This Underrated Greek Region Is an Affordable Alternative to Santorini—With Luxury Resorts and Golden-Sand Beaches

Best of all, it’s not too far from Athens.

There’s so much to see and do in Greece—after all, there’s good reason why it’s considered one of Europe’s dreamiest destinations.

Like many travelers, I wanted to experience both the luxury of the islands and Greece’s well-known ancient history, but I didn’t want to spend the majority of my time changing planes, hopping ferries, or fighting crowds. Enter: the Athenian Riviera.

With a blend of ancient and modern Greek culture and pristine, golden-sand beaches, this corner of the country flies blissfully under most travelers’ radars. Despite being only a 45-minute car or tram ride from Athens’ city center, the region has significantly fewer crowds than you’ll encounter on the busy islands of Santorini and Mykonos.

Stretching around 40 miles from the Port of Piraeus to Cape Sounion along the Attica coastline, the Athenian Riviera—which has long been a playground of the rich and beautiful—is experiencing a revival, and for good reason.

“It offers the beauty and feeling of a Greek island, but with far greater ease and accessibility,” Nikos Tzimas, Grand Resort Lagonissi’s general manager, told Travel + Leisure. “… On the Riviera, you can enjoy the sea, privacy, beaches, fine dining, and authentic Greek scenery without the crowds, ferry schedules, or logistical challenges of the islands.”

After I spent a day paying tribute to the Greek goddess of war and wisdom, Athena, at the Acropolis and exploring artifacts at National Archeological Museum, I soaked off the day at my private pool at the Grand Resort Lagonissi and feasted on housemade pasta and jumbo prawns at Captain’s House—it was the perfect way to energize myself for the next day of adventures.

Here’s everything you need to know before planning a trip to Greece’s Athenian Riviera.

Best Things to Do
Get your obligatory sightseeing out of the way in Athens, and then head to the beach for an invigorating dip in the Aegean Sea. The family-friendly Grand Beach, open to the public, is worth the visit for the in-ocean pool, call buttons on your lounger, watersports, and playground. Laidback Vouliagmeni Beach has comfortable sunbeds and full facilities, including a beach bar and showers. Both charge an entry fee, but it’s well worth it.

For an even more tranquil experience, spend a few hours at Lake Vouliagmeni, a thermal, mineral-rich, open-air spa with doctor fish that nibble on your feet for some natural exfoliation. “The lake is brackish water, meaning it’s thermal water combined with seawater, so the healing properties of the lake are unique,” said Katrina Paraskevopoulos, founder of tour operator Athenian Riviera Tours. “It’s also connected to one of the largest underwater caves in Europe.”

If you can pull yourself away from your lounge chair, take a short ride to the ritzy coastal town of Glyfada for the best shopping on the Riviera. Wander into upscale boutiques like The Closet and Yazz for Mediterranean-inspired fashion, or indulge in one of the facial scrubs at the family-run Fresh Line Cosmetics, which only uses natural, locally sourced ingredients.

For an evening of culture and a stroll around expansive gardens with endless views, Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center has world-class opera and other events. And no trip to the Athenian Riviera is complete without a visit to the Temple of Poseidon, located on Cape Sounion. Make sure to get there in time for sunset: it’s one of the best you’ll ever see.

Where to Eat and Drink
For a predinner drink, choose from a list of curated Greek and international wines at Vibo in Glyfada. Try the mouthwatering souvlaki at Tsi Tsi for casual outdoor dining, and leave room for dessert at Tsirou Sweet Creations, where you’ll find heavenly tiramisu, lemon cake, and oversized macarons.

In Vouliagmeni, the patio at Koutales is a great place to watch the sunset and dine on fresh seabass and moussaka. Or, skip dinner altogether and head to Waffle House, an Athenian Riviera institution, for waffles and ice cream; the pistachio flavor is a favorite.

For upscale dining with incredible views and doting service, try the fresh sea bream carpaccio and a glass of slightly volcanic Santorini Cuvee at the Captain’s House.

Where to Stay
Grand Resort Lagonissi, on a 72-acre private peninsula with a wide range of amenities, like in-room gyms, private pools, and picturesque seaside views. There’s also the secluded and recently renovated Cape Sounio, a Grecotel Resort, with 139 bungalows, suites, and private villas, which is perched on a hilltop at the southernmost tip of the Riviera. It’s surrounded by a green forest with views of Poseidon’s Temple and the sea.

The Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens in Vouliagmeni, where Frank Sinatra celebrated his retirement, is a charming property with 303 rooms, suites, and villas as well as five tennis courts, private beaches, an infinity pool, and the Michelin-star Pelagos

_{Content Manager: Ambassador Mykonos Promo Kostas Skagias}