The Greek Riviera

The "gold coast" of Greece

Last Update July 15, 2025

The Greek Riviera generally refers to the luxurious and scenic coastal areas along the Saronic Gulf, near Athens. This is prime mainland real estate of beaches, upscale resorts, and nightlife. It is sometimes also referred to as the Athenian Riviera and stretches from Piraeus to Cape Sounion. This region is particularly popular with Athenians and tourists who want to get to the beaches without having to travel far from the city itself

The main areas of the Greek (Athenian) Riviera:

Glyfada: A stylish suburb of Athens with a fashionable, affluent atmosphere that is probably best known for its upscale shopping, restaurants, beaches, and nightlife. It’s a "trendy" area popular with Athenians and visitors alike and therefore experiences a lot of traffic congestion at times. A combination of narrow streets, increasing development, and limited public transportation options can make traffic a frustrating issue for both locals and visitors during peak hours
Voula: A seaside neighborhood which has relaxed beaches, beach clubs, and water sports. It's quieter than Glyfada but still has a vibrant beach culture. While Voula is a desirable and affluent location, it is somewhat isolated in terms of easy access to Athens's public transportation networks.
Vouliagmeni: A prestigious seaside suburb of Athens, famous for its beautiful coastline, the natural hot springs at Lake Vouliagmeni, the areas luxury hotels, and fine dining restaurants. Vouliagmeni lacks a metro station, but is served by bus lines. Commuting to the city center can be quite time-consuming during peak hours.
Varkiza: Known for its organized beaches, seafood taverns, and more laid-back atmosphere. It’s a great spot for families and those looking for a less crowded area. Without a metro connection residents must rely on private vehicles.
Cape Sounion: At the southern tip of the Riviera, this area is home to an iconic ancient temple with breathtaking views over the Aegean Sea, especially at sunset, a popular location for "selfies" by tourists. The primary means of public transport to Cape Sounion is the KTEL bus service, which departs from Pedion Areos in Athens. The bus back to Athens can run earlier than sunsets which can spoil plans for the popular sunset photos visitors like to take.

What brings the crowds (and investors) to the Greek Riviera?

Beaches and Resorts: Beautiful sandy beaches, many of which are well-maintained and have luxury amenities like beach bars, sunbeds, and water sports.
Upscale Dining and Nightlife: The Riviera is filled with "chic" restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, offering a sophisticated yet relaxed coastal lifestyle.
Activities and Attractions: Besides the beaches, visitors can enjoy spa resorts, golf courses, marinas, and historic sites like the Temple of Poseidon.

Why is it called the "Athens Riviera"?

The term "Athens Riviera" is used to describe the coastal area stretching from Piraeus to Sounio in Greece. This designation gained usage in the mid-20th century, for example, in 1954, Kathimerini newspaper published an article suggesting that the beachfront areas of Athens, such as Glyfada and Voula, could become more popular than the French Riviera in the coming years.

The development of the area is marked especially to 1957 with the creation of Asteria in Glyfada, a resort noted for luxury and leisure, bringing in both locals and international visitors.