Activities

The southeastern coast of Athens, dubbed as the Athenian Riviera, is renowned for its stunning beaches, just a few kilometers from the city-center. Even if you’re visiting Athens for only a few days, you can easily fit in a beach trip during most months of the year. Here are some of the top beaches, listed from nearest to furthest:: Votsalakia at Piraeus, Edem or Batis at Paleo Faliro, Akti tou Iliou at Alimos, Glyfada, Athines by the Sea at Voula, Kavouri Beach, Akti Vouliagmenis & Astir Beach at Vouliagmeni, Yabanaki at Varkiza, Mohito Bay and Althea at Agia Marina, Lagonissi, Anavyssos and Cape Sounio. Public transport options such as trams and buses serve many of these destinations. However, for beaches beyond Voula, traveling by car or taxi is the quickest and most convenient option.

Start your sun-drenched journey along the Athenian Riviera with coffee and breakfast at Flisvos Marina to build up energy. Then, venture to the tranquil shores of Vouliagmeni for a dip. Admire the azure waters as they gently lap against the coastline, creating a serene ambiance that invites you to relax and rejuvenate, or enjoy . As the day unfolds, make your way to Varkiza, where modern amenities seamlessly blend with natural beauty and enjoy a nice meal by the water. For those seeking an adrenaline-fueled experience, windsurfing stands as a quintessential activity along these sun-drenched shores, best places for surfing are Varkiza and Anavyssos. Feel the exhilarating rush of the wind as you navigate the waves, mastering the art of balance and agility while admiring the panoramic coastal views. End your day at Cape Sounio enjoying the sunset from Poseidon Temple. Each beach along the southeastern coast of Athens offers a unique experience, whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or simply a day of sun-soaked bliss with numerous options for traditional Greek cuisine, fresh fish, ice-cold coffee and delicious cocktails.

A visit to Athens cannot be complete without a visit to the cornerstone of modern civilization, the Acropolis with Parthenon. Dive further into Greek antiquity by visiting the Acropolis Museum, the Archaeological Museum, the Cycladic Art Museum and the Kotsanas Museum of Ancient Greek Technology. Stroll the Ancient Agora, and don’t forget to visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Arch of Hadrian.

If you are an art lover, go to the newly refurbished National Gallery of Athens, the National Museum of Contemporary Art and the Goulandris Museum of Modern Art. In the Summer, watch a show like a modern Athenian at the ancient of Herod Atticus Odeon, on the foot of the Acropolis Hill.

Take a day-trip with guided tour to the archaeological site of Delphi where Pythia, the Oracle, delivered prophecies, visit the museum of Delphi and then have a traditional Greek meal in Delphi or Arachova.

If you prefer sea adventures, board a high-speed ferry from Piraeus to the island of Aegina. It’s only 16.5 nautical miles from Piraeus (1.5 hour) and apart from a beautiful coastline, it offers the opportunity to visit the Athena Aphea Temple.

Indulge in delicious Greek cuisine at seaside tavernas and upscale restaurants lining the coast. After dark, experience the vibrant nightlife in Piraeus or other coastal suburbs, where you’ll find restaurants, all-day bars, and night-clubs. In the Summer, you can also enjoy movies in their original language in one of the many open-air cinemas!

1. Savor the gastronomic delights of Greece’s culinary heritage as you embark on a dining journey in Piraiki, Mikrolimano or Marina Zeas at Piraeus, Marina Flisvou at Paleo Faliro, Glyfada, Voula and Vouliagmeni. From quaint seaside tavernas to elegant upscale restaurants, the coast is adorned with an array of dining establishments offering tantalizing Greek cuisine.
2. As night falls, the vibrant energy of the Athenian Riviera comes alive with its bustling nightlife scene. Head to the charming neighborhoods of Glyfada and Vouliagmeni, or go to Marina Zeas and Marina Flisvou for an eclectic mix of bars, clubs, and lounges awaits.
3. Venture into Glyfada, known as the “Athenian Riviera’s playground,” where chic beachfront clubs and trendy rooftop bars offer panoramic views of the glittering coastline. Indulge in innovative cocktails crafted with local spirits and exotic ingredients, or sample an array of Greek wines as you toast to the enchanting atmosphere of the night.
4. As you revel in the vibrant nightlife of the Athenian Riviera, take a moment to soak in the magical ambiance of the coastal landscape illuminated by the moonlight.