Luxury Living: Exclusive Resorts on the Athens Riviera
The Athens Riviera is quickly becoming one of Europe’s most famous luxury beach destinations. Stretching along the coastline south of Athens, this glamorous seaside stretch features exclusive resorts, stunning scenery, and plenty of upscale amenities for the discerning traveler.
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How to Get to the Athens Riviera
The Athens Riviera encompasses beach towns and resort areas south of Athens, Greece, along the Aegean Sea. Some of the most popular luxury areas include:
- Glyfada
- Vouliagmeni
- Voula
- Varkiza
Most resorts on the Athens Riviera are 30-40 minutes by car or taxi south of Athens International Airport. You can also take transit train connections from the airport to Glyfada and Vouliagmeni stations, each trip taking 30-40 minutes.
Once you’ve transferred to one of the southern beach towns like Glyfada or Vouliagmeni, you can walk, take taxis, or access water taxis to different resorts and attractions along the Riviera coastline.
What is the Athens Riviera Like?
The Athens Riviera has a glitzy, upscale ambiance, palm-tree-lined beaches, luxury shopping districts, marina yacht clubs, beach clubs with DJ parties, and sophisticated open-air restaurants and bars.
You’ll enjoy amenities like:
- White sand beaches with lounge chairs and umbrellas
- Sparkling Mediterranean waters for swimming, sailing, and sunbathing
- Infinity pools overlooking the sea
- World-class spas and wellness centers
- Fine dining restaurants, many specializing in fresh Greek and Mediterranean cuisine
- High-end shopping boutiques and galleries
- Crafty cocktail bars and vibrant nightlife music venues
- Seaside hiking paths and bicycle rental shops
Beyond the resorts, Athens attractions like the Acropolis, ancient ruins, and museums are accessible in under an hour from most Riviera locations by car or taxi.
So, while the Athens Riviera embodies a classy island paradise ambiance, you can also easily couple a luxury beach vacation here with visits to Athens’ rich cultural sights!
Where to Stay on the Athens Riviera
Here is an overview of some of the top luxury resort accommodations available on the Athens Riviera:
The Athenian Riviera Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel
- 5-star luxury right on Astir Beach in chic Vouliagmeni
- Three private beaches, seven restaurants, a massive spa and fitness center
- Ultra-modern rooms and suites with balcony views
- Two golf courses nearby
- High-end boutique shopping next door
Grand Resort Lagonissi
- 72 seaside acres in exclusive Lagonissi
- Access to two stunning sandy beaches
- 131 rooms, suites, and dedicated beachfront bungalows
- Two gourmet restaurants, multiple bars & cafes
- Extensive spa and 25m seawater pool
- Tennis courts, water sports rentals, kids club
Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso
- Blue flag beachfront property near Vouliagmeni
- 217 guestrooms and 21 lavish suites
- 15 treatment rooms, hydrotherapy pools, and Thalasso wellness programs
- Mediterranean fine dining, 6 bars
- 24-hour fitness studio, saunas, Roman baths
- Terraced gardens and a large infinity pool overlooking the sea
The Margi Hotel
- The chic boutique hotel above Vouliagmeni Bay
- 37 well-appointed suites and deluxe rooms
- Rooftop cocktail bar with panoramic sea views
- Celeb hotspot restaurant and oyster bar
- Seasonal infinity pool and sundeck
- Quick access to Astir Beach and Vouliagmeni Lake Spa
How Far is the Ramada Attica Riviera from Athens Airport?
The Ramada Attica Riviera is one recommended value-luxury option located beachside in Palaio Faliro, about a 15-minute drive or 8 kilometers south of Athens International Airport.
As one of the Riviera resort options closest to the airport, the Ramada Attica Riviera may be a convenient place to stay if you have an early morning departure or late evening arrival flight.
Besides being afforded easy airport access, guests enjoy amenities like a main outdoor pool, a spa and sauna, an American-style diner restaurant, a beach bar, and rooms with balconies overlooking the Saronic Gulf sunsets.
FAQ About Luxury Stays on the Athens Riviera
What is the high season on the Athens Riviera?
Peak season, with the best beach weather, runs from late April through the end of October. Summer is very popular with both European and international travelers. Upscale resort rates tend to spike in July and August when temperatures get quite hot in Athens. Laidback shoulder seasons in late spring and early fall offer lower rates and fewer crowds.
What is the usual dress code?
As an upscale Mediterranean beach destination, you’ll want to pack chic, trendy summer apparel for daytime relaxing and nights out clubbing or bar hopping. Resorts are casual and elegant — less formal than similar island or Riviera destinations. But you’ll see ladies don glamorous maxi dresses and gentlemen’s sports jackets for nights out. Greece generally embraces a sexy South Beach vibe with fitted tops and short shorts for daytime pool and beach activities.
What water sports activities can you enjoy?
Many Riviera hotels offer water sports outfitters or equipment rentals for waterskiing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, sailing, windsurfing, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, and pedal boating. Snorkeling is popular at rocky cove beaches with apparent water. You can also charter sailboats with skippers for custom cruise excursions along the coast. Scuba diving can be arranged through select dive shops in Vouliagmeni and Glyfada.
Are the beaches private or public use?
That mix of private resort beaches available only for guest use and large public beaches open to everyone typifies the Athens Riviera shoreline. So, while certain sections feature sunchair and umbrella rental concessions for a daily beach fee, you will also find free public beach access points dotted throughout.
