Updated: December 21, 2025
Greece › Athens › Athens Riviera Hotels
By Santorini Dave
My Favorite Hotels – Athens Riviera
• Luxury Hotel: Four Seasons
• For Families: Grand Resort Lagonissi
• For Couples: The Margi
• Best Value: Vincci EverEden
• Near Ferry Port: Port Square

Astir Beach in Vouliagmeni is the best organized beach on the Athens Riviera with a luxury beach club, bar, restaurants, boutiques, spa, water sports center, and even the ruins of an ancient temple. This is the private section of Astir Beach belonging to the Four Seasons Hotel.
Athens Riviera – My Tips
- The Athens Riviera is the name given to the seaside towns south of Athens. This 50 km stretch brims with sandy beaches, pretty marinas, and tranquil sea in every shade of blue.
- Both organized and natural beaches stud the coastline. Currently, there are 13 Blue Flag-awarded beaches and marinas here. Natural beaches with no amenities are always free to enter. Most organized beaches are gated and charge an admission fee that does not include the use of sunbed and umbrella sets. Rates vary wildly: municipal beaches generally range from €5 to €15 per adult, while luxury beach clubs (like Astir or Krabo) can charge upwards of €50 to €100+ per set in high season.
- The main towns on the Riviera include (from north to south) Palaio Faliro, Glyfada, Voula, Vouliagmeni, Lagonisi, Varkiza, Anavyssos, and Sounio. The busy port town Piraeus is sometimes included as part of the Riviera (its Bay of Zea, in particular), but it does not have the idyllic beaches or relaxed vibe of its neighbors to the south.
- Vouliagmeni is the best place to stay in the Athens Riviera, especially for first-timers. This laid-back town is home to the area’s best beach, Astir Beach (where you’ll find the Four Seasons), as well as Lake Vouliagmeni, a natural thermal spa. Vouliagmeni enjoys a central seaboard location, about equidistant to central Athens, the ferry port, and the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounio. Accommodations are primarily luxury and mid-range.
- In brief: Palaio Faliro (or just Faliro) is the gateway to the Riviera, home to Flisvos Marina (luxury yacht mooring). Fashion-forward Glyfada is known for its luxury boutiques and shopping malls, along with glamorous private beach clubs. Set between Glyfada and Vouliagmeni, residential Voula is rapidly converting from sleepy to chic but with many humble, family-run businesses still intact. Moving farther south, the towns get quieter and less touristy. Lagonisi is another small, quiet, residential town with a string of sandy beaches. Varkiza is a village of contrasts with traditional fishermen on their little wooden boats, along with the Island Club, one of the glitziest beach clubs on the Riviera. In easygoing Anavyssos you’ll find sandy beaches, water sports centers, and a lovely winery. Upscale Sounio (or Sounion) is the most historically significant settlement here, notable for its ancient Temple of Poseidon and now boasting summer villas and high-end resorts.
- Public Transportation: If relying on public transit, stay in the northern half of the Riviera (Glyfada, Voula, or Faliro).
- Tram: Stasy operates trams connecting central Athens (Syntagma) to the coast. Line 6 runs from Syntagma to Pikrodafni (Faliro). To reach Glyfada and Voula, ride Line 6 to Pikrodafni and transfer to Line 7.
- Metro: The Red Line (Line 2) metro connects central Athens to Elliniko station. From Elliniko, you can catch the 122 Bus which runs south along the coast to Glyfada, Voula, Vouliagmeni, and Varkiza. This is often faster than the tram.
- Airport Bus: OASA runs express buses 24/7. The X96 connects the Airport to Piraeus Port via the coastal towns (Voula, Glyfada, Faliro). The X97 connects the Airport to Elliniko Metro station.
- To Sounio: Take the orange KTEL Attikis bus. These depart from central Athens (Pedion tou Areos) and stop at major points along the Riviera (like the center of Glyfada or Varkiza) roughly every hour during the summer.
The Best Hotels on the Athens Riviera
1. Four Seasons Astir Palace – Vouliagmeni

The most luxurious resort on the Athens coast. The Four Seasons occupies a private peninsula at Astir Beach, featuring three private sandy beaches, three swimming pools, and ten restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Pelagos. Rooms, suites, and bungalows feature private balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows; top-tier units add private pools. The resort has a kids’ club, water sports, and private boat charters. The thermal waters of Lake Vouliagmeni and the high-end shopping of Glyfada are just minutes away.
2. The Margi – Vouliagmeni

Excellent boutique luxury hotel in a quiet residential pocket of Vouliagmeni. The property features a chic pool deck and a wellness center with a heated indoor pool. Dining is a highlight, with farm-to-fork ingredients sourced from the hotel’s own organic farm. Rooms are designed with natural woods and crisp linens; the VIP Suite features a private jacuzzi. Located within a short walk of several restaurants and less than ten minutes from the beach.
3. Grand Resort Lagonissi – Lagonisi

A massive luxury resort (maybe a little dated) set on a 72-acre peninsula with over a dozen private beaches and coves (we lost count). Facilities include two swimming pools, an outdoor cinema, and a full-service spa. Dining options are extensive, ranging from Greek and Italian to Japanese-Peruvian fusion. Most rooms offer furnished outdoor spaces, some with heated private pools or gardens. Great for families due to the excellent kids’ club and calm waters. A rental car is highly recommended for this location.
4. Vincci EverEden – Anavyssos

Solid four-star resort with a focus on families. Features two outdoor pools and a private beach club (across a busy road and accessible via a pedestrian underpass). Kids love the floating water playground (seasonal). Guests have free access to the hammam, sauna, and indoor pool. Rooms are modern with private balconies; suites often include private pools. Half-board plans are available. Located 45 minutes south of Athens; a car is essential for exploring.
5. Vouliagmeni Suites – Vouliagmeni

Boutique hotel with a prime location, midway between Vouliagmeni Beach and Lake Vouliagmeni. The hotel features a seasonal pool and a well-regarded Greek restaurant. Suites include balconies and a complimentary stocked minibar. Family Suites and Apartments (with kitchenettes) make this a great choice for those traveling with children who want a central, walkable location.
6. Athenian Riviera Hotel – Vouliagmeni

Relaxed boutique hotel located on a quiet, leafy street. It’s a five-minute walk to the main beach and ten minutes to Astir. The pool area is peaceful and the all-day restaurant serves reliable Mediterranean fare. Rooms are clean and modern with rainfall showers and pillow menus. Executive Suites feature indoor jacuzzi baths. Good value for this expensive neighborhood.
7. The Alex Monte Kastella – Piraeus

Hotel Phone: +30 21119 83763
Located in the hilly, upscale Kastella neighborhood of Piraeus. This is the best hotel in the area, offering a more local feel than the resort towns. Rooms feature modern design and rainfall showers; most have sea views. The rooftop restaurant, Nest, offers spectacular views of the Saronic Gulf. It’s a short walk to the restaurants of Mikrolimano and a 10-minute drive to the ferry gates.
8. The Port Square Hotel – Piraeus

Hotel Phone: +30 21041 03000
The best choice for a high-quality stay right next to the Piraeus ferry port and metro station. Rooms are smart and functional with walk-in showers and Egyptian linens. The breakfast buffet starts early (6:30 am), which is ideal for those catching morning ferries. While not a beach hotel, it offers the fastest access to both the airport and the islands, with the Riviera coast easily reachable by tram or taxi.

Boats moored in the southernmost marina of Glyfada.
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