7 Best Hotels on the Athens Riviera

Updated: June 14, 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 coastal side of Athens. It runs south from Piraeus and Faliro through Glyfada, Voula, Vouliagmeni, Varkiza, and down toward Cape Sounio. It is best for travelers who want sea views, beach clubs, resort hotels, warm evenings by the water, and an easier final night before the airport.
• Do not stay here for a first-time Athens sightseeing trip. If your main goal is the Acropolis, Plaka, museums, ancient sites, and rooftop restaurants, stay in central Athens. The Riviera is lovely, but getting from Vouliagmeni or Glyfada to the historic center can take 35 to 70 minutes depending on traffic and transport.
• Stay on the Riviera for a coastal holiday or a soft landing. I like it best for the final two nights after island hopping, a short resort stay before flying home, or a low-key beach break if you have already seen central Athens. It feels more relaxed than the city, and most of the best Riviera hotels are easier for the airport than downtown Athens.
• Vouliagmeni is the best overall base. This is the most polished and attractive part of the Riviera, with the best swimming, Lake Vouliagmeni, Astir Beach, Kavouri, good restaurants, and the top luxury hotels. It is romantic, expensive, and the closest thing Athens has to a proper resort village.
• Glyfada is best for restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. It is less exclusive than Vouliagmeni but much more active. Stay here if you want walkable streets, cafes, boutiques, bars, casual beach access, and a more urban coastal feel. It is also better connected by tram and bus than Vouliagmeni.
• Alimos, Palaio Faliro, and Elliniko are practical, not glamorous. These areas work well if you want easier access to Athens, marinas, coastal walks, and better transport. The Ellinikon redevelopment is changing this part of the coast, but much of it is still a work in progress, so do not book expecting a finished Dubai-style waterfront district.
• Varkiza and Vari are good for families and longer stays. They are quieter and more local than Glyfada, with good beaches, tavernas, and a less polished feel. Varkiza’s Yabanaki Beach is one of the better organized sandy beaches for families, though it is still a paid beach setup in summer.
• Sounio is beautiful but isolated. Stay near Cape Sounio if you want quiet, sunset views, the Temple of Poseidon, and a resort-focused stay. Do not stay there if you plan to go into Athens often. It is too far for daily sightseeing.
• Understand organized vs. public beaches. The best Riviera beaches mean paid entry, reserved sunbeds, beach clubs, and higher prices than travelers expect. Astir Beach is the premium option and can be very expensive in summer. Public beaches are cheaper or free, but have fewer facilities, less shade, and a more local feel.
• Reserve beach clubs in summer. In July and August, do not assume you can wander up to Astir Beach or another popular organized beach and get a good sunbed. Check prices, reserve ahead when possible, and read the cancellation rules. A Riviera beach day can cost more than a very good dinner.
• The coast is becoming more walkable, but it is not one continuous resort promenade yet. The Athenian Riviera Urban Walk is a major pedestrian and cycling project along the coast, and some stretches are already much better than they used to be. Still, distances are long and road crossings can be awkward. A taxi or Uber remains the easiest way to move between Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, Varkiza, and Sounio.
• The tram is scenic but slow. It works well for Faliro, Alimos, and Glyfada if you are not in a hurry. For Vouliagmeni, use taxis, Uber, or a bus/taxi combination. For the Acropolis from the southern coast, the fastest public-transport strategy is getting to the metro at Elliniko or another Red Line station, then riding into the center.
• Airport logistics are a major plus. Vouliagmeni, Glyfada, and Varkiza are much nicer than staying at the airport before a next-day flight. If your flight leaves after about 9:00 AM, I would rather stay on the Riviera than at an airport hotel. For a very early ferry, however, Piraeus is still the smarter base.

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Best Areas to Stay on the Athens Riviera

Vouliagmeni

Vouliagmeni is my favorite area on the Athens Riviera and the best choice for most travelers who want a proper coastal stay. It has the best combination of beaches, restaurants, scenery, luxury hotels, and access to Lake Vouliagmeni. The Four Seasons is the headline hotel, but The Margi is a wonderful boutique alternative for couples who want a more intimate stay.

The tradeoff is cost and distance from central Athens. Stay here because you want sea, sun, restaurants, and resort comfort. Do not stay here because you are trying to “do Athens” efficiently.

Glyfada

Glyfada is the Riviera’s most useful town base. It has the best mix of restaurants, cafes, shops, bars, tram access, and year-round life. It does not have the same high-end resort feel as Vouliagmeni, but it is easier for everyday logistics and better if you want to go out in the evening without relying on hotel restaurants.

Glyfada is a good choice for couples, families with older kids, and travelers who want a coastal base that still feels urban. It is not my first choice for a honeymoon, but it is more practical than Vouliagmeni for longer stays.

