Athens is more than a city destination. It has plenty to recommend it for a beach break. Summer on the beaches of the 'Athens Riviera' lasts well into October, when sea temperatures are at their warmest after months of summer sun. After dark the city's beaches throb to dance music from glamorous clubs that host party nights as hot as any in Europe. Use our guide to the best beach hotels near Athens and start planning your break.

Flickr user Chris Goldberg

There's plenty to delight gastronomes too. Many of the best beach hotels near Athens are home to modern fusion restaurants that combine influences from all over the Mediterranean, Asia and the Middle East. Old-school carnivores can head for Vari and its mile-long strip of grill restaurants specialising in lamb, kid, sheep's head, and offal dishes like kokoretsi, gardouba, and mageiritsa (tripe soup). Seafood lovers will find fishy delights at harbours like Rafina.

Image by Petrakis from Pixabay

Watersports on offer range from windsurfing to scuba diving. For a glimpse of the ancient world, you can visit ancient temple sites like Vravrona and the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion – or spend a day exploring the sights of Athens.

Most hotels are aimed squarely at child-free couples, but some upscale resorts cater to families with facilities like kids' pools, supervised activities and baby-sitting services.

The so-called 'Athens Riviera' begins at Glyfada, a prosperous seaside residential area with a marina, a golf course, and a public beach that is popular with locals. There are also pay beaches with cafés, showers and changing facilities. Fast, user-friendly tram and Metro services link Glyfada with central Athens, so if you want to combine a beach stay with a spot of sightseeing it's an ideal base.

Celebs, plutocrats and oligarchs go to Vouliagmeni to lounge on yachts and private beaches, dine in world-class restaurants, and party in exclusive clubs and cocktail bars. Dress to impress if you want to fit in on Athens's 'Gold Coast' – but for a change of pace you can join Athenians taking the healing waters at beautiful Lake Vouliagmeni. Heading on towards Cape Sounion and the southern tip of Attica, Lagonissi is an even more exclusive seaside neighourhood that is home to some of Greece's wealthiest families – and to one of the most outrageously luxurious resorts in Greece.

At the very tip of Attica, Sounion is landmarked by the columns of the Temple of Poseidon, overlooking a sandy bay of calm, sheltered water. On the east coast, Rafina, the ferry port nearest Athens International Airport, is the perfect place to start (or finish) an island-hopping holiday. It's also a cheerful, low-key resort in its own right, with a small fishing harbour surrounded by seafood restaurants – so it's a great spot for a short stay beside the sea.

Our selection of beach hotels near Athens covers a range of properties from ultra-luxurious resorts to romantic hideaways by the sea. The choice is wide, so we have grouped the hotels broadly in terms of price, plus added suggestions for families and romantics!

8 of Athens's Best Beach Hotels

For Good Value

Glamorous, ultra-luxurious resorts dominate in and around Vouliagmeni, but more affordable options can be found elsewhere.

• Avra Hotel is situated between Rafina's beach and the ferry harbour. It's a comfortable modern hotel with an outdoor pool and bedrooms with super views.

For a mid-range hotel

Even in ritzy Vouliagmeni there are stylish hotels that won't break the bank but still put you next to beaches, dining and nightlife.

• The Margi is a little gem with fabulous designer rooms, pool and beach access, and an excellent restaurant and stylish bar.

Chic Boutiques

Big resort hotels have ruled the high-end accommodation scene on the Athens Riviera until recently, but a number of more intimate new properties may appeal to couples looking for a romantic beach break.

• Vouliagmeni Suites is a hip hotel, a chic, petite beauty with smartly decorated and luxuriously appointed rooms and suites.
• Foodies may like both the suites with private terraces and the gourmet restaurant at Somewhere Boutique Hotel.

For Luxury

Finding a luxurious place to stay on the beaches near Athens is easy – but the best hotels are in huge demand throughout the season, so start looking for the perfect place well before you plan to travel.

• Grand Resort Lagonissi is the queen of the Athens Riviera. Suites with pools, private beaches and multiple fine-dining restaurants set the tone at this exclusive resort on a private peninsula.
• The recently-relaunched Four Seasons Astir Palace is perfect for more than a few nights, with seven restaurants and its own beach. Romantic couples may like its suites with private pools.

Best for families

• Families will find everything they need at the Cape Sounio Grecotel Exclusive Resort, with accommodation in family bungalows and suites. A supervised activity centre keeps under-14s amused, under-12s are offered unlimited soft drinks and snacks, and there are two sheltered private beaches.
• Divani Apollon Palace is another good family option with its wide range of accommodation, two outdoor pools, private sandy beach and various dining outlets.

Still not sure which to book? Expand your search to include all our Athens recommendations, or contact a friendly guru for advice.

 

Written by Robin Gauldie

posted Wednesday, 6th May 2020