Neighbourhood guide · Athens, Greece
The Athens Riviera
The sunny coast south of the city, from Faliro and Glyfada to Vouliagmeni and Sounio: beaches and beach clubs, marinas, seafood tavernas, luxury resorts and the Temple of Poseidon at the end of the road.
About The Athens Riviera
The Athens Riviera is the stretch of coast that runs south-east from the city along the Saronic Gulf. It starts at Palaio Faliro, about 20 minutes from the centre, and continues through Alimos and Glyfada to Voula, Vouliagmeni and Varkiza, with the coast road carrying on to Cape Sounion.
Glyfada is the heart of it, with shopping streets, cafés, bars, marinas and the city's only 18-hole golf course. Further south, Vouliagmeni is the most exclusive corner, with Astir Beach, luxury resorts and the warm mineral waters of Lake Vouliagmeni, where you can swim all year.
Most beach clubs open from May to October and get busy at weekends, so book a sunbed ahead. The tram runs from Syntagma down to the coast, buses continue south, and a taxi from the centre to Glyfada takes around 30 minutes outside rush hour.
Where The Athens Riviera is
Our 77 places in The Athens Riviera
Restaurants in The Athens Riviera
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Tacos & margaritas
El Catrin
Glyfada's favourite Mexican, with tacos, burritos, quesadillas, fajitas and cocktails, and a cool outdoor space for summer evenings. Open daily from noon.
15 FivisExplore View on map
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Seaside setting
Matsuhisa Athens
Nobu Matsuhisa's signature Japanese-Peruvian cuisine on the Riviera. Black cod miso, impeccable sushi and a glamorous seafront terrace.
Four Seasons Astir Palace, 40 ApollonosExplore View on map
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Michelin Guide
Pelagos
Seafood fine dining at the Four Seasons on the Athens Riviera, with tables looking out over the bay. Pristine Greek fish treated with Mediterranean finesse.
Four Seasons Astir Palace, 40 ApollonosExplore Book a table View on map
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Michelin Guide
Varoulko Seaside
Lefteris Lazarou's celebrated seafood restaurant on the pretty Mikrolimano harbour. Inventive fish cookery with the yachts bobbing just beyond your table.
54 Akti KoumoundourouExplore View on map
Cafés in The Athens Riviera
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Coffee by the sea
Coffee Island
The Greek coffee chain's seafront branch, praised for its brews and pastries and handy for a coffee on the way to the beach.
85 Posidonos AvenueExplore View on map
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Greek favourite
Gregory's Glyfada
Gregory's (Grigoris), Greece's favourite coffee and snack chain, on Glyfada's main shopping street: good-value coffee, freshly made sandwiches, koulouri, cheese pies and spanakopita to eat in or take away.
Angelou Metaxa StreetExplore View on map
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Specialty coffee
High Hope Specialty Coffee
A specialty coffee bar in upper Glyfada, one of the highest-rated in the area, for carefully made espresso and filter coffee.
29 Georgiou Gennimata StreetExplore View on map
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Coffee to cocktails
Oh Mama
A stylish all-day spot on Kyprou Street, good for coffee and people-watching in the afternoon and drinks as the street fills up at night.
48 Kyprou StreetExplore View on map
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French bakery
PAUL Glyfada
The French bakery-café on Kyprou Street for croissants, baguettes, quiches and tarts with your coffee.
70 Kyprou StreetExplore View on map
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Starbucks
Starbucks Glyfada
Starbucks on Glyfada's smart Kyprou Street, among the boutiques and palm trees: the familiar menu of lattes, Frappuccinos and pastries, with tables outside for people-watching. There's another branch on Lazaraki Street nearby.
55 Kyprou StreetExplore View on map
See the full list: 20 of the Best Cafés in Athens: Specialty Coffee, Classic Cafés & Chains
Nightlife in The Athens Riviera
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Summer
Astir Beach
An exclusive beach on the Vouliagmeni peninsula with crystal-clear water, smart sunbeds and summer DJ sessions.
Apollonos AveExplore View on map
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Summer only
Bolivar Beach Bar
A landmark summer beach club on the Riviera, with sunset sessions and international DJ residencies. Open roughly May to September.
