Connecting decision makers to a dynamic network of information Bloomberg quickly and accurately delivers business and financial information Photographer: Yorgos Karahalis/Bloomberg 2025 at 12:57 PM EDTBookmarkSaveTakeaways NEWItalian fintech tycoon Andrea Pignataro is developing a plan for a €2 billion ($2.2 billion) technology hub on the Greek coast that would host as many as 3,000 people Pignataro is working with architect Renzo Piano on the campus for ION Group in Anavyssos according to people familiar with the matter The site would let ION centralize its research and development operations which are currently spread across countries including the US Consultation on the new zoning plan for tourism is expected to begin soon and to serve as the main instrument for imposing restrictions on the number of short-term rental assets the exact content of restrictions is unclear but the inclusion of a number of areas of Attica in the relevant provisions seems to be a harbinger of future developments one of the main elements of the new zoning plan provides for restrictions on the number of accommodations it will be foreseen to set “limitations on the number of sharing tourism spaces and simple rented rooms as a percentage of the beds of the main tourist accommodation” in the “control areas” and in the “developed areas.” The latter concern Attica and Thessaloniki given the shortage of houses to buy or rent and the housing crisis this has created Standing out in Attica among the “developed areas” are downtown Athens However the bulk belongs to the center of Athens with 16,900 accommodations while the other 4,882 assets are located in all other regions in some of them it is not clear where the interventions will be focused How the selection has been made has raised questions both due to the low penetration of short-term rentals and the fact they are not areas with a deficit housing and high demand from long-term tenants the “control areas” include districts that are in very strong demand the phenomenon of shortage in housing for students or public officials is observed every year so the search for solutions is now imperative These are the municipal units Paralia in Pieria Enter your information below to receive our weekly newsletters with the latest insights opinion pieces and current events straight to your inbox summer temperatures remain and nearby getaways for the coolness of the sea seem indispensable Contrary to those returning from their holidays and saying “good winter” at the following 5 beaches located within walking distance of the capital you can continue to enjoy the sun and sea until the weather no longer allows it is one of the most beautiful beaches in Attica It is worth a day trip to Psatha to enjoy swimming and the view of the Corinthian Gulf crystal clear waters and fine pebbles make up the scenery at this huge beach that resembles an Aegean island Tavernas and ouzerias on the beach complete the scenery on the coast of the Corinthian Gulf and at the foot of Kithairon is just the place for a mini excursion in Attica The busiest beach is what is called for obvious reasons the “middle beach” which is pebbly and with plenty of shade from the tamarisks We recommend you also visit the lovely Proseli which has easy access and crystal clear waters and is sheltered from the local northerly winds In the area there are also nice tavernas by the sea for fresh fish Agios Nikolaos Anavyssos is one of the most unique beaches in Attica Just before the long beach of Anavyssos and after meeting the sign with the School of Tourism Professionals turn right and follow the road to the beach A wide strip of sand joins Attica with the islet where the chapel of Agios Nikolaos is located The wonderful landscape gives you the impression that you are somewhere in Crete The beach is long and organized in one part If you go up the hill where the homonymous chapel is located and follow the right path on the back side you will find yourself in an unseen creek with crystal clear waters but it remains one of the most unique beaches in Attica giving you the feeling of being on an island The beach is about 55 km from the centre of Athens and is located just before Legreina As soon as you see the sign that says “Property of KAPE” you follow the dirt road that leads to a parking lot go down the (about 100) steps and you are on a lovely beach with fine sand and turquoise waters In recent years it has become extremely popular and especially at weekends it attracts a lot of people there is the adjacent and equally enchanting cove which is preferred by those who want to go skinny dipping Beach of the Archaeological Site of Heraion Perachora Loutraki is a nice choice for weekend getaways – and not only – since it is only 80 km from Athens and offers many options for swimming in crystal clear waters we recommend a visit to the archaeological site of Heraion located at the end of the peninsula of Perachora just 20 minutes from Loutraki and 10 minutes from Perachora the ruins of an ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Hera are preserved sandy beach with a small pebble beach and wonderful waters for diving awaits you Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" © 2025 ellines.com © 2025 ellines.com, all rights reserved and much more await us at the beach bars of the southern coast of Athens one of the most famous beach