The 10 best hotels in the Athenian Riviera

Within walking distance from the SNFCC, almost opposite the new Lyric Stage and just 15 minutes from the centre of Athens and very close to the port of Piraeus, the Athens Marriott Hotel is the ideal destination for those who want to have access to all the urban advantages without sacrificing modern comforts. The hotel’s recently renovated restaurants and bars offer a variety of flavours with Made in Athens featuring Mediterranean options and excellent fusion dishes, exciting cocktails and a ‘live’ atmosphere, similar to its ‘sibling’, London’s renowned pan-Asian restaurant. In addition, snacks and cocktails can be enjoyed in the imposing Great Room.

The five-star hotel offers 366 fully renovated rooms and suites, as well as fully equipped conference facilities, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, a spa with specialised wellness experiences and an outdoor swimming pool. It is also located next to the Planetarium, which offers 8-10 unique, different educational tours for the whole family every day.

On the mythical cape, in a dense pine forest of 300 acres, on the edge of the Sounion and overlooking the ancient temple of Poseidon, the luxury resort deservedly claims a place in the top 10 favorite destinations of the Athenian coastline. It cannot be said to be a conventional hotel, as it consists only of elegant bungalows built amphitheatrically in warm and earthy tones and exclusive, luxurious villas with private pools.

Among the extra tips are its five restaurants, with Greek and international cuisine, private dining, the Elixir Spa Retreat with its renowned rejuvenation treatments and indoor heated hydrotonic pool, Grecoland – a sandy beach with adventurous activities for children – and the thrilling experience of swimming in the crystal clear waters to the island opposite.

Grecotel Boutique Resort also has an Astroturf tennis court and works with the PADI-certified Aqua Divers Club diving centre for those who love diving. To the must-do activities add a mini, romantic cruise to the nearby beautiful islands and secluded bays in the area, under the light of the full moon and to the sounds of classical music.

The term “thalassotherapy” finds its absolute meaning here. Apart from the fantastic private sandy beach where one can relax under the summer sun or indulge in water sports (water skiing, paddle, jet ski, scuba diving etc.), the Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso has two outdoor pools with sea water and luxurious sunbeds, as well as a 3,500sqm wellness centre, which revives the timeless Greek tradition of harmony with the body and the ancient saying “a healthy mind in a healthy body”.

There are also two modern and fully equipped gyms on the premises, as well as an outdoor tennis court and a jogging track right outside the hotel. Of course, it is also a gastronomic destination: the beach is home to the award-winning Papaioannou restaurant, which showcases the treasures of the Greek sea: its menu includes a variety of fresh fish and seafood, making it a journey of flavours and aromas from the most hidden corners of Greece, while its wine list is one of the most up-to-date in the city. Of course, the luxurious rooms and suites with stunning sea views are another reason to choose it for your holiday.

In Glyfada, in a hub between Eleftherios Venizelos Airport, Piraeus and the historic centre of Athens, a breath away from the sea and the famous Stars, is the new Dusit Suites Athens hotel. It consists of thirty-six, comfortable, luxurious suites of modern aesthetics in earthy tones, equipped with impressive marble bathrooms and views of either the Saronic Gulf or the city.

The pampering includes fine Egyptian cotton bedding, a selection of pillows and luxurious bath/personal care sets. The hotel also features an amazing infinity pool.

As for its culinary offerings, these are “unfolded” at the Olive restaurant on the roof top of the hotel, as well as at DAO on the ground level. The former attempts a journey into Mediterranean flavours, while the latter specialises in Thai, Japanese and Chinese cuisine, with its futuristic bar as an ace in the hole. On the wellness front, now, Dusit Suites is investing in the Namm Spa which features six suites for rejuvenating massage treatments, a heated indoor whirlpool, sauna and steam room.

Fully identified with the Athenian Riviera, the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel is an iconic chapter in luxury hospitality. Just 40 minutes from the centre of Athens, on the edge of a pine-clad peninsula, it delivers on its promises of tranquillity, relaxation, culinary delights and entertainment. This is why it attracts visitors from every corner of the globe and is included in this year’s Forbes list of the world’s top hotels.

Three private beaches, two swimming pools, a spa inspired by the teachings of Hippocrates, unparalleled service, exclusive services and a sense of privacy justify the distinction, while eight exciting restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Pelagos and the Italian-oriented Mercato, add to the recipe for success. Want more? At Avra Bar you enjoy well-crafted cocktails, while at Helios you indulge in the Latin American culinary temperament – every Sunday afternoon the Athenian bar Barro Negro pops up with amazing margaritas and palomas. The Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel also has Beefbar and Matsuhisa restaurants on site.

