Ten summer stops to feel like a local on the Athens Riviera
Food, drinks, beaches, retro ice creams, and famous evening spots: These are the summer stops that Athenians love (and you will love too) along the Athens Riviera.
- 30/07/2024
Crowded but also secluded beaches, hidden coves, famous beach bars and restaurants, picturesque summer cinemas, countless spots with views of the horizon and the Saronic Gulf, and magical sunsets: Summer on the Athenian Riviera has everything you’re looking for!
Limanakia for a swim
As you pass through the center of Vouliagmeni and gradually head towards Varkiza, you will see small coves emerging at every turn, with azure waters and wild beauty that is rarely found elsewhere nearby. The Limanakia have been a characteristic meeting point for swimmers in Athens for years, rushing to secure their spot on the rocks and spend the whole day sunbathing while gazing at the horizon.
There are plenty of choices, as indeed there are many beautiful coves, but we cannot fail to recommend that you sit where Lefteris’s kantina is located, which has been operating since the 1960s and has hosted people of all ages and from all over Attica. From there, you can purchase the essentials for your stay by the sea, and then you can move a little further with your group to find the most picturesque spots and set up.
Lolos Ski Center for water adventure
In Vouliagmeni, you will also find the Lolos Ski Center, one of the oldest places for water skiing and water sports in the south of Athens. Its founder, Lolos Stamatis, has taught skiing to all the locals – regardless of age – and is now rightfully considered something like a local hero.
Lambros Restaurant for fresh fish
With a history dating back to 1889, Labros is the oldest seafood restaurant on the Athenian Riviera and is located right across from Lake Vouliagmeni. In its display case, you will find a huge variety of fresh fish and seafood arriving lively from the Greek seas and expertly grilled. From red mullets and sea bream to sole and sea bass, all the daily catch is turned into delicious dishes grilled over charcoal – an art that is associated with the name of Lampros – with modern twists in the recipes as well.
Zachos for souvlaki
For all the locals in the south of Athens, “Zachos” means classic, tasty souvlaki, a timeless favorite. It started serving a few meat options in 1980, and in 1990, the wrapped souvlaki made its first appearance in the shop. Since then, it has been the reason why people come to Vouliagmeni from all over Athens. We recommend the one with pork gyro, which is simply unbeatable.
Kalamia Tavern for traditional seafood
On the road to the southeastern tip of Attica, Sounion, you can make a stop at Kalamia (meaning “fishing rods” but also “reeds” in Greek), a fish tavern located in Lagonissi. The tavern opened in 1947 under the name “Uncle Miltiadis’ Kalamia.” Today, four generations later, the business has remained in the family and is run by Miltiadis’ great-grandson, Lefteris, who, faithful to tradition, continues the work of his ancestors.
Here you will eat fresh fish, which comes exclusively from four fishing boats, one in Porto Rafti, one in Lavrio, and two in Palaiá Fókaia, as well as some seafood appetizers. The menu has been enriched with some more modern dishes, but the all-time favorite for everyone, which usually never misses from any table, remains the shrimp pasta. “It’s my mother’s recipe and it’s irresistible,” Lefteris says.
Sifakis Bakery for a coffee and cheese pie on the go
A little further, in Saronida, on the central square of the area, you will find the historic Sifakis bakery, which has been operating in the exact same place since 1975 and is a beloved locals’ stop for a good coffee, cheese pie and pastries. Everything is prepared in their workshop, and indeed, you will find various interesting options – among them their sweets and their ice cream.
Aqua Marina Cafe & Patisserie for Pêche Melba
So, we return to Vouliagmeni and head to the patisserie Aqua Marina, which has been operating since 1970. It is one of those retro places that remind the older generation and introduce the younger ones to the charm of past decades. There, at its tables with a distant sea view, you can enjoy a dessert that was once particularly loved by Athenians: Pêche Melba, a summer treat made with vanilla ice cream, peach compote, cherry syrup, and whipped cream.
The dessert was first created in 1893 by the French chef Auguste Escoffier. Its name was inspired by the Australian soprano Nellie Melba. Escoffier enjoyed naming his creations after famous personalities. In fact, he named four different recipes after Melba!
Voskopoula Pastry Shop for its Ekmek
A little more hidden, somewhere between Vlachika in Vari, you will find the pastry shop Voskopoula, which has been offering select desserts to its devoted fans since 1965. It proudly claims to make the best “Ekmek” (a traditional dessert commonly found in Greek and Middle Eastern cuisine) in Attica, and indeed we classify it as very delicious, but at the same time, it is renowned for its profiteroles, galaktoboureko (custard pie), walnut pie, and mille-feuille, which are irresistible. Here you will also find ice cream in many different flavors, but we recommend the classic choices to truly feel the quality in their simplicity.
“Ria” Open Air Cinema to watch a movie under the stars
In Varkiza you will find Cine Ria. One of the most beautiful open-air cinemas in the city, nestled in a narrow street of the coastal road, across from the beach. This cinema has been screening movies continuously since 1963, attracting people literally from all over Athens.
Comfortable chairs, cozy sofas, and lounges for those sitting close to the screen are the basic elements, while the puzzle completes the fully equipped bar, where you will find everything from popcorn and nachos to hot dogs (rumor has it that many come to the cinema mainly for their hot dogs), soft-serve ice cream, and cocktails.
Island Bar – Restaurant for dining and then partying till the next morning
For a more nighttime outing, Island, which first opened in the 90s, is a must-visit destination for dining, drinks, and dancing under the starry sky, next to the sea. Today, it operates as a fine dining restaurant, with the menu curated by the award-winning executive chef of the Panas Group, Nikos Skliras. However, late at night, the venue transforms into a club, and Island continues until the early morning hours with its legendary parties.
