What if want to stay in Athens, but want to feel like you are on a Cosmopolitan Greek Island? Below Sofia LaBoheme gives her suggestions for the Athens Riviera.
Question: Where to stay?
Answer: The Margi versus Astir Palace. Both are situated in the most exclusive area of the so-called Athenian Riviera, Vouliagmeni and both have equally luxurious accommodations for the sophisticated traveler. The difference is that the Margi is a trendy and intimate boutique hotel with a candlelit pool area and numerous cocktails bars within walking distance to the beach; whereas, Astir Palace is a legendary resort with a private peninsula. The Margi and its chic poolside bar is a great place for a late-afternoon snack and its signature pomegranate mojito; whereas, Astir Palace is the perfect place to dine with a view at its sushi restaurant Matsushisa by celebrity chef Nobu Matsushisa.
The Margi
11 Litous Street, Vouliagmeni 16671
Athens, Greece
TEL: +30 210 8929000
Astir Palace
40 Apollonos St.
Athens, Greece
TEL: 30 210 890-2000
TEL: (800) 937-8461
Question: Where to eat?
Answer: There are many restaurants in the Vouliagmeni area. Depending on your mood you can find almost anything from sushi by celebrity chef Nobu Mastushisa to authentic Greek cuisine. For a great view and sophisticated dining, go to:
Matsuhisa Athens Restaurant
Astir Palace Resort, 40 Apollonos Street
Vouliagmeni, Athens, Greece
Telephone reservations:
+30 210 8960510
Ithaki Restaurant
28 Apollonos street
Lemos Vouliagmenis, Athens, Greece
Telephone reservations:
+30 210 8963747
Cafe Tabac
The Margi, 11 Litous Street, Vouliagmeni 16671
Vouliagmeni, Athens, Greece
Telephone reservations:
+30 210 9670924
Labros Restaurant
Leoforos Poseidonos 20, Vouliagmeni 16671
Simpler Dining with No Reservations Needed
Tel: (+30) 210 89 60 144
Question: What Beach to go to?
Answer: Go to Asteras Vouliagmeni Beach 15 miles south of Athens in Vouliagmeni – On the shores south of Athens are known as the Athenian Riviera, with beaches spanning roughly 25 miles. One of the nicest of these belongs to the Astir Palace resort, on its private peninsula south of Athens. Urbanites willing to pay an entry fee that’s three times that of other beaches ($37 on weekends) head to sea-and-be-seen Vouliagmeni Beach for its clean, deep waters, private cabins, sun chairs, volleyball nets, restaurant, water sports, and access to resort facilities.
Question: What to do?
Answer: Visit the Vouliagmeni Lake Hot Springs—Natural hot springs continually fill this saltwater/mineral-water lake from below, keeping the brilliantly blue waters at a temperature of around 75 degrees year-round. A hydrotherapy center ($12 entry fee) offers treatments, and underground caves attract the occasional diver. The lake is just south of the town of Vouliagmeni, across Poseidonos Avenue from the ocean.
Vouliagmeni Lake
15 miles south of Athens
Vouliagmeni, Greece
TEL: 30 210 896-2237