Town Overview

I hopped in the car and continued my Greek adventure. Next stop? You might not have heard of it - Vouliagmeni. But let me put it this way: if Athens is the buzzing heart of Greece, Vouliagmeni is the spot where it exhales. And I get why locals escape here.

So, what’s Vouliagmeni?

It’s a small upscale suburb, hugging the coast about 30 minutes south of central Athens. But don’t let the “suburb” part fool you - this place has serious character. Think warm sea breeze, curved coastal roads, pine trees leaning toward the water, and cafés that feel like they’ve been waiting for you.

Vouliagmeni is known for two things:
1. The sea.
2. The lake.

The coastline is unreal. Water so clear you see the sand ripple underneath, even from the road. You’ll find everything from polished beach clubs to quiet little coves where it’s just you and the Aegean.

And then there’s Lake Vouliagmeni. It’s half-hidden beneath limestone cliffs - a natural thermal lake, warm all year round, full of minerals and stories. Legend says nymphs used to live there, luring men into the water. Some say they were protectors of the lake, others say they were siren-like and seductive, pulling people in and never letting them out.

The name Vouliagmeni itself means "sunken" in Greek - and that only adds to the mystery.

Vouliagmeni feels like the Greek version of a classy beach town. It is not too loud or crowded, just well-kept, confident, and calm. There’s money here, sure. You see it in the sports cars, the polished sunglasses, the design of the buildings. But it’s not flashy. It’s quiet luxury.

What I loved?

You order a cold soumada or a fresh-squeezed orange juice, lean back in your chair, and just breathe in the Aegean calm. The beaches aren’t just beautiful - they’re clean, organized, with actual space to breathe. The lake… yeah. It’s something else. Feels like nature pressed pause just for you.

You don’t come here to tick off sights. You come to slow down, have a swim, eat something good, and forget what time it is.

Where To Stay

Base One: Azur Boutique Hotel

For this leg of the trip, I picked a place that fits my travel rhythm perfectly - Azur Boutique Hotel. I’ve always had a thing for boutique hotels. There’s something about their scale - small enough to feel personal, stylish enough to feel thought-through. No cold corporate vibes. You get charm, character, and just enough quiet to feel like the place is yours for a while.

Azur is tucked away in Vouliagmeni. It is an upscale, leafy pocket just outside Athens, and it really lives up to its reputation. One of the finest little luxury hotels near the capital, it’s clean, new, and effortlessly elegant. A calm retreat just a short drive from the city center.

The rooms are chic, minimalist, and super comfortable. Everything still feels fresh and new, which gives it that “hidden gem” energy. No worn corners or outdated designs. Everything had just good taste, soft lighting, and that relaxing scent of a space that’s well looked after.

The pool isn’t massive, but it’s beautifully kept - more of a “morning dip before breakfast” pool than a full-day hangout. And yes, breakfast could use a bit more variety, but the quality was solid and the staff made up for it. They were warm, genuinely helpful, and just the right amount of attentive.

There’s no gym, which was a bit of a letdown, so I made up for it by doing long walks through Vouliagmeni - honestly, not a bad compromise when the scenery’s this good.

If you’re worried about getting bored, don’t be. Azur offers excursions to the Temple of Poseidon at Sounio, and there’s scuba diving, surfing, and windsurfing close by for when you’re craving something more active. There’s also a tennis club nearby, and the Acropolis Museum isn’t far if you’re in the mood for something cultural.

If you’re after a calm, low-key, beautifully designed base to explore this side of Athens, Azur delivers. It’s that rare mix of convenience, comfort, and style.

Base Two: Athenian Riviera Hotel & Suites

After a few laid-back days at Azur, it was time for a change of scenery, so I checked into Athenian Riviera Hotel & Suites, just a short drive away but with its own character and charm.

I booked a Classic Double Room, and right off the bat, the hotel made a great impression - they were kind enough to offer me early check-in and even let me stick around with a late check-out, which was a lifesaver since I had a 6 PM ferry to catch to Mykonos on my last day. Smooth, no stress, exactly what you want from a place when you’re in between destinations.

This 4-star hotel leans into a cool, modern palette. Grey, black, and white tones. And it pulls it off well. The room was spacious, the bed was soft, and I had a huge balcony that felt like an extra living room. You could easily post up there with a book, some snacks, and lose a few hours.

There’s a supermarket just around the corner, which is super handy, and a nice little bar on-site if you want something without wandering far.

Breakfast? More than enough variety and served in a chill setting. The pool isn’t huge, but it doesn’t get too busy, and that alone makes it feel like a private corner of the property.

