Where to Stay on the Athens Riviera

Updated: April 28, 2026
Greece › Athens › Athens Riviera Hotels
By Santorini Dave • dave@santorinidave.com

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

Athens Riviera Hotels – My Tips

• The Athens Riviera is the 70 kilometer coastal stretch running from the port of Piraeus down through Palaio Faliro, Glyfada, and Vouliagmeni, ending at the Temple of Poseidon in Sounio. It is best for travelers who want sea views, resort hotels, and a Mediterranean pace without leaving the mainland.
• Stay on the Riviera for a coastal holiday or a soft landing. It is the ideal base for a final two nights in Greece after island hopping, as it is closer to the airport than central Athens. If your priority is seeing the Acropolis and the major museums every day, stay in the center. The commute from the coast is manageable but takes 35 to 50 minutes each way in traffic.
• Vouliagmeni is the most exclusive and polished area to stay. It has the best beaches, Lake Vouliagmeni, and the highest concentration of five star resorts. Stay here for a romantic, high end beach vacation. It feels like a private enclave and is the most “island like” part of the coast.
• Glyfada is the best choice for dining, shopping, and nightlife. It is the commercial heart of the Riviera and feels like a Mediterranean version of Miami. It has the best selection of international restaurants and high street boutiques. It is the most walkable town for errands and evening strolls outside your hotel.
• Alimos and Palaio Faliro are the most practical coastal bases. These areas have been transformed by The Ellinikon project. With the massive Metropolitan Park and the Riviera Galleria now opening in phases, these neighborhoods offer easy access to green space, high end retail, and the best metro connections to central Athens.
• Varkiza and Vari are excellent for families and a local feel. These towns are quieter and less touristy than Glyfada. Yabanaki Beach in Varkiza is one of the best organized sandy beaches for children. These areas are better for longer stays where you want a neighborhood atmosphere.
• Sounio is for retreats and sunsets. Located at the southern tip of the peninsula, it is beautiful and quiet but isolated. Stay here if you want to wake up with a view of the Temple of Poseidon and don’t plan on visiting the city center. You will want a car if you stay this far south.
• Understand organized vs. public beaches. Most of the best swimming spots are organized beach clubs with entrance fees. Prices have risen significantly. Expect to pay €80 to €100 for a pair of sunbeds on weekdays, and up to €160 or more at premium spots like Astir Beach on summer weekends. Public beaches are free but often lack shade, loungers, and facilities.
• The coast is now much more walkable. The Athenian Riviera Urban Walk is a 22 km coastal promenade that connects the northern Riviera from Faliro and Kallithea south through Alimos, Elliniko, Glyfada, and Voula, all the way to Vouliagmeni. While the path is transformative for cyclists and pedestrians, a taxi or Uber remains the most efficient way to move quickly between major towns like Glyfada and Vouliagmeni.
• For public transport, use the Metro and taxi combo. The tram is scenic but very slow. For the fastest trip to the Acropolis, take a taxi or bus to the Elliniko Metro Station (the end of the Red Line) and ride the train into the city from there.
• Airport logistics are a major plus. Most parts of the Riviera are only 20 to 30 minutes from Athens International Airport. It is a much more relaxing final night than staying at an airport hotel, provided your flight is not before 9:00 AM. For early morning ferries, Piraeus is still the most practical base.

Where to Stay on the Athens Riviera

• Vouliagmeni: Best overall for luxury resorts, swimming, and romance.
• Glyfada: Best for dining, nightlife, shopping, and walkable town life.
• Alimos and Elliniko: Best for access to the Metropolitan Park and modern retail.
• Varkiza: Best for families and sandy beaches.
• Sounio: Best for total isolation and historic views.

Athens Riviera Alternatives

• Central Athens: Best for first timers whose primary goal is the Acropolis and ancient history. Stay here if you want to walk to every major site and do not mind the urban heat and noise.
• Piraeus: Best for one night logistics before an early ferry. It is a working port city, practical rather than a resort destination.
• Athens Airport area: Best only for late night arrivals or very early departures. If you have at least 12 hours between flights, the Riviera is a far superior alternative.

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. 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. 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 set on a 72 acre peninsula with over a dozen private beaches and coves. 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. Great for families due to the excellent kids’ club and calm waters, though the style is slightly dated in areas. 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. Kids love the floating water playground. Guests have free access to the hammam, sauna, and indoor pool. Rooms are modern with private balconies. Half-board plans are available. Located 45 minutes south of Athens. A car is essential for exploring.

5. Athenian Riviera Hotel – Vouliagmeni

Relaxed boutique hotel located on a quiet street. It is 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. Good value for this expensive neighborhood.

6. 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. The rooftop restaurant, Nest, offers spectacular views of the Saronic Gulf. It is a short walk to the restaurants of Mikrolimano and a 10 minute drive to the ferry gates.