clubs of Athens It’s become a destination on the Athenian Riviera when you want to escape from everyday life and relax on the sunbeds enjoying the sea and golden sand during the day sipping a drink or cocktail as the sun sets the Macaw beach bar offers everything you need for a pleasant day by the sea On the sunbeds in front of the beach and at the tables higher up on the beach you can enjoy your morning coffee or a meal all day to a cocktail with a view of the sunset or later under the moonlight Akanthus also offers all-day escapes for a swim at Alimos beach Grab a spot on the sunbeds with your friends and then enjoy Mediterranean cuisine dishes or a cocktail with a view of the horizon and nice background music Bikini beach bar offers sunbeds along the beach from where you can gaze at the beautiful sea view for hours – and of course The music plays non-stop and gets you in the mood to order your cocktail to fully experience the moment DOT Beach Vibes promises to make the summer in the city enjoyable with coffee and brunch options in the morning as well as carefully prepared dishes in its restaurant area as the day goes by The new beach bar-restaurant (at the same beach as above- mentioned DOT) is an all-day project that combines swimming and relaxation by the sea with a bar-restaurant serving Mediterranean fusion cuisine giving you plenty of reasons to enjoy your time here at any hour of the day You’ll find the beach outfitted with specially designed cabanas In Kavouri (Vouliagmeni) in front of the luxurious Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso hotel From early morning until the magnificent sunsets Trypia Varka is an all-day concept on the beach of Kavouri Although a restaurant (offering seafood and meat dishes) it has some umbrellas with sunbeds right in front of the sea where you can sit and have a great day full of swims in the water Located in a cove in Vouliagmeni that resembles an island landscape Krabo exudes a boho aesthetic reminiscent of an exotic destination Whether you sit on the sunbeds that stretch along the shore or in the restaurant area one thing is for sure – you will feel the summer in the city Zen Beach in Vouliagmeni will transport you far away from the city to island destinations as the scenery alone and the overall vibes of the place will make you relax and forget about obligations The comfortable sunbeds contribute to this while the restaurant completes the beautiful experience Η δημοσίευση κοινοποιήθηκε από το χρήστη Astir Beach (@astirbeachgr) Astir Beach in Vouliagmeni is one of the most prestigious and well-known beaches in the Athenian Riviera It offers a blend of natural beauty and upscale amenities It’s a popular destination for both locals and international visitors looking for a premium beach experience Royal Beach in Vouliagmeni welcomes us for another year to experience moments of relaxation and gastronomic delight in one of the most idyllic locations on the coastline it also welcomed Goya Gastro-bar to its premises overlooking the bay and the distant horizon is also a favorite choice of the southern – and not only – crowd for swimming in the sea and relaxation on the sunbeds The beach stretches over a large area and despite the crowds you won’t have trouble finding your own spot Η δημοσίευση κοινοποιήθηκε από το χρήστη Pere Ubu à la plage (@pere_ubu_a_la_plage) has “landed” on the beach of Varkiza with its summer concept by the sea A spot on the comfortable sunbeds is a must but it’s also worth sitting on the couches with retro vibes and enjoying your drinks with friends which first opened in Argyroupoli (one of the southern Suburbs of Athens) offering premium drinks has made its appearance on the beach of Varkiza It features umbrellas on the beach for relaxing moments by the sea private live cooking & cocktail making it took its boards and came down to Varkiza – in addition to Glyfada Holy Spirit is the place where we go to escape the hot city atmosphere and enjoy the unique cocktails of the experienced team offering equally good services and amenities to make your stay on the beach as enjoyable as possible or later enjoy our cocktail while also enjoying our swims As you leave the main area of the southern suburbs of Athens and head towards Sounio along the Athenian Riviera The Tahiti beach bar will draw you towards it thanks to its nice vibes with a tropical atmosphere that takes you even further away and be sure that you will have a perfect day at the sea Plus: Stay for the beach parties in the evening Arriving at Lagonissi (a coastal area offering clear waters and stunning views of the Saronic Gulf just about 30 kilometers from central Athens) you will find El Pouda that resembles a little paradise as it is surrounded by plenty of greenery with the azure waters in front completing the puzzle of enjoyment Note that here you will see a beautiful sunset if you decide to stay until late Grand Beach is a luxury beach area associated with the Grand Resort Lagonissi Grand beach invites you this summer to enjoy unique moments of relaxation with high-level amenities You can relax on the comfortable sunbeds and enjoy the sun all day long while later you can taste a wonderful snack or a creative meal at the Poseidon Restaurant If you’re looking for a bit of adrenaline you can also opt for a water sport activity here Mavro Lithari Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Athens