20 Best Beachfront Bars in Greece

With breathtaking sea views, laid-back vibes, and lush cocktails- there are so many beautiful beachfront bars all over Greece, where you can relax and unwind all day and night! And although the list can go on forever, we’ve rounded up our Top 20! 

Hydronetta, Hydra  

Embraced by rocks and enwrapped by the sea of Hydra, this beach offers a magical spot to swim and dive. And when you are done you can sit at one of the little tables shaded with straw umbrellas to enjoy the breathtaking sunset. 

Insights Greece - 20 Best Beachfront Bars in Greece

Scorpios, Mykonos

This bohemian-luxe social club by the sea comes complete with a restaurant, boutique, bar, and event space. It’s one of the island’s most popular spots, so it’s a good idea to get here early over the peak summer season. 

Insights Greece - 20 Best Beachfront Bars in Greece
image @annabellkutucu

Ftelia, Mykonos

Retro hues of ochre and burnt orange add a summery warmth to this beach bar that has talented chefs on site creating fresh seafood dishes and homemade desserts to accompany your drink of choice. 

Insights Greece - 20 Best Beachfront Bars in Greece

Nammos, Mykonos 

This is where the world’s rich and famous gather every summer to enjoy the much-loved Mykonos vibe. From Jon Bon Jovi and Mariah Carey to the world’s best football players and Victoria’s Secret models- you are bound to spot a celebrity. 

Insights Greece - 20 Best Beachfront Bars in Greece

 La Grotta Beach Bar, Corfu

Built in the 60s in a little cove near Paleokastritsa, this cool beach bar still draws huge crowds each summer. The bar is open all summer long from morning until late at night so you can have an exotic cocktail overlooking the illuminated bay below.

Insights Greece - 20 Best Beachfront Bars in Greece

Piedra del Mar, Corfu  

This exclusive beach bar is set over three levels. Starting with the sun loungers, located a step away from the sea, it continues to a lounge bar for drinks and ends with a fine restaurant for a late lunch or dinner. 

Insights Greece - 20 Best Beachfront Bars in Greece

Copla Beach Bar, Lefkada

Set right next to Kathisma, one of the most striking beaches on the Ionian, this beautifully designed bar compliments the stunning surroundings. 

Insights Greece - 20 Best Beachfront Bars in Greece

Sorokos Bar, Koufonisia  

Set right next to the beach, this bar offers the most relaxing summer afternoons, while your nights will liven up with the music of their guest DJs and superb cocktails. 

Insights Greece - 20 Best Beachfront Bars in Greece

Krabo, Athens Riviera

Perfectly located on a secluded bay in the exclusive Kavouri area, here you can soak up the Greek sun on full-service sunbeds and wooden cabanas or head to the restaurant to enjoy a Mediterranean lunch or dinner under the pergola. 

Insights Greece - 20 Best Beachfront Bars in Greece

Astir Beach Bar, Athens Riviera

A high-end beach bar with stylish cabanas, here you can sit back and unwind as waiters take your order. 

Insights Greece - 20 Best Beachfront Bars in Greece

Ciel, Syros

This romantic all-day restaurant and beach bar in the heart of Syros serves Greek and Mediterranean dishes, plus lush cocktails and a huge selection of Greek wines. 

Insights Greece - 20 Best Beachfront Bars in Greece

Kalypso Beach, Crete

This is one of the most unique beaches in Greece. Set in its own secret cove a short drive from the beach village of Plakias in Crete, you come here to swim, snorkel, soak in the sun while enjoying a refreshing drink. 

Insights Greece - 20 Best Beachfront Bars in Greece

Agistri Bar, Halkidiki

For a casual place to spend all day and night in Halkidiki, head to Agistri, where the water is crystal clear and the vibe is refreshing.

Insights Greece - 20 Best Beachfront Bars in Greece 

KOHI Beach Bar, Halkidiki

This bar is located on one of the most beautiful beaches of Halkidiki. The blue water and the pines that almost reach the sea make this majestic spot one of a kind!