7. 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 at 6:30 am, which is ideal for those catching morning ferries. The Riviera coast is easily reachable by tram or taxi.

Athens Riviera FAQ

Should I stay on the Athens Riviera or in Central Athens?

Stay in Central Athens (Plaka, Koukaki, or Syntagma) if this is your first visit and your main goal is sightseeing. The Acropolis, the museums, and the historic neighborhoods are much easier to access from the center. Athens is a spread-out city, but the main visitor zone is relatively compact, making central neighborhoods far more convenient for short stays. Stay on the Athens Riviera if you want your stay to feel like a coastal holiday. The Riviera is better for sea views, resort hotels, beach clubs, and a slower pace. It works best as a relaxing final stop after the islands or for travelers who have already seen the city and want a beachier base. The honest rule: Central Athens is better for seeing Athens. The Athens Riviera is better for enjoying the coast near Athens. Do not book the Riviera expecting to pop casually in and out of the center several times a day.

How easy is it to visit the Acropolis from the Athens Riviera?

It is very doable, but it is not effortless. From Glyfada or Vouliagmeni, you should treat the Acropolis as a planned half-day outing. A taxi or Uber will take 30 to 50 minutes depending on the heavy traffic on Poseidonos Avenue. If you take the tram from Glyfada, expect a scenic but slow journey of 60 to 70 minutes. My advice: Head to the Acropolis at 8:00 AM to beat both the heat and the worst of the morning rush hour.

Which town is better: Glyfada or Vouliagmeni?

Vouliagmeni is better for a polished beach-resort stay. It has a prettier setting, better swimming spots, Lake Vouliagmeni, and the strongest holiday feel on the coast. This is the choice for luxury, romance, and beach time. It is home to the most prestigious resorts, including the Four Seasons. Glyfada is better for restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. It feels like an upscale coastal suburb. You can walk to cafes, high-end shops, and international restaurants more easily than in Vouliagmeni. It is a high-energy area with a more urban vibe. Best simple answer: Choose Vouliagmeni for beaches. Choose Glyfada for dining and shopping.

What are the best hotels in central Glyfada?

Glyfada is the closest thing the Athens Riviera has to a proper town center. It has the coast and beach clubs nearby, but the real appeal is its lively center: restaurants, cocktail bars, cafes, boutiques, bakeries, and easy evening strolls without needing to stay inside a resort. It is the best Riviera base if you want a relaxed urban feel with quick access to the beach.

The best hotels near central Glyfada are Dusit Suites Athens, Brasil Suites Boutique Hotel, Ace Hotel & Swim Club Athens, Palmyra Beach Hotel, and Glyfada Riviera Hotel. For pure luxury, choose One&Only Aesthesis. It is within walking distance of central Glyfada, but the beachfront resort setting is so polished and relaxing that most guests will be tempted to stay put.

• One&Only Aesthesis: The best choice for pure luxury in Glyfada. It has a glamorous beachfront setting, resort pools, polished service, and a much more exclusive feel than the town-center hotels. It is close enough to walk into Glyfada for restaurants and shopping, but most guests come here for the idyllic resort atmosphere.
• Dusit Suites Athens: The best upscale suite-style hotel close to Glyfada’s restaurants, shops, and nightlife. Rooms are larger than standard hotel rooms, making it a good choice for couples who want space, longer stays, or travelers who prefer an apartment-style setup with hotel service.
• Brasil Suites Boutique Hotel: One of the best boutique choices in central Glyfada. It works especially well for families and longer stays because the rooms are suite-like, the atmosphere is smaller and quieter, and the location is convenient for walking to shops and restaurants.
• Ace Hotel & Swim Club Athens: The best choice for a stylish, design-forward stay. It has a younger, more social feel than the classic Riviera hotels, with a pool, restaurants, and a strong sense of personality. Stay here if you want Glyfada to feel fun, modern, and a little less formal.
• Palmyra Beach Hotel: A practical mid-range choice near both Glyfada town and the coast. It is not the most luxurious hotel in the area, but it is reliable, comfortable, and a good fit if you want value, beach access, and easy tram connections.
• Glyfada Riviera Hotel: A solid option near the coast, with a more traditional hotel feel. It is a good choice if you want to stay in Glyfada rather than a secluded resort, while still having a pool, spa-style amenities, and easy access to the beach road.

If you want the best walkable Glyfada experience, prioritize hotels near the shopping and restaurant streets rather than choosing only by sea view. The beach is close, but Glyfada’s main advantage over Vouliagmeni is the ability to walk out for dinner, drinks, coffee, shopping, and everyday conveniences.

Is the Athens Riviera a good alternative to visiting the Greek Islands?

Not exactly. The Riviera has excellent swimming and resort hotels, but it does not have the whitewashed villages, ferry-hopping rhythm, or dramatic landscapes of the Cyclades. However, it is an excellent substitute for one extra island night if your schedule is tight. It provides a sea and sun experience without the hassle of extra ferries or flights.