Voula

Voula sits between Glyfada and Vouliagmeni and works well if you want a quieter, more residential coastal base. It has good restaurants, useful beaches, and easier access north to Glyfada or south to Vouliagmeni.

I would not choose Voula for a short luxury stay, but for a longer trip it can be a smart middle ground: less polished than Vouliagmeni, calmer than Glyfada, and still close to the best parts of the coast.

Alimos, Palaio Faliro, and Elliniko

These northern Riviera areas are best for convenience. They have better links to central Athens, good marina access, and useful coastal paths. Palaio Faliro and Alimos are good if you want a seaside stay but still expect to go into Athens often.

Elliniko is the area to watch, but travelers should be realistic. The redevelopment is a huge project and will keep improving the coast, but it is not fully finished. For now, I would choose Elliniko for logistics or a specific hotel, not because it already delivers the best Riviera vacation experience.

Varkiza and Vari

Varkiza and Vari feel more local and less polished than Vouliagmeni or Glyfada. This is good if you want a longer stay, a family beach rhythm, and a quieter base. Varkiza has one of the better sandy beach setups on the coast, and there are good casual tavernas nearby.

The downside is distance. It is not where I would stay if I wanted frequent sightseeing in central Athens. It works best when the Riviera itself is the point of the trip.

Lagonissi and Sounio

Lagonissi and Sounio are for travelers who want resort quiet, not city access. Grand Resort Lagonissi is a strong family resort choice, especially if you want space, water, and a self-contained stay. Sounio is beautiful for sunsets and the Temple of Poseidon, but too remote for most Athens itineraries.

I would stay this far south only if I had already seen Athens or wanted a pure resort break before flying home.

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Athens Riviera Alternatives

• Central Athens: Best for first-timers whose priority is the Acropolis, Plaka, museums, ancient sites, and restaurants. Stay here if you want to walk to the major sights and do not mind urban noise, heat, and crowds.
• Piraeus: Best for one-night logistics before an early ferry. It is a working port city, not a resort destination, but it can save a lot of stress before a morning boat.
• Athens Airport area: Best only for late-night arrivals or very early departures. If you have at least 12 hours between flights and your departure is not painfully early, the Riviera is a much better final-night choice.

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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.

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Athens Riviera FAQ

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

Stay in Central Athens if this is your first visit and your main goal is sightseeing. Plaka, Koukaki, Syntagma, and Monastiraki are much better for the Acropolis, museums, ancient sites, restaurants, and walking around the historic center. Stay on the Athens Riviera if you want your trip to feel like a coastal holiday. The Riviera is better for sea views, resort hotels, beach clubs, swimming, and a slower pace. It works especially well as a relaxing final stop after the islands or for travelers who have already seen 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 not effortless. From Glyfada or Vouliagmeni, treat the Acropolis as a planned half-day outing, not something you casually squeeze in between breakfast and the beach. A taxi or Uber from the coast to central Athens can take 30 to 70 minutes depending on traffic and where you are staying. The tram is useful from Glyfada and the northern Riviera, but slow. From Vouliagmeni, the fastest public-transport strategy is a taxi or bus to the Elliniko metro station, then the Red Line into central Athens.

Which is better: Glyfada or Vouliagmeni?

Vouliagmeni is better for beaches, swimming, romance, luxury hotels, Lake Vouliagmeni, and a polished resort feel. It is prettier and more relaxing, but also more expensive and less convenient for casual nights out. Glyfada is better for restaurants, shopping, cafes, nightlife, and a more urban coastal base. It is livelier, easier for longer stays, and better if you want to walk to different places each night rather than rely on your hotel. Choose Vouliagmeni for beaches and romance. Choose Glyfada for dining, shopping, and walkability.

What are the best hotels in Glyfada?

Glyfada is the closest thing the Athens Riviera has to a proper town center. It has beach clubs nearby, but the real appeal is the lively center: restaurants, cocktail bars, cafes, boutiques, bakeries, and easy evening strolls without needing to stay inside a resort.

• One&Only Aesthesis: The best choice for pure luxury in Glyfada. It has a glamorous beachfront setting, resort pools, polished service, and a more exclusive feel than the town-center hotels. It is close enough to Glyfada for restaurants and shopping, but most guests stay here for the resort atmosphere.
• Dusit Suites Athens: The best suite-style hotel close to Glyfada’s restaurants, shops, and nightlife. A good choice for couples who want more space, longer stays, or 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.
• Palmyra Beach Hotel: A practical mid-range choice near both Glyfada town and the coast. It is not luxurious, 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.

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

Not really. The Riviera has good swimming, excellent hotels, and a relaxed coastal feel, but it does not have the whitewashed villages, ferry-hopping rhythm, or dramatic landscapes of the Cyclades. It is a very good substitute for one extra island night if your schedule is tight. You get sea, sun, and resort comfort without adding another ferry or flight. But if this is your first trip to Greece and you are dreaming of Santorini, Naxos, Paros, or Milos, the Riviera is not the same thing.

