Glyfada is the most popular areas of the Athenian Riviera and extends about 25 kilometers to the south. It used to boast the old Athenian airport at Elliniko for over 60 years, since 1940 until a few years into the millennium, bringing in international glamour to Athens and was considered an area where the well-off tended to have summer places to relax during the summer months. Discover our guide to the best things to do in Glyfada.

Things to Do in Glyfada: Beaches, Shopping and Activities

As Athens became more populated over time and the demographics expanded gradually from the center to the outskirts, Glyfada was transformed into a central area that saw urban economic development in the from stores and shops, restaurants, bars and cafes. Until today it is considered one of the liveliest areas, where one can find something to do from morning ‘til night.

Apart from the sandy beach coast which features either family type restaurants by the sea, and strips of just sand and beach which is refreshing as it offers guests the choice of literally dipping to cool off during hot temperatures, it also has contemporary café/bar type venues some combining the killer combination of swimming pool adjacent to the glistening sea. The center of Glyfada is a commercial area filled with high street shops and numerous small café and bistros offering a selection of moreish sweet and savory choices. Of course it does not fall short in the bar and club field either, as it is very common for Athenians to spend their party nights in the area in the warmer months, but it is still pretty busy during the winter months as well.

How to Get to Glyfada

Glyfada is located on the Athens Riviera in the South of the city.  It is easily accessible from the Athens International Airport and center of the city. There are various ways and means of transportations to choose from.

Getting to Glyfada from the Airport

There are two ways to get to Glyfada from Athens International Airport (ATH): 

1. Bus: Take X96 heading towards Piraeus. Buses pick up passengers at the Arrivals Level and depart from the Arrival Level, between Exits 2 and 3. Tickets cost €6 and should be issued from the ticket office next to the station. 
2. Taxi: is the quickest and most convenient option. You can use the services of authorized drivers or hire a private car. The ride should cost you around €30, but it is always better to check with the driver. Book your Athens Airport Transfer – in advance and have your driver meet you at the arrivals, this is a service we personally use in other cities around the world. Alternatively taxi services can be found at the Arrivals exits.  

Getting from the Center of Athens to Glyfada

There are three main ways to get to Glyfada from Athens Center, Syntagma Square: 

1. Metro/Underground: Take line M2 heading towards Elliniko from Syntagma Square metro station (20 min.). Tickets will cost you € 1,20. The metro will take you to Elliniko from where you can either take a 15 minutes bus ride on 122 or a €5 and 10 minutes ride on a taxi. 
2. Bus: Take line OASA A3 heading South from Syntagma Square bus station. The bus will cost you as all the other public transportations € 1,20. The bus ride can take 45-65 minutes depending on traffic. 
3. Taxi: Taking a yellow cab is the most convenient and quick means of transportation to choose (15-30 min. depending on traffic). Revolving on the pick-up location cost may vary from € 15-25. You can also order a taxi using the Uber application. 
4. Tram: If you are visiting Athens for the first time and have time to spend you should consider rising on the tram to Glyfada, as it can be used for sightseeing. Take line T5 heading to Asklipeio Voulas. Tram tickets cost € 1,20 for a 90 minutes ride. Commuting time is 55 minutes. 
5. City Sightseeing Athens: Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus. The original Hop On Hop Off commentated route and tours of Athens. Recommended for tourists visiting Athens. Tickets range from € 18-22 and are valid for 48 hours.

ATH.ENA TICKET

Ath.ena Ticket is the simplest type of electronic ticket for Athens transport. It is made of paper, slightly larger than a regular ticket, but also includes an RFID tag so that all transactions can be done wirelessly. Due to this it can be “recharged” over and over again with any of the available fare products through cash registers or vending machines found in all metro, tram stations and in some bus stations and used for travel until worn out.  It can be used on all public transportations: Metro, Tram, Bus & trolley.

Things to Do in Glyfada, Athens

Glyfada is the center of the Southern Suburbs of Athens. In terms of leisure activities this town offers a great choice of options which you can explore during your visit. Glyfada’s ideal location makes it a perfect destination all year around.  

Leisure & Entertainment: 

Get Your Adrenaline Pumping at the Galazio Go Cart 

Leoforos Poseidonos 26, Tel: +30 21 0985 1660

The Galazio Go Cart is located in Elliniko area just short 5 min drive from the center of Glyfada. The state-of-the-art facilities feature tropical beach views. It is a great option for groups of various sizes as the facility’s bar offers large beer buckets for drivers to enjoy after their ride. 

Practice your Swing at Glyfada Golf Club of Athens 

Konstantinou Karamanli, Tel: +30 21 08946820

Featuring an 18- hole golf course and  practice range areas, this golf club is a must visit for those who are either a golf pro, or want to try a new sport for a change. The club’s restaurant and bar offer great views where you can enjoy a nice meal and a glass of fine wine after your practice. Great venue to host celebrative events as weddings, baptisms and parties. Price lists can be found on the club’s website. 

Enjoy a Night of Bowling and Skate like its the 80s at Blanos Bowling 

Leoforos Poseidonos 81 & Dousmani 3, Tel: +30 21 0894 6874

Blanos Bowling is every person’s inner child paradise. This is a 3 floor building where except from professional and fully equipped bowling pits you can also find a roller skating pit, ping pong and pool tables and various electronic games. The bar offers alcohol beverages and snacks to enjoy during your game. The venue also hosts corporate events and kids parties. Prices are fair and  affordable. 

Contribute to Saving the Natural Habitat at the Sea Turtle Rescue 

Centre3rd Marina Glyfada, Tel: +30 21 0898 2600 (Palio Dimarxeio Tram Stop)

This is a rehab facility for sick sea turtles offering visitor tours, volunteer jobs & adoption programs. Located in the 3rd Glyfada Marina, this center is a famous tourist attraction in Athens as visitors can observe from breathing distance greek sea turtles who are species in danger.

Discover the Underworld of Athens in Paterakis Diving Center

Offering diving services, recreational and commercial diving, this is one of the best diving centers in Athens. If you want to explore the waters of a unique shoreline that connects the cultural miracles of Parthenon in Athens and Poseidon temple in Sounio this is your chance to do so. The center operates all year around but trips will depend on the weather broadcast especially during the mid-fall and winter season in Greece (November – March). 

To learn more about the center and pricing access Paterakis Diving Center website.

Watch the latest oscar premium releases at a Movie Theater in Glyfada 

Zisimopoulou 7, +30 21 1216 4706

From comedies, romance, thrillers to children movies, Town Cinemas in Glyfada is a great option for those seeking a more relaxed night. The venue contains VIP rooms for those who prefer greater comfort, 3D & 4D experiences and a canteen to grab fresh butter popcorn or cheesy nachos. For program info check this website.  

Outdoor cinema gardens are very popular in Greece since cinema was first brought in Greece in the beginning of the 20th century.  Arian Urban Openair Cinema is a great choice for summer nights. You can choose to lie on a bean bag bed and enjoy the movie while sipping on a cold beer and nibbling on popcorn. For program info access this website. Leof. Dimarchou Aggelou Metaxa 11, Tel: +30 210 9680090

Glyfada Beaches:

Glyfada offers both organized and free beaches where you can find clean coasts, guarded by lifeguards, which makes it ideal for families with children.

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