Lake Vouliagmeni: entry prices, getting there and whether it suits children
About half an hour from Athens there is a natural lake whose water stays warm even in winter. Here is how to plan a visit to Lake Vouliagmeni: prices, hours, public transport and who it suits less.
- The water is warm all year, roughly 21–29°C, thanks to thermal springs mixing with seawater.
- Summer 2025 entry: about €17 on weekdays and €19 at weekends for adults; children up to 5 free.
- From Athens take bus 122 or drive, about 25 km south of the centre.
Lake Vouliagmeni is especially good in winter and spring, when the sea is cold. It suits toddlers and non-swimmers less: there is no sandy beach or shallow entry. Check prices and hours on the official website before you go.
What is Lake Vouliagmeni?
Lake Vouliagmeni is a natural lake on the Athens Riviera, about 25 km south of the city centre, between limestone cliffs and the sea. It formed when the roof of a cave collapsed, so it is very deep in the middle and you cannot see the bottom. The water comes from thermal springs mixing with seawater, so it stays warm all year, roughly 21–29°C.
Small fish live in the lake and gather near the ladders. Feeding them is not allowed.
How much does Lake Vouliagmeni cost?
These are the prices published for summer 2025. They may have changed, so check the lake's official website before you go.
| Ticket | Weekday | Weekend & holidays |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | €17 | €19 |
| Child 6–12 | €14 | €17 |
| Child up to 5 | Free | Free |
| Student | €14 | €17 |
You can upgrade to a sunbed, a lounge chair under the pines or a cabana, booked online only. If you come only for the café or restaurant, there is no entry fee; tell staff at the entrance.
When is the lake open?
The lake operates all year. From November to March mainly the main deck is open and some areas are closed. Hours change by season, so check lakevouliagmeni.gr. Summer weekends are busy; early mornings and weekdays are the most pleasant.
How to get to Lake Vouliagmeni
- Bus: line 122 (the coastal route towards Sounion) stops near the lake. The trip from Athens takes about 50–70 minutes depending on traffic.
- Car or taxi: about 30–40 minutes from the centre depending on traffic. There is parking near the entrance.
- On the way to Sounion: combine the lake with a day trip to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon, about an hour from Athens. See day trips from Athens.
Is Lake Vouliagmeni suitable for children?
Children are welcome, and the calm water suits confident young swimmers. But there is no sandy beach and no shallow entry: you enter by ladders from the deck, and the lake is deep. It is less suitable for toddlers and non-swimmers. With little ones, bring armbands and watch them constantly; for a shallow sandy beach, the nearby Riviera beaches are better.
Facilities at the lake
- Deck with sunbeds and shaded seating
- Restaurant and café
- Showers and lockers
- Lifeguards during opening hours, and the water is tested regularly
What to bring
- Swimwear and a towel: there are sunbeds, but towels are not always included.
- Sun cream and a hat: the summer sun is strong on the deck.
- Food and drinks: according to Nomado Travel you may bring your own, which saves a family money.
- Armbands for children: the lake is deep right from the ladder.
- Payment: check on the website whether you can buy tickets online in advance.
Tips for your visit
- In winter: the lake is one of the few places near Athens to swim outdoors in warm water.
- Water shoes: rocks at the edges can be slippery.
- Add the Riviera: after the lake, eat in Vouliagmeni or Glyfada. See our Athens Riviera guide.
FAQ
How much does Lake Vouliagmeni cost? In summer 2025 entry was about €17 on weekdays and €19 at weekends for adults, and children up to 5 entered free. Check the current price on the official website.
Is the lake open in winter? Yes, it operates all year. In winter mainly the main deck is open, and the water stays warm.
How do I get to Lake Vouliagmeni by public transport? Take bus 122 towards Sounion, which stops near the lake. The trip takes about an hour.
Can I bring babies to the lake? You can, but there is no shallow entry and no sandy beach. For toddlers who cannot swim, a shallow Riviera beach is more suitable.