Alimos beachfrontExplore View on map
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Summer only
Island Club
A glamorous clifftop restaurant-club above the sea, one of the Riviera's most stylish summer nights out. Open roughly May to September.
27th km Athens–Sounio AveExplore View on map
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Live Greek music
Posidonio
The Athens Riviera's leading bouzoukia: big-name Greek singers, flowers thrown at the stage and an unforgettable Greek night out. Book a table.
18 Posidonos AveExplore View on map
See the full list: 25 of the Best Clubs & Nightlife in Athens
Hotels in The Athens Riviera
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Riviera resort
Four Seasons Astir Palace
A luxury resort on its own pine-covered peninsula on the Athens Riviera, with private beaches, sea-view rooms and Michelin-recognised dining.
40 ApollonosExplore View on map
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Beachfront resort
One&Only Aesthesis
A beachfront retreat on the Riviera with bungalows and villas among the pines, a private beach and a relaxed, glamorous mood.
Glyfada seafrontExplore View on map
Cinema in The Athens Riviera
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Garden cinema since 1976
Akti Cinema
A small, cosy summer cinema surrounded by trees on a quiet side street in Vouliagmeni, screening films every night of the season since 1976, with Dolby sound and a garden bar. Closed for the winter; reopens in spring 2027.
Theseos Street & Aiolou StreetExplore View on map
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Sofas and beanbags
Arian Urban Open Air Cinema
Glyfada's big summer cinema, tucked behind the Arian Arcade on Metaxa Street. First opened in 1959 and restored in 2018, it seats around 500 on sofas, beanbags and even beds under string lights, showing the season's blockbusters, with a well-stocked canteen. Closed for the winter; reopens in spring 2027.
11 Angelou Metaxa StreetExplore View on map
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By the sea
Cine Flisvos
A big seaside summer cinema in Flisvos Park, next to the marina on the coast road, that hosts many of the summer's avant-premieres, with restaurants and a children's playground nearby. Closed for the winter; reopens in spring 2027.
Flisvos Park, Palaio FaliroExplore View on map
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Since 1962
Marilena Cinema
A neighbourhood summer cinema in Ano Glyfada, first opened in 1962 and brought back to life in 2015 after sixteen years closed, showing new releases in a relaxed garden setting loved by local families. Closed for the winter; reopens in spring 2027.
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Open all year
Village Cinemas Glyfada
The southern suburbs' indoor cinema, in central Glyfada, with four screens, high-definition digital projection and 7.1 surround sound. New releases in their original language with Greek subtitles; screenings start from late afternoon. Open all year.
7 Zissimopoulou StreetExplore View on map
See the full list: 24 of the Best Cinemas in Athens & Glyfada: Open-Air & Indoor
Beach Clubs in The Athens Riviera
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Intimate
Akanthus
A smaller, design-led beach club with quality sunbeds, a relaxed upmarket feel and live music nights in summer.
Akti tou IliouExplore View on map
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Big-name DJs
Akrotiri Club
A seafront summer club known for house and techno with international DJ residencies, from sunset sessions to late-night parties.
Alimos waterfrontExplore View on map
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Kids' slides
Akti tou Iliou
A popular organised beach with water slides for children, a beach restaurant and easy access by tram from the centre.
Posidonos AveExplore View on map
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Sea-view dining
Ark Beach Club
Sister to Balux at Asteras Glyfadas, pairing a stylish beach with a Mediterranean restaurant and relaxed daytime music.
Asteras Glyfadas, Posidonos AveExplore View on map
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Great value
Asteria Glyfadas
A large, well-run organised beach with lifeguards, a playground, water sports and a beach bar. Entry includes a sunbed.
Posidonos AveExplore View on map
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Most exclusive
Astir Beach
The most prestigious beach in Athens, on the Four Seasons Astir Palace peninsula: clear calm water, fine sand, smart sunbeds and cabanas, and excellent restaurants. Book ahead at weekends.
40 ApollonosExplore View on map
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Small & relaxed
Athines by the Sea
A small beach with a laid-back restaurant, showers and good-value sunbeds, ideal for a quieter day by the sea.