Insights Greece - 20 Best Beachfront Bars in Greece

Sotos Beach Bar, Aegina

Located in Agia Marina, here sunbeds spread over formations of rocks, and the sea is entered into by diving off them. Then sit back and enjoy drinks and casual dishes as you watch the sunset. 

Insights Greece - 20 Best Beachfront Bars in Greece

Soros Beach, Antiparos

For a casual yet chic experience, head to Soros where you are served refreshing tailor-made cocktails and a great selection of regional and international wines. 

Insights Greece - 20 Best Beachfront Bars in Greece

Kaiki Beach Club, Spetses

A short walk away from the centre of Spetses town, you can chill out on comfortable wooden cushioned loungers or a cabana, as the beach attendants will serve you anything you choose from the beach bar or restaurant menu, until sundown.

Insights Greece - 20 Best Beachfront Bars in Greece

Tinos Surfing Lessons, Tinos

Kolymbithra is one of the best beaches in Tinos and Tinos Surf Lessons beach bar makes it even more unique. A small camper van converted into a bar, the wooden tables and chairs and umbrellas shaped like mushrooms and woven by local basket-makers make this small beach bar a place you will never forget.

Insights Greece - 20 Best Beachfront Bars in Greece

Kavos Lounge Bar, Skyros

From stepped terraces cut out of the rocks, you can dive straight into the sea and jump onto a paddleboard. Then you can make your way back up and enjoy the views while sipping on a cocktail. 

Insights Greece - 20 Best Beachfront Bars in Greece

Limanakia Vouliagmenis Bar, Athens Riviera

Set between the coastal suburbs of Varkiza and Vouliagmeni, by day, you can swim off the rocks and at night you can enjoy a drink as you sit back and take in the Athens Riviera. 

Insights Greece - 20 Best Beachfront Bars in Greece

Main Image: Scorpios Mykonos 

Add a Touch of Your Favourite Greek Hotel to Your Home

How often have you walked into a hotel room and wanted to know where the pillow cases are from? Or had a drink at the lobby bar and – before you’ve even finished your gin and tonic – lifted up the glass looking for the name of the brand?

If you would like to include some luxurious interiors and decor to your home- from bath and bed sets to coffee tables and teacups- here are a few chic pieces found in some of Greece’s leading hotels that you can now display in your own abode! 

COCO-MAT, Athens

Our pick: Bedhead and mattress

With four boutique hotels in the Greek capital alone, COCO-MAT is all about offering style and comfort, especially when it comes to their guests’ sleep. This unique brand is also one of the country’s leading producers of handcrafted beds and you can choose from a range of their locally made mattresses and headboards that are all made in Northern Greece, from locally sourced materials including wood, wool, cotton, and seaweed. 

Astir, Four Seasons Hotel, Athens

Our pick: Bedsheets 

An iconic hotel set on the glamorous Athens Riviera, Astir is nothing less than pure luxury. Chances are as soon as you check-in, quite a few pieces will catch your eye, and what stands out for us are the bedsheets that not only look stylish but also offer a decent night’s sleep. These crisp cotton sheets and duvet covers come with the hotel’s discreetly embroidered logo, and the soft feather pillows are available too. 

SOHO ROC HOUSE, Mykonos

Our pick: sofa, coffee table, and bar cart

This bohemian boutique hotel overlooking the Mykonian sea combines Cycladic curves and nature-inspired interiors. Throughout the gorgeous spaces, you will find plush sofas, mix-and-match cushions, shelves full of cookbooks and ceramics that you can easily picture in your own home. And from velvet armchairs and brass drinks trolleys to luxe sofas and coffee tables, all the staples of the retro interiors found here can be sourced from Soho Home

Amanzoe, Porto Heli  

Our pick: Ultimate Bath Set

Known as one of Greece’s most luxurious hotels, this wellness retreat offers an exclusive and decadent experience, as Amanzoe’s sleek look is second to none. One of the best experiences during your stay here will no doubt be centred around the spa, where you can completely relax and unwind. And now you can have the ultimate at-home spa experience with Aman skincare range, which includes Purifying Auric Cleanse Bath Salts, Nourishing Golden Body Serum, Nourishing Body Mist, and Grounding Smoked Body Butter. 

Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens

Our pick: drink glasses

This 18th Century landmark is unquestionably Athens’ most luxurious hotel. Immaculately restored to the height of its old-world grandeur, it is perfectly located at Syntagma Square, in the heart of the city. Here you can wine and dine with uninterrupted views of the Parthenon and if you would like to add some Grande Bretagne glamour to your next dinner party you can choose from a range of their drinking glasses, or pick up a few pieces such as candles, infusers, as well as tea sets. 

Ikastikies Suites, Santorini

Our pick: pillowcases

Ikastikies is a Cycladic-style boutique hotel that is charming and cozy, and as soon as you lay your head down on their soft pillowcases, you will no doubt want to sleep on them time and time again. Made of natural fabrics – these silk pillowcases are inspired by Santorini’s black volcanic stones and the island’s sugar-cubed white-washed homes.

 

 

Athens’ Exciting New Luxury Hotel Openings 

Beautiful hotels are set to open their doors across Greece, including fabulous finds in the country’s capital. Two of the most exciting new places to keep an eye on (as you plan your future travels and start making your reservations in Athens) are located in the city’s former international airport.

According to reports, project developers LAMDA and TEMES S.A. have reached a strategic agreement for the joint development of two hotels and residential complexes on the Athenian Riviera, and the joint investment is estimated to reach € 300 million. This will include a state of the art five-star hotel at the Agios Kosmas marina, as well as a 5-star beachfront hotel along the coastal front. 

Insights Greece - Athens' Exciting New Luxury Hotel Openings 

The huge project will also include branded residences, high-end boutiques, restaurants, cafes, bars, and entertainment venues, as well as a casino, marina, business centre and a coastal park.  

Chairman of TEME’s Board of Directors Achilleas V. Konstantakapoulos, announced their goal is to contribute towards, alongside other important investments in the area, making the Hellinikon and the Athens Riviera one of Europe’s top destinations. 

The design of the hotels will be trusted by globally renowned architecture firms while the operation of the hotels will be carried out by world-leading hotel operators. 

Source and Images: thehellinikon

12 Best Things to Do at Cape Sounio

Less than an hour’s drive from Athens, Cape Sounio is the ideal weekend getaway or perfect day trip from the Greek capital. There are plenty of things to see and do at this beautiful spot and we reveal what not to miss when visiting! 

1. Explore the 444BC Temple of Poseidon, honouring the Olympian God of the Sea. It is located at the edge of Cape Sounio at the southern coast of Attica, with breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. If you can only be here for a few hours make sure it’s during sunset from the temple’s ruins, which is by far one of the best sights in all of Greece.

Insights Greece - 12 Best Things to Do at Cape Sounio

2. With its crystal clear and calm waters, the beaches surrounding this area are ideal for people of all ages who can take in the blue sea and its surrounding beauty. For a swim that offers amazing views of the Temple, head to Sounio Beach or the Aegean Hotel, which are organised and offer umbrellas. Legrena is also one of the largest and most popular beaches in the area. 

3. KAPE deserves a mention of its own. With a beach bar right on the water, you can order a Freddo/Frappe, cocktail or a light lunch. It’s a relaxing place to sit and watch the sun and the sea while tanning away or dipping into the crystal clear water. 

4. Have a pampering day at Elixir Spa Retreat. The spa offers a range of natural therapies based on Greek herbs and flowers. After a pampering therapy, you can enjoy the nearby gardens whilst sipping on a freshly-prepared tisane from the resort’s organic garden, or enjoy the Greek sun along with your favourite book by the pool.

Insights Greece - 12 Best Things to Do at Cape Sounio

5. If you are after some action head to Lavrio where you can rent boats or equipment and go scuba diving or sail into the Mediterranean Sea.

6. For some great Asian check out So Oriental,  one of the most unique Asian restaurants near Athens. Here you can relax on one of the outdoor swing-beds which doubles as your dining table.

