The Ultimate Luxury Guide to Athens
Are you ready to discover the best of the best in Athens? With a selection of high-end hotels, top-rated Michelin restaurants, pampering spas, exceptional hospitality, and personalised tours on offer, Athens beckons with some of the finest experiences available.
Whether you prefer a stunning seaside location or the charm of a boutique hotel in the historic Plaka district, we’ve curated a selection of our top picks in Athens below to best guide you in planning your luxurious getaway.
Unforgettable Cultural Experiences in Athens
Are you a fan of classical culture but not fond of large groups? Look no further, as top-quality guides offer personalized tours of Athens' iconic landmarks. Enjoy the Acropolis or Acropolis Museum with a knowledgeable archaeologist by your side. For a truly authentic experience, check out the customized cultural offerings by Greek Culture, Be a Greek, and Alternative Athens.
Are you interested in experiencing a traditional Greek symposium, where great minds gather over wine to discuss and debate? Let the experienced travel team at Original Senses set up a luxurious dinner with influential locals who share your interests. For those who love archaeology and art, Explore Greek Culture can arrange a special Heritage Dinner with the owner of a historic townhouse on the oldest street in Europe.
Are you eager to explore the thriving modern art scene in Athens? In Athens, you can experience a personalized gallery tour featuring emerging local artists or a special behind-the-scenes visit to influential art venues.
While Athens boasts many renowned arts venues, popular events like the summer Athens and Epidaurus Festival often have limited tickets. Fortunately, Luxury Concierge Greece can secure VIP tickets for you, whether it's for a performance by rock legend Bryan Ferry at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a debut at the Greek National Opera, or a must-see exhibition by renowned artists like William Forsythe or Marina Abramovic at the Onassis Stegi.
Explore the Delicious Culinary Scene of Athens
Experience the vibrant culinary scene in Athens, where you can indulge in everything from Michelin-starred fine dining to creative Mediterranean fusion cuisine. Thanks to services like Luxury Concierge Greece, you can secure reservations at the hottest restaurants or arrange for private dining at iconic landmarks such as the Acropolis Museum or Byzantine Museum. For a unique culinary experience, Original Senses offers private cooking classes with renowned chef Lefteris Lazarou, or a romantic meal at his acclaimed Varoulko Seaside restaurant, outside regular hours.
For a luxurious seaside dining experience, look no further than Ithaki, a celebrity hotspot with breathtaking views of Astir Beach. Indulge in dishes like lobster tortellini or monkfish meuniere. For a taste of Mykonos, visit Krabo Beach, a chic beach club nestled on a small sandy cove. Their rock shrimp mini-burgers are a must-try. If you prefer a more elevated setting, head to Sense, the sophisticated rooftop restaurant at AthensWas Hotel, where you can savor refined Greek dishes like orzo with shrimp and ouzo. For the best views, dine on the small terrace directly beneath the majestic Acropolis.
Taste the true essence of Greek cuisine with a touch of avant-garde flair at the Michelin-starred Hytra located inside the Onassis Stegi. For a more refined dining experience, indulge in the exquisite haute cuisine at Spondi, boasting two Michelin stars and a romantic mood-lit atmosphere. Athens' culinary scene has also embraced pan-Asian flavors, with Sushimou's talented young chef, Antonis Drakoularakos, serving up stunning sushi creations (reservations recommended). Another must-try is Nolan, a pioneer in the city's Greek-Asian fusion scene. For a lavish rooftop meal, head to E&O at the Marriott Hotel for their famous Korean lamb chops with kimchee.
Luxury Fashion in the Heart of Athens
Experience the ultimate shopping destination in Athens, where you can find the latest fashion trends, one-of-a-kind accessories, luxurious souvenirs, stunning artwork, statement jewelry, and delicious delicacies. This vibrant city truly has something for everyone.
The Agora, constructed in the 6th century BC, served as the precursor to modern shopping malls and was a product of Athenian ingenuity. Today, the Kolonaki neighborhood is a popular destination for shopping enthusiasts. Among its streets is Voukourestiou, often compared to London's Bond Street, lined with luxury brands like Hermès, Dior, Prada, and more. For a tailored shopping experience, head to Attica Department Store and make use of their VIP service. For a taste of lavishness, hop in a taxi to Golden Hall Mall, where you can indulge in high-end brands.