Unlike Azur, this place does have a small but well-equipped gym, which I appreciated. They’ve also got a massage & sauna area if you’re feeling like taking the wellness route - plus a beauty salon if you’re in the mood to switch up your look or just get a clean-up before the islands.

The all-day restaurant deserves a special mention too. It’s got a buffet-style setup, but this isn’t your basic hotel spread. The dishes are well-prepared, there’s a clear chef’s touch, and the atmosphere is elegant without being stuffy.

And if you’re still hungry for adventure, the hotel runs a bunch of excursions - everything from sea views to ancient ruins is just a booking away.

All in all, Athenian Riviera Hotel & Suites is a bit of a hidden gem. I personally think it offers great value, great comfort, and easygoing service that make the whole experience feel seamless.

Which Hotel Wins? My Personal Pick.

Both hotels are unique in their own way, but I’m personally leaning towards Athenian Riviera Hotel & Suites. Its modern vibe, spacious rooms, and the extras like the gym, massage, and that huge balcony just fit my style better.

Azur Boutique Hotel was great too - cozy, elegant, and perfect for a quiet retreat, but if I had to pick one to stay longer, the second hotel wins.

Best Places to Eat & Drink

Where Locals (and Celebs) Brunch - Rumors Café

Now, if you want to kick off your morning just right, trust me - start your day at Rumors Café.

The place hits that rare balance: spacious yet cozy, surrounded by tall greens that give it this hidden-garden vibe in the middle of Vouliagmeni. You step in, and the buzz of conversations, light clinks of cutlery, and amazing music welcome you in like an old friend.

The menu? Surprisingly diverse. Loads of clean, healthy options for those in a post-swim detox mood, but I decided to break character this time. Even though I don’t have much of a sweet tooth, I went straight for the cherry pancakes. Soft, warm, nostalgic - almost like the ones my grandma used to make. (She doesn’t read my blog, so I can say this freely.)

Pair that with a perfectly brewed coffee, and you’ve got a morning worth repeating. The interior is stylish, the staff are welcoming, and the crowd has that cool, vibrant energy. It’s clearly a local favorite… and rumor has it, a few celebrities like to hang out there too. I actually bumped into one - won’t name-drop, but we shared a moment of mutual admiration for the place.

In short: if Vouliagmeni had a living room, this would be it.

What’s for Lunch?

By midday, when you’re ready for more than just a snack and want something hearty yet effortlessly Greek, I’d point you to Tylixto Vouliagmeni.

This place is tucked into a cozy corner of town - not fancy, but unmistakably authentic. I personally went for their falafel souvlaki, which was super satisfying, but this is the place to come for gyros. That’s what they’re known for, and you’ll see why from the first bite.

Expect traditional Greek fast-casual done right: gyros, halloumi wraps, zucchini sticks, fresh Greek salad, and warm pita that actually tastes like it was made today. Generous portions, simple flavors, and pure satisfaction.

Dinner Done Right - Pelagos in Vouliagmeni

Dinner at Pelagos is a knockout. This isn’t just a meal - it’s a full-on experience every guy who respects good food should have on his radar. Tucked inside the Four Seasons Astir Palace in Vouliagmeni, this Michelin-starred spot delivers dishes that hit hard and leave a mark.

From the moment I walked in, the welcome and attention I received were spot on. I went with their tasting menu, and every dish felt like a masterpiece. The real star, in my opinion? The salt-baked turbot. Served alongside perfectly roasted baby onions, fluffy roti, and a rich tomato-herb sauce that grabbed my taste buds and didn’t let go.

The place itself is outstanding. Clean lines, moody lighting, a setting that demands respect. Just when I thought it couldn’t get better, the sunset outside blew the roof off.

If you want a dinner that’s raw, refined, and unforgettable - Pelagos is your go-to. This is the kind of place that sticks with you long after the last bite.

What to See & Do in Vouliagmeni

Vouliagmeni isn’t just luxury beaches - it’s got spots that really stick with you.

1. Lake Vouliagmeni
I took a dip in this natural thermal lake, and wow. The warm, mineral-rich water hits differently. It’s not your typical beach swim, the water stays around 22-29°C year-round thanks to underground hot springs. The water’s healing minerals make it feel like a spa for your whole body.

2. Temple of Apollo Zoster
This small ancient ruin sits perched on a rocky promontory overlooking the Aegean, and it’s an absolute hidden gem. Not packed with tourists, it offers a serene spot to soak up history and take in panoramic sea views. The temple dates back to classical Greece, and local legends say that Apollo himself once removed his girdle here - hence the name “Zoster,” meaning belt. It’s a peaceful place to reflect, snap some photos, or just enjoy a quiet moment away from the crowds.

Vouliagmeni, My Way: Where to Stay, Eat & Wander | Greece, Part 2