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Vacationing on the European Riviera never goes out of style. From the seaside enclaves on the Amalfi Coast to Nice and Cannes, travelers from all over the world flock to the southern Italian and French coasts in the summer. Slightly to the east of the Mediterranean and Tyrrhenian Sea is another riviera that is 50 years in the making: the Athens Riviera.
While the Grecian islands — Mykonos, Santorini, and the like — appeal to travelers looking for coastal glamour, the Athens Riviera has a similar (if less publicized) draw. Athens, thought of as a two-day stopover en route to the islands, has often been pigeonholed as a quick trip that checks a box on your travel list. It offers history and Acropolis tours, rather than the beaches of Milos and Ios and the nightlife of Mykonos and Santorini.
But over the last 50 years, Astir has changed the way we think about vacationing in mainland Greece. Set on a peninsula just outside of Athens, Astir comprises the city center and main beach area within Vouliagmeni, which essentially became The Hamptons of Athens in the '60s. Geographically, Vouliagmeni even looks like Montauk, jutting out onto a thin, beach-lined strip, a short drive from the main city.
Development on the area started in 1954 — and by August 1960, Astir Palace debuted as a luxury resort with 150 rooms, cabanas, and beach culture in full swing. The palace, designed by acclaimed Greek architect Kosta Voutsinas, exuded the riviera elegance coastal Athens had hoped to emulate. And thus, the Athens Riviera was born, surging as a luxury destination, coincidentally, at the same time Positano flourished as an Amalfi Coast hotspot.
The early heyday of Astir Palace saw Jackie Onassis vacation on the Athens Riviera. The area welcomed the likes of Brigitte Bardot, Frank Sinatra, John Wayne, and even Richard Nixon. Of course, the scene needed to expand. The '60s had only just started to make the Athens Riviera happen. And that meant continuing to build on the peninsula beyond Astir Palace.
Next came The Arion in the early '70s — it was a hotel with a spa, where every room had a seaview, and the design featured exceptional 20th-century accents. The lavish design was executed by three Greek architects who curated every piece in the hotel, down to the very last towel ring, to preserve the high-class décor. In 1979, the next major build was completed: The Nafsika opened on the northern side of the peninsula. The 330-room hotel had a stately presence to begin with, but the gravitas of the space increased with the addition of a new façade a few years later.
By the '80s, the framework of the Athens Riviera was set in literal stone — thanks to these now-iconic buildings on the peninsula.
As the infrastructure solidified in Astir, the arts and culture scene grew simultaneously. The '80s and '90s artwork took the Athens Riviera to new cultural heights. Art historian Dora Iliopoulou-Rogan brought in works from the National Bank of Greece's private collection. Iliopoulou-Rogan built up Astir's artistic clout by commissioning pieces from both famed Greek artists and up-and-comers.
Flash forward to 2019. It's been about 50 years since the Athens Riviera first came on the scene, and the area has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. The Greek government has invested heavily in upgrading the area's transportation infrastructure, making it easier for tourists to get to the Athens Riviera from the city center. Additionally, a number of new hotels, restaurants, and shops have been built along the coast, offering visitors a wide variety of options for accommodation and dining.
One of the main draws of the Athens Riviera is its natural beauty. The coastline is home to a number of stunning beaches, including the famous Astir Beach, which is known for its clear waters and fine sand. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
The Athens Riviera is also home to a number of historical and cultural attractions, such as the Temple of Poseidon at Sounio, which is considered one of the most important ancient monuments in Greece. Visitors can also take a day trip to the nearby island of Kea, which is known for its charming villages and beautiful beaches.
In addition, the recent opening of the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel has given the Athens Riviera a boost in prestige and luxury. The hotel has united the three resorts of the '60s and '70s, Astir Palace, Arion, and Nafsika, and has brought back the riviera-chic bungalow accommodations, originally built in the '60s and nestled along one of the resort's three private beaches, as an homage to the original glitz and glamour of the riviera.
The Athens Riviera is quickly becoming one of the most popular beachfront destinations in Greece. With its beautiful beaches, excellent infrastructure, rich cultural heritage, and luxury accommodations, the Athens Riviera is an ideal destination for both tourists and locals alike. As the region continues to develop and attract more and more visitors, it is likely that the Athens Riviera will once again become a world-renowned beachfront destination.
