Lake Vouliagmeni & the Athens Riviera

Lake Vouliagmeni is the most unusual swim in Athens. In the resort suburb of Vouliagmeni, about 20 kilometres south of the centre on the coast known as the Athens Riviera, a deep, clear lake lies at the foot of a sheer limestone cliff, separated from the sea by only a narrow strip of land. It formed when the roof of a large cave collapsed, and it is fed by underground springs mixed with seawater, so the water is brackish, mineral-rich and comfortably warm, staying between about 21 and 29 degrees through the year. That means you can swim here in winter, when the sea is too cold for most people. Under the surface, the lake connects to a long flooded cave system that has fascinated divers for decades, and small fish dart around the edges and nibble gently at swimmers' feet. Today the lake is run as a managed bathing and wellness area. You pay an entrance fee to swim, with sunbeds, umbrellas and a main deck built around what looks like a natural rock pool, plus private areas and cabanas that can be booked for extra comfort. A lakeside restaurant serves meals and coffee, and spa treatments are offered under the pine trees from mid-spring to early autumn by appointment. The water is calm, so it is easy for less confident swimmers, and many local older people come here for the reputed therapeutic benefits of the mineral water. The lake is the jewel of a whole coastline worth exploring. The Athens Riviera runs from Faliro past Alimos and Glyfada to Vouliagmeni, Varkiza and on toward Cape Sounion, with sandy and pebbly beaches, marinas, seafront promenades and cafes. Some beaches are free and public, others are organised and charge for entry or sunbeds. The coast road is one of the most scenic drives near Athens, and it is the route to the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion.

Tickets and timing: the lake charges a day-entry fee in the mid-teens of euros on weekdays, a few euros more at weekends and on public holidays, with reduced rates for children and some groups; children under five enter free. Sunbeds are not always included in the standard ticket, and premium sunbed sets and cabanas are booked online at a higher price. The lake opens during daytime hours, typically from morning to late afternoon, so plan an early arrival in summer, when it can be very busy at weekends. If you only want lunch or a coffee by the water, you can tell the staff at the entrance and visit the restaurant without paying the swimming fee. Check the official site for current prices and hours before you go, as they change by season.

Getting there: the easiest way without a car is the metro to Elliniko on Line 2, then bus 122 to the Limni stop; several other buses also stop there, and the T7 tram reaches nearby Voula. A taxi from central Athens takes about thirty to forty-five minutes depending on traffic. The hop-on hop-off beach routes also run down this coast. By car, the coastal Poseidonos Avenue is the scenic route, and there is parking at the lake.

Making a day of it: combine a morning swim at the lake with lunch at one of the seafood tavernas along the Vouliagmeni and Varkiza coast, then continue to Cape Sounion for sunset at the Temple of Poseidon. Families can split the day between the calm lake and a sandy organised beach with facilities. Bring water shoes, since the edges of the lake are rocky, and do not swim far out over the deep cave area unless you are a confident swimmer.