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

No. Taxis and Uber are widely available, and a car can be annoying in Glyfada or central Athens because of parking and traffic. You only need a car if you want to explore beaches farther south, visit Sounio independently, or use the Riviera as part of a wider mainland road trip. For most short Riviera stays, taxis, Uber, buses, tram, and hotel transfers are easier.

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

Glyfada is the best car-free base. It is the most walkable Riviera town, with hotels near restaurants, cafes, shops, bars, tram stops, and the coast. Palaio Faliro and Alimos are also practical without a car, especially if you want to be closer to central Athens or Piraeus. Vouliagmeni is fine without a car if you are happy using taxis or Uber for longer hops.

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

The Riviera is very convenient for Athens International Airport, especially Vouliagmeni, Glyfada, Varkiza, and Lagonissi. In normal traffic, much of the coast is about 25 to 40 minutes from the airport. It is less convenient for Piraeus. The port looks close on a map, but the coastal road can be slow. Allow at least 45 to 60 minutes to reach the ferry port from Glyfada or Vouliagmeni, and more during heavy traffic. If you have an early ferry, stay in Piraeus instead.

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

Yes, the water is generally good for swimming, especially as you move farther south toward Vouliagmeni, Varkiza, and Sounio. Many Riviera beaches have good facilities and several regularly receive Blue Flag recognition. Avoid swimming right next to busy marinas, harbors, or boat traffic. For the clearest water and best setting, Vouliagmeni and the beaches farther south are better than the northern stretches closer to the city.

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

It is a mix. Some beaches are free, some charge an entrance fee, and many of the better organized beaches charge for sunbeds, umbrellas, or reserved seating. Prices vary a lot by beach, month, weekday vs. weekend, and row location. Simple municipal beaches can be reasonable. Premium beach clubs such as Astir Beach can be very expensive in summer.

Which beaches on the Athens Riviera are sandy?

Not every Riviera beach is soft sand. Many are pebbly, rocky, or a mix of sand and small stones. The best sandy or mostly sandy options are:

• Astir Beach: The famous luxury beach club in Vouliagmeni, with a beautiful setting, golden sand, and very high prices.
• Vouliagmeni Beach: A well-run organized beach with good sand, calm water, facilities, and a lifeguard in season.
• Kavouri Beach: Sandy stretches, shallow water, and a more relaxed local feel. Good for wading and families.
• Yabanaki Beach in Varkiza: A reliable sandy option with full facilities and a family-friendly atmosphere.

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

Only if your goal is quiet, resort time, sunset views, and the Temple of Poseidon. Sounio is beautiful, but it is isolated. You are not casually going into Athens for dinner from there. For most travelers, Sounio works better as a late-afternoon and sunset trip from Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, or central Athens. Stay overnight only if the hotel and seclusion are the point.

How many nights should I stay on the Athens Riviera?

Two or three nights is ideal for most travelers. Two nights works well as a relaxed finale before flying home. Three nights gives you time for one beach day, one Athens or Sounio outing, and one proper Riviera day with dinner by the water. If this is your first time in Athens, I would not spend all your Athens nights on the Riviera. Split the stay: central Athens before the island, Riviera after.

Is the Athens Riviera a good base for families?

Yes, especially in Vouliagmeni, Varkiza, Glyfada, and resort areas farther south. Families get beaches, pools, more space, and a calmer feel than central Athens. For the best trip, choose a hotel with a pool and easy beach access. Kavouri, Vouliagmeni Beach, and Yabanaki are among the better family beach options. Just remember that summer beach clubs can get expensive, so factor that into the budget.

What is the best luxury hotel on the Athens Riviera?

The Four Seasons Astir Palace is the top luxury hotel on the Athens Riviera. It has the best combination of location, beach access, service, restaurants, pools, and polished resort atmosphere. For a smaller boutique stay in Vouliagmeni, The Margi is my favorite. For Glyfada luxury, One&Only Aesthesis is the standout.

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

Taxis and Uber operate late, and you’ll have no problem getting back to the coast after dinner or drinks in central Athens. The issue is not availability; it is time, traffic, and cost. If you plan to spend every night in Plaka, Psiri, Koukaki, or Syntagma, stay in central Athens. The Riviera commute gets old quickly.

Is public transport good along the Athens Riviera?

Public transport is useful but slow. The tram is the main coastal link and works best for Faliro, Alimos, and Glyfada. It is cheap and scenic, but not fast. For Vouliagmeni, Varkiza, and farther south, buses, taxis, Uber, and private transfers are more useful. The X96 airport bus runs along the coast between the airport and Piraeus, but it is mainly a logistics tool, not the best way to sightsee.