7. If you love seafood Cape Sounio offers plenty of fish taverns to choose from. Our favourites include Marida, Taverna Syrtaki and Stamatis

8. For an unforgettable fine dining experience, The Restaurant, located on the rooftop terrace at the Grecotel, is a gourmet eatery that boasts a Greek-French menu designed by acclaimed chef Sakis Tzannetos.

9. Chill out at the stylish Panorama Lounge Bar overlooking the Temple at Sounio and take in the splendid atmosphere while you relax on the peaceful terraces beside the water and fire fountains.

10. Book a scenic sunset sailing tour, where you can truly enjoy the magnificent Athenian coastline, as you swim in crystal blue waters and secluded bays far from the crowds. In the early evening you can enjoy the magical sunset; and for those who really want to indulge,  book a private chef who prepares your lunch and dinner on board. 

Insights Greece - 12 Best Things to Do at Cape Sounio

11. Stroll along Lavrion, which is on the tip of Attiki and famous for its lovely marina. The Ancient Theater of Lavrion is a fantastic historical landmark situated very close to the shores of the marina and will surprise you with its unique architecture. 

12. Last but not least, make sure you snap away as Sounio really is one of the most iconic sights in mainland Greece and a must for photographers. Have your camera ready as there will be plenty of great shots that are more than just Insta-worthy! 

Getting there

Take the bus (KTEL) from Athens, or travel by car along the coast of Athens and Attica, as you pass by Athens’ Riviera and its glamorous neighbourhoods including Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, Varkiza and Lagonisi. 

Cover Image Pinterest

9 Best Coffee Table Books that Will Transport You to Greece

Coffee table books are a joy to browse. With stunning photography and loads of inspiration, they make a perfect addition to your home and an ideal gift for yourself or any travel lover.

We have put together a list of our favourite Greek themed coffee table books that feature breathtaking imagery- so you can be transported to Greece without leaving your sofa! 

Greece, Francois Halard by LV

Famed for his photographs of interiors, François Halard captures places that are alive. Born in Paris to parents who were interior designers, François Halard has created a wide collection of travel books for luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton, presenting his travel photography with a fashion perspective that takes you to faraway places and dream destinations. Here, he presents his very personal vision of Greece, and in particular the island of Symi. Classical sculptures, mineral structures and landscapes rising up from the earth fill the pages, tinted in blue tones. 

Mykonos Muse by Assouline

 This book chronicles the culture and society that has defined Mykonos over the past century—from its days as a hideout for such luminaries and elites as Le Corbusier and Antonis Benakis, to its moment as a sanctuary for the gay community, to its predominant party scene—all the while indulging the reader with the ruins and myths hidden there. Capturing the essence of the island, this book showcases the gorgeous architecture, fantastic beaches and artistic flair and the vibrancy of this Cycladic isle.

Athens Riviera by Stephanie Artarit

This stunning book gives a magical glimpse into Athens’ beautiful coastline which is filled with a string of stunning neighbourhoods that are home to a selection of high-end hotels, pristine beaches and a buzzing nightlife. Assouline’s Athens Riviera hardcover book showcases the beauty and luxury of this prestigious spot and there are 300 pages exploring the revival of art, culture and nightlife of the area. Accompanied by striking photographs, it truly celebrates the beauty of the Athenian coast.

Ancient Greece by Sophia Simone

This book is filled with beautiful pictures allowing you to take a journey through Greece. With a range of spectacular photography from Athens to the islands, you will be transported to exquisite destinations across the country. This is perfect for all Philhellenes, as this beautifully packaged coffee table photo book showcases amazing pictures of different cities, art, architecture and culture from Greece.

Best Kept Secrets of the Greek Islands by Diane Farr Louis

Covering six of Greece’s island groups – starting in the west with the Ionian islands, moving east to the Argo-Saronics, continuing to the Cyclades, Crete and the Dodecanese, circling up to the North Aegean islands and back round to the Sporades and Evia – this book highlights some of the most beautiful landscapes and villages of the Mediterranean.

