You don’t need to get on a ferry to escape the bustle of the Greek capital: Just 10 miles south of the city –typically a 30-40 minute drive– you will find a place where urban sprawl gives way to an idyllic palm fringed setting. Swim, relax at a waterfront café, walk the picture-perfect pedestrian streets and the marinas, exercise your favorite water sport, shop in one of the area’s modern shopping centers, dine by the sea or entertain yourself in one of the coastal avenue’s buzzing clubs
• Fáliro, Flisvos Marina
Located very close to Athens, Flisvos Park is ideal for leisurely strolls and bike rides, featuring beautiful coasts, parks, shopping centers and stylish restaurants are there to keep up your summer carefree mood as you enjoy the slew of mega yachts. Tip: You can ride a bike at no cost for 1.5 hours borrowing it from a specially created kiosk located between the tram stations “Flisvos Park” and “Flisvos” during the summer.
• Glyfáda:
Featuring palm-fringed beaches, its cosmopolitan clubs, hotels, boutiques, restaurants as well as its marinas. Swim in crystal clear waters or enjoy a frappe. Tip: if you are a golf enthusiast enjoy the Glyfáda Golf Club, the city’s modern 18-hole course.
• Voúla:
Just two miles south of Glyfada lies Voúla, home to two amazing organized beaches which have been awarded the Blue Fag and the Riviera’s biggest beach clubs with modern beach bars, jet ski equipment, beach volleyball courts, a vibrant dance deck and water slides. Tip: A great spot for nightlife or a drink as well.
• Vouliagméni:
To the east lies Vouliagméni bay, its beach nestling in a beautiful location, before Mount Hymettus. Astir beach on Apóllonos Street with its shallow, delicately turquoise water, smooth sand, excellent facilities and blue flag certification for cleanliness is one of Attica’s most luxurious and most popular beaches. Opposite Astir beach lies the public beach, which has no facilities and therefore no entry fee. Bustling nightlife, elegant cafes, restaurants and the luxurious hotels make Vouliagméni a summer hotspot. Tip: Vouliagméni Lake, only a five-minute walk from the square in the centre of the town, lies “sunk” in the remains of a huge limestone cave fed by lukewarm springs welling from underground. Many believe the lake offers healing for rheumatism and arthritis.
• Várkiza:
Beyond Vouliagméni lies the bustling little resort of Várkiza, where an outstanding seascape unfolds with impressive coves below the coastal road. Swim for free or pay an entrance fee at organised beaches with azure waters, to exercise your favourite water sports or enjoy a delicious meal in a picturesque taverna by the sea while sipping a glass of ouzo which perfectly complements fresh seafood! Tip: Windsurfing enthusiasts will be thrilled in Várkiza since it is considered to offer the best windsurfing locations in Greece.
The coastal road continues through magnificent areas such as Lagonissi and Saronida and ends at Cape Sounio, Attica’s southeastern tip. There you will find the impressive Temple of Poseidon.
How to get to the Athens Riviera from City Center:
• By tram: Choose T1 line from Syntagma towards “Néo Fáliro” (Peace and Friendship Stadium station) or T2 line towards Voúla (Asklipiío Voúlas station). You can also board T3 line departing from Voúla to Néo Fáliro.
• By bus: You can take the B3 route (Akadimia-Glyfáda, through Vouliagménis avenue) or the express bus number E22 (Akadimia-Saronida).
Basil Boziotis