Vacationing on the European Riviera never goes out of style. From the seaside enclaves on the Amalfi Coast to Nice and Cannes, travelers from all over the world flock to the southern Italian and French coasts in the summer. Slightly to the east of the Mediterranean and Tyrrhenian Sea is another riviera that is 50 years in the making: the Athens Riviera.
While the Grecian islands — Mykonos, Santorini, and the like — appeal to travelers looking for coastal glamour, the Athens Riviera has a similar (if less publicized) draw. Athens, thought of as a two-day stopover en route to the islands, has often been pigeonholed as a quick trip that checks a box on your travel list. It offers history and Acropolis tours, rather than the beaches of Milos and Ios and the nightlife of Mykonos and Santorini.
But over the last 50 years, Astir has changed the way we think about vacationing in mainland Greece. Set on a peninsula just outside of Athens, Astir comprises the city center and main beach area within Vouliagmeni, which essentially became The Hamptons of Athens in the '60s. Geographically, Vouliagmeni even looks like Montauk, jutting out onto a thin, beach-lined strip, a short drive from the main city.
Development on the area started in 1954 — and by August 1960, Astir Palace debuted as a luxury resort with 150 rooms, cabanas, and beach culture in full swing. The palace, designed by acclaimed Greek architect Kosta Voutsinas, exuded the riviera elegance coastal Athens had hoped to emulate. And thus, the Athens Riviera was born, surging as a luxury destination, coincidentally, at the same time Positano flourished as an Amalfi Coast hotspot.
The early heyday of Astir Palace saw Jackie Onassis vacation on the Athens Riviera. The area welcomed the likes of Brigitte Bardot, Frank Sinatra, John Wayne, and even Richard Nixon. Of course, the scene needed to expand. The '60s had only just started to make the Athens Riviera happen. And that meant continuing to build on the peninsula beyond Astir Palace.
Next came The Arion in the early '70s — it was a hotel with a spa, where every room had a seaview, and the design featured exceptional 20th-century accents. The lavish design was executed by three Greek architects who curated every piece in the hotel, down to the very last towel ring, to preserve the high-class décor. In 1979, the next major build was completed: The Nafsika opened on the northern side of the peninsula. The 330-room hotel had a stately presence to begin with, but the gravitas of the space increased with the addition of a new façade a few years later.
By the '80s, the framework of the Athens Riviera was set in literal stone — thanks to these now-iconic buildings on the peninsula.
As the infrastructure solidified in Astir, the arts and culture scene grew simultaneously. The '80s and '90s artwork took the Athens Riviera to new cultural heights. Art historian Dora Iliopoulou-Rogan brought in works from the National Bank of Greece's private collection. Iliopoulou-Rogan built up Astir's artistic clout by commissioning pieces from both famed Greek artists and up-and-comers.
Flash forward to 2019. It's been about 50 years since the Athens Riviera first came on the scene, and the area has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. The Greek government has invested heavily in upgrading the area's transportation infrastructure, making it easier for tourists to get to the Athens Riviera from the city center. Additionally, a number of new hotels, restaurants, and shops have been built along the coast, offering visitors a wide variety of options for accommodation and dining.
One of the main draws of the Athens Riviera is its natural beauty. The coastline is home to a number of stunning beaches, including the famous Astir Beach, which is known for its clear waters and fine sand. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
The Athens Riviera is also home to a number of historical and cultural attractions, such as the Temple of Poseidon at Sounio, which is considered one of the most important ancient monuments in Greece. Visitors can also take a day trip to the nearby island of Kea, which is known for its charming villages and beautiful beaches.
In addition, the recent opening of the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel has given the Athens Riviera a boost in prestige and luxury. The hotel has united the three resorts of the '60s and '70s, Astir Palace, Arion, and Nafsika, and has brought back the riviera-chic bungalow accommodations, originally built in the '60s and nestled along one of the resort's three private beaches, as an homage to the original glitz and glamour of the riviera.
The Athens Riviera is quickly becoming one of the most popular beachfront destinations in Greece. With its beautiful beaches, excellent infrastructure, rich cultural heritage, and luxury accommodations, the Athens Riviera is an ideal destination for both tourists and locals alike. As the region continues to develop and attract more and more visitors, it is likely that the Athens Riviera will once again become a world-renowned beachfront destination.
Vacationing on the European Riviera never goes out of style. From the seaside enclaves on the Amalfi Coast to Nice and Cannes, travelers from all over the world flock to the southern Italian and French coasts in the summer. Slightly to the east of the Mediterranean and Tyrrhenian Sea is another riviera that is 50 years in the making: the Athens Riviera.
