Curator’s statement
The Athens Riviera, located on the coast 30 miles from Athens, was the "place to be" for the 60s jet set; its epicenter being the Astir Palace. During the pre-covid summer of 2019, the revival of the Astir Palace as the Four Seasons Astir marked the revival of the Athens Riviera. I discovered the amazing Athens Riviera that summer, via a lunch at the Four Seasons Astir, succumbing to its magic; so much so that I returned for a stay the following June.
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Things to do in Athens
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Places to eat & drink in Athens
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.
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 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.
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Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Milan In The Fall.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Athens.