The clear and calm waters most days of the summer allow for playing in the sea as well as endless dives for those who can’t get enough of swimming The beach bar of the same name features comfortable sunbeds It’s ideal for enjoying a day at the beach with a laid-back vibe besides sunbathing on comfortable sun loungers while there is also a fun water park in the sea for games that will delight both young and old On the beach of Agios Nikolaos in Anavyssos and just a few meters from the picturesque church of the same name Nuevo Loca beach bar is a well-organized beach equipped with comfortable sunbeds and a bar for coffee or cocktails accompanied by music from DJs on weekends (a well-known coastal destination of the Athens Riviera situated about 40 kilometers -or 25 miles- from central Athens) you ‘ll have plenty of options to relax and have fun that awaits you from morning until late at night for enjoyable moments by the sea The music played here and the overall vibes of the place make it ideal for summer outings with friends Η δημοσίευση κοινοποιήθηκε από το χρήστη Castus Beach 🪻 (@castusbeach) In a wonderful boho setting with the blue sea in the background at the famous Alykes Beach Cactus creates an idyllic atmosphere of relaxation and fun Poufs and sunbeds spread out on the beach while the spot is perfect for all-day enjoyment Another bohemian spot on Alykes Beach: Alopigia transports you to more exotic destinations while maintaining a beautiful The day starts with coffee or juice and a snack and along the way prepares great cocktails that Nossa is also situated in Alykes Beach becoming a destination for summer getaways and offering everything you need to have a great day at the beach This restaurant in Anavyssos that has its own sunbeds on the beach emits that relaxed feeling you seek in the midst of summer you can also go up to the restaurant area after a day at the sea and try their offerings Para-Dais is another option for our stay by the sea and note that in the evening it hosts live performances with Greek artists and the fun goes up You will recognize the large beach of Thymari thanks to its width as well as the characteristic beach bar of the area There you can sit on a sunbed with all your comfort and necessities gazing at the slightly “wild” scenery around offers shade and comfortable sunbeds by the sea to enjoy your morning coffee and all kinds of snacks as well as cocktails since it stays open until late at night All this in a relaxed atmosphere every hour of the day About 5 kilometers before Sounio and the iconic Temple of Poseidon the beach of Charakas with its crystal clear waters and sandy shore makes the perfect spot for anyone who wants to enjoy a relaxing day by the sea we recommend you to sit until late afternoon to see one of the most beautiful sunsets on the Riviera overlooking the Temple of Poseidon in Sounio you will find the Aegeon Beach Hotel and its organized beach The beautiful sandy beach and crystal clear waters make the spot ideal for families with children There are two beach bars and a restaurant on the beach Four major fires were raging in Greece on Monday evening Colonel Yiannis Artopios during the first of two special briefings on Monday evening ANA reports Two of the four big fires broke out in Attica - at Kouvaras (Southeast Attica) and at Dervenoxoria (North Attica) - one in the forest area of Kallithea (southeast of Loutraki and a fourth at Kaparelli in Boeotia (Viotia) Police have shut down circulation again on the Athens-Sounion highway due to the spread of the fire traffic is closed off from the Athens-Sounion and Kalyvia highways towards Sounion; the Athens-Sounion and Saronia highways towards Athens; and the rural Keratea-Anavyssos road from Keratea to Anavyssos police have blocked traffic from the Elefsina-Thivon rural road from Mandra intersection towards Thebes; from Fylis street starting from the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary (Kimisseos Theotokou) at Kleista; and at the Inoi-Magoula rural road As to the new Athens-Corinth national highway police announced they had opened the highway but only for traffic heading to Athens on the old Athens-Corinth national highway circulation was restored in both directions Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons License: CC-BY-SA Copyright: Panagiotis Botsis Nafplio at the epicenter of world yachting with the 10th Mediterranean Yacht Show Samaria Gorge “War Zone” – “Others Decide, We Pay the Price” Argosaronic Islands: Need for a long-term strategy and modern infrastructure FedHATTA | Tourism Bridges between Greece and the Chinese province of Guizhou Top distinctions for Greece and Santorini at the American Leisure Lifestyle Awards 2025 HOTREC | Supporting SMEs in European Hospitality Tourism | Promoting Crete in the Arabian Gulf Aegean and Emirates expand their partnership Delta | Athens is in 5th place in American searches for 2025 Promotion of Preveza on the metro and tram in Athens TripAdvisor Awards 2025 | Elafonisi Beach World's Best Beach - 9th in Crete, Sani Beach Award 12th BAJAGREECE: Motorsports Competition in Western Macedonia Crete also invests in cycling tourism - 13th Pediadas Tour Competitions with a summer and autumn backdrop: Attica runs at the pace of sports ATM'25 - Tourism | The fight against food waste at the forefront of