While the Grecian islands — Mykonos, Santorini, and the like — appeal to travelers looking for coastal glamour, the Athens Riviera has a similar (if less publicized) draw. Athens, thought of as a two-day stopover en route to the islands, has often been pigeonholed as a quick trip that checks a box on your travel list. It offers history and Acropolis tours, rather than the beaches of Milos and Ios and the nightlife of Mykonos and Santorini.
But over the last 50 years, Astir has changed the way we think about vacationing in mainland Greece. Set on a peninsula just outside of Athens, Astir comprises the city center and main beach area within Vouliagmeni, which essentially became The Hamptons of Athens in the '60s. Geographically, Vouliagmeni even looks like Montauk, jutting out onto a thin, beach-lined strip, a short drive from the main city.
Development on the area started in 1954 — and by August 1960, Astir Palace debuted as a luxury resort with 150 rooms, cabanas, and beach culture in full swing. The palace, designed by acclaimed Greek architect Kosta Voutsinas, exuded the riviera elegance coastal Athens had hoped to emulate. And thus, the Athens Riviera was born, surging as a luxury destination, coincidentally, at the same time Positano flourished as an Amalfi Coast hotspot.
The early heyday of Astir Palace saw Jackie Onassis vacation on the Athens Riviera. The area welcomed the likes of Brigitte Bardot, Frank Sinatra, John Wayne, and even Richard Nixon. Of course, the scene needed to expand. The '60s had only just started to make the Athens Riviera happen. And that meant continuing to build on the peninsula beyond Astir Palace.
Next came The Arion in the early '70s — it was a hotel with a spa, where every room had a seaview, and the design featured exceptional 20th-century accents. The lavish design was executed by three Greek architects who curated every piece in the hotel, down to the very last towel ring, to preserve the high-class décor. In 1979, the next major build was completed: The Nafsika opened on the northern side of the peninsula. The 330-room hotel had a stately presence to begin with, but the gravitas of the space increased with the addition of a new façade a few years later.
By the '80s, the framework of the Athens Riviera was set in literal stone — thanks to these now-iconic buildings on the peninsula.
As the infrastructure solidified in Astir, the arts and culture scene grew simultaneously. The '80s and '90s artwork took the Athens Riviera to new cultural heights. Art historian Dora Iliopoulou-Rogan brought in works from the National Bank of Greece's private collection. Iliopoulou-Rogan built up Astir's artistic clout by commissioning pieces from both famed Greek artists and up-and-comers.
Flash forward to 2019. It's been about 50 years since the Athens Riviera first came on the scene, and the area has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. The Greek government has invested heavily in upgrading the area's transportation infrastructure, making it easier for tourists to get to the Athens Riviera from the city center. Additionally, a number of new hotels, restaurants, and shops have been built along the coast, offering visitors a wide variety of options for accommodation and dining.
One of the main draws of the Athens Riviera is its natural beauty. The coastline is home to a number of stunning beaches, including the famous Astir Beach, which is known for its clear waters and fine sand. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
The Athens Riviera is also home to a number of historical and cultural attractions, such as the Temple of Poseidon at Sounio, which is considered one of the most important ancient monuments in Greece. Visitors can also take a day trip to the nearby island of Kea, which is known for its charming villages and beautiful beaches.
In addition, the recent opening of the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel has given the Athens Riviera a boost in prestige and luxury. The hotel has united the three resorts of the '60s and '70s, Astir Palace, Arion, and Nafsika, and has brought back the riviera-chic bungalow accommodations, originally built in the '60s and nestled along one of the resort's three private beaches, as an homage to the original glitz and glamour of the riviera.
The Athens Riviera is quickly becoming one of the most popular beachfront destinations in Greece. With its beautiful beaches, excellent infrastructure, rich cultural heritage, and luxury accommodations, the Athens Riviera is an ideal destination for both tourists and locals alike. As the region continues to develop and attract more and more visitors, it is likely that the Athens Riviera will once again become a world-renowned beachfront destination.
Contact your personal SIANA travel tailor today to start planning your next adventure. As a boutique travel agency specialising in tailor-made itineraries, we leave no stone unturned to create the most memorable holiday that meets your unique needs and desires.
