Our Guide to the Athenian Coast, Greece
Date Posted: 19/01/2024
An icon of feel-good fun in the sun, the mystic charms of Greece captivate travellers worldwide. Powder-soft sand beaches, warm turquoise waters, and ancient ruins, wrapped up in a star-studded vision of white and blue. These seaside stunners are holiday favourites for good reason. But what if there was a new destination to get your Greek fix this summer?
This week we’re delving into the stunning Athenian Coast.
Nicknamed the Athens Riviera thanks to its secluded coves, picturesque beaches, and quaint fishing harbours, this stretch of cosmopolitan nightlife and chic coastal resorts offers lovers of Greece the perfect blend of ancient city wonders and island magic.
Our top places to stay:
From cultural Vravrona and peaceful Mati to the high-end shores of Vouliagmeni, there are a host of perfect holiday spots on this dazzling coastline. Here are just two of our favourites.
Glyfada
If you’re looking for a sophisticated all-rounder, Glyfada is a perfect base. A shopaholic dream, Glyfada combines glamourous boutiques with picture-perfect beaches. Hit the racks of Metaxa Street’s malls or laze on stretches of white coast. As night falls, these once peaceful promenades come alive with vibrant beach club scenes bound to spark your inner dancer.
Vouliagmeni
Elegant, stylish, and favourited by Athenian A-listers, Vouliagmeni is a resort made for boutique beach days and indulgent seaside delights. Highlighted by lush pine forests and golden beds of marigolds, this coastal enclave of manicured sands and turquoise waters offers holidayers a taste of the finer things. Bask on footprint-free coastlines, party on buzzing beaches or dine at the finest seaside restaurants in Greece. This resort is pure bliss.
Our Top 5 Things to See & Do:
Visit Athens:
Staying on the Athenian Coast is the perfect chance to experience the wonders of Athens without spending your whole time in the city. Take a day trip through the Land of the Gods and understand why this urban metropolis attracts history buffs from all over the world. Gaze upon mythical battlegrounds, ascend the symbolic steps of the Acropolis to the Parthenon or walk among ethereal ruins at the Temple of Olympian Zeus. A city of two sides, trade the marble columns and epic legends for hip art galleries, outdoor cinemas, and chic cafes should you desire.
Lake Vouliagmeni
Take some time to turn off and embrace nature at Lake Vouliagmeni. A sunken cavern hidden from street view, this submerged limestone cave, is lined with tawny cliffs, and idyllic cafés. Fed by underground mineral currents, the clear waters are believed to be therapeutic and heal the aches and pains of daily life. Wade through warm waters scattered with tiny fish, recline on sun loungers, or stroll the luxuriant lawns to the all-day restaurant shrouded in calm jazz. It’s easy to spend a day basking in Lake Vouliagmeni’s bliss.
Temple of Poseidon
A trip to Greece wouldn’t be complete without a little sightseeing. Perched on the clifftops of Cape Sounio looking out over the shimmering Adriatic, the Temple of Poseidon is a wonder not to be missed. Built to honour the God of the Sea, there’s no better place to admire the beauty of the deep blue. Make sure to look extra closely at some of the ornate marble columns; you may spot Byron’s name carved like graffiti by the famed poet himself.
Visit a Sea Turtle Rescue
Have a spare few hours between sightseeing and sunning it up? Why not spend time with some friendly sea turtles? The Archelon Centre in Glyfada is home to many turtles in need of rehabilitation. Learn all about these curious creatures, the importance of protecting them, and meet the team nursing these little ones back to health. And of course, greet the local loggerheads and green turtles.
Sounio National Park
A treasure trove of vibrant flora and fauna popping up from terracotta hillsides, Sounio National Park is a nature lovers paradise. Grab some comfy shoes and hit the trails on foot for spectacular views across the ocean. But keep an eye out above too. A whole world of herons, falcons and winged wonders is waiting in the skies.
Food & Drink:
Greek food has long been praised for its fresh ingredients, bold flavours, and simplistic Mediterranean flare. From salty feta cheese to succulent grilled meats, Greek cuisine is a true celebration of the passion and pleasures of the table. So, indulging in some Grecian flavours on the Athenian Coast is only right.
It’s a time to relax, unwind, and enjoy life's simple pleasures. Just imagine basking in the morning sun with a bowl of fruit smothered in Greek yoghurt – the start of that good old holiday feeling. From the classically refreshing ripeness of Greek salad and famous layered casserole dish moussaka smothered in béchamel sauce to the beloved street food favourite souvlaki. One thing is certain, you won’t be able to resist these simple yet delicious dishes.
