Athens Riviera: A Summer Guide

Catamaran Cruise & Swim on the Athens Riviera Coast

Highly recommend booking a cruise with Sailing Athens; great meals on board and the tunes they DJ are epic.

Day at Lake Vouliagmeni

Lake Vouliagmeni is a beautiful thermal lake in a craggy setting. I suggest booking a reservation for the Prive' section, with its pristine manicured lawn facing the cliffs, along with its dedicated butler.

Cape Sounion / Temple of Poseidon Sunset Visit

The ancient Greeks knew where to build their temples, and aside from the Acropolis, the Temple of Poseidon is in my opinion, the best example. Book a driver to take you there before sunset, for more magic.

Astir Beach Club

Greece in summer is all about day clubs. Astir Beach is probably the best experience for this, without having to undertake a ferry or plane ride to one of the more ubiquitous islands.

Stavros Niarchos Foundation & Cultural Center

The SNFCC, as it is known by local Athenians, is a must visit for me. As an aficionado of contemporary architecture, Renzo Piano's design does not disappoint. The views & park are great to stroll through and appreciate in the cooler, late afternoons.

Limanakaia & Lefteris Canteen

For an Athenian local and boho experience, a visit to the Limanakia coves is a must. There is no beach, but a series of terraces bordering coves where you can dive in. The iconic Lefteris Canteen is situated at the top of the cove and always plays reggae & more to provide that soundtrack to an Athens summer.

Shop & Hang Out in Glyfada

Glyfada is considered the unofficial capital of the Athenian Riviera. It is a good spot to spend a day for retail therapy, perusing the upscale boutiques and restaurants.

Athens Day Trip

The city of Athens is 30 minutes away from the Athenian Riviera via car. I will detail Places to Eat & Drink in Athens in the following section.

Lunch at Helios, Four Seasons Astir

That lunch at Helios, by the pool of the Four Seasons Astir sealed my love for the Athenian Riviera. The setting is quintessentially everything that an Athenic seaside summer is about. Reservations recommended; and closed in the winter.

Exi Modern Greek Bakery and Nomsy Kebab

What is a trip to Greece without enjoying spanakopita & souvlaki? In Glyfada, Exi and Nomsy provide these Greek cuisine staples & more.

Dinner at Vittoria Gati Glyfada

Vittoria Gati is an Italian Brasserie/& Bar owned by my friend George Papakostas. This a local hang out; where the food is great & the service is impeccable. For something more casual, George also owns The Burger Joint chain.

Dinner & Party at Island Club Restaurant

Island is another legendary venue in the Athens Riviera. During the summer season, they host world-renowned DJs and ensure your dining & party experience is extraordinary.

Athens: Coffee at Six Dogs Greece

The Greeks are crazy about their Freddo Espressos and Shakeratos. Six Dogs is a hidden space that is a very chill & shaded space to try these drinks out. They also host DJ nights, so check out their website for summer events.

Lunch at Athenee' Athens

Athenee' Athens is owned by the Panas family, who also run Island Athens. I enjoyed my lunch there, and the vibe is very throwback Ari and Jackie Onassis (not in a stuffy way). This spot being adjacent to Kolonaki; Athens' upscale neighborhood.

Ergon House

Ergon House is, in my mind, an amalgam of Soho House and Eataly; with its hotel. restaurant & curated food market. My favorite thing to do here is to have a late afternoon snack on its rooftop with its Acropolis view.