sustainable development easyJet holidays | Fam trips to Santorini, Skiathos and Rhodes Chania: The next actions of the “Tourism Partnership” Navarino Challenge returns on May 9-11, 2025 Cruise Takeoff in Chania – Record Arrivals in the First Quarter of 2025 Three Greek beaches among the world’s 50 best – Triumph for the Ionian The “Typhoon” that saves the Greek coasts from garbage EOT at the “Arabian Travel Market” | Interest from Gulf countries, India, and Australia CERT to manage Vasilitsa Ski Resort – Investment of over 20 million euros Is American tourism in Europe “slowing down”? What do professionals see for 2025 and 2026 This is Athens & Partners | The 7 partners renew their collaboration - the joint actions FedHATTA: Dynamic presence of Greek travel agencies at the international Dubai exhibition ATM 2025 Ryanair announces new offer for Prime members on June flights Thomas Ellerbeck | “Rhodes can become a model of sustainable tourism internationally” The Times | The perfect time to experience the authentic side of Santorini Chania: The Alternative Tourism Festival returns to the Venetian Port Angela Gerekou: "Tourism is a force for good and Greece can play a leading role" New flights to Greece in 2025 from 4 airlines Crete welcomes Reveil 12 – Festival of Sounds and Ecology Greek tourism - 3rd quarter | 97% of arrivals in Athens and Thessaloniki Modernization aid for the marinas of Symi and Messolonghi HOTREC Assembly: Focus on challenges and reforms in European tourism AEGEAN 2025: Passenger growth and fleet expansion with an eye on the international market FedHATTA Cooperation with Shaanxi Province, China Greek academic in finalists of European Sustainable Energy Awards 2025 Thessaloniki museums join forces to promote the city GNTO introduces “Sustainable Greece” to British Agents Strategic meeting for cruises in Santorini A message of friendship and cooperation at the friendly Greek-Turkish football match in Chios Municipality of Xiromero | Diving tourism: Request for sinking of a decommissioned warship The first La Quinta by Wyndham in Batumi, Georgia Double racing event in Megalopolis on May 11: Festival Enduro and Theater Run 2025 Explora Journeys: Start of the summer season with the luxurious EXPLORA I from Piraeus Strong start in 2025 for Aegean and SKY Express Xanthi Tastes: A Gastronomy Festival with a Cultural Flavor Rhodes: These are the five-star hotels with the highest revenue – Which ones “fill up” first Greek Tourism/Webhotelier: The Winners and Losers in Online Bookings for 2025 GNTO | Promotion of Santorini in target markets Unprecedented blackout in Spain, Portugal, France Greece can play a leading role in the global sports tourism scene Rhodes | Event for the protection of biodiversity Attica, the …Caribbean of the Germans Agios Nikolaos | Cruise season kicks off with arrival of luxury Silver Spirit Operational Plan: “Cretan Food Culture 2026-2030” Destination Management and Promotion Organization in Thessaloniki Kefalonia: The authentic character of the island through the “Travel Reimagined” project Hoteliers vs. Booking.com: The European uprising has begun Tourism | Greece 4th choice for Europeans' holidays in 2025 - what the ETC survey shows New high-standard heated swimming pool in Chania, aimed at sports tourism Greeks Traveled (A Lot!) in 2024 – Where They Went, How Much They Spent Greek-American Dean Spanos brings the NFL to Greece – Opportunities for promotion in the USA Lesvos: The season begins with birdwatching tourists MSC Cruises: Strengthens its presence in Greece with 6 cruise ships New Luxury Arrival in Crete | JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa Opens on June 2 "Peloponnese Trails" inaugurated today: New network of trails for sustainable tourism Knossos: 125 years since the excavations of Arthur Evans The Spanish TV show “Viajeros Cuatro” in Corfu Wyndham - Soliteight | 40 Super 8 hotels in Spain and Portugal Airbnb: Final price now displayed in accommodation searches Investments in the beaches of the Attica Riviera The Municipality of Chania at the “From Crete to Side” Festival in Turkey Region of Central Macedonia: Tourism Promotion Activities in Poland and the Middle East Region of Crete | Connecting Minoan Palatial Centers with Archaeological Sites Biodiversity protection plan is in full swing in Elafonisi Record participation in the ATHENA International Olive Oil Competition | Chania 8 - 10 May Communities at the heart of tourism development Booking.com | No to limiting tourists, yes to infrastructure investments Thessaloniki’s dynamic presence at the World Tourism Summit in Hong Kong easyJet | Summer 2026 sales open Cruise | Turkey doubles its share, new opportunities for Greek ports Aid for the upgrade of the tourist shelter of Astakos and the Marina of Alimos Preparing the settlement of Kionia for the tourist season: An example to follow The action of the region of Crete "Let's go for... Greens" concludes this weekend “Art is our Language”: Campaign for the 70th Anniversary of the Athens Epidaurus Festival Tourism | Nostalgia drives Brits’ travel choices ΕΟΤ China | B2B meetings with Chengdu's t.os - Flights to Athens in June State-of-the-art conference center at Theartemis Palace Hotel in Rethymno Zagori: Collaboration with Impact Hub Athens for sustainable tourism and innovation Cooperation Memorandum between Development Athens and Piraeus