Greece’s unsurpassed beauty is all about the thousands of islands its diversified landscape that has it all. Starting from its capital city, Athens, and the suburbs that extend throughout the Attica region, visitors will find a multitude of beautiful spots, seaside or mountainous, to spend not only a day near nature but even their entire holiday.

So, enough with the Cyclades, the Ionian and anything that needs more than 1,5 hour to be reached let’s explore the renowned Athenian Riviera as well as the top Saronic Islands, accessible, on average, at 1 hour by boat from Athens! Plus, some of the best villas in Greece found in those captivating places!

 

 

Athens Riviera

Starting from the area of Piraeus, the Athenian Riviera extends up to Sounion and unfolds to the eastern side of the prefecture. Just like a kind of peninsula, Attica is surrounded by the sea and, as such, its offers countless options for all-year short or longer escapes drenched in blue and green. For this article purposes, we will focus on the part that stretches from Varkiza to Sounion, which is the crème de la crème of Athens’ Riviera.

This part of Attica’s coast is the synonym of summer bliss! Thousands of beaches, organized or not, large sandy coasts that vibrate in the rhythms of the music coming from numerous beach bars, small rocky coves, secluded bays and isolated shores compose the mosaic of the area that counts almost 40km. Within this coastal part you will also find some of the most prestigious resorts with private beaches, like Grand Resort Lagonissi along with cute seaside settlements, like Saronida, Anavyssos and Fokea, that cater for the visitor’s every need. Needless to say that options for eat and drink are also countless with the menu varying from fine dining to the traditional Greek tavern. Open air cinemas, archaeological sites and watersports (especially diving and windsurfing) are among your choices as well.

For those who wish to enjoy this part or Attica for more than a day’s trip, our top stay proposal is Villa Camden, one of the most convenient and luxurious villas in Athens Riviera comprising of a main house, a separate guesthouse and staff quarters. A beautiful home successfully combing the minimalistic design with ‘60s aesthetics, perched on the rim of cliff, with the Saronic Gulf right on its plate.

 

 

Hydra

With its aristocratic flair and pristine natural beauty, Hydra is undeniably the crown jewel of the Saronic Islands. Boasting a super-graphic seaside settlement, dotted with neoclassical buildings, mansions and narrow, stone paved alleys, Hydra, although only 1,5hrs from Piraeus, has nothing to envy from the most advertised of the Cyclades. Its picturesque promenade, laced with numerous cafes, taverns and traditional products’ shops, leads to some crystalline coves drenched in the emerald waters of the sea mirroring the refreshing green hues of the lush pine trees.

Our top choice of staying in Hydra is Villa Frida  . A stunning mansion nestled within a dense pine forest overlooking the bay of Molos, Villa Frida is without a doubt the most exquisite of all villas in Hydra offering seclusion, tranquility and an utterly self-pampering stay within a sophisticated, luxurious ambience.

 

 

Spetses

The most cosmopolitan yet utterly traditional island of the Saronic is by far Spetses. Bearing a longstanding culture of shipowners and captains, the island’s naval legacy is still obvious in every part. A landscape of aristocratic mansions that date back decades of years ago, embellished with newer buildings that follow strict architectural and design rules, create a colourful canvas resembling a fairytale picture. Spetses is also a favourite spot for yachts and sailing boats throughout the year due its beautiful, calm waters and sophisticated aura.

Feeling that Spetses is your perfect match? Stay in Villa Monde, in Kouzounos area, only a few minutes’ away from the island’s capital town. Tucked within pine and cypress trees with direct access to the bay of Kouzounos (only 5’ on foot), this enthralling villa in Spetses will literally take you to a journey through the island’s traditional living, topped with a speck of modern luxury and contemporary comforts.

 

 

Aegina

One of the most preferred destinations for weekend escapes by Athenians, Aegina is less than 1,5hr away from Piraeus and one of the liveliest islands of the Saronic. Dressed with lush pine forests and pistachio tree fields (the home of the Greek pistachio is Aegina), the island is also famous for one of antiquity’s most important sites, the Temple of Aphaia. Its scenic fishing villages, numerous secluded coves with crystal-clear waters, long beaches and a graphic promenade in its main port make Aegina one of the most alluring summer destinations for even the shortest of escapes.

Our suggestion for your stay in Aegina is Villa Morton, found at Aeginitissa, only 7km away from the island’s main town and port. Stunning views to the islet of Moni, Agkistri island and the eastern coast of the Peloponnese especially during sunset, an utterly minimal and modern style topped with the tranquillity and seclusion of the villa’s setting, make this home not only the best accommodation choice for your trip to the island but also the most exclusive of all villas in Aegina.

 

Already in mood for your short or long escape to the Athens Riviera, Hydra, Spetses or Aegina? Do not hesitate to contact The Greek Villas’ team to uncover even more hidden treasures and accommodation proposals in those amazing places, so close to Athens!