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Most popular
Balux Beach Club
Glyfada's best-known beach club, a glass-fronted clubhouse with sunbeds by the sea, DJ sets, themed parties and famous Friday sundowners.
Asteras Glyfadas, Posidonos AveExplore View on map
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Party beach
Bolivar Beach Bar
An island-style beach bar on the sand that turns into a dance floor at night, with DJ sets and concerts and a more relaxed crowd than the Vouliagmeni clubs.
Posidonos AveExplore View on map
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Cabanas
Holy Spirit Beach Bar
A stylish beach bar on Varkiza's sands with luxury cabanas, big cocktails and themed summer evenings.
Varkiza beach (EOT)Explore View on map
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Sunset & nightlife
Island Club & Restaurant
A Riviera landmark on the cliffs above the sea, with a pool, Mediterranean and sushi menus, sunset cocktails and DJs late into the night. Open roughly May to September.
27th km Athens–Sounio AveExplore View on map
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Hidden cove
Krabo Beach
A small, stylish beach club in a sheltered cove, with island-inspired decor that feels more Mykonos than Athens.
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Wild swimming
Limanakia Vouliagmenis
A string of rocky coves with deep, crystal-clear water between Vouliagmeni and Varkiza. No sunbeds or facilities, just swimming off the rocks, so bring water and good shoes.
Athens–Sounio Ave, between Vouliagmeni and VarkizaExplore View on map
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Pool & beach
Lohan Seaside
The seaside summer edition of Gazi's famous club, with a private beach, heated pool, restaurant and a nightclub after dark.
83 Posidonos AveExplore View on map
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Tropical vibe
Macaw Beach Bar
An exotic, island-style beach bar serving Mediterranean food and colourful cocktails right on the sand.
Akti tou Iliou, Posidonos AveExplore View on map
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Garden lounge
Penarrubia Lounge
A modern seaside lounge with a lovely garden, open from breakfast to late-night cocktails.
20 Posidonos AveExplore View on map
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Day-trip beach
Tahiti Beach Bar
A beach bar on a private stretch of coast further down the Riviera, good for families and groups on the way to Sounion.
205 Athens–Sounio AveExplore View on map
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All-day
Varkiza Resort
A big, lively beach complex with several bars and restaurants, water sports hire and a buzzing atmosphere from morning to night.
Varkiza beachExplore View on map
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Classic beach
Vouliagmeni Beach (Akti Vouliagmenis)
A long, sandy organised beach by Vouliagmeni's marina, with shallow water, a playground and a casual café. A classic Athenian summer day out.
Posidonos AveExplore View on map
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Peaceful
Zen Beach
A tranquil beach in a natural setting with a well-regarded seafood restaurant. Sunbeds are cheaper early and late in the day.
Niriides, VouliagmeniExplore View on map
Fitness + Spa in The Athens Riviera
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Colour & extensions
Chrisoula Petraki
An exclusive Glyfada salon for current cutting and colour techniques, balayage and hair extensions, plus nails and make-up.
2 Zisimopoulou Street & Vasileos GeorgiouExplore View on map
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Thalassotherapy
Divani Apollon Thalasso Centre
Athens' only thalassotherapy centre and one of the largest spas in Europe: 3,500 m² by the sea, with a 270 m² seawater pool with 16 water-jet stations, 25 treatment rooms and a big Technogym fitness centre with personal trainers.
Divani Apollon Palace, KavouriExplore View on map
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Riviera spa
Four Seasons Astir Palace Spa
An all-white spa on the Riviera with views of the Saronic Gulf, rituals inspired by Hippocrates, massages using herbs grown on site and an adults-only hydrotherapy zone with an aroma steam grotto, hammam, vitality pool and chilled showers.
40 Apollonos Street, VouliagmeniExplore View on map
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Thermal swimming
Lake Vouliagmeni
A natural lake fed by underground mineral springs and sea water, with water at roughly 22 to 29°C all year, so locals swim here even in winter. Its mineral waters have long been used for bathing therapy. Sunbeds are included with entry.
VouliagmeniExplore View on map
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Hair, beauty & barber
Llongueras Glyfada
The Glyfada salon of the Spanish hairdressing house Llongueras, near Hesperides Square and the tram: cuts, colour and balayage, extensions and treatments, nails, lashes and make-up, bridal hair and a barbershop. Closed on Sundays.
