The Athens Riviera has officially entered its "Golden Era." As of 2026, the coastline stretching from Glyfada to Cape Sounio has completed its transformation into the Mediterranean’s most sophisticated playground. Driven by the landmark Ellinikon Project and the arrival of ultra-luxury hospitality titans like One&Only and Mandarin Oriental, the Athenian seafront now rivals the Cote d’Azur in both exclusivity and price point.

For the discerning traveler, the question is no longer where to find a beach, but where to secure a sanctuary. In 2026, "luxury" is defined by the distance between sunbeds, the vintage of the champagne, and the seamlessness of the concierge service. If you are seeking the pinnacle of the Greek summer, here are the five elite destinations that define the Athens Riviera ultra-luxury experience this season.

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1. Astir Beach (Vouliagmeni): The Legacy of Elite Living

Astir Beach is not merely a destination; it is a legendary institution. For decades, this sun-drenched sanctuary in Vouliagmeni has served as the preferred summer playground for global shipping magnates, Hollywood icons, and the international jet set. As we look toward the 2026 season, Astir continues to set the gold standard for seaside exclusivity in the Mediterranean.

The 2025/2026 Experience

Exclusivity has reached new heights with a highly curated environment where privacy is the ultimate currency. The beach operates with meticulous precision: from May to September, the facility welcomes guests from 08:00 to 21:00, with last admissions granted at 20:00. For those seeking an even more elevated experience, the "Black Card" membership offers a prepaid package of 20 entrances or 10 sets for €800, subject to availability.

Pricing Insights (High Season: June – August)

• Front-Row Prestige: A reserved umbrella set in the coveted A' Row during weekends and holidays commands €180.

• Weekday Access: During the week, an A' Row reserved set is priced at €100.

• Ultra-Private Daybeds: For those requiring absolute discretion, a Reserved Daybed—perfect for up to 4 adults - is priced at €320 on weekends and €160 during the week.

• Flexible Options: Standard umbrellas based on availability start at €70 on weekdays and €120 on weekends.

The Vibe: "Old Money" Meets High Fashion

The atmosphere remains one of timeless, understated elegance. It is the only beach in Greece where you can transition from a dip in the turquoise waters to a private shopping session at world-class commercial shops located directly on the premises. Beyond the glamour, the site honors its heritage, offering access to the historic Temple of Apollo Zoster.

World-Class Amenities

Guests enjoy a seamless blend of comfort and security, featuring high-speed Wi-Fi, 24-hour security, and professional lifeguard services. The facility is fully equipped with luxury locker rooms, indoor showers, and specialized medical aid to ensure every need is met with the highest standards of the hospitality industry.

Pro Tip: Reservations are highly recommended and can be made via the official Astir Booking platform to ensure your preferred spot in the A' Row is secured.

Click here to view the full 2025 Official Rate Card

2. One&Only Aesthesis Beach Club (Glyfada): The New Frontier of Glamour

If you are looking for the definitive landmark of the Athens Riviera’s modern renaissance, One&Only Aesthesis in Glyfada is the answer we have been waiting decades for. This is far more than a mere resort; it is a sprawling, sun-drenched architectural tribute to the 1960s - an era when the Greek coastline was synonymous with an uncompromising, jet-set elegance. Today, tucked within a protected pine forest and framed by fragments of ancient history, Aesthesis has successfully reignited that cosmopolitan fire on the shores of Attica.

The 2026 Experience: Predictive Privacy In 2026, luxury at Aesthesis is measured by one's degree of isolation from the urban clamor. As a journalist covering the global luxury market, I find the service here to be in a league of its own - it is predictive, almost intuitive, anticipating a guest's needs before they are even articulated. The heart of the experience is the Beach Club, where 'golden hours' unfurl by a shimmering infinity pool and within private cabanas designed for those who demand the highest level of intimacy.

The Investment in Status

• For non-residents, the golden ticket into this private ecosystem is the Elite Day Pass

• This pass grants exclusive access to the resort’s pristine beach and its iconic statement pools, which have quickly become the most photographed spots in Glyfada.

• The social pulse of the property is Manko, a beach club that masters the fusion of Peruvian flavors and world-class mixology, offering an atmosphere that evolves dynamically as the sun dips below the Saronic Gulf.

• For those seeking restoration, the property hosts Greece’s first Guerlain Spa and the ultra-modern Club One, where high-performance wellness meets luxury on professional-grade tennis and padel courts.

Why It Matters: The Epicenter of the 'New Athens' This is where the 'New Athens' truly comes alive. One&Only Aesthesis has cultivated a unique environment where Silicon Valley visionaries and European aristocrats converge at Ora, the signature restaurant helmed by Michelin-lauded chef Ettore Botrini. It is a rare, successful execution of 'Quiet Luxury' - where every detail, from the sand underfoot to the impeccably curated menu, feels both effortless and extraordinary.

3. Krabo Beach (Kavouri): The Epitome of Quiet Luxury

Tucked away in a secluded cove in Kavouri, Krabo Beach is the choice for those who find Astir too "public." It is an architectural masterpiece of wood, stone, and Aegean blue.

• The 2026 Experience: Krabo has mastered the "Boho-Chic" aesthetic without sacrificing the comforts of a five-star establishment. It is a favorite for yacht owners who anchor in the bay and utilize the club’s tender service.

• Pricing Insights

  Exclusivity at Krabo is dynamic, with rates curated to reflect the season and the day of the week.

  • Beachfront Sets: Typically range from €80 to €160, depending on the desired date.

  • Private Beach Cabanas: These premier retreats generally fluctuate between €120 and €220.

  Securing a cabana during peak weekend hours ensures the ultimate shaded sanctuary for a long afternoon of Krug and fresh crudo.

4. 91 Athens Riviera (Voula): The Private Lifestyle Club

The most talked-about opening of the last year, 91 Athens Riviera, operates more like a private members' club than a standard beach. It caters to a high-energy, health-conscious elite who demand exclusivity without compromise.

• The 2026 Experience: Combining bespoke "glamping" suites with a world-class beach club, 91 offers a holistic luxury experience. The grounds feature eight professional tennis courts and the renowned Soma Spa, ensuring wellness is at the forefront of your stay.

• Investment: While dynamic pricing reflects the season's demand, entry-level rates for private Couples Cabanas currently start at €315. This serves as a sophisticated entry point to an intimate enclave, granting seamless access to the acclaimed Barbarossa restaurant. For those seeking the pinnacle of privacy, premium suites with plunge pools are available upon request.

• Target Audience: The modern entrepreneur and the global "Jet-Set" who value wellness as much as a well-made martini and a perfectly timed investment.

5. Grand Beach at Lagonissi Resort: The Peninsular Sanctuary

Located further south on a private peninsula, the Grand Beach at Lagonissi offers something the city-center beaches cannot: vast, uncrowded horizons and deep, turquoise waters.

• The 2026 Experience: This is the most spacious of the elite clubs. In 2026, the resort upgraded its VIP Waterfront Deck, featuring automatic waiter-call systems at every station.

• Pricing Insights: Access to the VIP zone is approximately €100 per person on weekends.

• The Advantage: With its own helipad and deep-water moorings, it is the most accessible point for guests arriving via private air or sea, bypassing the traffic of Poseidonos Avenue.