For a heads-up on the must-have labels in the vibrant Greek fashion scene, look no further than the Kolonaki branch of i-D Concept Store. This boutique proudly features talented local designers such as Angelos Bratis, known for his elegant, draped dresses, Sophie Deloudi, whose sculptural swimwear is a must-have, and Grecian Chick, offering luxurious leather bags and sandals. For a truly authentic Greek look, head to the flagship store of Ancient Greek Sandals and snag a pair of their iconic winged sandals or shiny metallic slides. Or elevate your wardrobe with stunning embroidered blouses made from the finest Greek silk at the newly opened Zeus & Dione boutique. And when it comes to fine jewelry, Athens has been a fashion hub for centuries. Browse through iconic brands like Lalaounis and Zolotas, or discover modern favorites like Yannis Sergakis, Nikos Koulis, and Lito, all offering statement pieces that will add a touch of glamour to any outfit.
Glamorous Nightlife in Athens
Take in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Acropolis from the luxurious rooftop bars of some of Athens' top hotels, such as GB Roof Garden, The Grand Hyatt, and The Ziller's Roof Garden. Alternatively, opt for a more intimate experience by booking a penthouse suite at King George or Perianth Hotel, both with unparalleled views of the Parthenon, perfect for hosting exclusive gatherings or romantic dinners.
Experience the true essence of summer in Athens with a visit to one of its iconic outdoor cinemas. Elevate your movie night by indulging in a private screening at Cine Aegli, the oldest open-air cinema in the city. Immerse yourself in the film while savoring a delicious Mediterranean meal served right at your seat.
Set within the same peninsula as Greece’s first Four Seasons Hotel, Matsuhisa Athens presents a truly exceptional option for those seeking a delectable dining experience with the famous sushi of Nobu, all while overlooking the beautiful seaside. Adding to the glamour of the Athens Riviera is the Island Club Restaurant, where from May to September, Greek pop stars, VIPs, and even A-list celebrities like Meryl Streep and Valentino gather for an evening of fine dining and dancing. For those looking to truly indulge, a stunning villa is available for rent, allowing you to make a night of it in true luxury.
Discover the Beauty of Athens by Land, Sea, or Air
Elevate your visit to Athens with the ultimate luxury experience at the Athens Riviera. Allow expert travel planners like Alternative Athens to arrange a chauffeured limo ride to Cape Sounion, where you can witness the sunset at Poseidon's magnificent temple while being guided by a knowledgeable archaeologist.
Experience the splendor of Athens' coastline on a luxurious private yacht charter with IYC. With numerous islands and islets to discover, you will embark on an unforgettable journey through crystal-clear waters. The Mediterranean climate grants sunny weather year-round, making Athens the perfect destination for cruising and island-hopping. Chartering a private yacht offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to discover the beauty of Athens and its surrounding areas with unmatched luxury. Whether you want to relax on secluded beaches, swim in turquoise waters, or explore ancient ruins, our expert crew will ensure an unforgettable experience.
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure with Athens Heli Tours as you soar over the Athens Riviera in a helicopter. Take in the stunning views of iconic landmarks and shimmering beaches from a whole new perspective, creating a truly breathtaking experience.
Luxurious Five-Star Experience in Athens
Escape to the ultimate luxury of relaxation and pampering by indulging in a spa experience at the prestigious GB Spa, located within the iconic Grand Bretagne Hotel. Enjoy a rejuvenating facial while you admire the serene ocean view at the Four Seasons Hotel. For a sublime escape, unwind at Divani Apollon SPA & Thalassotherapy Centre, where 16 hydro jets will melt away any pre-vacation tension.
For a luxurious sunbathing experience on the stunning Riviera, Vouliagmeni Lake is the perfect destination. Its pristine waters offer a year-round option for swimming, with clear and warm temperatures. For a true five-star experience, head to the VIP strip at Astir Beach, where you can enjoy top-notch service, designer shopping, and exquisite dining options. Another option is the Margi Hotel in Vouliagmeni, which boasts the most alluring swimming pool in Athens. Don't worry if you're not a guest, as you can pay for a day pass to experience this exclusive destination.
Are you seeking an exhilarating experience? Look no further! The luxurious Four Seasons Astir Palace and Grand Resort Lagonissi offer water-skiing and wakeboarding sessions at their top-notch water sports clubs. For those wanting to stay active while in the city, Holmes Place in downtown Athens can connect you with a skilled personal trainer. They can guide you through a challenging workout at your hotel, in their gym, or at the historic Panathenaic Stadium, where the modern Olympics originated.
Athens is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to discover the wonders of Greece. Its rich history, magnificent architecture, and endless attractions make it a bustling city with something for everyone. And what better way to experience it all than by embarking on a private yacht charter? From the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea to the charming islands and quaint coastal towns, Athens is the ideal starting point for an unforgettable journey through Greece's breathtaking landscapes. Don't miss the chance to uncover all that this incredible country has to offer. Choose Athens as your port of embarkation and discover the magic of Greece.
Featured Photo by Constantinos Kollias on Unsplash
Video by https://vimeo.com/stianrekdal