40 Laodikis StreetExplore View on map
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At the Four Seasons
Petros Salon Four Seasons
Petros' second salon, inside the Four Seasons Astir Palace on the Athens Riviera: hair, colour and special-occasion styling, make-up, brows and nails, in a resort setting.
Four Seasons Astir Palace HotelExplore View on map
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Hair, nails & make-up
Petros Salon Glyfada
One of Athens' best-known salon names, on Glyfada's designer Kyprou Street: cuts, colour and balayage, keratin and hair treatments, make-up and brows, manicures, pedicures and nail extensions.
51 Kyprou StreetExplore View on map
See the full list: 25 of the Best Spas, Gyms, Yoga Studios & Salons in Athens
Medical & Health in The Athens Riviera
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Riviera
Athens Eye Hospital
A private eye hospital on Vouliagmenis Avenue in Glyfada, for eye examinations, cataract surgery and specialist eye care, with online appointment requests.
45 Vouliagmenis AvenueExplore View on map
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Since 1989
Studio Optics Mardikis (Contactlenses.gr)
A family optician on Glyfada's main shopping street since 1989, with its own optical lab: glasses and sunglasses, contact lens fitting, eye checks, spare parts and repairs.
22 Angelou Metaxa StreetExplore View on map
See the full list: 20 of the Best Hospitals, Clinics & Therapies in Athens
Shopping in The Athens Riviera
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Louis Vuitton, Dior & more
Astir Marina Luxury Boutiques
Ten minutes from Glyfada, the open-air marina is the Riviera's luxury shopping hub, with standalone stores for Louis Vuitton, Dior, Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Saint Laurent, Loro Piana, Zegna, Polo Ralph Lauren, Golden Goose, Orlebar Brown, Zeus+Dione and Rolex.
Astir Marina, VouliagmeniExplore View on map
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Greek designers
Boutique 52 & 55
Twin boutiques mixing up-and-coming Greek designers with international labels, for easy, urban everyday style.
52 & 55 Kyprou StreetExplore View on map
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Riviera shopping
Glyfada: Metaxa & Kyprou Streets
The shopping heart of the Athens Riviera: Metaxa Street for Zara, H&M, Hondos Center and Greek fashion chains, and palm-lined Kyprou Street for designer boutiques and concept stores. See our Glyfada guide for 20 of its best shops.
Angelou Metaxa Street & Kyprou StreetExplore View on map
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On Glyfada's main street
H&M Glyfada
H&M on Metaxa Avenue, Glyfada's main shopping street, for affordable fashion for women, men and children.
41 Angelou Metaxa AvenueExplore View on map
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Department store
Hondos Center Glyfada
Greece's best-known beauty department store in an impressive multi-storey building by the cathedral: cosmetics and fragrances from the big international brands, plus fashion, accessories and home.
2 Agiou Konstantinou StreetExplore View on map
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On Glyfada's main street
JD Sports Glyfada
Sneakers, sportswear and streetwear on Metaxa Avenue, Glyfada's main shopping street, open seven days a week.
13 Angelou Metaxa AvenueExplore View on map
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Designer shoes in Glyfada
Kalogirou Glyfada
Kalogirou's Glyfada store on Metaxa Avenue, for designer shoes, bags and accessories from the leading international fashion houses.
18 Angelou Metaxa Avenue & 19 G. Lambraki StreetExplore View on map
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In Glyfada since 1987
Kasimatis Bikes
A big three-level bike shop on Vouliagmenis Avenue, in Glyfada since 1987 (the family business began in Piraeus in 1945): road, mountain, trekking, city, BMX, kids' and electric bikes, with Greece's first Shimano Service Center, a test area and on-site parking.
27 Vouliagmenis AvenueExplore View on map
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Fried chicken
KFC Glyfada
KFC in central Glyfada, near the shopping streets: buckets of fried chicken, burgers, wraps and fries to eat in or take to the beach.
Lazaraki StreetExplore View on map
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Concept store
Lillie Rosalie
A colourful concept store of one-off kaftans, beaded jewellery, handbags and home décor from artisans around the world.