University on Tourism Kos: New advertising campaigns with Jet2 and National Geographic Traveller UK Five cruise ships in Souda by Saturday Imbros Trail Run & Hike 2025: A sporting tribute to the History of Sfakia Cultural Days and Sea Routes in Piraeus Religious Tourism | The University of Palermo comes to Panagia Nafpaktiotissa Audio Walk in the Sitia Geopark: A Different Exploration Experience in Crete AEGEAN “takes off” Larnaca with a new direct flight to Rome FedHATTA | Tourism Bridges between Greece and the Chinese province of Guizhou Tourism | Promoting Crete in the Arabian Gulf Nafplio at the epicenter of world yachting with the 10th Mediterranean Yacht Show Top distinctions for Greece and Santorini at the American Leisure Lifestyle Awards 2025 HOTREC | Supporting SMEs in European Hospitality Aegean and Emirates expand their partnership Delta | Athens is in 5th place in American searches for 2025 Samaria Gorge “War Zone” – “Others Decide, We Pay the Price” Argosaronic Islands: Need for a long-term strategy and modern infrastructure TripAdvisor Awards 2025 | Elafonisi Beach World's Best Beach - 9th in Crete, Sani Beach Award Crete also invests in cycling tourism - 13th Pediadas Tour ATM'25 - Tourism | The fight against food waste at the forefront of sustainable development Promotion of Preveza on the metro and tram in Athens Competitions with a summer and autumn backdrop: Attica runs at the pace of sports 12th BAJAGREECE: Motorsports Competition in Western Macedonia Cruise Takeoff in Chania – Record Arrivals in the First Quarter of 2025 The 20 "loudest" luxury hotel arrivals in Greece in 2025 What to expect at this year’s ITB Berlin Exhibition from March 4-6 Athens Municipality Festival 2025 | The city's biggest celebration, with more than 200 events PM at 1st Greece-Saudi Arabia High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council on Monday Greece's Permanent Delegation to UNESCO organizing concert on January 16 What the Israeli Ambassador discussed at the Chania Chamber North Macedonia: Increase in foreign tourists in 2024 Athens to host the European Film Awards in 2027 New flights to Greece in 2025 from 4 airlines Two speedboats that participated in the shooting of the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 in Palea Fokea collided resulting in eight production technicians thrown into the sea two speedboats with a total of 16 people on board – Greek and foreign actors and film crew technicians – collided in the sea area of ​​Thymari in Palea Fokea near Anavyssos The collision overturned one of the two speedboats – on which filmmakers and sound engineers were riding eight eight people and their expensive equipment thrown into sea some of the seven production boats rushed to the spot who were in the shooting area and collected them According to Proto Thema the collision was due to a poor calculation of speed and distance between the two boats the boat with the actors would pass quickly near the boat that was with the cinema cameras to make a close and impressive shot probably due to a miscalculation of the distance and the speed collided with the back right part of the boat where the technicians were riding with all of their equipment also falling into the sea was slightly injured and was transported to a local hospital by  ambulance for precautionary reasons he was more shocked and did not suffer any injuries The other seven passengers went to a private clinic for precautionary reasons The other speedboat was carrying eight other actors The plastic speedboat that overturned was towed by onshore production The Coast Guard post on Twitter about the incident Σύγκρουση 2 T/Χ σκαφών με συνολικά 16 επιβαίνοντες στη θαλ.περ Θυμάρι Παλαιάς Φώκαιας με αποτέλεσμα τον ελαφρύ τραυματισμό ενός εκ των επιβαινοντων O ανωτέρω μεταφέρεται με ασθενοφόρο όχημα σε εφημερεύον νοσοκομείο ενώ οι υπόλοιποι 15 έχουν εξέλθει καλά στη υγεία τους — ΛΙΜΕΝΙΚΟ ΣΩΜΑ (@HCoastGuard) June 24, 2022 preparations began for the shooting in the port of Rafina of Nia Vardalos’ new film My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 After the tremendous success of the first film My Big Fat Greek Wedding there was the success of the second film My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 but now it is time for the third film in the series READ MORE: Nia Vardalos announces ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3’ is filming A big wildfire broke out southeast of the Greek capital near Keratea on Saturday evening with residents in one settlement told to move to a safer area The flames were burning low grassland but there were scattered houses in the area which could be threatened More than 100 firefighters with 30 vehicles and four units on foot have been deployed an emergency alert message was issued to residents of Ano Daskalio to evacuate towards Keratea traffic has been diverted at the junction of Lavrio Avenue and the Keratea–Anavyssos secondary road told Kathimerini that the flames had reached the first houses but residents had been evacuated in time the fire touched the first houses,” but no damages have been reported adding that municipal crews are currently trying to open a fire zone to stop the flames More demolitions of illegal buildings in Attica has commenced with a beach bar operated by a hotel on the beach of Anavyssos being torn down on Monday Customers of the