Day Trip to the Athenian Riviera

How to Spend a Perfect Day

on the Athenian Riviera

I see people driving all over the place looking for the perfect day trip from Athens. While there are a handful of fantastic, popular spots 2-4 hours away, I’m consistently surprised that the Athenian Riviera, which begins only 15 minutes outside of Athens, isn’t the most popular option! The Greeks might be keeping this hidden gem in their pocket and after spending time there, I can see why. The coast stretches out along the sea with a dozen options for beaches on the way. Each beach is unique, some wide and sandy, some pebbly and covered in seaglass, and some with rock cliffs, tranquil coves, or sandbars. After spending back to back weekends on the islands and then on the Riviera, I can confirm the Riviera is just as gorgeous without the hassle of taking a ferry.

The Riviera is split up into different sections – about an hour’s drive to the end – so my recommendations are split up into three options depending on what you are in the mood for.

Option 1: A morning walk along a seaside pedestrian promenade, a quick stop at a small beach, and brunch looking out over the sea (also perfect for sunset)

Option 2: A total day in the sun among beaches, sandbars, and coves

Option3: Driving down the coast to Cape Sounio for some ancient history at Poseidon's Temple

Option One

Includes: A morning walk along a seaside pedestrian promenade, a quick stop at a small beach, and brunch looking out over the sea (also perfect for sunset)

The first option is to stay closer to Athens and visit the beaches around Glyfada. This is more for walking, being in the sunshine, and popping on the beach for some quick sea glass hunting before lunch.

Park at the restaurant Notos and walk in either direction with small pebbly beaches and rocks entering the sea spread out along the way. Have lunch at Notos at either the beginning or end of your walk. They have restrooms and an upscale indoor restaurant, but the best seating is out by the water under rattan umbrellas.

Note: there is a cash-only Laiki (farmer's market) on Saturday mornings on the other side of the highway from Notos that you will see in full swing usually from 9-2PM. If you don’t want to stop for a full meal, consider grabbing a carton of fresh strawberries for your walk.

Option Two

Includes : A total day in the sun among beaches, sandbars, and coves

Keep driving down the coast past Glyfada and beach hop!! There will be several beaches along the way designed for you to pull off the road. Each is unique with rock formations, tranquil coves, or sandbars, and all have bright blue, crystal-clear water. This day trip is my favorite and because I've repeated it so many times, I've finally worked out the best places to start and stop along the way!!

Start your day at Alkyonides for to-go coffees or brunch on the water. It's a beautiful seaside restaurant with lots of outdoor space in the sun to lounge and look at the sea. One side of the restaurant has rocks leading out to the water and the other has an entrance to a hidden beach underneath a small cliff.

Now it's time for more beaches! You'll spot many from the road and can pull over to check them out. I've labeled two of my favorite (less people, better views) below, but if you choose to stop at others, keep in mind that the entrances are not always well-defined, but that is what makes them hidden gems. Embrace the adventure, take the turn, and you will find your way! Do this a few times as you drive down the coast to Cape Sounio.

My first recommended beach stop is Paralia Lomvarda! Paralia means beach in Greek. This one is so great that you could perhaps opt to spend your whole day here, although if you're hunting for seaglass I've found it has less (probably because others also find this spot charming).

If and when you are ready for a new spot, head to Charakas Beach. There is lots of seaglass here and a beautiful sea + mountain view.

Depending on how far you make it down the coast, finish the quick drive to Poseidon’s Temple to satisfy your curiosity for ancient things and then turn around and head back to Athens. In my opinion, it’s worth just driving to the top to see the magnificent temple and the sea stretching out below. Scroll through Option Three below for more information about the temple and two GREAT places to stop for lunch!!

Option Three

Includes: A day filled with ancient history + beach and cliff views along the way

The Temple of Poseidon, perched dramatically atop Cape Sounio along the Athenian Riviera, stands as a testament to ancient Greek architecture and mythology. Built in the 5th century BCE during the Golden Age of Athens, the temple was dedicated to Poseidon, the god of the sea, storms, and earthquakes. Its strategic location overlooking the Aegean Sea served as a beacon for sailors navigating the treacherous waters below. Over the centuries, the temple has witnessed the ebb and flow of history, surviving invasions, wars, and natural disasters. Today, it remains an iconic symbol of Greece's rich cultural heritage, drawing visitors from around the world to marvel at its impressive Doric columns and panoramic views of the sea.

Type the “Temple of Poseidon” into your GPS and ensure that it brings you along the coastal route – there is a faster way that cuts off the drive from Athens to Glyfada beach but the views are the best part so only do this if you are in a hurry and rest assured you will still have gorgeous views starting about halfway through the route.

Spend the morning driving along the coast, soaking in the views of the sea, until you get to the temple. Spend as much time as you wish and SKIP the touristy restaurant at the temple. Instead, opt for one of the authentic Greek restaurants on the water close by.

My favorite restaurant and a whole experience of its own is To Limani Fish Restaurant. They have non-seafood options. This is where the locals go - it has beautiful indoor and outdoor seating on a tiny, hidden harbor. After you're finished eating, walk the docks, enjoy the colorful, traditional Greek boats bobbing on the water, and be transported to a Greek island without all the fuss.

If you don't have a lot of time, Tavern Mezedopoleio Remvi is also a good option. Sit in the back on the covered patio overlooking the water and order the zucchini fries and bread with tzatziki!