8 of the Best Athens Suburbs to Invest in Greece
As more and more international investors look towards Athens for property acquisition and relocation we suss out the best suburbs to invest in!
Kolonaki
A major shopping district, Kolonaki is a playground for the elite with streets lined with exclusive jewellery shops, restaurants, boutiques and cafes. The glamorous Vasilissis Sofias Avenue with its neo-classical buildings, museums and ministries are a highlight to visit. On the main strip, you will find the National Art Gallery, Hilton Hotel and Music Palace. For more upmarket property investment we would suggest Ekali, 20 km north of Athens and a throw stones away from Kolonaki with its tree-lined streets which is popular with families. The property values in Kolonaki have stayed strong even throughout the economic crisis.
Kifissia
Known as the more laid back leisure capital for young Athenians who go there to experience their chic bars, shopping malls, designer boutiques and restaurants, it’s actually one of Athens oldest and beautiful suburbs. A Summer retreat for wealthy Athenians and philosophers since Roman times due to its cooler temperatures and leafy streets, it’s just a 30min train ride from downtown or you can catch the Kifissia-Piraeus electric railway or bus. Kifissia is named after the Cephissus River and includes part of the Penteli mountain. Its proximity to the long coastline makes it easy to spend beautiful days by the sea.
Kerameikos
Is where you will find young and creative Athenians and foodies. A 15min walk from Ermou Street (another shopping hub) its restaurants, taverna’s and cafés provide a hive of social activity and eclectic entertainment. Located Northwest of the Acropolis, it is densely populated with apartments and a great place to nab a cost-effective property investment. Forbes recently voted it “One of the Worlds Coolest Neighbourhoods”
Glyfada
This affluent neighbourhood is home to millionaires, politicians and celebrities alike. With its seaside glamour dubbing it the Athenian Riviera, the area is lined with luxurious waterfront properties. The largest of Athens’ southern suburbs, it stretches from the foot of the Hymettus mountain to the Saronic Gulf. Along with the rich commercial centre and modern business amenities, it also boasts the most beachside clubs and bars.
Plaka
The oldest district in Athens, Plaka is known as the ‘Neighbourhood of the Gods’ with a labyrinth of winding narrow and cobblestone streets it’s easy to feel like you have stepped back in time. Found beneath the northeastern slope of the Acropolis and stretching out to Syntagma the streets are sprinkled with antiques, souvenir shops, small museums, churches and colourful neoclassical homes. Bars and cafes can be found on Adrianou and Kydatheneon street. Due to its proximity to the Acropolis, it is a very popular area to purchase property, especially for investment purposes.
Kypseli
Kypseli was once an affluent middle-class area with grand houses and villas is now a multicultural melting pot of migrants, artist, musicians, poets, writers, actors and filmmakers giving the area a bohemian feel. Free from tourists, the area thrives on its great restaurants, delicious bakeries and lively local markets. You can grab a Noveau style apartment, grand house or villa that will require renovation at an affordable price.
Psiri/Gazi
There is no area in Athens more authentically Greek than Psiri, 15-minute walk from the Acropolis Prisiri was once an industrial area with an underworld past. As the population grew residential properties were renovated and warehouses converted for commercial use, boutique hotels, café’s, bars and tavernas. Psiri transforms from working-class to food and entertainment mecca by night. If you like to live in area with a lively nightlife, this the place for you
Piraeus
Piraeus is a port city located 12kms from the centre of Athens making it the choice of many international shipping companies. The city of Piraeus is also home to a large number of Greek educational institutions making it a great place for student accommodation. Sitting on the base of Castella you will find MiKrolimano another picturesque harbour surrounded by fish restaurants, tavernas and nightlife. It is also serviced by the new metro, electric lines, busses and light rail.
