Why Vouliagmeni Became the Athens Riviera’s Yachting Hotspot

When it comes to cruising grounds in Greece, the islands tend to garner all the glory. However, there is one particular anchorage in the country’s capital that has long attracted the yachting set. 

Blessed with calm, aquamarine waters and sand and pebble shores, Vouliagmeni Bay is situated in the glamorous resort suburb of the same name. Vouliagmeni, on the southern Athens coast–dubbed the Athens Riviera in recent years, is also home to greater Athens’ most expensive real estate.

In the 1960s, this deep, natural harbor within the Saronic Gulf saw rival shipping tycoons Aristotle Onassis and Stavros Niarchos arrive in their yachts and drop anchor. Up until today, Vouliagmeni is considered the city’s prime coastal hotspot. Yet it retains its unspoiled neighborhood vibe. 

Today, its location halfway between the city center and Athens International Airport makes Vouliagmeni Bay an unparalleled anchorage.

A jetset hotspot

In the ’60s, Vouliagmeni was a vacation destination, rather than a residential area. Well-to-do Athenians in banking and shipping owned holiday homes there and would head south to spend their summers by the beach. 

Shipowners continue to maintain multi-generational ties to the area, many of whom own primary residences or summer villas, as well as private investments, in Vouliagmeni.

Superyacht captain Nikolaos Leontitsis, who spent much of his youth in Vouliagmeni and today lives nearby, says there used to be little else but farmland between central Athens and Vouliagmeni. “I would admire the beautiful boats at anchor. It has always been part of the beauty of the area,” he says.

Enveloped in pine trees, cypresses, palms and eucalypts, Vouliagmeni is home to five-star hotels, fine dining, stylish entertainment venues and high-end boutique shopping. 

“Vouliagmeni Bay is the first truly appealing yachting destination on the Riviera and also serves as the starting point for every beautiful voyage,” Leontitsis says. “All the finest yachts have passed through there and will continue to do so.”

Facilities have continuously improved over the last few years, giving yacht owners and charterers reason to return. 

As a youngster, Leontitsis learned to sail at the Nautical Club of Vouliagmeni, one of two yacht clubs in the bay. “It was in Vouliagmeni where I developed a passion for the sea and sailing and realized I wanted to work on yachts and to be a captain,” he says.

Peering out over the bay’s serene, blue-green waters, where beachgoers are soaking up the sun’s warmth under blue skies, swimmers are doing laps and water skiers zoom back and forth, it’s easy to see why this location inspired his calling.

Ease of access

One key reason the bay continues to draw yacht owners and charterers is its sheltered waters. Vouliagmeni is protected from the strong northerlies, known as the meltemi, that blow across the Aegean in the height of summer to temper the heat. 

The waters are neither too deep nor too shallow. Even yachts measuring 460 feet (140m) in length won’t face issues anchoring there. And there is plenty of space for multiple yachts to anchor safely.

“Vouliagmeni is a sophisticated, hospitable yachting hub that offers high-quality facilities and services,” says Leontitsis, who served as captain on 289ft (88m) motoryacht Project X for four years.

His first superyacht gig was none other than the 289-ft (88m) sailing superyacht Maltese Falcon. “I was asked if I’d be interested and, of course, I said yes. It was meant to be a two-month contract. It turned out to be two years,” he says.

Maltese Falcon is frequently seen anchored in the waters of Vouliagmeni, whose revolutionary three-masted DynaRig system draws admiration from beachgoers and yacht spotters. 

One of the key reasons yacht owners, charterers, captains and crew alike adore this location is that it’s easy to reach. Vouliagmeni Bay is a mere 30-minute drive from Athens International Airport. It takes just 35 minutes to reach central Athens and its many attractions, notably its ancient sites, museums and buzzing day-to-night lifestyle. Leontitsis compares Vouliagmeni to Beaulieu-sur-Mer, a yachting hub in the south of France close to Monaco and Nice airport.

Many of the yachts seen anchored in Vouliagmeni are charter vessels, but those that are not host multiple guests from around the world, who visit at different times throughout the summer season.

Reach nearby islands

Vouliagmeni is a convenient point to begin a cruising itinerary. “The location is ideal. It’s not far from the center of Athens, yet it’s also peaceful. You’re close to the airport, which is very important as guests can come and go easily,” Leontitsis explains. 

“There are fantastic, five-star hotels where you can stay upon arrival or when you leave.”

Pending availability, yachts can choose to moor at the 59-berth Astir Marina, situated in a discreet location in the southeastern corner of the bay. In recent years, marina facilities have been significantly expanded and upgraded.

Even if no berths are available, yacht owners and charterers and their guests can reach the yacht by tender. Tenders can access docks at the marina, specific beaches, hotels and restaurants.

Helipads within the marina and at a nearby hotel allow for greater accessibility and flexibility. Families and friends can take a flight and easily meet up at the yacht. Even those on a tight schedule can fly in, enjoy a few days of cruising between nearby islands, and then fly out. 

