BIRTHDAY TRIP TO VOULIAGMENI (GREEK RIVIERA) & WEEKEND IN ATHENS

There are places that just feel right.
Even if you’ve never been before.
Something clicks.
That’s exactly how I felt in Vouliagmeni, just 30’ outside of Athens, on the Greek Riviera.

For my 30th birthday, I wanted to escape Austria (& celebrate in Europe not Bali), discover a new place & I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate than by spending three slow, sunny days by the sea. Because really is there any better place to turn 30 than with warm sand between your toes, plates full of amazing Greek food & surrounded by your loved ones?

I actually wanted to keep the place a secret forever because Vouliagmeni is simply magic. There’s a calmness to it - elegant but not too fancy, laid-back but still special. We spent one day at the beach (at Krabo beach club) and on day at the special Lake Vouliagmeni.

After those slow beach days, we headed into Athens for the weekend & I have to admit something: I fell in love. I really did. There’s so much character here. Yes, it’s chaotic and kind of ugly in parts, but that’s part of the charm. There’s grit, history, philosophy (feeling my fac Stoics around every corner), and rooftop terraces everywhere with views of the Acropolis at golden hour that feel almost unreal. What makes Athens so special is the perfect mix of beach and city vibe. You can explore ancient ruins in the morning and be toes-in-the-sand by the afternoon - how unique is that?

So should you go? Honestly, I’m torn. I shouldn’t tell you how great it is, because I selfishly want it to stay this way, but yes, go. Just don’t tell too many people, okay?

Oh and if you’re planning your own trip, I of course again made a dedicated Google Maps list here with all my favorite spots (for now - I’m sure the list will evolve over the next trips) + ther’s also some content on my Instagram here if you want see more.

Lots of love,
Magda

MY FAV SPOTS IN VOULIAGMENI

Rumors
We enjoyed a really lovely brunch in Vouliagmeni at Rumors and loved their tasty Greek eggs (with tomato sauce) on bread (I switched it up to the German bread instead). Personally, I think the coffee/ drinks prices where a bit too high compared to the cafés around so we only went for food which I can truly recommend though.

Sofi’s
Such a lovely corner café serving speciality coffee (cappuccino to go for 2.50€!), brunch and more. It can get quite busy and they do not allow reservations so you’re best advised to arrive early to get a spot. They also serve amazing pastries (such as their pistacchio cheesecake) and banana bread as well as products in their small supermarket next door.

Lake Vouliagmeni
This hidden gem is really a highlight in Vouliagmeni - the healing water is naturally warm so you can swim almost all year around and enjoy the beautiful scenery. There’s an entrance to pay or you book a lounge chair etc. online - you can also reserve a table at their restaurant online. You can also treat yourself to some spa & wellness experiences - I got the Greek facial gifted for my birthday.

Akti Restaurant
If you’re looking for a special dinner (we celebrated my birthday here) in Vouliagmeni I can really recommend to visit Akti. The seafront restaurant is serving mainly fresh fish and Greek specialities and the menu is also perfect for a sharing dinner experience. It’s for sure on the pricier side but really worth it in my opinion.

Krabo Beach
When researching for the best beach club in and around Vouliagmeni I quickly stumbled on Krabo beach. As we went in May we didn’t swim and reserved a table at the restaurant. In summer it can get busy I guess so you can prebook your beach chair also online. We spent the afternoon here soaking up the sun and enjoying their tasty Krabo Spritz.

Zaxos Grill
If you’re looking for an authentic Greek dinner in Vouliagmeni I can really recommend you Zaxos Grill. We loved the Greek salad, local atmosphere and the menu also includes vegetarian and vegan options (falafel, eggplant dip etc.).

Waffle House
After dinner we were craving a sweet treat and thus enjoyed a tasty gelato at the waffle house. The portions are huge as you can see in the picture: this was only one scoop of the bitter chocolate haha. Thus it’s also a bit pricier but worth it!