Greece: The Cookbook by Vefa Alexiadou

This gorgeous book highlights the rich and fascinating cooking of modern Greece and has been labelled as “the first truly comprehensive bible of Greek food in English.” With hundreds of simple recipes by Vefa Alexiadou, the authoritative grand dame of Greek cookery, the book also includes information on regional specialities, local ingredients and the religious and historical significance of the dishes. It is illustrated with 230 colour photographs.

At Home in Greece by Julia Klimi

From the one-room cubic Cycladic houses that inspired Le Corbusier to imposing Venetian towers and houses integrated into rocks, At Home in Greece reveals an astonishing collection of homes in the Aegean through the lens of Julia Klimi. The unique variety of Greek architecture is highlighted through the 468 photographs and text within this deluxe volume.

Greece: Land of the Light by Nicholas Gage

In the stark light of the Greek sun, colours become so pure and clear that they are almost audible. Brukoff’s bright colour images and Gage’s evocative words delineate the heart of Greece. Included are the great classical ruins, Byzantine monasteries, colourful fishing villages, and the ubiquitous cats. Gage’s insightful essays on the history of Greece, its myths and beliefs, life in the villages and the age old wisdom and spirit of the Greek people, are a passionate tribute to the country.

NG The Greeks: An Illustrated History by Dianne Harris Cline

On the culture that brought us democracy, the Olympics, Socrates, and Alexander the Great, this lavishly illustrated reference about ancient Greece presents the amazing history through gripping stories; the rise and fall of the phenomenal empire; the powerful legacy left by ancient Greece for the modern world; and the new discoveries shedding light on these ancient people that are still so much with us. Learn of spectacular discoveries such as the Uluburun shipwreck, the earliest writing ever found in Europe, and buried palaces. A stunning treasure, this lushly-illustrated, uniquely comprehensive and accessible history of Ancient Greece is perfect for anyone interested in the origins of our modern world.

Pandemic Dampens Real Estate in Greece but Holiday Homes Still Shine  

The Covid-19 pandemic has pulled the brake on Greece’s real estate market, freezing deals and prices on housing, but pockets of demand have emerged from foreign buyers looking at property on Greek soil.

Interest from investors located mainly in European countries, led by UK nationals, has increased in recent months as they search for property either for investment purposes or to be used as a holiday home, real estate agents report.

Demand has been focusing mostly on homes on the Athens Riviera, the southern beach stretch running from Piraeus to Sounio, as well as islands such as Mykonos, Crete, Corfu, and Paros.

Homes worth 7 to 10 million euros are on investor radars but the majority of enquiries concern properties in the range of 500,000 to 1.5 million euros, Christos Mourdoukoutas, sales analyst at Algean Property, tells IN+SIGHTS GREECE.

“They are mainly looking for a place in a prime location that is close to international airports – popular holiday destinations and the Athenian Riviera – which could offer a good yield too, since their interest is usually related with investment purposes,” he says.

Growth in Greece’s real estate prices had been growing steadily, recovering from a ten-year slump, when the pandemic hit. Data from the Bank of Greece, the country’s central bank, showed that prices last year jumped 7.3 percent and then by an annual pace of 6.9 percent in the first three months of this year.

Since then, local buyers and home owners have adopted a wait-and-see stance due to the uncertainty caused by the pandemic and the recession at hand. Insights Greece - Pandemic Dampens Real Estate in Greece but Holiday Homes Still Shine  

Due to travel restrictions, interest in buying Greek assets comes mostly from nearby European nations as investors from further away are still having a hard time getting to the country. This is a trend seen globally, with real estate investors currently preferring their own regions due to travel restrictions.

Market officials say that buyers from China, who have been a main source of foreign investment in Greek homes in recent years, are still showing strong interest in Greek homes.

A key reason why buyers remain keen on Greece is that prices in the country remain well below levels seen in other European countries. Additionally, yields offered on homes on islands, such as Mykonos, exceed the 8 percent mark, ranking among the highest in Europe, according to data provided by Algean Property.

The country’s successful handling of the pandemic over the lockown period earlier this year boosted its appeal as a safe destination, with homes offering privacy and large areas sought after.