hotel were left shocked when they heard police officers urging them to leave the beach bar because demolishing works were about to begin Bulldozers had arrived early Monday morning to demolish four illegally constructed buildings and several kiosks on the premises of the hotel located on Sounio highway According to the environment and energy ministry the execution of a demolition protocol for the specific building had been pending since January 1997 The authorities have examined over 50 illegal buildings in the coastal zone and in forest areas along the Athens-Sounio coastline while demolitions in the area of Grammatiko demolitions of illegal buildings obstructing watercourses in Mandra are expected to start shortly the government is set to proceed with a number of demolitions across Greece including areas of the Peloponnese and the Ionian islands A coroner’s report on Monday confirmed that the death last Wednesday of a German hiker in the Samaria gorge on the island of Crete was due to excessive bleeding after she was struck by falling rocks The forensic examination showed “oligemic shock from the traumatic rupture of lower extremity vessels.” The accident occurred after a sudden downpour resulted in landslides in many parts of the gorge The stones that fell from above hit the 35-year-old woman The Samaria Gorge is a popular tourist attraction Summer's warmth is steadily becoming palpable but there's no need to venture far from the capital to revel in the… the beaches of the country grow more bustling by the day the customary plans for the summer are underway; it is the season when most are putting the finishing touches on their holiday arrangements scheduling time off or securing tickets to their chosen destinations Yet for those dwelling or on extended stay in the capital, there’s no need to wait for the holiday period to relish the sea. A mere 1.5 hours’ drive from Athens you’ll find beaches perfect for the inaugural plunges of the summer season They’re the retreats you can escape to either on weekends or some afternoons following the end of the working hours the not-so-well-known Agios Petros in Sounio and even destinations beyond Attica – like the tranquil Korfo of Corinth or Flambouro in Loutraki – offer something for everyone They cater equally to young couples longing for an escape from the city and to families seeking moments of carefree bliss making you forget that you are near Athens and not on some distant island as for decades it has been one of Athens‘ residents’ most beloved summer spots It’s even served as the cinematic backdrop to films relished starting his day with an invigorating dip at this renowned beach before heading off to his office in the capital remains unscathed by the summer’s meltemi winds It’s an idyllic spot for families with young kids offering both organised and free-roaming areas tucked away in the northeastern extremity of the Marathon plain a breezy 50-kilometre drive from the heart of Athens It’ll take you around an hour to reach here even holding historical significance as the westernmost point where the ancient Battle of Marathon (490 BC) is believed to have taken place One of its most captivating features is the surrounding stone pine forest counted among the most significant in Greece boasting the rare pine species Pinus Pinea In just under 50 minutes from the capital’s centre heading towards Anavyssos via the Athens-Sounio highway (taking the route to Palaia Fokaia) you’ll find the enchanting beach of St right beneath the School of Tourism Professions the wide sandy beach and the blue-emerald hues of the sea are bound to strike you reminding many of Bella Vraka in Syvota or the famous Balos in Crete so it’s best to arrive early in the morning it’s your pick whether to relax at the organised beach or venture into the unorganised section There’s even a secluded little cove suitable for naturists Agios Petros (Saint Peter’s) will gift you a truly unparalleled experience you’ll find yourself swimming with an unbroken vista of the imposing ancient Temple of Poseidon at Sounion all set within a region declared a national park And all this just a 68-kilometre drive from the heart of Athens a journey you’ll cover in 1 hour 15 minutes (or at most 1.5 hours you’ll spot a direction sign just before you reach Sounion standing out once you pass the grand hotel unit in Legraina The water at Agios Petros is crystal clear and it’s a rare day when you find it troubled as the coast is naturally protected from the winds although it has become a favourite among those with boats which you’ll see anchored in deeper waters the beach is entirely unorganised: family outings are welcome just make sure to bring along your umbrella and beach mats Flampouro is a stunning 150-meter beach with fine pebbles mixed with sand which remains relatively unknown to Athenians thus avoiding mass gatherings – even at the peak of the summer are absolutely captivated by the abundant greenery (low vegetation as it’s only 6 kilometres from Loutraki rest assured it’ll take no more than 1.5 hours to get here as there’s a well-organised section (umbrellas but also ample space for those who prefer to bring their own gear It’s also a beach naturally shielded from strong summer winds (meltemia) ideal for those arriving in family groups with young children many choose to linger until late in the afternoon taking