01 · Palaio Faliro
Batis Beach
A sheltered sandy beach on the Palaio Faliro waterfront, popular with local families and close to the coastal tram line.
View guideGlyfada
Athens Riviera
Beach · Thermal lake
Lake Vouliagmeni
A spring-fed lake beneath a limestone cliff, a short drive past the beach, where the water holds 22–29°C through the whole year.
Excellent water quality
Sources: EEA bathing water, 2025 season
Practical details
Vouliagmeni–Varkiza coastal road, Vouliagmeni 166 71
21 0896 2237lakevouliagmeni.gr/@lake_vouliagmeni_athensLakeVouliagmeniThe lake
Lake Vouliagmeni sits at the foot of a sheer limestone overhang just inland from the coast road, and it is unlike anything else on the Riviera. Underground springs feed it with water that mixes with the sea through the rock, which keeps it between 22 and 29°C all year and makes it the one place near Athens where a swim in January is a pleasure rather than a dare.
It is run as an organised, paid venue: sunbeds and umbrellas around the shore, lifeguards, changing rooms and showers, a restaurant, and a small shop for anything you forgot. Water sports are not allowed, so it stays quiet. The small fish that nibble at your feet are part of the experience, and most people stop minding after a minute.
Before you go
Tickets and sunbeds are booked online, and same-day reservations are not possible, so plan at least a day ahead, especially on summer weekends. It is open all year, with shorter hours in winter. Outside food is not allowed and pets are not admitted, apart from service animals. The site is accessible to visitors with disabilities.
Getting there
About 7 km south of Glyfada and 20 km from central Athens, on the coastal road from Vouliagmeni toward Varkiza, a minute past the main beach. The coastal buses toward Varkiza pass the entrance, and there is free parking on site, though it fills on busy days. By car from Glyfada it is roughly fifteen minutes.
On the blog
Nearby on the Riviera
Mapped Places
02 · Northern gateway
Edem Beach
The first beach south of Piraeus. Urban, accessible, and buzzing with Athenians on summer evenings. A long promenade lines the shore.
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03 · Alimos
Kalamaki Beach
Long sandy stretch in Alimos, one of the city's most accessible beaches with good facilities and the Kalamaki marina nearby.
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04 · Elliniko
Agios Kosmas
Spacious public beach on the site of the former Hellenikon Olympic complex, with a marina and open water sports area.
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05 · Heart of the Riviera
Glyfada A
The social centre of the southern suburbs. Beach clubs, boutiques, and the widest sandy shores on the Riviera, this is where the Riviera begins in earnest.
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06 · Glyfada
Glyfada B
The southern section of Glyfada's seafront, lined with beach bars and sun-lounger operations extending toward Asteras.
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07 · Glyfada south
Asteria / Asteras
Exclusive beach club peninsula between Glyfada and Voula, home to the landmark Asteras resort and yacht marina.
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08 · Voula
Voula Beach
Two adjoining Blue Flag beaches with fine sand and clear water, calmer and more family-oriented than Glyfada.
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09 · Kavouri
Mikro Kavouri
A small, pine-shaded cove on the Kavouri peninsula, one of the quietest spots accessible from the southern suburbs.
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10 · Kavouri
Megalo Kavouri
The larger of the two Kavouri beaches, with shallow turquoise water and open views across the Saronic Gulf.
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11 · Vouliagmeni
Astir Beach
The Four Seasons Astir Palace beach, a pine-forested private peninsula in Vouliagmeni with pristine coves and Aegean-blue water.
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12 · The jewel of the coast
Akti Vouliagmenis
Crystal-clear coves framed by Aleppo pines, and the extraordinary thermal lake, whose waters stay 22–29°C year-round.
View guide13 · Thermal lake
Lake Vouliagmeni
A spring-fed lake beneath a limestone cliff, a short drive past the beach, where the water holds 22–29°C through the whole year.
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14 · Vouliagmeni coves
Limanakia
A string of rocky coves beneath the Vouliagmeni cliffs, beloved by locals for their crystal-clear blue water.
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15 · Varkiza
Varkiza Beach
A wide, organised sandy beach backed by a lagoon, popular, spacious, and well-equipped with facilities.
