Local Area Information
Explore the Beauty of Voula and Beyond
Whether you’re in the market for cocktails on the beach, a romantic dinner by the sea, or a flirty night out dancing under the stars, here are some quintessential Athens Riviera experiences.
Your stay in Voula places you at the heart of the stunning Athenian Riviera, with easy access to an array of attractions and activities:
Beaches & Outdoor Activities
- Voula Beach (5 min drive): Organized beach with crystal-clear waters, sun loungers, and beach bars.
- Astir Beach (10 min drive): Luxurious beach with premium amenities.
- Kavouri Bay: A quieter spot for swimming and strolling.
- If you were air-dropped onto Krabo Beach, you’d swear you were at a cool beach club somewhere in the Cyclades.
- In fact, if beach parties are more your bag, head down to Yabanaki Beach (Varkiza, Vari, 166 72) where the post-sunset scene has taken off. There’s a whole swag of affordable seaside dining options—from burgers to Italian, sushi or Greek—and pop-up Latin dance parties all summer long. Yabanaki is open from May to October and entry to the resort is free after 7pm, so take your swimmers. For many Greeks, this is the best time of day to hit the water.
Shopping & Dining
- Glyfada (10 min drive): A vibrant area with high-end boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. Perfect for shopping and nightlife.
- Local Taverns: Enjoy authentic Greek cuisine at nearby tavernas offering fresh seafood and traditional dishes.
- Scattered all along the Athenian coastline, you’ll find waterfront cafés, tavernas, bars and clubs with restaurants for every mood and budget. But nowhere does dreamy (and pricey) dinner dates like Vouliagmeni; Char-grilled aubergines, marinated octopus, and dolmadakia (stuffed vine leaves). Follow up with the grass-fed paidakia (lamb chops) with lemon and oregano (so simple, so good) and the delectable galaktoboureko (custard in syrup-soaked filo pastry). Slowly enjoy a chilled bottle of Santorini Assyrtiko wine and watch the yachts light up the bay as night falls.
- If Vouliagmeni is the place for romantic waterfront dining, Glyfada is the Riviera’s late-night playground. There’s no sea view. You go for the entertaining optics of the image-conscious locals gathering nightly to see and be seen on mood-lit pavements and in leafy courtyards. At times, it feels like one big film set. Especially on fashionable Kiprou Street, which runs parallel to the main shopping strip of Metaxa Street. Three of the hottest bars are easy walking distance from each other (yes, even in heels) and have quite different vibes.
Live Music & Nightlife
- Bouzoukia: Experience the magic of Greek nightlife with live performances by top singers at renowned bouzoukia venues in the area. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, traditional music, and unforgettable performances.
- If you know any Athenians, ask them to take you along to one of the Riviera’s bouzoukia clubs on a Friday or Saturday night. Greeks come alive at the bouzoukia—flashy nightclubs with live Greek pop music—and you’ll have more fun in a pack. In the summer months, the bouzoukia scene migrates to the coast. Your chances of catching a famous headline singer at venues like Posidonio Music Hall are high. Bouzoukia may be expensive (a bottle of wine can set you back 100 euros), but it’s an “only in Greece” experience that you’ll smile about long after your holiday tan has faded. Expect light shows, airborne carnations and a dawn finish!Here are few Posidonio Music Hall (18 Posidonos Avenue, Elliniko, 167 77), Fantasia and Romeo.
Bedtime can wait: Bouzoukia is an all-night sport.
- Most locals only consider summer in Athens officially over after Island (27th km Athens-Sounion, Varkiza, 166 72) has thrown its annual closing party in mid-September. There’s live music, fireworks and an armada of selfies. This celebrity-heavy, open-air venue tumbles down the cliffside on a stretch of unspoiled coastline in Varkiza. Everyone from Meryl Streep to Moby has partied on its whitewashed terraces. For the best experience, book a dining table—even if you only share a few starters—and opt for the earliest slot you can (usually about 9.30-10pm). It gets crazy crowded as the night wears on and getting your hands on a drink can feel like mission impossible. The buzz is worth it though.
- Ease into your evening at Su Casa, (Nymfeon Square, Glyfada, 166 74) a stylish haunt on Nymfeon Square that’s hip but still homey. Go around 8pm: a mellow window before most Greeks head out. Once a dilapidated house with overgrown scrub swallowing the footpath, it’s now one of Glyfada’s most atmospheric spots.
- Ramp things up at the eternally festive Pere Ubu Bar, (74 Kyprou, Glyfada, 166 74) about a two-minute walk away on Kiprou Street. Until 11pm or so, it’s all about the pavement scene at this industrial-design bar where a sleek, older crowd knocks back espresso martinis. After that, things ignite inside with DJ sets and the spectacle of Athenians dancing it up under the Le Corbusier lights.
- Over on Laodikis—Glyfada’s second most happening street—Holy Spirit (41 Laodikis, Glyfada, 166 74) caters to a slighter younger, equally energetic crowd. With decor that might be described as “Caribbean on acid”, this trend-setting cocktail bar is where Riviera locals are most likely to end their night. Holy Spirit is famed for playful cocktails (yours could come in a little bucket with a spade). Rather dangerously, you can also upgrade to a large or extra-large cocktail. Make a beeline for one of the outside benches and order a Jack Sparrow (Cuban rum, chamomile, pear, ginger and pineapple).
Sightseeing
- Lake Vouliagmeni (10 min drive): (Vouliagmeni Lake, Vouliagmeni, 166 71) A stunning natural thermal spa surrounded by lush greenery.
- Acropolis & Plaka (30 min drive): Discover Athens’ ancient history and explore the charming old town filled with shops and restaurants.
Outdoor Adventures
- Hiking: Nearby trails offer breathtaking views of the Saronic Gulf.
- Water Sports: Try paddleboarding, windsurfing, or jet skiing at nearby beaches.
Transportation
- Easy access to public transport and main roads makes it convenient to explore the Athens Riviera and central Athens.
Whether you’re looking to relax by the sea, indulge in delicious food, immerse yourself in live music, or explore historic landmarks, this location offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.