Welcome to the Greek version of California: the southern suburbs of Glyfada, Voula and Vouliagmeni, three of the coolest Athens’ neighborhoods. Here, the temperature is a few degrees warmer than the ‘reported’ Athens’ weather; people stay mostly outdoors and tan, play beach volleyball, SUP or even swim on a sunny day (the month is irrelevant!); the main attire is beachwear, flip flops, funky t-shirts and hoodies, shorts, trainers and Juicy Couture track pants!
An all-year beach paradise only a half hour drive from Athens’ main tourist attractions, Greek landmarks and the Athens ‘must see’ spots of the Acropolis, Plaka and Monastiraki; and -in our opinion- one of the best places to live in Greece (if not in Europe), all year round!
Don’t expect to join a sightseeing tour or a food tour in this area – unless you are in the mood to drive a further half hour for a day trip to the Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounion. As you can imagine, residents of the southern suburbs are outdoorsy, laid back people who enjoy the simple things in life, like a beautiful sunset and the sea view, and will seize every opportunity to get out, party, drink, eat and exercise on a sunny day (to say the least). And since these neighborhoods are dominated by locals we are here to share with your our insider’s guide to Glyfada, Voula and Vouliagmeni; because, dear travelers, your travel experience in Athens would be incomplete without a visit to this part of the Athens Riviera. So, without further ado, here are a few of our favourite spots and most unique things to do in Athens, down south!
If you haven’t noticed by now on your holidays in Greece, Greeks are very proud of their coffee culture (that includes catching up with friends for a good 2-3 hours over a freddo cappuccino, frappe or a good old Greek coffee!). So, if you want to blend in with the locals, be prepared to participate! Do it like a Vouliagmenioti (aka a Vouliagmeni resident!) at the all-time classic (if not ‘cult’) Aqua Marina or like a Glyfadioti (yes, a Glyfada resident!) at Soleto. For those who want to sip their coffee a stone’s throw from the beach, try the hidden spot at Lasithi cafe in Kavouri, En Plo in Vouliagmeni, Vive Mar in Voula or -last but not least- Balux House Project in Glyfada where you can combine it with a swim or a healthy brunch