The Athenian Riviera is one of Athens’s best kept secrets. It’s a world of luxury seaside resorts and breezy, beautiful beaches.
Athenian Riviera: The Best-Kept Secret
There is much more to Athens than visiting the Acropolis. A 20-minute drive away from the city center brings you to an immaculate sparkling coast known as the Athenian Riviera.
Follow the paraliaki (coastal road) here to take in views of rocky sea cliffs and infinite views of the Aegean Sea. The enchanting stretch of coastline starts from a town called Glyfada and stops at the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, which has the most incredible sunsets.
The drive from Glyfada towards the Cape Sounion turns and winds, always with a pretty sea view, and passes through the Athenian Riviera towns of Voula, Kavouri, Vouliagmeni, Varkiza, Agia Marina, Lagonissi, Anavissos and Saronida. Each beach town has its own local character and idyllic settings.
To help you save time as you plan your next Athens getaway, we have complied a list of the top 7 Attica resorts and beaches.
Top 7 Attica Resorts and Beaches
Asteras Beach, Glyfada
Best known as the Balux Cafe – The House Project, this spacious, all-day stop is popular among local families, couples and friends. It resembles a spacious beach house and has a wide choice of amenities and entertainment options for all ages. There’s a game room, a quiet relaxing corner, pool table and a children’s playground. The restaurant serves Mediterranean dishes, sushi, coffee and drinks.
Astir Beach, Vouliagmeni
Over the years, Astir Beach has gained the reputation of being the playground for the rich and famous Athenians. Despite the exclusive atmosphere, all are welcome to build sandcastles, play beach rackets and soak in the sun’s rays.
This unique beach concept features amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, a spa area, restaurants, trendy shops and boutiques and a Platinum Lounge for VIP members. The beach gets very crowded so its advised to reserve a sunbed online before you go.
Varkiza Resort Yabanaki Beach, Varkiza
This beach ranks among one of the best beaches of the Athenian Riviera. The numerous restaurants, bars and cafes make it convenient for families with children. Apart from spending the day soaking in the sun’s rays, guests may enjoy a variety of fun activities such as beach tennis, beach volley, free aqua aerobic and fitness events, water sports, windsurf and water ski.
Grand Beach, Lagonissi
One of the most famous beaches of the Athenian Riviera is set on the private peninsula of the exclusive Grand Resort Lagonissi resort. Facilities include a playground, a movie theater, restaurant and bar as well as a fantastic swimming pool which opens up to the vistas of the Aegean Sea. There is also parking available.
Eden Beach Resort, Anavissos
The calm bay waters of this charming beach are perfect for leisurely swimming and water sports. This secluded corner of the Athenian Riviera has been accredited with a Blue Flag for the past 15 years for its clean waters and fine beach facilities.
Enjoy your day on the beach sipping cocktails in private Platinum Lounge. During sunset, watch the sun set in a fiery glow from this beach.
L’amico, Anavissos
This is one of the favorite newcomers to the Athenian Riviera beach scene. It’s an Italian restaurant, beach and beach bar serving coffee, snacks, Mediterranean dishes and Italian specialities.
The private sandy beach has a separate VIP area with beach cabanas and loungers. We advise reserving those in advance.
Cape Sounio Grecotel Exclusive Resort, Sounion
Another exclusive resort in the Athenian Riviera is famous for its breathtaking views of the ancient Temple of Poseidon. This resort has two secluded crescent beaches. Many families with children enjoy the shallow depths here. The summer full moon parties are a local favorite. That’s when the Temple of Poseidon is lit gloriously by the moon.
Thanks to the top 7 Attica resorts and beaches, the Athenian Riviera comes alive every summer. In fact, many say escaping to the Athenian Riviera is like escaping to a Greek island!
We want to know if you agree. Have you been to any of these beaches before?