“We see that more than half of those interested have accelerated their decisions and want to invest in a private vacation and place for relaxation. For many, the pandemic has led to a review of their priorities, resulting in them speeding up decisions to leave their jobs and are now seek to buy a luxury property for the rest of their lives,” Savvas Savvaidis, president and CEO of Greece Sotheby’s International Realty told Kathimerini.

In March, Sotheby’s handled one of the biggest deals to take place in the residential market in Greece in recent years. An Australian business owner purchased a villa in Corfu for 12 million euros, with the sale going ahead normally despite the lockdown period. It is Sotheby’s third sale above 10 million euros in Greece in the last year.

*Images courtesy of  Sotheby’s International Realty

The Effortless Joy of Electric Cycling Through the Capital

Solebike Tours organize electric bicycle excursions throughout the day – and year – and you don’t need to be super-fit to enjoy them!

Ah, la luna, la luna…the night that I sped under the spell of the moon. In Athens, the August full moon is the one night of the year when the city’s ancient sites are open to the public after sundown. I hopped on my Solebike electric bike and off we travelled through the city’s most beautiful spots, in the silvery light of the moon.

Easy, Breezy, Fascinating!

Insights Greece - The Effortless Joy of Electric Cycling Through the Capital

Solebike, created by cycling-enthusiasts/tourism experts Costas and Sofia has been successfully running city tours for people of every age (baby and child seats are both available and safe) for several years now. Daytime tours include wearing an earpiece through which you can follow a fascinating guided tour by Costas, Sophia, or Dimitra as you cycle. Electric bicycles are so easy to ride, all you need to do is pedal a little and zoom! Off you go, whether you’re on flat ground or up-hills. As for downhills – and believe me, we had some steep ones on my night trip – just gripping both brakes gently assures a smooth, easy experience.

The greatest thing about electric bicycle tours such as the ones so skillfully organized by Solebike is that regardless of traffic – by cars or people – you can easily and speedily navigate through the city. Vastly appealing to both foreign visitors and Greeks (indeed on my tour is was an all-Greek group), the tours are fun and always have something interesting to teach. Except for stopping at various points of interest, you get to observe life, architecture, nature, and often unknown side streets or other areas you wouldn’t normally walk through in the city.

The Moonlight Tour

Insights Greece - The Effortless Joy of Electric Cycling Through the Capital

On my tour, we started at the dinky Solebike Tours HQ in Makriyanni, near the Acropolis Metro station, where we registered and were offered complimentary water, helmet, and instructions. The first stop was the ancient and deeply historical area of Filopappou, where we walked to the same-named Roman monument from where we took in heady panoramic views of the city, sprawling glitteringly all the way down to the deep blue coast on one side. On the other was the gold-lit Acropolis, admired by families and friends who sat around in groups, and lovers concealed behind olive trees on ancient benches.

Next, we whizzed through the very lively Plaka neighbourhood, with its old tavernas, neoclassical buildings, seductive smells of delicious Greek foods, and buzzy crowds of revellers, many of them out to soak up the full moon’s light like us. After that, we cycled to the all-marble Panathenaic Stadium where the Modern Olympic Games were organized in 1896, but we got to see it both from the ground level and a ‘secret’ angle that Costas took us to from high above on Ardittou Hill. Finally, we visited the Zappeion Megaro next to the National Gardens, before parking our bikes back at the shop and enjoying a refreshing complimentary glass of wine and happy chat at Wine O’Clock bar on Vrassidas St.

Something for Everyone

This was just one of many creative, educational, and fully enjoyable tours that Solebike offers. They also organize cycling visits that include food and/or wine stops, seaside routes, and soon they are hoping to launch excursions to nearby Saronic islands like Aegina, where there are a whole different variety of pleasures to discover – food, sea, ancient sites and varying nature.

Solebike are out-of-the-box thinkers and even include a Sea Turtle Rescue Tour, while they are always coming up with new ideas of how to make the best of the developing Athens Walkway, the cycling paths on the southern coast, nearby locations and creative/pleasurable pursuits. They also organise private tours.