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Vacationing on the European Riviera never goes out of style. From the seaside enclaves on the Amalfi Coast to Nice and Cannes, travelers from all over the world flock to the southern Italian and French coasts in the summer. Slightly to the east of the Mediterranean and Tyrrhenian Sea is another riviera that is 50 years in the making: the Athens Riviera.
While the Grecian islands — Mykonos, Santorini, and the like — appeal to travelers looking for coastal glamour, the Athens Riviera has a similar (if less publicized) draw. Athens, thought of as a two-day stopover en route to the islands, has often been pigeonholed as a quick trip that checks a box on your travel list. It offers history and Acropolis tours, rather than the beaches of Milos and Ios and the nightlife of Mykonos and Santorini.
But over the last 50 years, Astir has changed the way we think about vacationing in mainland Greece. Set on a peninsula just outside of Athens, Astir comprises the city center and main beach area within Vouliagmeni, which essentially became The Hamptons of Athens in the '60s. Geographically, Vouliagmeni even looks like Montauk, jutting out onto a thin, beach-lined strip, a short drive from the main city.
Development on the area started in 1954 — and by August 1960, Astir Palace debuted as a luxury resort with 150 rooms, cabanas, and beach culture in full swing. The palace, designed by acclaimed Greek architect Kosta Voutsinas, exuded the riviera elegance coastal Athens had hoped to emulate. And thus, the Athens Riviera was born, surging as a luxury destination, coincidentally, at the same time Positano flourished as an Amalfi Coast hotspot.
The early heyday of Astir Palace saw Jackie Onassis vacation on the Athens Riviera. The area welcomed the likes of Brigitte Bardot, Frank Sinatra, John Wayne, and even Richard Nixon. Of course, the scene needed to expand. The '60s had only just started to make the Athens Riviera happen. And that meant continuing to build on the peninsula beyond Astir Palace.
Next came The Arion in the early '70s — it was a hotel with a spa, where every room had a seaview, and the design featured exceptional 20th-century accents. The lavish design was executed by three Greek architects who curated every piece in the hotel, down to the very last towel ring, to preserve the high-class décor. In 1979, the next major build was completed: The Nafsika opened on the northern side of the peninsula. The 330-room hotel had a stately presence to begin with, but the gravitas of the space increased with the addition of a new façade a few years later.
By the '80s, the framework of the Athens Riviera was set in literal stone — thanks to these now-iconic buildings on the peninsula.
As the infrastructure solidified in Astir, the arts and culture scene grew simultaneously. The '80s and '90s artwork took the Athens Riviera to new cultural heights. Art historian Dora Iliopoulou-Rogan brought in works from the National Bank of Greece's private collection. Iliopoulou-Rogan built up Astir's artistic clout by commissioning pieces from both famed Greek artists and up-and-comers.
Flash forward to 2019. It's been about 50 years since the Athens Riviera first came on the scene, and the area has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. The Greek government has invested heavily in upgrading the area's transportation infrastructure, making it easier for tourists to get to the Athens Riviera from the city center. Additionally, a number of new hotels, restaurants, and shops have been built along the coast, offering visitors a wide variety of options for accommodation and dining.
One of the main draws of the Athens Riviera is its natural beauty. The coastline is home to a number of stunning beaches, including the famous Astir Beach, which is known for its clear waters and fine sand. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
The Athens Riviera is also home to a number of historical and cultural attractions, such as the Temple of Poseidon at Sounio, which is considered one of the most important ancient monuments in Greece. Visitors can also take a day trip to the nearby island of Kea, which is known for its charming villages and beautiful beaches.
In addition, the recent opening of the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel has given the Athens Riviera a boost in prestige and luxury. The hotel has united the three resorts of the '60s and '70s, Astir Palace, Arion, and Nafsika, and has brought back the riviera-chic bungalow accommodations, originally built in the '60s and nestled along one of the resort's three private beaches, as an homage to the original glitz and glamour of the riviera.
The Athens Riviera is quickly becoming one of the most popular beachfront destinations in Greece. With its beautiful beaches, excellent infrastructure, rich cultural heritage, and luxury accommodations, the Athens Riviera is an ideal destination for both tourists and locals alike. As the region continues to develop and attract more and more visitors, it is likely that the Athens Riviera will once again become a world-renowned beachfront destination.
Contact your personal SIANA travel tailor today to start planning your next adventure. As a boutique travel agency specialising in tailor-made itineraries, we leave no stone unturned to create the most memorable holiday that meets your unique needs and desires.