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16 · Varkiza south
Althea
Quiet sandy beach south of Varkiza with calmer, less crowded conditions and clear water.
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17 · Agia Marina
Galazia Akti
'Blue Shore', a sheltered pebble beach near Agia Marina with unusually calm, transparent water.
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18 · Lagonissi
Lagonissi Beach
A beach on the base of the Lagonissi peninsula, flanked by the exclusive resort of the same name and open Saronic water.
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19 · Lagonissi
Kiteza
A small, secluded cove near Lagonissi with clear Saronic waters and a peaceful, local atmosphere.
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20 · Saronida
Saronida Beach
A laid-back sandy beach with a fishing harbour and local tavernas, a favourite with weekend visitors from Athens.
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21 · Saronida
Mavro Lithari
'Black Rock', a dramatic pebble beach framed by dark volcanic outcrops, with striking colour contrast against the blue water.
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22 · Anavyssos
Agios Nikolaos
A sheltered beach north of Anavyssos with a small fishing harbour and excellent fresh seafood at the waterside tavernas.
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23 · Anavyssos
Anavyssos Beach
The main beach at Anavyssos, popular for windsurfing thanks to reliable Meltemi winds and a long open shoreline.
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24 · Palaia Fokaia
Palaia Fokaia
An uncrowded village beach with a small harbour and traditional feel, far from the organised beach clubs of the north.
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25 · Sounion approach
Thymari
A quiet, largely undeveloped beach on the final coastal stretch toward Cape Sounion.
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26 · Sounion approach
Harakas
Wild natural coves approaching the cape, the coast grows progressively rugged and isolated here.
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27 · Sounion approach
KAPE Beach
A pristine pebble cove just off the cape road, with striking turquoise water, rock-formed caves, and the Temple of Poseidon visible on the headland above.
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28 · Sounion approach
Legrena Beach
A sheltered pebble bay a few kilometres from the cape, with calm turquoise water and an undeveloped, quietly Aegean feel.
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29 · Cape Sounion
Sounion Beach
The southern terminus of the Athens Riviera, beneath the ancient Temple of Poseidon. Dramatic cape scenery, clear Aegean waters, and one of Attica's most iconic sunsets.
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30 · Property · Glyfada
Modern Renovated Apartment in Glyfada
A renovated 36 m² apartment at Foivis 24, Glyfada, close to the waterfront, tram access, and the neighborhood's main retail and dining streets.
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31 · Restaurant · Glyfada
Tsi Tsi
A charcoal grill house on Metaxa, serving skewers, handmade kebabs, and mezes in a warm, unpretentious room.
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32 · Restaurant · Glyfada
Sardelaki
A beloved seafood taverna in Glyfada, known for fresh fish, mezes, and a warm, authentic Greek atmosphere.
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33 · Restaurant · Asteria Glyfada
Ark
A polished all day destination at Asteria Glyfada, known for its Riviera setting, Greek flavours, and elevated atmosphere.
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34 · Restaurant · Glyfada
Amigos
A lively, established favourite for casual evenings, group dining, and a relaxed Glyfada night out.
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35 · Restaurant · Glyfada
Psarou
A classic seafood option for those looking for fresh, simple Greek dining near the coast.
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36 · Restaurant · Glyfada
To Drami
A neo-traditional mezedopoleio on Laodikis, serving generous Greek mezes in a room dressed as an old Athenian grocery store.
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37 · Restaurant · Vouliagmeni
Matsuhisa Athens
A high end Japanese-Peruvian dining reference point on the Athens Riviera, located nearby in Vouliagmeni.
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38 · Restaurant · Vouliagmeni
En Plo
An all-day room on the Vouliagmeni waterfront, going from brunch by the water to handmade pasta, fresh fish, and grilled meat after dark.
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39 · Restaurant · Glyfada
Monk Conceptual Gastrobar
A wood-fired kitchen and a long craft beer list on Lazaraki, plating grilled cuts and small plates in a dark, design-led room.
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40 · Café · Vouliagmeni
Waffle House Glyfada
A familiar Athens Riviera staple for coffee, dessert, and casual meetups.
