer, it can get pretty crowded, so it’s a good idea to come early if you want to find a good spot.
When you’re ready for a bite, head over to Edem Restaurant right on the beach. They serve up delicious seafood and Greek dishes with a view that’s hard to beat. They have a lovely terrace as well, just make sure that you book a table otherwise it will be close to impossible to find a spot. Next to Edem, there is a newly opened cafe as well where you can enjoy the marvelous sunset if you stay until late in the evening.
Restaurants in Paleo Faliro
When Greeks were expelled from Constantinopole (Istanbul) in the 50s and 60s, a large number of them relocated in Paleo Faliro as back then it reminded them of their lost homes. They established a local tradition of food directly inspired by the Constantinopole recipes (Politika food). This tradition is still very alive and you can enjoy unique flavors in some of the restaurants in Paleo Faliro.
Some of the best restaurants serving Politika food are:
Suzana (Orfeos & Chariton 5, Paleo Faliro)
Suzanna offers a delicious mash-up of Lebanese and Turkish cuisine. The humus heaped with toasted pine nuts and fiery iskender kebab are knock-outs. They have also many vegan and vegetarian options such as manti (mushroom dumplings in yogurt sauce) and mücver (courgette, feta, and dill fritters). For dessert, they also serve warm kunefe (kataifi pastry with melted cheese and plenty of butter), freshly baked to order.
Aladdin (104 Amfitheas Ave. & 88 Areos str)
Aladdin is a popular oriental food restaurant in Paleo Faliro that I always enjoy visiting. I love its taboule (lettuce with bulgur, parsley and tomato), and its mix meats giaourtlou (oven cooked pita with yogurt, tomato sauce and urfa kebap, cis kebap and beef gyros with oriental flavor).
Sin Burger Bar (Agiou Alexandrou 26)
Sin Burger Bar in central Paleo Faliro, is the go-to spot for juicy, mouthwatering burgers with a creative twist. It also has many vegeterian dishes to choose from. With a relaxed vibe and friendly staff, it’s perfect for casual hangouts or a satisfying meal any day of the week.
Da Bruno – The Italian Flavor of Paleo Faliro (Ag. Alexandrou 46)
Who doesn’t love good Italian food? If you are also a fan, Da Bruno restaurant offers mouthwatering authentic Italian cuisine made with traditional ingredients straight from our neighboring country. Enjoy classic recipes from various regions of Italy. My best ever dish? Spaghetti Frutti di Mare!
Mikio – Cretan Food (Ag. Alexandrou 58)
No need to go to Crete to enjoy really authentic Cretan dishes while you are visiting Paleo Faliro! Go to Mikio! Run by Petros and his wife, Eliza, truly lives up to its name… Mikio, which in the Cretan dialect means “small.” And that’s exactly what it is. Small, cozy, and friendly, Mikio is a warm and inviting spot.
Let me order for you: Choose between ouzo and raki, pick up your favorite cheese. Cretan graviera, ladotyri, mizithra, aged anthotyro, and a unique cheese called aori with fresh pepper. Then order a Sfakian pie (either savory or sweet with Cretan honey) and a marathopita. For meat lovers choose vinegar-cured sausage, the Rethymno village sausage, and the traditional Cretan sygklino, which is different from the Mani version but just as delicious. Bon Appetit!
Benaki Toy Museum
In Paleo Faliro there is a hidden gem of a museum housed in a gorgeous-fairy-tale-looking building: The Toy Benaki Museum! It is housed in a preserved, eclectic architectural tower from 1900, with two symmetrical octagonal turrets with battlements, known as the Kouloura residence.
The exhibits include 20,000 toys, books, ephemera, clothing and other items associated with childhood from Greece and the whole world. This is really a fan thing to do in Paleo Faliro especially if you have kids!
Shopping in Faliro
Shopping in Palaio Faliro offers a charming, local experience. While you won’t find upscale boutiques here, the area is filled with small, family-run shops that have plenty to offer. From fresh produce and traditional Greek products to unique gifts and everyday essentials, these stores provide a warm, personalized shopping experience.