Contact your personal SIANA travel tailor today to start planning your next adventure. As a boutique travel agency specialising in tailor-made itineraries, we leave no stone unturned to create the most memorable holiday that meets your unique needs and desires.
Vacationing on the European Riviera never goes out of style. From the seaside enclaves on the Amalfi Coast to Nice and Cannes, travelers from all over the world flock to the southern Italian and French coasts in the summer. Slightly to the east of the Mediterranean and Tyrrhenian Sea is another riviera that is 50 years in the making: the Athens Riviera.
While the Grecian islands — Mykonos, Santorini, and the like — appeal to travelers looking for coastal glamour, the Athens Riviera has a similar (if less publicized) draw. Athens, thought of as a two-day stopover en route to the islands, has often been pigeonholed as a quick trip that checks a box on your travel list. It offers history and Acropolis tours, rather than the beaches of Milos and Ios and the nightlife of Mykonos and Santorini.
But over the last 50 years, Astir has changed the way we think about vacationing in mainland Greece. Set on a peninsula just outside of Athens, Astir comprises the city center and main beach area within Vouliagmeni, which essentially became The Hamptons of Athens in the '60s. Geographically, Vouliagmeni even looks like Montauk, jutting out onto a thin, beach-lined strip, a short drive from the main city.
Development on the area started in 1954 — and by August 1960, Astir Palace debuted as a luxury resort with 150 rooms, cabanas, and beach culture in full swing. The palace, designed by acclaimed Greek architect Kosta Voutsinas, exuded the riviera elegance coastal Athens had hoped to emulate. And thus, the Athens Riviera was born, surging as a luxury destination, coincidentally, at the same time Positano flourished as an Amalfi Coast hotspot.
The early heyday of Astir Palace saw Jackie Onassis vacation on the Athens Riviera. The area welcomed the likes of Brigitte Bardot, Frank Sinatra, John Wayne, and even Richard Nixon. Of course, the scene needed to expand. The '60s had only just started to make the Athens Riviera happen. And that meant continuing to build on the peninsula beyond Astir Palace.
Next came The Arion in the early '70s — it was a hotel with a spa, where every room had a seaview, and the design featured exceptional 20th-century accents. The lavish design was executed by three Greek architects who curated every piece in the hotel, down to the very last towel ring, to preserve the high-class décor. In 1979, the next major build was completed: The Nafsika opened on the northern side of the peninsula. The 330-room hotel had a stately presence to begin with, but the gravitas of the space increased with the addition of a new façade a few years later.
By the '80s, the framework of the Athens Riviera was set in literal stone — thanks to these now-iconic buildings on the peninsula.
As the infrastructure solidified in Astir, the arts and culture scene grew simultaneously. The '80s and '90s artwork took the Athens Riviera to new cultural heights. Art historian Dora Iliopoulou-Rogan brought in works from the National Bank of Greece's private collection. Iliopoulou-Rogan built up Astir's artistic clout by commissioning pieces from both famed Greek artists and up-and-comers.
Flash forward to 2019. It's been about 50 years since the Athens Riviera first came on the scene, and the area has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. The Greek government has invested heavily in upgrading the area's transportation infrastructure, making it easier for tourists to get to the Athens Riviera from the city center. Additionally, a number of new hotels, restaurants, and shops have been built along the coast, offering visitors a wide variety of options for accommodation and dining.
One of the main draws of the Athens Riviera is its natural beauty. The coastline is home to a number of stunning beaches, including the famous Astir Beach, which is known for its clear waters and fine sand. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
The Athens Riviera is also home to a number of historical and cultural attractions, such as the Temple of Poseidon at Sounio, which is considered one of the most important ancient monuments in Greece. Visitors can also take a day trip to the nearby island of Kea, which is known for its charming villages and beautiful beaches.
In addition, the recent opening of the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel has given the Athens Riviera a boost in prestige and luxury. The hotel has united the three resorts of the '60s and '70s, Astir Palace, Arion, and Nafsika, and has brought back the riviera-chic bungalow accommodations, originally built in the '60s and nestled along one of the resort's three private beaches, as an homage to the original glitz and glamour of the riviera.
The Athens Riviera is quickly becoming one of the most popular beachfront destinations in Greece. With its beautiful beaches, excellent infrastructure, rich cultural heritage, and luxury accommodations, the Athens Riviera is an ideal destination for both tourists and locals alike. As the region continues to develop and attract more and more visitors, it is likely that the Athens Riviera will once again become a world-renowned beachfront destination.
