Once the playground of jet-set icons and Greek elites, the Athenian Riviera faded into quiet obscurity as island escapes stole the spotlight. But now, with new investments, stylish openings, and renewed cultural pride, this shimmering stretch of coastline is making a triumphant comeback — offering a mix of heritage, hedonism, and high design just minutes from downtown Athens.
A golden past rediscovered
In its 1960s prime, the Athenian Riviera rivaled the French Riviera for understated glamour. Running nearly 40 miles from the bustling port of Piraeus to the mythic Cape Sounion, the coastline was once a magnet for the global glitterati. Here, Brigitte Bardot famously danced barefoot in Glyfada, while Frank Sinatra serenaded moonlit audiences from his bungalow terrace at the legendary Astir Palace Hotel.
Nicknamed the “Côte d’Azur of Greece,” the area flourished through the 1970s and ‘80s, attracting celebrities, creatives, and affluent Athenians. Its appeal was its balance — an easy blend of sophisticated leisure, natural beauty, and proximity to Athens’ ancient treasures. “It’s where authenticity meets sophistication,” says Chrysanthos Panas, local author and co-owner of Island Club & Restaurant. “You could visit the Acropolis in the morning and dine beside the sea by sunset.”
But by the late 1990s, the glamour dulled. As travelers bypassed Athens for photogenic islands like Mykonos and Santorini, development slowed. For a while, the Riviera became a forgotten icon — until now.
The revival in full swing
The Athenian Riviera is currently experiencing a renaissance. Its once-dormant beaches and seaside towns are now dotted with boutique hotels, elevated dining concepts, and a new generation of stylish, sustainability-minded spaces. “What’s happening now is not just a return to form — it’s a reinvention,” says Panas. “The essence remains: the sea, the light, the hospitality. But now it’s layered with modern luxury and culture.”
From the revived Four Seasons Astir Palace — a reincarnation of its iconic predecessor — to new eco-conscious resorts like 91 Athens Riviera, the hospitality scene has regained international attention. Meanwhile, locals and visitors are rediscovering its unmatched accessibility: just 30 minutes from central Athens, the Riviera makes a seamless transition from urban exploration to barefoot escape.
This shift is more than aesthetic. Major architectural and cultural investments, like the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, have injected new creative energy into the region. Designed by Renzo Piano, the center has become a beacon for performance art, sustainable design, and public green space — reinforcing the Riviera’s place not only as a leisure destination, but also as a cultural hub.
What to see and do
The Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion remains one of the most poetic stops along the coast. Standing sentinel since the fifth century BCE, the ruins overlook the sea with cinematic drama. Arrive near sunset for the full effect — and a deeper appreciation of the ancient Greeks’ reverence for nature.
Closer to the heart of the Riviera, Lake Vouliagmeni is an unexpected wonder: a mineral-rich lake warmed by underground thermal springs, surrounded by sheer cliffs. With sunbeds, a restaurant, and therapeutic waters, it’s the perfect reset. Just nearby, Astir Beach offers high-end seaside lounging with striped sunbeds and access to a yacht marina. If you prefer a local scene, Vouliagmeni Beach is the go-to for residents. Its laid-back vibe, beach bars, and straw umbrellas make it the ideal casual hangout. For urban culture, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center deserves a day of exploration, especially for families or those interested in contemporary Athens.
And for those looking to extend the Riviera magic, ferries from Piraeus make day trips to nearby Saronic Gulf islands like Aegina or Poros easy and affordable — lunch on an island, dinner back on the mainland.
Dining by the sea
There’s no shortage of outstanding food along the Riviera, from elevated seafood to classic Greek tavernas. Taverna 37, nestled within the Four Seasons, delivers candlelit seaside dining and outstanding mezze made with locally sourced ingredients. Barbarossa, one of the area’s buzziest restaurants, takes a Mediterranean focus with standout dishes like lobster linguini and indulgent banoffee pie.
Island Club & Restaurant remains the area’s most iconic nightspot — a fixture for more than three decades. With sweeping coastal views and a glamorous crowd, it’s part restaurant, part nightclub, and all about the atmosphere. In the heart of Athens, Makris Athens offers a Michelin-starred interpretation of traditional Greek cuisine, using ingredients from chef Petros Dimas’ farm in Corinth. Its location beneath the Acropolis adds to the allure. For no-frills local flavor, Zaxos Grill in Vouliagmeni serves up hearty plates of souvlaki, spanakopita, and perfectly golden fries in a truly authentic setting.
For fine dining with a view, Papaioannou Restaurant delivers a refined seafood menu and an award-winning Greek wine list — best enjoyed at sunset, when the sea mirrors the sky.
Where to shop
Retail along the Riviera is just as diverse. Ioannou Metaxa Street in Glyfada is a chic promenade lined with Greek designer boutiques, international fashion houses, and charming cafés. Take time to wander the side streets, where indie shops and one-of-a-kind finds abound. Closer to central Athens, The Naxos Apothecary is a must-visit. This beautifully curated store offers homeopathic bath products and fragrances inspired by Greek botanicals — ideal for taking a bit of the Riviera’s soul home with you.
Where to stay
The Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens stands as the Riviera’s crown jewel. With eight restaurants and bars, a full-service spa, and a private peninsula of pine-dotted luxury, it’s a modern homage to its 1960s glamour. For something more offbeat, 91 Athens Riviera brings luxury glamping to Greece with its new “luxents” — stylish tents blending barefoot luxury with a hint of summer camp nostalgia.
How to do it
The Athenian Riviera is accessible via a short drive from Athens International Airport, with most of the action centered around Vouliagmeni and Glyfada. Public transport is improving, but taxis and private transfers remain the easiest way to get around.
When to go:
The sweet spot is between May and October, when the sea is warm, skies are clear, and beach clubs are buzzing. Late September offers the best of both worlds — warm water and thinner crowds.
Need to know:
Day trips to islands in the Saronic Gulf can be booked from Piraeus Port. Ferries vary seasonally, so check schedules in advance. Reservations are essential at top restaurants, especially during summer weekends. Whether you’re chasing nostalgia or seeking a fresh slice of Mediterranean magic, the Athenian Riviera is once again ready for its close-up. Just don’t be surprised if you end up staying far longer than planned.
