Athens Riviera

On the southern beaches, from SNFCC (Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center) to Voula beach

The Athenian Riviera is known for the coastal road from Athens to Sounio, mainly the section from Palaio Faliro to Vouliagmeni. The route offers a unique experience of an urban coastal zone, including modern iconic cultural facilities (Stavros Niarchos Foundation – National Library – National Opera), large sports facilities, beautiful beaches, and the extensive redevelopment of the Elliniko area. The route can be covered on foot or by the city’s modern tram (or by a combination of both). We also remind you that the tram accepts bicycles. If you choose to take the tram, be sure to purchase a ticket in advance (preferably a day pass) as the ticket machines at the stops are often unreliable. During the summer months, you can combine your tram ride with a swim, as there are many modern wellness centers along the route. The tram is also accessible to people with disabilities, to the extent that there are appropriate facilities on board. Please note that extra care is required when crossing from SNFCC to the nearest tram stop, “Tzitzifies”.

The route passes through the following landmarks. The sequence of landmarks also indicates the direction of the route.

Note: The orientation and safety of the walker/visitor is their sole responsibility. The present description, the related tracks (gpx) and the other informative material are simply a guide and do not in any way replace the personal responsibility of the visitor.

Main landmarks:

• Stavros Niarchos Park
• SNFCC (Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center)
• National Library of Greece
• National Opera
• Olympic Indoor Sports Center of Faliro
• Maritime Heritage Park
• Battleship Averof
• Benaki Toy Museum
• Flisvos Marina
• Paleo Faliro Park
• Flisvos Beach
• Batis Beach
• Pikrodafni Stream
• Alimos Marinas
• Kalamaki Beach
• Akti Iliou (Sun Coast)
• Agios Kosmas Sport Center
• Glyfada Beaches
• Glyfada Basilica
• A’ Voula Beach

A very interesting route, that we recommend is the one starting from Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC). However, you might find yourself spending many hours there, exploring all the remarkable things it has to offer. This public space provides free access to numerous cultural, educational, athletic, environmental, and entertaining events and activities. It houses the National Library of Greece, the National Opera, as well as the Stavros Niarchos Park, one of the largest green spaces in Athens, covering an area of 210 acres. The internationally renowned architect Renzo Piano designed the space and the iconic building aimed to restore the natural and conceptual connection between land and sea, creating a sloping park under which the building facilities are situated.

As we continue our journey, we have two options: either head to the nearest tram stop “Tzitzifies” and take the tram to Flisvos Park, or walk across the beautiful, elevated pedestrian bridge “Esplanada” and proceed to the Flisvos Marina in Faliro in order to visit the “Battleship Averof”. This is the most historic ship of modern Greece. Despite being referred to as a battleship, it is an armored cruiser, built at the Orlando shipyards in Livorno, Italy, between 1908 and 1911, and joined the then Royal Hellenic Navy. It took part in the First Balkan War as the flagship of the Fleet, under Rear Admiral Pavlos Kountouriotis, and contributed greatly to Greece’s victory. It was active until 1944, until the liberation of Greece from the German occupation. In 1984, the Hellenic Navy decided to convert it into a floating museum (Floating Naval Museum Battleship “George Averof”) and transferred it to Faliro. It has been there ever since, gracing the Hellenic Navy and Greece’s naval heritage with its presence.

Let us now explore Faliro and Flisvos Marina, a unique suburb, which is very close to Athens and a favorite destination for the Athenians. It combines stunning views of the Saronic Gulf with a variety of activities. It has an impressive marina where you can walk and enjoy the view of luxury yachts. Flisvos Park is also ideal for quiet walks and for cycling.

Nestled at the intersection of Triton and Poseidon Streets lies the Kouloura Villa, a structure adorned with Gothic elements and two towers. This truly rare building, likely constructed in the late 19th century, was bequeathed to the Benaki Museum. Since 2017, it has housed the Benaki Toy Museum, showcasing the Maria Argyriadis toy collection, one of Europe’s largest, encompassing antique wooden toys, exquisite dolls dating back centuries, tin soldiers, and thousands of other exhibits.

The journey can be continued either on foot or by tram towards Glyfada, where the gleaming Saronic Sea stretches alongside the beautifully landscaped beach with parks and promenades. Throughout the route, from morning to night, there are lovely beaches, recreational parks, playgrounds, shops, and restaurants. There are also several hydrotherapy and thalassotherapy facilities (services primarily offered at the area hotels).

From Faliro, we proceed to EDEM, where at the border with Alimos we meet the Pikrodaphne stream and then the Alimos Marina and the beautiful beaches of Kalmaki and Akti Iliou (Sun Coast). From the “Alimos Baths” (tram stop) to the “Agios Alexandros” stop, it is recommended to take the tram due to the major works being carried out today (2023) in the area due to the redevelopment of Ellinikon and the consequent temporary downgrade of the area.

Approximately 8.5 kilometers from Faliro, we will meet Glyfada. It is the largest of the southern suburbs of Athens and extends from the shores of the Saronic Gulf to the foothills of Mount Hymettus. During the antiquity the area was called Aixone and was one of the Municipalities of ancient Athens.

In Glyfada there are two marinas, a spiritual and cultural center, sports centers, as well as various cultural institutions. Significant monuments have been erected, such as the marble statue of Saint Chrysostomos of Smyrna in Agia Triada square, as well as the monument of Giorgos Seferis and Odysseas Elytis on Lampraki Street. Glyfada is one of the most beautiful suburbs of Athens that stands out for its beautiful beaches, adorned with palm trees, as well as for its glowing nightlife. There you can enjoy sandy beaches with wonderful waters and have fun until late at night in the famous clubs of the area. Glyfada is made of elegant villas, stylish shops, renowned restaurants and luxury hotels. At the Glyfada Golf Club, you can enjoy a unique golf game on an international standard course.

Two kilometers south of Glyfada, the area of Voula is another jewel of the Athenian Riviera. With two wonderful, organized beaches, A’ Voula Beach and B’ Voula Beach (A’ Voula Beach has been awarded a blue flag), it is an ideal place for swimming that offers water sports and features excellent facilities and infrastructures. Water skiing, beach volleyball, and water slides are some of the sports that can entertain you. Enjoy your coffee by the sea and continue until late at night with a refreshing cocktail at one of the area’s famous clubs.

It is clear that the route does not end here. Here, it is simply where the tram line (Asklepieio-Voula) ends. The Athenian Riviera essentially continues as far as Sounio and even further to Lavrio. A route that obviously takes a long time to complete and certainly cannot be easily done on foot by most people. However, the journey we described is the main urban section of the Athenian Riviera offering numerous experiences and activities that will truly be unforgettable.