There are a couple of shops selling hand-made jewelry that you may want to check out!
Where to Stay in Paleo Faliro
One of the best places to stay in Faliro is the Coral Hotel Athens (family-friendly, mid-range) with beautiful sea views, access to the beach, and stylish rooms with classical decoration. It is very close to Agiou Alexandrou street and it is excellent for a stopover near Piraeus port.
Check out availability and prices in Booking and Expedia.
Poseidon Athens Hotel (family-friendly, mid-range) is located across from Edem Beach, so if you book here ask for a sea view, it will be amazing. You can relax on the roof terrace by the swimming pool, enjoying a drink or snack. The hotel’s restaurant has an amazing sea view, and every morning, you can enjoy a tasty Greek breakfast buffet with traditional pies.
Check out availability and prices on Booking or Expedia.
Modern Apartments near Marina Flisvos
With great city views, Modern Apartments near Marina Flisvos (family-friendly, mid-range) offers cozy accommodations just 500 meters from Flisvos Beach and less than 1 km from Edem Beach. The building has an elevator, and the apartments come with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and private parking.
Each apartment features a balcony, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven, a comfy seating area, a flat-screen TV, a washing machine, and a private bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hairdryer.
Athens Riviera Sunset Cruise
The best way to enjoy Athens Riviera is by booking a great sailing trip around the shore, starting from Marina Zea in Piraeus. It is a perfect family sunset cruise with a spectacular sailing back in the night as the city lits up.
The boat passes by the shores of Paleo Faliro, Voula with swimming stops at Glyfada and Vouliagmeni near the super-luxurious Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens. You can also enjoy a snack and drinks buffet with a pick-up option from your Athens hotel.
Book your Athens Riviera Sunset Cruise here!
How to Get to Paleo Faliro from Athens
Paleo Faliro is located in the south of Athens along the Athens Riviera. There are quite a few options that you can choose to get there:
- By Car: Drive with your rental car along Syngrou Avenue, heading south from the city center. It’s about a 20-minute drive, depending on traffic.
- By Taxi: Taxis are readily available throughout Athens and can take you directly to Paleo Faliro. The journey usually takes around 15-20 minutes and should cost around €15 – €20.
- By Bus: The A2 and B2 buses are good options, departing from central Athens (Syntagma) and stopping at various points in Paleo Faliro. Cost €1.20
- By Tram: The tram line T3 (Asklipio Voulas – SEF) runs from Syntagma to Paleo Faliro, offering a scenic route along the coast. It’s a comfortable option that takes about 30-40 minutes. Cost €1.20
- By Bike: For those who enjoy cycling, book a bike tour from Athens to Paleo Faliro, especially along the coast, offering a scenic and sustainable way to travel.
Paleo Faliro Quiz: Test Your Knowledge!
- Which popular beach can be found in Paleo Faliro?
a) Flisvos Beach
b) Vouliagmeni Beach
c) Alimos Beach
d) Kavouri Beach - What museum in Paleo Faliro showcases the history of the Greek maritime tradition?
a) Hellenic Maritime Museum
b) Benaki Museum
c) Museum of Maritime Tradition
d) Museum of Naval Battles - Which historic battleship is on display at the Naval Tradition Park in Paleo Faliro?
a) Georgios Averof
b) HS Velos
c) USS Missouri
d) HMS Belfast - Which tram line connects Paleo Faliro to the center of Athens?
a) Line 5
b) Line 3
c) Line 2
d) Line 4 - What popular park in Paleo Faliro offers a seaside promenade and cultural events?
a) National Garden
b) Flisvos Park
c) Syggrou Park
d) Pedion tou Areos Park
Answers:
- The popular beach in Paleo Faliro is a) Flisvos Beach.
- The museum showcasing the history of Greek maritime tradition is c) Museum of Maritime Tradition.
- The historic battleship on display at the Naval Tradition Park is a) Georgios Averof.
- The tram line connecting Paleo Faliro to the center of Athens is c) Line 3.
- The popular park offering a seaside promenade and cultural events is b) Flisvos Park.
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