advantage of the opportunity to witness the stunning sunset Although Corinthia’s side gazing into the Corinthian Gulf is well-trodden by Athenian dwellers the coastal area bordering the Saronic remains uncharted territory you’ll stumble upon the idyllic hamlet of Korfos which will undoubtedly cast a spell on you With its verdant slopes (densely populated by olive groves and pines) cascading down to sandy beaches the village is evocative of an island from the Northern Sporades rather than a typical landscape in the mainland Peloponnese The sea is nothing short of magnificent – pure and devoid of sudden depths making it suitable even for the little ones diving enthusiasts have noted its beautiful seabed where fish and octopi are abundant due to the rocky formations Korfos boasts well-developed tourism infrastructure offering both accommodation and dining options for those who wish to spend a relaxed weekend it has occasionally served as a sanctuary for notable political figures It’s also an ideal destination for those craving a brief escape from Athens‘ bustling everyday life Agistri: Escape to the pine-covered island of the Argosaronic Gulf Aegina: The most famous of the islands close to Athens 24 hours on Hydra, the Charm of Greece’s Saronic Gulf Take note of these food spots if preparing to head to nearby beaches in the wider Athens area we’re back from our summer holiday breaks but this does mean we should put a lid on our activities and start feeling gloomy The charismatic coastline of the wider Athens area always offers precious nearby escape from the city pressure that will add scrumptious taste to your swimming excursions The renowned seaside complex offers many activities on Varkiza beach as well as a wide range of dining options catering to different tastes which begins the day serving at the beach daybeds and continues service at its spacious restaurant space cocktails and atmosphere that transports to faraway Mexico Varkiza Beach, tel. +30 2104511888, https://www.varkizaresort.gr so making a table reservation is recommended including crayfish recipes and seabass (lavraki) ceviche with citrus juice The knowledgeable wine list offers selections from Greek and foreign wineries homemade ravani (syrupy cake) with vanilla ice cream is served Lagonisi, +30 22910 26388, Facebook kyrapopiseafood offering a comfortable outdoor space with a sea view scomber and other meze selections that can be picked from a smorgasbord tray brought to you and continue with fresh seabass or gilt-head on the grill This impressively refurbished hotel offers a variety of food choices It offers a snack menu at the resort’s beach bar food of Greek and Mediterranean principles ideal for the sunset hours colouring the spot’s veranda Anavyssos, +30 22910 60031, https://www.evereden.gr says plenty about this fish taverna with a loyal customer base at the end of the Legrena seaside road prawn saganaki (prawns cooked in spicy tomato-based sauce and baked in the oven) as well as fresh fish Legrena +30 22920 51221, Facebook Marida Sounio It is one of the properties of rare beauty and unique location of the Athenian Riviera a few meters from the sea and with a breathtaking view of the endless blue The reason is the villa in Anavyssos that belonged to the Nikas family – of the famous sausage industry – and which has its own history As “THEMA” reveals today this unique villa has been put up for sale by a large real estate agency at a price of 20 million euros which certainly ranks it among the most expensive properties currently for sale in Greece The sale has been undertaken by the Greek office of Barnes International Realty This is one of the most popular international real estate agencies which certainly has the necessary access to the target group of those who could pay the staggering sum of 20 million euros to acquire a magnificent property in the rapidly rising parallel front of Attica The description of the property by the real estate agency is similar to the price where it talks about “a unique villa in the coastal zone of Anavyssos in one of the most privileged locations of the Athenian Riviera but also about a “private paradise on the beach and at the same time within walking distance from the capital” the nearly 1,000 sq ft mansion is developed on three levels and has 8 bedrooms of which 680 are main rooms and 274 are auxiliary rooms creating an ideal space for relaxation and tranquility” On the ground floor there is a spacious living room with a comfortable dining area and a fully equipped kitchen while the open-plan layout connects the interiors to the wonderful outdoor spaces On the same level there is also 1 en-suite bedroom as well as the service rooms with their bathrooms while the second bedroom has direct access to the pool on this level the facilities include 3 additional en-suite bedrooms changing rooms and plenty of storage space The exterior of the villa is equally impressive and includes the main swimming pool with seating areas the covered parking area can accommodate up to six cars the residence has been recently renovated with high quality materials and offers unique views from both the indoor and outdoor areas the Energy Performance Certificate is currently being issued For those who were familiar with this property in person or from past photos the radical renovation is obvious both inside and around the property