“Yachts can leave Vouliagmeni and spend two to three days visiting nearby islands and then return to Vouliagmeni to pick up new guests and continue cruising or continue the charter,” Leontitsis says.

From Vouliagmeni, the first ports of call on a cruising itinerary are in close range. Yachts can head to the refined Saronic islands of Hydra and Spetses, and low-key Aegina, Agistri or Poros. For larger vessels, the Cycladic islands of Kea and Kythnos are easy to reach. The fastest yachts can impress guests with a visit to Mykonos or Paros.

High-end Mediterranean lifestyle

The arrival of hospitality brands like Four Seasons has seen Vouliagmeni evolve into a resort destination, enhancing the feeling of being on a swanky island. 

Yacht owners, charterers and their guests can spend a half-day enjoying a swim at EU Blue-flagged Astir Beach. What you might not expect to see at a plush beach complex is ancient ruins. Columns and marble pedestals can be seen at the sixth-century BCE Temple of Apollo Zoster. 

Astir Beach features beach volleyball pitches, a water sports club and boutiques carrying Greek designer swimwear and resort wear. Pure Seaside Fitness offers Pilates mat and Reformer classes, yoga, personal training, CrossFit and strength training right on the water.

For a more exclusive experience, yacht charter guests can check in to Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens a day or two ahead of setting sail for the islands. This pine tree-swathed estate sits on rocky Lemos peninsula.

An exceedingly private coastal retreat with a star-studded history, its mid-20th-century guests included Maria Callas and Frank Sinatra. Thoroughly reinvented for the 21st century, the resort has its own helipad and also welcomes external visitors to its pool and beach areas, restaurants and bars, and spa. 

A Warm Welcome

Locals are accustomed to seeing yachts in the bay. It’s part of the charm of living there. “Many residents own boats, even small ones. They love the yachting lifestyle,” Leontitsis says. And while Vouliagmeni’s two yacht clubs may not be on par with that of Monaco, he notes, they are evidence of a strong connection with water-based experiences. 

As a result, Vouliagmeni always reserves a warm welcome for visitors arriving by yacht. Local operators, from restaurants to bars, are well-versed in discretion where required or requested. 

Between April and October, yachts ranging from classic wooden schooners to gigayacht explorers fitted out for navigating the world’s most remote corners can be seen anchored in these glittering waters. Newly-launched multi-million dollar vessels like O3, a 358-ft (109m) Lurssen motor yacht, and Netto II, a 22-ft (79.8m) Amels motor yacht, often make Vouliagmeni one of their first stops in the Mediterranean. 

“Whichever yacht decides to come to Greece sooner or later will head to Vouliagmeni and spend some time there,” says Leontitsis.

By day, you can make out details like revolutionary hull shapes and helipads. As the sun starts to set, the bay is awash in a burnt orange glow, best seen from the grassy banks to the east. By night, the vessels are illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere for those onboard and onlookers ashore.

One of the best times to yacht-spot in Vouliagmeni is during Athens’ Posidonia shipping exhibition, held biennially in June. Shipowners gather in the bay with their yachts, delivering a glittering spectacle of nautical style and design. Sideline events, gatherings and parties in and around Vouliagmeni are where the real networking and deals happen. Sailing superyachts like Wally B and Almyra II compete in the one-day Posidonia Cup.

Where to Stay

Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens

A verdant refuge with old-world glamor and new-world design.

Somewhere Boutique Vouliagmeni

A handy boutique hotel in the heart of Vouliagmeni.

The Margi

A longstanding favorite haunt of repeat visitors offering privacy and easy access to the bay.

One&Only Aesthesis

Greece’s first One&Only resort located in a serene beachfront location in chi-chi Glyfada.

Where to Dine, Caffeinate & Party

Pelagos

Located at the Four Seasons, this contemporary Michelin-starred Mediterranean restaurant sources premium seasonal ingredients to craft inventive Greek cuisine. 

Patio 

Savor true farm-to-fork fare at this Michelin-starred restaurant tucked into the cosy courtyard of The Margi hotel.

BlueFish

This romantic waterfront fish and seafood restaurant is perfect for date night, or any night for that matter.

Aqua Marina 

Order a cappuccino freddo and mingle with locals at this old-school cafe across from the bay.

Island Club & Restaurant

This suave multi-level club and restaurant suspended above the Saronic and accessible via private dock hosts legendary parties. 

What to See & Do 

Go hiking

Follow rocky trails above Vouliagmeni for unparalleled views. 

Play a round of golf

Glyfada Golf Course, a short drive from Vouliagmeni, features an 18-hole, par 72 championship course.

Take a stroll

Go for a walk through the leafy streets of neighboring Kavouri, whose waterfront is dotted with tavernas.

Lake Vouliagmeni

Ease aches and pains in the mineral-rich waters of Lake Vouliagmeni, surrounded by steep rockfaces.

Sounion

Catch sunset from the 5th-century BCE Temple of Poseidon in the bay of Sounion.

Go Shopping

Astir Marina 

Loro Piana, Zegna and Gucci count among the European high-end brands with stores at the marina.