Vacationing on the European Riviera never goes out of style. From the seaside enclaves on the Amalfi Coast to Nice and Cannes, travelers from all over the world flock to the southern Italian and French coasts in the summer. Slightly to the east of the Mediterranean and Tyrrhenian Sea is another riviera that is 50 years in the making: the Athens Riviera.
While the Grecian islands — Mykonos, Santorini, and the like — appeal to travelers looking for coastal glamour, the Athens Riviera has a similar (if less publicized) draw. Athens, thought of as a two-day stopover en route to the islands, has often been pigeonholed as a quick trip that checks a box on your travel list. It offers history and Acropolis tours, rather than the beaches of Milos and Ios and the nightlife of Mykonos and Santorini.
But over the last 50 years, Astir has changed the way we think about vacationing in mainland Greece. Set on a peninsula just outside of Athens, Astir comprises the city center and main beach area within Vouliagmeni, which essentially became The Hamptons of Athens in the '60s. Geographically, Vouliagmeni even looks like Montauk, jutting out onto a thin, beach-lined strip, a short drive from the main city.
Development on the area started in 1954 — and by August 1960, Astir Palace debuted as a luxury resort with 150 rooms, cabanas, and beach culture in full swing. The palace, designed by acclaimed Greek architect Kosta Voutsinas, exuded the riviera elegance coastal Athens had hoped to emulate. And thus, the Athens Riviera was born, surging as a luxury destination, coincidentally, at the same time Positano flourished as an Amalfi Coast hotspot.
The early heyday of Astir Palace saw Jackie Onassis vacation on the Athens Riviera. The area welcomed the likes of Brigitte Bardot, Frank Sinatra, John Wayne, and even Richard Nixon. Of course, the scene needed to expand. The '60s had only just started to make the Athens Riviera happen. And that meant continuing to build on the peninsula beyond Astir Palace.
Next came The Arion in the early '70s — it was a hotel with a spa, where every room had a seaview, and the design featured exceptional 20th-century accents. The lavish design was executed by three Greek architects who curated every piece in the hotel, down to the very last towel ring, to preserve the high-class décor. In 1979, the next major build was completed: The Nafsika opened on the northern side of the peninsula. The 330-room hotel had a stately presence to begin with, but the gravitas of the space increased with the addition of a new façade a few years later.
By the '80s, the framework of the Athens Riviera was set in literal stone — thanks to these now-iconic buildings on the peninsula.
As the infrastructure solidified in Astir, the arts and culture scene grew simultaneously. The '80s and '90s artwork took the Athens Riviera to new cultural heights. Art historian Dora Iliopoulou-Rogan brought in works from the National Bank of Greece's private collection. Iliopoulou-Rogan built up Astir's artistic clout by commissioning pieces from both famed Greek artists and up-and-comers.
Flash forward to 2019. It's been about 50 years since the Athens Riviera first came on the scene, and the area has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. The Greek government has invested heavily in upgrading the area's transportation infrastructure, making it easier for tourists to get to the Athens Riviera from the city center. Additionally, a number of new hotels, restaurants, and shops have been built along the coast, offering visitors a wide variety of options for accommodation and dining.
One of the main draws of the Athens Riviera is its natural beauty. The coastline is home to a number of stunning beaches, including the famous Astir Beach, which is known for its clear waters and fine sand. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
The Athens Riviera is also home to a number of historical and cultural attractions, such as the Temple of Poseidon at Sounio, which is considered one of the most important ancient monuments in Greece. Visitors can also take a day trip to the nearby island of Kea, which is known for its charming villages and beautiful beaches.
In addition, the recent opening of the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel has given the Athens Riviera a boost in prestige and luxury. The hotel has united the three resorts of the '60s and '70s, Astir Palace, Arion, and Nafsika, and has brought back the riviera-chic bungalow accommodations, originally built in the '60s and nestled along one of the resort's three private beaches, as an homage to the original glitz and glamour of the riviera.
The Athens Riviera is quickly becoming one of the most popular beachfront destinations in Greece. With its beautiful beaches, excellent infrastructure, rich cultural heritage, and luxury accommodations, the Athens Riviera is an ideal destination for both tourists and locals alike. As the region continues to develop and attract more and more visitors, it is likely that the Athens Riviera will once again become a world-renowned beachfront destination.