this is one of the most privileged properties that have come up for sale this season as it is built literally a breath away from the sea and in front of a beautiful but not “private” beach so during the summer months many people flood it to get a breath of fresh air It is worth mentioning that in the same area there are several impressive properties of well-known shipowner and business families which give it an even more intense colour of luxury It should also be noted that the asking price today is double what the Nika family sought to collect in the past But this is obviously justified on the one hand by the fact that the property has undergone a significant investment for its renovation in a strategic point of the Athenian Riviera which is becoming one of the most “hot” destinations due to its transformation and soaring values with the ultra-luxury “One & Only Aesthesis” in Asteria Glyfada as well as with a number of other major investments A further reason is that of course the real estate market has now entered a completely different phase and a strongly upward trend compared to even a few years earlier when “THEMA” revealed the first sale for this particular villa It was at a time when the country was mired in the economic crisis and the Nika family particularly the son of the iconic sausage maker Panagiotis Nika had already spread his wings on the other side of the Atlantic With the heavy clouds of the recession having flattened business and the real estate market the Nika family decided to put their impressive villa for sale located in a picturesque creek with a small beach facing the island of Azerdas this particular mansion ranked among the most expensive properties on the Greek market That’s why it was entrusted to one of the largest and most historic Greek real estate agencies to find a buyer with a price in the… highs – for the time – of 11 million euros the villa of the Nika family joined the “gold list” of domestic real estate along with two other properties of the Tigas family the first place in terms of prices in the entire coastal zone of Attica According to expert real estate appraisers the luxury property could fetch a price of around 8 million euros… The real estate agency’s advertisement at the time stated that “this unique seaside property is located near Saronida on an idyllic sandy beach and features a modern living room with a magnificent view of the Saronic Gulf a master bedroom-suite with a living room and its own pool and a door at the edge of the garden leads to the sandy beach.” According to the figures at the time the property’s objective value was 1,538,000 euros From a comparison with the current advertisement it is obvious the changes that have taken place in the property The Nika family’s insistence on the 11 million euro bar resulted in the villa was something that still didn’t seem to bother George Nika starting with the “Great Round” project The business success of the company he set up with Nikos Loutsa was great with the now internationalised Megas Yeeros recording a remarkable performance in the American market Nikas to leave the company in order to make the next bet He did so by setting up GRK Fresh Greek in 2009 which had as its main concept the launch of Greek cuisine with a focus on gyros he opened his first store in New York City and he indicates that he has every intention of moving permanently to the Big Apple where he was residing in a luxury apartment on the opulent 5th Avenue collapsed overnight when the well-known insider trading scandal was revealed in October 2019 Thus followed the return to Greece and the reconstruction operation with its uninterrupted view of the Saronic Gulf was his ideal refuge during that difficult period It was then that he reportedly picked up the thread for its sale again which again proved to be “unaffordable” He reportedly took an unyielding stance in negotiations with prospective buyers betting on a change of climate and a gradual revival of buyer interest in “good pieces” of domestic real estate But his expectations were dashed and when it was found that there was no “suitor” willing to pay 11 million euros to “discuss” it even around 3.5 million euros the development of the case is shrouded in a shroud of mystery the “information” that the expensive villa was changing hands was circulated in the real estate circle at least three times but with the constant echo shortly afterwards that the transaction was not completed for various reasons Whether this finally happened and with which buyer cannot be confirmed at least by those who were directly or indirectly involved in the case the sale was still being advertised by some major real estate agencies but this was interrupted as soon as the scandal aired in America the luxury property is believed to have been still in the hands of G it was allegedly sold at a price much lower than what he was originally asking Although there is no clear picture of the property’s ownership path over the last few years up to the present day it is certain that it is now looking for its “next day” to the… lucky person who can put his hand so deep in his pocket that he can pay the exorbitant sum of 20 million euros to acquire it Follow en.protothema.gr on Google News and be the first to know all the news See all the latest News from Greece and the World, the moment they happen, at en.protothema.gr