Why now?
If the French Riviera is reading this, it should consider itself warned: there’s new competition. Stretching 50km from the suburbs of Athens to the tip of Cape Sounion, the southernmost point of Attica, the Athenian Riviera is basking in a serious glow-up. Leading the charge of regeneration in the region is the ambitious Ellinikon development – a £7 billion urban-regeneration project transforming the site of the city’s former international airport into a futuristic coastal hub. Picture luxury condos, high-end retail spaces and a next-gen marina fit for megayachts.Getting there? It’s a breeze. Following an extension, the city’s tram line now zips along the coast, making the journey easy and fun.
Palm Springs looks, Aegean-style at One&Only Aesthesis
The bungalows, dressed in classy neutrals and eco-luxe touches, are hard to leave – but you’ll want to. Chief among reasons? The resort is home to Greece’s first Guerlain spa. Play with the brand’s perfumes using branded fans, then indulge in one of the spa’s signature royal jelly facials.
Where to stay?
One of the Riviera’s most refined enclaves is the town of Glyfada. Check into the One&Only Aesthesis, a 21-hectare coastal reserve and resort that opened last summer with a splash of sun-kissed glamour. Staff greet you with their trademark hand-on-heart as you arrive at the main building – all mid-century curves and retro allure that screams “Palm Springs”, Aegean-style.The bungalows, dressed in classy neutrals and eco-luxe touches, are hard to leave – but you’ll want to. Chief among reasons? The resort is home to Greece’s first Guerlain spa. Play with the brand’s perfumes using branded fans, then indulge in one of the spa’s signature royal jelly facials.
Riviera views and One&Only Aesthesis
Where to brunch
Enjoy a healthy, organic brunch for late risers (served till 4.30pm) at Oven in Voula. The avocado toast arrives on dinkel bread with cream cheese mousse, lemon zest and chives, and speciality coffees are made to order with dairy, almond or coconut milk.Where to compare cocktails
Ark in Glyfada, where a pornstar martini is a party of Finnish vodka infused with vanilla, amaretto liqueur, passion fruit, dehydrated orange, and strawberry essential oil. The interior screams for its own Insta reel, with bamboo and rattan bar stools, clean lines, high ceilings and pops of vibrant colour.Where to go for dinner
The One&Only’s Peruvian restaurant Manko, where fish anticuchos (skewers) from the grill arrive just the right side of burnished, with a charcoal kick. On Thursday nights, a DJ provides the crowd-pleasing house tunes.Where to explore
The Temple of Poseidon. Dating from 440 BC, these marble ruins sit at the tip of Cape Sounion, where the sunset paints them in honeyed hues at sunset. Ancient history never looked so good.
Lake Vouliagmeni
Don’t miss
Water nymphs, take note: pack your chicest swimwear and arrive early (as in, doors-open early, especially in high summer) at Lake Vouliagmeni. Tucked under dramatic limestone cliffs, this mineral-rich lake is naturally warmed by underground thermal springs, with temperatures hovering between 22-29°C year-round. The waters are silky, the vibe serene, and if you stay long enough, resident fish will gently exfoliate your feet, leaving you pedi-perfect for your Grecian sandals.Essentials to buy
Wrap yourself in mythology with a Zeus+Dione silk scarf – a piece of wearable folklore with tales of ancient Greece woven into its design. They’re made locally – but rocked internationally – and a portion of the proceeds from sales supports the Dora Stratou Greek Dance Theatre, an institution dedicated to preserving and performing traditional Greek folk dances, music and costumes.
One&Only Aesthesis’ exterior
How to get there
Direct flights to Athens operate from most UK airports. From the city centre, it’s a 25-minute taxi ride to the heart of the Riviera, Glyfada – or hop on the tram for a scenic, hour-long journey along the coast.