Vouliagmeni Lake is a hidden gem of nature awaiting to be discovered. The lake’s waters are continuously replenished both by sea and underground thermal springs offering a unique thermal spa experience, while its labyrinthine underwater tunnels will remind you of impressive scenes from a fantasy film. Vouliagmeni Lake’s calm and crystal clear waters, its imposing rock formations, and lush vegetation all combine to create a sanctuary of outstanding natural beauty in the heart of the Athenian Riviera.
A Touch Of Paradise Just Outside The City Center
Vouliagmeni Lake has actually never been fully explored and its massive cave system may very well hold secrets to the formation of the Mediterranean. Of its 14 tunnels and caves, there is one that is among the longest in the world, stretching 800 meters in length; as well, a huge stalagmite has been discovered. The aquatic paradise of Vouliagmeni Lake hosts a variety of unique organisms, including the known Garra Rufa fish who offer wonderful and natural skin exfoliation as you swim!
A Wellness Experience
The high concentration of salts and minerals, particularly potassium, sodium, lithium, ammonium, calcium, iron, chlorine and iodine, in combination with the water’s warm temperatures (22 – 29 C all year around), offer excellent relieve for afflictions of the musculoskeletal system; it also aids with gynecological and dermatological ailments. Vouliagmeni Lake is a wonderful natural spa that offers the perfect outdoor setting for rejuvenating leisurely activity just a few kilometers outside the city center of Athens.
The hills, the coast, the sea, the cultural relics, the sweet scent of jasmine and evening-primrose, and the impressive surrounding mountains, all make Athens the perfect place to watch sunrise, sunset, and the full moon! This year’s summer full moon takes place on August 26 and it will be the biggest of 2018; with shades of red in the east, born from the summer heat, the full moon will be completely illumined at its tallest point, radiating across the city of Athens at any given point. With the moon hanging so low in the night sky, it will feel as if it’s within just arm’s reach!
Panoramic Views From The Hills of Athens
Strefi Hill is located in the vibrant and restless neighborhood of Exarchia and is famous for its preserved buildings, street art, and a panoramic view of the city’s surrounding neighborhoods. Overlooking the Panathenaic Stadium (also called Kallimarmaro), Ardittos Hill offers breathtaking views of the Athens’ best sights and landmarks; while Lycabettus Hill offers glorious views across the entire city of Athens, all the way to the sea. All these hills in Athens, along with Philopappos Hill, the National Observatory of Athens, the Parthenon, and Pnyx Hill are the best places to relish August’s full.
An Impressive Moonlit Sea
The archaeological site at Sounion - the Temple of Poseidon – remains in the hearts and photos of all who visit this impressive seaside temple. The night of the full moon is the only day of the year when this sacred site remains open after sunset, and just until the moon dips into the sea. En route to this famous ancient site, the breathtaking coastal road has several spots that are perfect for an Aegean Sea experience – the crystal blue waters of Lemos and Limanakia in Vouliagmeni are so inviting that you’ll want to jump right in!
From organized beaches to secluded private coves, the coast of Attica is surrounded by exceptional blue waters and endless shoreline. The beaches of the Attica region, many of which offer a little secret hideaway, can be overcrowded during the early summer months, especially in July just before local Athenians leave the city on holiday; thus, August is the ideal time to enjoy these clean, blue “paradises” without the crowds!
Blue Flags Indicate The Quality Of The Attica Region’s Beaches
Attica beaches boast pristine waters and clean coasts, several of which have been awarded with a “Blue Flag” - indicating that they meet the strict standards of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Many of these certified beaches are well-organized with umbrellas, beach loungers, showers, bars, taverns and other amenities that provide for a long, comfortable stay. Should you opt for one of the free, unorganized beaches, you will need to bring your own chairs or beach blankets and an umbrella. The upside of visiting an unorganized beach is that you are likely to have a much quieter and peaceful beach experience as most beach goers head to organized beaches around Athens.
Some Of The Countless Options
Legrena Beach is located west of Sounion and offers a beautiful view of the Temple of Poseidon, as well as a long, sandy beach with crystal clear waters. Limanakia (meaning small ports in English) at Vouliagmeni is made up of little coves with rocky beaches that are ideal for diving. Kavouri has been a popular beach spot since the 60s and is a peninsula with several sandy stretches ideal for swimming. All of these beaches, along with Varkiza, Lagonisi Beach, Mavro Lithari Beach, and St. Nicholas Beach in Anavissos, are along the southern coast of the Athens, also referred to as the Athenian Riviera. The beaches of Daskalio and Kaki Thalassa in Keratea, Dikastika Beach in Marathon, as well as the impressive long sandy beach and dense pine forest of Schinias are all excellent choices that offer both organized and unorganized beaches.
This is the ninth year that the Athens Concert Hall Garden has been serenading audiences of all ages to wonderful melodies under the Athenian moonlight sky. Megaron Garden Concerts have become a major highlight of summer nights in Athens, offering performances by great artists in a beautiful setting for the entire summer, right until the end of September.
Events On July 5th, 9th & 13th
Angelika Dusk, along with Summer in the City, presents her new album ‘Beautiful Mess’ together with special friends who will sing some of her most popular hits. Along with special guests, the Minor Project will entertain the audience with stories ‘From Folegandros to Kos’ and will present songs from their album titled ‘In Colors’. Adriana Babali and Stathis Drogosis will sing hit songs from the ’40s, ’50s, and ’60s, as well as their own personal compositions.
From 10 in the morning until sunset
The Athens Concert Hall Garden offers a total of 22 acres of open green space for the public to enjoy! The garden is of high aesthetic value with a combination of attractive trees and shrubs awaiting visitors daily from 10 am to sunset; there are also numerous cultural and education activities offered here. The garden, the adjacent Eleftherias Park and the Eleftherios Venizelos monument all harmoniously come together as a place of meeting and creativity in the heart of the city of Athens.