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41 · Café · Glyfada
Kayak
A refined dessert and gelato stop, ideal for a lighter pause while moving through town.
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42 · Café · Glyfada
Blends
A modern café and social spot with a clean, contemporary Glyfada feel.
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43 · Café · Glyfada
DoEat Spot
The Do Eat by DK kitchen's own room on Foivis, serving brunch, bowls, and cold-pressed juices around a planted garden.
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44 · Café · Glyfada
Joe & The Juice
The Copenhagen juice and sandwich bar on the Lambraki corner, pouring shakes and juices from early morning to late evening.
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45 · Bar · Glyfada
Pere Ubu
A cornerstone of Glyfada nightlife with a polished crowd and strong all day to evening energy.
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46 · Bar · Vouliagmeni
Rumors
A sleek lounge style option for drinks and late night atmosphere.
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47 · Bar · Glyfada
Su Casa
A casual but lively spot that transitions naturally from food to drinks.
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48 · Bar · Glyfada
Opus Inner Pleasure
A nightlife driven venue with a more polished, design forward identity.
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49 · Beach Club · Vouliagmeni
Astir Beach
A more structured and polished beach experience on the Vouliagmeni peninsula.
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50 · Beach Club · Vouliagmeni
Limanakia Beach Bar
A laid-back spot in the rocky coves of Vouliagmeni, known for crystal-clear water and a relaxed summer vibe.
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51 · Beach Club · Alimos
Nalu
A relaxed seaside option for daytime beach living and casual coastal atmosphere.
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52 · Beach Club · Alimos
Akanthus
Upscale beach club with golden sand, a refined atmosphere, and a smooth shift from daytime dining to sunset sets.
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53 · Beach Club · Alimos
Bolivar Beach Bar
Located just north in Alimos, Bolivar is better suited for a more energetic beach bar and event atmosphere.
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54 · Beach Club · Voula
The C
An all-day beach restaurant and bar at the north end of Voula's first beach, with sunbeds at the water's edge and a kitchen that mixes Greek, Mediterranean, and Asian flavours.
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55 · Shopping · Glyfada
Zara Glyfada
A familiar international fashion stop within Glyfada's main retail zone.
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56 · Shopping · Glyfada
Massimo Dutti Glyfada
Clean, elevated essentials aligned with Glyfada's understated style.
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57 · Shopping · Vouliagmeni
Luisa World
A curated, higher-end boutique option for fashion-led shopping on the Riviera.
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58 · Shopping · Glyfada
BSB Glyfada
The Greek womenswear label's Glyfada store, a block off Metaxa on the Foivis pedestrian stretch.
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59 · Shopping · Glyfada
Regalinas Glyfada
A Greek womenswear chain on Metaxa, stocking everyday pieces and occasion wear at mid-market prices.
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60 · Shopping · Glyfada
NYX Professional Makeup Glyfada
The makeup brand's Glyfada store on Metaxa, with the full colour range open to try on rather than boxed behind a counter.
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61 · Shopping · Glyfada
Blackframe
An independent optician at the top of Metaxa, buying handmade and small-label frames alongside the big eyewear houses.
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62 · Shopping · Glyfada
Zizel Beauty Shop
A professional beauty and haircare shop on Markou Botsari, stocking salon brands over the counter.
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63 · Wellness · Glyfada
Casaderm
A neighbourhood aesthetics studio off Metaxa, doing laser hair removal, facials, and nail work at everyday prices.
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64 · Wellness · Glyfada
Telis Kikeris Glyfada
The Glyfada salon of a long-running Attica hairdressing group, on Dousmani a block back from the Metaxa shops.
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65 · Wellness · Glyfada
Brwne Brow Bar
A brow and lash bar on Gr. Lambraki, built around threading, tinting, and lash lifts rather than a full salon menu.
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66 · Wellness · Glyfada
Stretch & Relax
A small reformer Pilates and massage studio on Gr. Lambraki, working in private sessions and small groups.
View guideExperiences
Curated activities and experiences across Glyfada and the Athens Riviera, from coastal excursions and cultural highlights to day trips and private tours.