Which beaches on the Athens Riviera are actually sandy?

Not every beach here is soft sand. Many are pebbly or rocky. Good sandy options include:

• Astir Beach: The most famous luxury beach club with golden sand and high-end service.
• Vouliagmeni Beach (Akti Vouliagmenis): A well-managed organized beach with good sand and calm water.
• Kavouri Beach: Features sandy stretches and very shallow water, ideal for wading.
• Yabanaki Beach (Varkiza): A reliable sandy choice with full facilities and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Do I need a rental car to stay on the Athens Riviera?

No. Taxis and Uber are ubiquitous and relatively affordable. A car is a liability in Glyfada where parking is difficult. You only need a car if you plan to explore the more remote beaches farther south or if you want to visit Sounio independently on your own schedule.

What is the best area to stay in without a car?

Glyfada is the best car-free base. The town center is highly walkable, and most hotels are near the tram, the beach, and hundreds of dining options. Paleo Faliro and Alimos are also practical without a car, especially if you want to be closer to Piraeus and the city center.

Is the Athens Riviera convenient for the airport and Piraeus ferry port?

The Riviera is very convenient for the Athens International Airport, a 25 to 30-minute drive from Vouliagmeni. It is less convenient for Piraeus. Even though it looks close on a map, the coastal road is often congested. Allow at least 45 to 50 minutes to reach your ferry if traveling during business hours.

Should I stay at a luxury beach resort or in a town like Glyfada or Vouliagmeni?

Stay at a luxury beach resort (like the Four Seasons or Grand Resort Lagonissi) if you want the hotel to be the destination. This is best for pools, spa treatments, and total relaxation. Stay in Glyfada or Vouliagmeni town if you want to be able to walk to local bars, different restaurants, and feel a bit of the local scene outside of your hotel gates.

Is the water on the Athens Riviera clean and good for swimming?

Yes. Despite the proximity to the city, the water quality is excellent. Many beaches consistently earn Blue Flag status. The farther south you go, specifically towards Vouliagmeni and Sounio, the clearer the water becomes. Avoid swimming directly next to the busy marinas.

Are the beaches free or do they all require a paid entrance fee?

It is a mix. Most of the best beaches are organized, meaning you pay an entrance fee (ranging from 15 to 100 Euros per person) for a sunbed and umbrella. There are free public beaches tucked between the clubs, but they lack facilities and get very crowded with locals on summer weekends.

Is it worth staying in Sounio if I only have one or two nights?

Only if your goal is total isolation and a view of the Temple of Poseidon. Sounio is 60 to 90 minutes from Athens. If you stay there, you are largely limited to your hotel’s dining. For most people, a day trip to Sounio from Glyfada or Vouliagmeni is a better use of time.

How many nights should I stay on the Athens Riviera?

Three nights is the sweet spot. This allows one day for a trip to the Acropolis, one full day of beach relaxation, and one evening for a sunset trip to Cape Sounio.

Is the Athens Riviera walkable?

The individual towns like Glyfada are very walkable. However, the Riviera as a whole is not. You cannot easily walk between the different towns. You will need a taxi, bus, or tram to move from Glyfada to Vouliagmeni or Varkiza.

Is the Athens Riviera better for a pre-island or post-island stay?

I recommend it for a post-island stay. After the logistics of ferries and island hopping, the Riviera provides a soft landing. It is closer to the airport, making your final departure less stressful than commuting from the city center.

Is the Athens Riviera a good home base for families?

It is excellent. The water at beaches like Kavouri is shallow, calm, and perfect for children. Glyfada has several large playgrounds and a more relaxed pace than the chaotic streets of central Athens. Ensure you book a hotel with a pool for the best experience.

What is the best luxury hotel on the Athens Riviera?

The Four Seasons Astir Palace is the undisputed leader. It occupies a private peninsula in Vouliagmeni and offers world-class service and facilities. For a more intimate, boutique luxury experience, The Margi in Vouliagmeni is my top recommendation.

How late do taxis and Uber operate between the city center and the coast?

Taxis and Uber operate 24 hours a day. You will have no trouble finding a ride back to the coast after late drinks in Plaka. However, if you plan to be in the city center every night, the commute will eventually become a chore.

Is public transport good along the Athens Riviera?

Public transport is useful but slow. The Tram is the primary link. It is cheap and scenic but takes over an hour to reach the center. There are also Express buses, such as the X96, which provide a direct link between the airport, the Riviera, and Piraeus.

Can I visit the Temple of Poseidon easily from Glyfada or Vouliagmeni?

Yes. It is a beautiful 45 to 60 minute drive south along the coast. I recommend taking a taxi or booking a private transfer in the late afternoon to see the temple at sunset. The public bus is an option for budget travelers, but it is less flexible and takes much longer.