For this summer, Four Seasons Astir Palace offers, among other things, excursions to the islands of the Saronic Gulf and the Cyclades, with direct departure from the hotel’s pier, tasting and ceramics courses. If you’re the kind of person who makes sport an integral part of their holiday, you’ll enjoy pilates or tennis lessons at one of the three, modern tennis courts.

With the Aegean Sea as a backdrop, the beloved five-star resort, built on a private peninsula and in a lush environment, “marries” the landscape of incredible natural beauty and the dazzling blue of the sea with tranquility, discreet luxury and hospitality of distinction. The refined rooms, villas and suites with private pools and bungalows make it a true paradise of tranquility, relaxation and privacy.

Grand Resort Lagonissi is located close to the city centre and just half an hour from El. Venizelos airport. It has sixteen beaches within the resort and three Blue Flags, as well as a state-of-the-art conference center with state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment for corporate events, business meetings and conferences.

Here, one can experience the ultimate in holistic wellness and sport in high quality facilities – but the big thrills are in the gastronomy: at the restaurant Kohchilia, award-winning chef Thanos Stasinos introduces you to the cuisine of Peru and Japan, while at Captain’s House quality Greek raw materials are in the spotlight, with fresh fish and seafood taking centre stage – and all this with the signatures of Michelin-starred chef Edgard Bovier and his experienced partner chef Vania Cebula. As for the hotel’s other restaurants, Ouzeri “plays” with traditional Greek combinations and Mediteranneo proposes light dishes ideal for summer.

In the heart of the Athenian Riviera, next to Lake Vouliagmeni, Grecotel Vouliagmeni Suites promises absolute privacy and incredible views of the marina and the sunset. It consists of just thirty-five rooms (family suites or apartments) with a cosy atmosphere, modern design and state-of-the-art equipment.

Pluses include the famous Grecotel breakfast with a feast of choices, from a delicious American-style buffet to exclusive a la carte options and an emphasis on local flavours. In the main restaurant Adam & Eve, the menu is geared towards Greek and Mediterranean flavours, featuring vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, while the pool bar (next to the fantastic pool, open from May to October) serves hearty snacks and imaginative cocktails.

Within walking distance from the famous summer nightlife of the southern suburbs and the market of cosmopolitan Glyfada, this hotel has equipped rooms for any kind of professional, business or scientific meeting with the capacity to accommodate up to 120 people.

Eleven ultra-chic suites in earthy tones and contemporary design are available at Somewhere Boutique Vouliagmeni – all designed to make guests feel like they are on holiday on the island, but without leaving the city. The highlight however is undoubtedly the Grand Rooftop Penthouse Suite, which occupies the entire third floor of the hotel: with panoramic views of the bay, a terrace with a private outdoor jacuzzi, “smothered” in aromatic Mediterranean plants, luxurious amenities and even BBQ equipment, it is a dream destination in itself.

On the ground floor of the hotel is the Lutetia Bistro restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner with a fully equipped bar, while the hotel’s swimming pool, where one can enjoy a cocktail, serves as an oasis of relaxation and tranquility.

The philosophy of Somewhere Boutique Vouliagmeni is based on high aesthetics and completely personalized experiences for each guest, through unique, personalized services.

Just 20 minutes from Vouliagmeni Lake and within easy reach of the area’s famous beaches, The Margi, with a history that goes back some 60 years, has carefully built a reputation as a luxurious, gastronomic haven of the South. A member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), it bears the personal stamp of both owner, Maria Stavridis, and her son and architect, Giangos Ayostratitis: contemporary design, personal touches and carefully selected artwork create a unique atmosphere much appreciated by its fanatical fans.

The Margi is the only hotel in Athens, which has its own organic farm and supplies its restaurants with fresh fruits and vegetables every day: from the breakfast buffet and fresh fruit juices that can be enjoyed by the poolside to the snack, lunch and dinner options. With menus that include local and international dishes curated by award-winning chef Panagiotis Yakalis, here you will find dishes that are among the best tasting dishes in the city.

The location of Vincci EverEden, in the heart of the Athenian Riviera, on a beach with crystal clear waters, is exactly what makes it unique. Built on a 45,000 sq.m. plot on a beautiful hillside overlooking the Saronic Gulf, it is surrounded by a lush pine forest that, combined with the sound of the waves, creates an irresistible combination of tranquility and summer carefree living.

Just below, on Ever Eden beach, there is a waterpark for those who want to enjoy water sports. The aquatic element is not limited to the sandy beach, as the hotel has an indoor pool, but also two outdoor ones Il Centro and Everheights. There is also a fully equipped gym and a spa with Body, Mind & Soul personalised services.

The four-star Vincci EverEden has a restaurant, and the breakfast is a hearty affair. Another advantage is its proximity to the famous archaeological site of Sounion.