A WEEKEND ON THE ATHENS RIVIERA | VOULIAGMENI
Athens is a city steeped in Greek mythology and history and has so much to offer for a long holiday. But in a weekend you can also do a lot, as LOVE BRAND & Co. Founders, Oliver & Rose discover on the Athens Riviera…
WHERE TO STAY
Vouliagmeni is a 25 minute taxi from the airport and is The Athens Riviera, with super hotels, restaurants and marinas. Home to one of our favourite Four Seasons resorts in the world, the Astir Palace, which boosts an incredible waterfront location from the most highly prized land in all of Greece. A smaller boutique hotel we recommend is Azur, also in Vouliagmeni, which was the ideal
WHAT TO DO
Leave Vouliagmeni to see some of the infamous city sites. We took a taxi to the Acropolis early, beating the rush and we recommend arranging a guide and visiting the Acropolis Museum. After a morning site seeing, it’s time for a drink and lunch at Strofi, a rooftop restaurant which you might never find! We struggled! It is unsigned, through an inconspicuous doorway and up 3 flights of stairs, giving the restaurant great views of the Parthenon. Next time we would time our visit to Athens and book tickets for an evening concert at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus or The Olympic Stadium.base camp for a city break in Athens.
WHERE TO SHOP
Walk around the flea markets of Plaka, at the bottom of the Acropolis. This is the oldest part of the city with narrow cobbled streets and shops, cafes and market stalls. If looking for beachwear however, you need to head back to Vouliagmeni and find Salt Water at the Four Seasons.
SWIMMING & SUNDOWNERS
Take a dip at the Vouliagmeni Lake, a natural salt lake and beach club. The perfect place for a sundowner and a swim. The water is always a few degrees warmer than the sea, which is good to know if in Athens out of season, as we were.
DINNER IN VOULIAGMENI
From either the Four Seasons or Azur you have an amazing choice of local tavernas in Vouliagmeni. Our recommendation for seafood is Labros, which is opposite the Vouliagmeni Lake. For traditional lamb favourites, book Ta Vlachika, to finish off an action packed weekend in Athens!