61 Kyprou StreetExplore View on map
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Women, men & kids
Mango Glyfada
Mango on Metaxa Avenue, Glyfada's main shopping street, with collections for women, men and children.
16 Angelou Metaxa AvenueExplore View on map
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Clothing, lingerie & home
Marks & Spencer Glyfada
Marks & Spencer's Glyfada store on Vouliagmenis Avenue, for clothing, lingerie, children's wear and home, with a separate M&S food store nearby.
Vouliagmenis Avenue & 2 Antheon StreetExplore View on map
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On the coast road
McDonald's Glyfada
McDonald's on the seafront Poseidonos Avenue in Glyfada, for a quick meal between the beach and the shops.
Poseidonos AvenueExplore View on map
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Nike & Jordan
Nike Store Glyfada
A Nike store on Vouliagmenis Avenue for the newest Nike and Jordan sneakers, running shoes, sportswear and accessories.
96 Vouliagmenis AvenueExplore View on map
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Designer brand
Pinko Glyfada
The Italian designer label's Glyfada boutique on chic Kyprou Street, for glamorous dresses, tailoring and its signature Love Bird bags.
51 Kyprou StreetExplore View on map
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On Glyfada's main street
Sephora Glyfada
Sephora on Metaxa Avenue, Glyfada's main shopping street, with make-up, skincare, haircare and fragrance.
33-35 Angelou Metaxa AvenueExplore View on map
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Skateboards, roller skates & surf
Skateshop Glyfada
A board-sports shop in central Glyfada for skateboards, quad and inline roller skates, scooters and surf gear, alongside skate shoes, streetwear and accessories.
10 Lazaraki StreetExplore View on map
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Designer multi-brand
Soho Soho
One of Glyfada's best-loved designer boutiques, stocking labels such as Missoni, Rabanne, Stella McCartney, Victoria Beckham, Zimmermann, The Attico and Roberto Cavalli.
70 Kyprou StreetExplore View on map
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American diner
TGI Fridays Glyfada
TGI Fridays in the heart of Glyfada: burgers, ribs, sizzling fajitas, sharing platters and cocktails in a lively, family-friendly setting near the shops.
43 Lazaraki StreetExplore View on map
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Cruelty-free beauty
The Body Shop Glyfada
The Body Shop on Metaxa Avenue in Glyfada, for cruelty-free skincare, body care, fragrance and gift sets.
37 Angelou Metaxa AvenueExplore View on map
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High street
Zara Glyfada
The big Zara on Glyfada's main shopping street, with women's, men's and children's floors.
36 Metaxa StreetExplore View on map
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Greek jewellery
Zerteo
A jewellery brand created by two Athenian brothers, famous for its evil-eye 'mati' cuffs and bracelets: a stylish Greek souvenir.
78 Kyprou StreetExplore View on map
Real Estate in The Athens Riviera
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Farrow & Ball stockist
Enzo by Kordosis Glyfada
Glyfada's official Farrow & Ball stockist, for the full range of paint and wallpaper, with colours mixed to order in the shop.
228 Dimitriou Gounari StreetExplore View on map
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Riviera studio
Gekko Concepts
A Glyfada studio for architecture, interiors and decoration, advising on homes and businesses in Greece and abroad, from a single room to a complete renovation.
17 Harilaou Trikoupi StreetExplore View on map
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Riviera luxury
Greek Exclusive Properties
A boutique luxury specialist focused on Glyfada, Voula and Vouliagmeni, handling everything from viewings and legal checks to completion for Greek and international buyers.
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Riviera specialist
Ktimatoemporiki
A long-established agency on the Athens Riviera, strong on seaside apartments and villas from Alimos to Vouliagmeni, with detailed English-language guides to buying property and Golden Visa rules.
78 Poseidonos AvenueExplore View on map
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One of Europe’s largest regenerations
The Ellinikon: a new city on the old airport
On the site of the old Athens airport, by the sea at Elliniko, a new coastal district is rising: one of the largest urban regeneration projects in Europe, with a vast metropolitan park, homes, offices, shops, hotels and Greece’s first skyscraper, the Riviera Tower.
See the full list: 28 of the Best Estate Agents, Interiors & Antiques in Athens