Vacationing on the European Riviera never goes out of style. From the seaside enclaves on the Amalfi Coast to Nice and Cannes, travelers from all over the world flock to the southern Italian and French coasts in the summer. Slightly to the east of the Mediterranean and Tyrrhenian Sea is another riviera that is 50 years in the making: the Athens Riviera.
While the Grecian islands — Mykonos, Santorini, and the like — appeal to travelers looking for coastal glamour, the Athens Riviera has a similar (if less publicized) draw. Athens, thought of as a two-day stopover en route to the islands, has often been pigeonholed as a quick trip that checks a box on your travel list. It offers history and Acropolis tours, rather than the beaches of Milos and Ios and the nightlife of Mykonos and Santorini.
But over the last 50 years, Astir has changed the way we think about vacationing in mainland Greece. Set on a peninsula just outside of Athens, Astir comprises the city center and main beach area within Vouliagmeni, which essentially became The Hamptons of Athens in the '60s. Geographically, Vouliagmeni even looks like Montauk, jutting out onto a thin, beach-lined strip, a short drive from the main city.
Development on the area started in 1954 — and by August 1960, Astir Palace debuted as a luxury resort with 150 rooms, cabanas, and beach culture in full swing. The palace, designed by acclaimed Greek architect Kosta Voutsinas, exuded the riviera elegance coastal Athens had hoped to emulate. And thus, the Athens Riviera was born, surging as a luxury destination, coincidentally, at the same time Positano flourished as an Amalfi Coast hotspot.
The early heyday of Astir Palace saw Jackie Onassis vacation on the Athens Riviera. The area welcomed the likes of Brigitte Bardot, Frank Sinatra, John Wayne, and even Richard Nixon. Of course, the scene needed to expand. The '60s had only just started to make the Athens Riviera happen. And that meant continuing to build on the peninsula beyond Astir Palace.
Next came The Arion in the early '70s — it was a hotel with a spa, where every room had a seaview, and the design featured exceptional 20th-century accents. The lavish design was executed by three Greek architects who curated every piece in the hotel, down to the very last towel ring, to preserve the high-class décor. In 1979, the next major build was completed: The Nafsika opened on the northern side of the peninsula. The 330-room hotel had a stately presence to begin with, but the gravitas of the space increased with the addition of a new façade a few years later.
By the '80s, the framework of the Athens Riviera was set in literal stone — thanks to these now-iconic buildings on the peninsula.
As the infrastructure solidified in Astir, the arts and culture scene grew simultaneously. The '80s and '90s artwork took the Athens Riviera to new cultural heights. Art historian Dora Iliopoulou-Rogan brought in works from the National Bank of Greece's private collection. Iliopoulou-Rogan built up Astir's artistic clout by commissioning pieces from both famed Greek artists and up-and-comers.
Flash forward to 2019. It's been about 50 years since the Athens Riviera first came on the scene, and the area has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. The Greek government has invested heavily in upgrading the area's transportation infrastructure, making it easier for tourists to get to the Athens Riviera from the city center. Additionally, a number of new hotels, restaurants, and shops have been built along the coast, offering visitors a wide variety of options for accommodation and dining.
One of the main draws of the Athens Riviera is its natural beauty. The coastline is home to a number of stunning beaches, including the famous Astir Beach, which is known for its clear waters and fine sand. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
The Athens Riviera is also home to a number of historical and cultural attractions, such as the Temple of Poseidon at Sounio, which is considered one of the most important ancient monuments in Greece. Visitors can also take a day trip to the nearby island of Kea, which is known for its charming villages and beautiful beaches.
In addition, the recent opening of the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel has given the Athens Riviera a boost in prestige and luxury. The hotel has united the three resorts of the '60s and '70s, Astir Palace, Arion, and Nafsika, and has brought back the riviera-chic bungalow accommodations, originally built in the '60s and nestled along one of the resort's three private beaches, as an homage to the original glitz and glamour of the riviera.
The Athens Riviera is quickly becoming one of the most popular beachfront destinations in Greece. With its beautiful beaches, excellent infrastructure, rich cultural heritage, and luxury accommodations, the Athens Riviera is an ideal destination for both tourists and locals alike. As the region continues to develop and attract more and more visitors, it is likely that the Athens Riviera will once again become a world-renowned beachfront destination.
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