A Weekend in the Athens Riviera

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Greece-based travel writer Kate Lough shares her favorite haunts on the glorious stretch of coastline just outside Athens, from lazy taverna lunches and secluded swimming spots to chic new boutique hotel stays. Bookmark this insider guide for your next weekend-away: the Athens Riviera is not just for summer, Kate finds. 

BY KATE LOUGH | CABANA TRAVEL | 25 JANUARY 2026

Athens © Daniel Silva. Header courtesy Elijah J. Cobb, via Unsplash.

Stretching from the port of Piraeus to Cape Sounio, the Athenian Riviera is one of Greece's most compelling assets. Curving around the Saronic Gulf, this coastline is known for its pine forests, hidden coves and laidback tavernas as well as more upmarket neighbourhoods, elegant hotels and significant archaeological sites.

A much-loved part of many an Athenian’s weekend, the Riviera is not just for summer, with sunny seaside lunches, swimming and hikes as much a part of the winter calendar.

Where to Stay

The Margi: With its boutique character, The Margi shines as one of the Riviera’s more low-key, elegant stays. Run by the Stavridis family since the glory days of the Sixties, it sits between the sugary sweep of Vouglameni Beach and pine forest. Recently renovated, stay in one of its suites where views of Aegean blue mingle with antique wood furnishings and terracotta hues. It is as much of a pool hangout in the summer as a cosy fireside spot in the winter; either way, make time for its subterranean spa as well as its Michelin-starred restaurant, Patio, which is powered by the nearby Margi farm.

Four Seasons Astir Palace: Spanning 75 acres on its own peninsula not from Vouglameni and The Margi, the Four Seasons is the most iconic heritage hotel on the Riviera. Transformed from the 1960s modernist landmark, the Astir Palace, it is still a place to see and be seen for many. I prefer the privacy of its beach bungalows overlooking the water (private plunge pool included), coupled with daytimes spent snoozing in one of its cabanas.

Where to Eat & Drink

Oven, Glyfada: On my way for a swim somewhere on this southern stretch of Attica, I will stop at Oven Bakery to pick up a coffee, cinnamon roll or savoury pie. Its whitewashed interior and wooden seating are nice for a more lingering brunch too.

Akrogiali, Cape Sounio: Sitting in the shadow of Cape Sounio and the Temple of Poseidon, Akrogiali is the taverna I go to if I want to feel like I’m on an island for the day. Try to get one of the tables right in the sand as the sun starts to make it descent, before ordering cloudy glasses of ouzo alongside grilled fish, fried calamari, horta and patates.

Taverna 37: If I want to feel a little fancy while still keeping the taverna vibe, the Four Seasons’ Taverna 37 is a good option for a long lunch. Ask for a table right by the water and start on a bottle of Assyrtiko while you choose from the cold mezze platter brought to your table, and nominate one of your party to select a fish for the grill.

What to See & Do

Swimming: The first, and my most loved, of Riviera activities has to be going for a swim. All year around (depending on what temperatures you can brave), you can swim from the southern Athenian neighbourhood of Palaio Faliro down to Sounio. 

This magical stretch of coastline is a treasure trove of wide sandy beaches and — closer to Cape Sounio — more hidden coves. The best thing to do is jump in a car and simply keep your eyes peeled for a slice of perfectly clear water to park nearby, or beg a local to share their secret spot with you. For something a little different, I'd get a day pass and a sun lounger at Lake Vouglameni.

Temple of Poseidon, Cape Sounio: I will never tire of visiting the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounio. Ideally you would visit with my favorite guide and archaeological expert, Michael Patmanidis, for an extremely informative and lively experience.

A Doric temple built around 400 BC, it commands an impressive position and still bears Philhellene Lord Byron’s name carving. Alongside the Parthenon and the Temple of Aphaia on nearby Aegina, it completes the Sacred Triangle of Antiquity.

Irene Y. Panagopoulos Collection, Voula: Heralding a new artistic chapter for the Riviera, the Irene Y. Panagopoulos Collection is an exhibition meets archive meets workspace. The brainchild of collector and philanthropist, Irene Y. Panagopoulos, the new space opened in June 2025 and put Voula on Athens’ contemporary art map. Look out for its roster of thought-provoking events and talks. By reservation only.