Where to stay on the Athens Riviera: Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, Voula and more
A comparison of the neighbourhoods on Athens' southern coast: where it's lively, where it's quiet, and how to get to the Acropolis from each.
- Glyfada for nightlife and shopping, Vouliagmeni for luxury, Alimos and Voula for families.
- The tram (T6, T7) links the coast to central Athens and Piraeus.
- Shabbat-observant travellers are better off spending Shabbat in the centre, near Chabad and kosher restaurants.
If you're visiting Athens in summer and want the sea too, the Riviera is a good base. Just plan Shabbat in the city centre.
Why stay on the Athens Riviera?
The Athens Riviera is the coastal strip that starts at Palaio Faliro and runs south through Alimos, Glyfada, Voula and Vouliagmeni to Varkiza and Lagonissi. It lies about 16 km from the city centre and lets you combine a beach holiday with the Acropolis without moving to an island. For families and summer visitors staying a few days, it's often more comfortable than a hotel in the hot, crowded centre.
Which Riviera area suits you?
| Area | Character | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Palaio Faliro | Closest to the centre, long promenade and marina | Sea plus quick access to the city |
| Alimos | Relatively quiet, marina and beaches | Families and couples after calm |
| Glyfada | Lively, shopping, restaurants and nightlife | Young travellers, shopping, going out |
| Voula | Pleasant beach suburb with organised beaches | Families |
| Vouliagmeni | Upscale, coves and Lake Vouliagmeni | Couples and a pampered break |
| Varkiza | About 22 km south, relaxed, wide beach | A proper beach-holiday feel |
| Lagonissi | Large luxury resorts | Stay-on-site resort holidays |
Glyfada: the popular choice
Glyfada is the Riviera's hub, with shopping streets, cafés, restaurants and clubs, plus beaches nearby. If you want an evening out without travelling into central Athens, it has everything. The downside: weekends and summer bring crowds and traffic, and the nearest beaches aren't always the quietest.
Vouliagmeni and Varkiza: for a real beach break
Vouliagmeni is considered the most upscale part of the Riviera, with small coves, boutique hotels and Lake Vouliagmeni, a mineral-water lake you can swim in. Varkiza, further south, is relaxed and less touristy. From both, the trip into the centre is longer, so a hire car is worth considering.
What else is there to do on the Riviera?
- Faliro promenade: get off at Edem for the seafront promenade, one of the city's loveliest spots at sunset.
- Lake Vouliagmeni: swim in mineral water, with an entry fee, sunbeds and a café.
- Marinas: the Alimos and Glyfada marinas have restaurants, cafés and day cruises.
- Cape Sounion: south of Lagonissi, the Temple of Poseidon above the sea. Best at sunset.
When is the Riviera worth it?
From June to September the Riviera is at its best, as you can swim every day. In spring and autumn it's quieter and pleasant for walks, though the water is cooler. In winter, a hotel in the city centre is usually more practical.
How do you get from the Riviera to central Athens?
- Tram: line T6 runs from Syntagma Square to Pikrodafni, and line T7 runs from Piraeus to Asklipieio Voulas along the coast. From the Edem stop in Faliro it takes about 30 minutes to the centre.
- Buses: routes along Poseidonos Avenue link the southern suburbs.
- Taxi or car: faster at quiet times, but rush-hour traffic can slow things down. See car rental in Greece.
Shabbat and kosher food
The main Chabad house in Athens and the kosher restaurants are in the city centre, around Psiri, far from the Riviera. If you want to be near a synagogue and Shabbat meals, stay in the centre. See where to stay in Athens near Chabad and kosher food in Athens. You can also split your stay: a few days on the Riviera and Shabbat in the centre.
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FAQ
Where is the best place to stay on the Athens Riviera? Glyfada suits those after nightlife and shopping, Vouliagmeni a quiet luxury break, and Alimos or Voula families.
How far is the Riviera from central Athens? About 16 km. By tram from Faliro to the centre it takes around half an hour, longer from the southern suburbs.
Can you reach the beaches by tram? Yes, lines T6 and T7 run along the coast as far as Voula. For Vouliagmeni and Varkiza continue by bus or car.
Is the Riviera suitable for Shabbat-observant travellers? Less so, as Chabad and the kosher restaurants are in the city centre. It's better to spend Shabbat in central Athens.
