If you’re visiting Greece, it’s highly likely that you’ll be passing through Athens. It is the hub for starting your Greek Island hopping and you’ll probably spend at least a day here on your way in or out. We’ve done this a few times now, so I’ve found some different ways to really enjoy the city. If yo’ure visiting Athens, you’ve likely already heard about the major sites and, of course, you know to visit the Acropolis. But, I found a fun area a bit off the beaten path that I’d like to share more about.
Why Athens?
Personally, I find Athens to be an incredible city. Not everyone wants to spend time in Athens, but we really enjoyed it and found it had a lot to offer. There are lots of great things to do and see here, and so much history. We have visited twice, so this guide for Athens will include quite a bit. You can pick and choose what you would find most enjoyable for a day or two here at the beginning, and possibly also the end, of your trip.
For this post, I’m skipping the city center and focusing on Alimos. Alimos is considered the “Athens Riviera”, and is a seaside area not far from Athens main port. I sought this place out on our second trip to Athens as we knew the city gets VERY hot in the summer, and we’d already been to the Acropolis and done the main sights of Athens. Alimos has a very local feel, there are some nice beaches and beautiful promenade that is great for strolling in the mornings and at sunset. We enjoyed dining out and getting gelato in the neighborhood and also venturing slightly outside of the area for a few new spots.
You can also access the city center of Athens from Alimos. So you could base here, spend the day at the beach, and visit the city in the evenings when things cool down.
This is likely for people who have already been to Athens and have seen all of the history and main sites. Or for people who just don’t care and would rather beach and chill during their couple days time in Athens. If you’d like to stay in this area you check check out where to stay in Alimos here.
Things to Do in Alimos
Lake Vouliagmeni
This is a really neat little activity a quick Uber/cab ride from Alimos. It is helpful to make a reservation and book a ticket in advance. We had to stand in line for a bit to get in, and it’s a bit pricy for what it is, but we’ve never seen anything like it, so we found it to be a neat and worthwhile experience.
Lake Vouliagmeni is a natural spa lake that is fed by underground currents. It is mineral rich and has properties that are supposed to be wonderful and healing. The lake is also filled with little spa fish that will nibble at your feet and legs if you put them in and stand still. It’s a weird feeling at first, but you get used to it!
This spot is beautiful and they have different tiers of entry for what you do and where you can spend the day. You can get in relatively reasonably and just have a chair and hang out on the deck area. Or, you can pay more and spend your day lounging on beautiful terraces and grassy areas.
They have a restaurant on site as well, but we didn’t eat here. They also have different spa options, massage treatments, facials, etc…
I also wrote a blog post with more information, you can find it here —-> Lake Vouliagmeni
Beaches
We spent the morning at the lake, left to grab a delicious lunch, and then headed to a nearby beach to spend the afternoon. This was a great way to pass the day in the heat. There were beaches near the lake, but there are also beaches in the main town area of Alimos. We enjoyed hanging there, too, and strolling along the promenade in the evening.
Take a boat tour
Another option (that we didn’t do this time) is to take a day trip from Athens port on a boat. The port is easily accessible from Alimos and you could spend a day visiting a nearby island or just enjoying the water. You could look for tour options on Viator, and please use my link to when you book. This will provide me with a small commission at NO COST to you. This helps me to keep writing and sharing all of this information for free!
Where to eat
We managed to eat at quite a few places in our short time in Alimos. One of my favorites was a casual neighborhood spot.
Emagie
This was a great and very local spot. It was tucked back in the neighborhood where our airbnb was, and it wouldn’t have been something we’d stumble upon otherwise. The food was traditional and delicious and the wine was great. It was priced great, too! Highly recommend if this is your vibe!
Varoulko Seaside Restaurant
This is a Michelin spot so we went in with high expectations. We thought the food was good and the views were beautiful. But, I do think we were expecting a little more than what we got considering it has a Michelin Star. Overall, the port is beautiful and you’ve got an incredible view overlooking it if you sit outside. We sat outside for sunset and the experience was wonderful. Definitely make a reservation here before arriving if you want to go. It was also nice to just grab a drink in the lively port and hang out in the area if fine dining isn’t really your thing.
Louizidis Vouliagmeni
This was a perfect traditional Greek taverna. We sat outside and had the most amazing greek salad and chicken, and tried a number of things. This place was simple and authentic and just what we were looking for.
Loukoumades
You will find these spots all over Athens, and there was one right by our lunch spot. You’ve got to get these greek fried dough balls. They are DELIGHTFUL!
Bolivar Beach Bar
This is another spot that we didn’t personally go to. But, if a beach party during the day and night club at night is your vibe, this would be the spot. It seemed to be the place to go and everyone was out partying here until early in the morning!
Where we stayed
We stayed in an airbnb on this trip. We were so happy with this charming little place. It had the most delightful covered balcony where we could sit outside and have our morning coffee. Upon arrival, we were greeted with a fresh greek salad in the fridge! The place was comfortable and clean, though not luxury, if that’s what you’re looking for. The hosts were so nice and accommodating, both with getting us into the place and getting us a taxi to the ferry on our departure. We were very thankful for them and they were easy to communicate with.
Airbnb link Here.
Unfortunately, airbnb doesn’t offer any commission programs to creators so I am sharing this info at no benefit to me. If you decide to book a hotel instead, please consider using my booking link. Again, this costs you nothing but helps me to continue to provide this info for free!
If you do want to venture into center city Athens, check out my mini street food guide and google map here.
Beat the heat in Athens Greece-Things to do in Athens Greece- Alternative things in Athens Greece- How to see Athens Greece- Where to eat in Athens- Where to swim in Athens- Athens Greece Ideas.
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