The Athens Riviera: A Place To Live And Invest.
The Athens Riviera comprises the southern suburbs of Athens, occupying the Saronic Gulf coast from Piraeus to Cape Sounion. It includes Palaio Faliro, Glyfada, Voula, Vouliagmeni, and Varkiza. With their beaches, marinas, luxurious hotels, restaurants, boutiques, and nightclubs these areas are equally popular with tourists and residents of the capital.
Investment Prospects
According to the Greek web portal, Ekathimerini, Athens’ southern suburbs account for about 80% of property requests in Greater Athens. The citizens of other EU countries and applicants to the Greek residence-by-investment programme often buy holiday homes here.
Property is several times cheaper on the Athens Riviera than the Côte d’Azur. According to the Bank of Greece, property in Athens today is almost twice cheaper than before the crisis. Analysts believe prices will grow in the future. The main driver is the growth in the number of tourists. In 2017, the Athens International Airport welcomed over 14 million international passengers, which is 12% more than in 2016. According to GTR, the volume of investment in the Athens Riviera will exceed €10 billion in the near future as a number of high-end resort complexes, villas, shopping centers, and marinas will be built there. The media has provided regular coverage of several high-profile projects in recent years:
- The conversion of Hellinikon, the former Athens airport, into an enormous park. An international consortium comprising Chinese conglomerate Fosun Group, Abu Dhabi-based developer Eagle Hills, and Greek company Latsis Group will invest €8 billion in the project. Investors believe Hellinikon will be a model for urban redevelopment in Europe and will attract over 1 million tourists annually.
- Grivalia Hospitality’s conclusion of an agreement to acquire 80% of Nafsika S.A., operating the €17.2 million Asteria Hotel in Glyfada. Grivalia announced a large-scale renovation of the legendary hotel. The transaction is to be closed in early 2018.
- The opening of the Four Seasons resort, which would take over the Astir Palace Hotel located in Vouliagmeni. Over €100 million has been invested in the 300-room Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens project, which includes an overhaul of the Astir Marina yacht club and Astir Beach, the construction of 13 villas and the Peninsula Park.
- The conclusion of a €150 million agreement between local authorities and the Aktor development company to renovate Palaio Faliro. The works include the renovation of Poseidonos and Syngrou avenues, the installation of a wastewater treatment system on the Cephissus River, and the modernisation of its flood control system and landscape gardening.
Places to Live
The Athens Riviera is also a good place to live abroad comfortable and enjoy life. This part of Athens is favored by those who value prestige and comfort.
Palaio Faliro
Palaio Faliro, a coastal district and 10-minute drive away from the center of Athens, is among locals’ favorite places for relaxation. It is always busy here, with Athenians and tourists strolling along the coast and bathing on the local beaches (one of the most popular is the sandy Eden). One of Athens’ largest harbors, Flisvos Marina, is located here.
Glyfada
Glyfada, the largest of Athens’ southern suburbs, is traditionally considered the capital’s nightlife and entertainment hub. Glyfada is believed to be a prestigious neighborhood, and many Greek celebrities — singers, actors, and athletes — buy apartments here. One of the most popular places in Glyfada is the local golf club, Glyfada Golf Course.
Voula
Voula is located 3 km to the south of Glyfada. The suburb is known for its beaches: Voula A boasts a Blue Flag, which is only awarded to environmentally friendly beaches that comply with stringent safety and water quality standards, and Voula B is accessible for people with disabilities.
Vouliagmeni
Vouliagmeni, a suburb full of greenery with luxurious villas and the city’s best hotels, is located 30 minutes from the center of Athens by car. One of the jewels of the suburb is the eponymous rockbound lake which is good for bathing throughout the year.
Varkiza
Varkiza is the perfect beach holiday destination. The local beaches have been awarded Blue Flags for their quality, and the watersports aficionados will find everything they need here (windsurfers will be particularly pleased).
Average residential property prices on the Athens Riviera*
| Suburb | One-bedroom flat, €/m² | One-bedroom flat, €/m² |
| Palaio Faliro | 1,000–2,000 | 1,400 (1 offer) |
| Glyfada | 2,000–3,000 | 2,500–4,500 |
| Voula | 2,000–3,000 | 2,000–4,000 |
| Vouliagmeni | 2,500–3,500 | 4,500–7,500 |
| Varkiza | 1,000–2,000 | 2,500–4,500 |
Source: spitogatos.gr
*Most offers fall within the price ranges specified.
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