Further tips in Vouliagmeni:
- Labros restaurant
- The Roc Club
- Zen Beach
- The Margi

MY FAV SPOTS IN ATHENS

Balthazar
This place was recommended by a friend of us and well I would honestly not come back again for the food although the fancy Greek salad for 17€ was nice but I prefer the local one (you can see the feta was in the tomato shaped covered red thingy). The place itself is however nice for a drink and can get pretty packed after 11pm. As I’m not the biggest party person I didn’t stay long, if you’re up for a fancy drink/ dance and want to know where the posh Athenians (I assume) meet you should head here for a Friday night out.

Cafe Avissinia
Athens is full of amazing rooftop terraces with a stunning view on the acropolis but the Cafe Avissinia stood up to us especially. The menu is including many traditional Greek specialities & also some which we craved and haven’t found elsewhere (not as much as Greek salad haha) such as Moussaka, Dolmades (Greek stuffed vine leaves) and Fava (typically made out of yellow split peas). Of course also the view is amazing and the prices for this special setting really fair. Make sure to place a reservation in advance!

Ergon House
Located in the heart of Plaka Ergon house offers multiple locations such as a market hall & supermarket (you can also eat and drink there), a bakery with loads of handcrafted baked goods, a hotel, a restaurant and rooftop terrace. Everything is very aesthetic and I would really recommend to check out the boutique hotel and especially it’s bakery.

Aspro Alogo Traditional Greek Food
If you’re looking for the most authentic Greek lunch/ dinner experience you need to come to this tiny restaurant in the city center. The owner and his wife (I assume?) are so lovely, super generous and prepare tasty local dishes. The prices are just surreal (Greek salad for 5€?!) and he even offered us an orange juice as well as halva as a dessert and water to go (“you’re thirsty walking around!”). Make sure to come by to this secret hidden gem!

Picky
I think this was my fav breakfast location by far in Athens! I loved their cute little garden, secluded from the streets and their breakfast menu included not only many savoury and sweet options but also vegan alternatives. The coffee was ok (my speciality coffee expectations are really high though) and I would really recommend to come for brunch to Picky.

Bolivar Beach Bar
I didn’t know that the “city” beach of Athens is that beautiful! Depending on your location you can take a taxi (for around 15’) or the tram and reach this beautiful beach super quickly. The entrance was 10€ (for us cash only) and then you can select if you want to get a beach chair (different prices from 7€ per chair up to 20€) or just lay in the sand. Food was ok & pricy as you can expect from a beach club. There’re also popular DJ’s playing at night so make sure to check their IG!

Little Tree Books and Coffee
We ended up coming even two times to this lovely coffee shop & book store as we really wanted to get one specific book (which we couldn’t find anywhere else). They’re having a great English book selection (there were even also German/ Spanish etc. books) and it’s lovely to sit outside, read/ journal and enjoy a coffee or tea in the corner coffee & book shop.

The Makers Athens
This is probably one of the most “hyped” coffee places we found in Athens so we actually didn’t get a spot and took the coffee only to go. I saw some reserved tables so if you’re interesting in checking it out maybe you’re best advised in making a reservation in advance. Also the coffee to go was really tasty & again so cheap (to go prices are often half price?)

The Naxos Apothecary
If you’re into design, fragrance etc. this is your kind of place. Inspired by the wild botanicals of Naxos island, their concept blends traditional Greek herbal wisdom with modern minimalism. You can get natural skincare, luxurious scents, and also Greek sandals as well as a tea bar on the second floor. Highly recommend stopping by if you’re in Athens.

ERE Athens
We found this cute little coffee shop and concept store by coincidence and loved their amazing speciality coffee and carefully selected gifts and products. They also sell treats and sweets, which I haven’t tried (yet) though.

Further tips in Athens:
Coffee shops & brunch
- Myller Coffee Shop
- The Zillers Pastry Bar
- Minu
- Hippy Hippo
- Zatopek book cafe

Restaurants
- Pharao
- Via Maris
- Cherchez La Femme

Rooftops & drinks
- Anefani
- Cinapos
- Philosopheat Wine Restaurant
- Teras Athens
- Akra
- Ama Lachei

Shops & concept stores
- Thiki Greece
- Wild Souls Athens
- Daphnis and Chloe