Just 40 minutes from the center of Athens lies a natural spa that feels worlds away from the city. Warm turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, and even little fish that give you a natural pedicure — this is Lake Vouliagmeni, one of the hidden gems of the Athenian Riviera.
As a local here in Athens, I love coming to this lake to swim, relax, and recharge. In this guide, I’ll share how to get here, what to expect, and practical tips to make the most of your visit.
Want to see what Lake Vouliagmeni is really like?
Watch my video guide below, where I show you exactly how to get here by public transport, what the lake offers, and why it’s one of my favorite escapes near Athens.
How to Get to Lake Vouliagmeni
Getting to the lake is much easier than you might think:
- By Metro + Bus: Take Metro Line 2 (Red) to Argyroupoli station (not Elliniko — you’ll have a better chance of finding a seat on the bus). From there, hop on Bus 122 (towards Saronida) and get off at Limni (“lake” in Greek), right across from the entrance. Total journey time from Syntagma is about 40 minutes.
- By Taxi: A taxi from Argyroupoli metro station costs around €10 to €15 and is faster if the bus wait is long.
- By Car: If you’re driving, Lake Vouliagmeni is about 20 km south of Athens and easily reached along the coastal road of the Athenian Riviera.
Tip: Combine your visit with a swim at one of the nearby beaches for a perfect Athens Riviera day trip.
The Lake & Its Healing Waters
The name Vouliagmeni literally means “sunken lake,” and that’s exactly what it is. Thousands of years ago, a massive underground cave collapsed after seismic activity, leaving behind the lake we see today. What makes it truly special is the way it’s still fed by both underground hot springs and seawater from the nearby coast, creating a constant circulation that keeps the waters crystal clear and perfectly balanced.
The lake’s temperature stays between 22 and 29°C all year round, which means you can swim even in the middle of winter. Locals believe the mineral-rich waters — full of potassium, calcium, magnesium, and other elements — help with everything from skin conditions to joint pain. For me, what’s striking is how different it feels compared to the sea: softer, almost silky water that leaves your skin refreshed after a swim.
And then there are the lake’s most famous residents: the little Garra Rufa “doctor fish”. If you stand still, you’ll feel them gently nibbling at your feet, giving you a natural exfoliation. It’s a bit ticklish at first, but it quickly becomes fun — almost like the lake itself is giving you a spa treatment.
Beyond the water, the scenery makes the whole experience even more unique. The lake is surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs, lush vegetation, and hidden caves, including one of the largest underwater tunnel systems in the world. Knowing there’s a whole labyrinth beneath the surface adds a layer of mystery to your swim.
Facilities & Experience
One of the things I really love about Lake Vouliagmeni is how well-organized and relaxing it feels compared to a typical beach. The main deck stretches along the water’s edge, lined with comfortable sunbeds and umbrellas, so you can easily slip in and out of the lake for a swim. On busy summer weekends, it’s worth arriving early if you want the best spots, but even then, the atmosphere remains calm — no loud music, just the sound of the water and the breeze through the cliffs.
The facilities here are thoughtfully designed to make your visit easy. There are clean changing rooms and hot showers, private areas to get ready, and secure lockers so you don’t have to worry about your belongings. Accessibility has also been taken seriously: ramps and pathways make it possible for everyone to enjoy the lake, something you don’t always find in natural swimming spots around Athens.
If you want to take the wellness aspect a step further, there’s a small spa area offering massages, which feels like the perfect complement after a long swim. And when you start feeling hungry, you don’t need to leave — a café right by the water serves drinks, light snacks, and quick meals. For something more special, the on-site restaurant Abra Ovata is a real highlight, with tables shaded by trees and views over the lake. The menu is a creative take on Mediterranean flavors, making it just as memorable as the swim itself.
For me, what makes the experience stand out is the balance: it’s fully organized and comfortable, yet it still feels like a natural retreat, where you can spend hours without realizing how quickly time passes.
Tickets & Sunbed Options
There’s an entrance fee to access the lake, which includes general admission and the use of the main deck.
- Weekdays: €17
- Weekends & Holidays: €19
- Children (5–12 years): €5.50 | Under 5: free
- Students: €8–9 (with valid ID)
Seating options:
- Main deck: First-come-first-served sunbeds and umbrellas.
- Comfort Set: 2 sunbeds + umbrella + towels (book online).
- Waterfront lounge chairs: Right by the water, no shade or towels.
- Sunbed Set: A quieter area away from the main deck.
- Private cabanas: Luxury option for 2–4 people with double daybeds, lounge chairs, and privacy.
Book your sunbeds or cabanas online in advance, especially in summer and on weekends.
Extra Activities
If you have some extra time after your swim, don’t just pack up and leave. Right above the lake, there’s a trail that takes you into Faskomilia Hill — a protected natural area with hiking and biking paths. It’s not a difficult walk, and the reward is beautiful views over the lake and the Athenian Riviera stretching all the way down the coast. It’s one of those little surprises that make the day feel like more than just a swim.
Another idea? Combine your visit with the nearby beaches of Vouliagmeni or Kavouri. They’re only a few minutes away, so you can experience both the unique warm waters of the lake and the open sea in the same day. It’s the best of both worlds.
Quick Tips for Visiting
Here are a few things I’ve learned from my own visits that can make your day at Lake Vouliagmeni smoother:
- Arrive early, especially on summer weekends, if you want a good sunbed spot.
- If you’re planning to splurge on a Comfort Set or cabana, book it online in advance — they sell out fast.
- The lake bottom is rocky in places, so if you have sensitive feet, bring water shoes.
- Don’t leave without trying Abra Ovata for lunch or dinner — it’s one of the nicest dining experiences on the Riviera.
- My favorite time to come is spring or autumn. The weather’s warm, the water’s perfect, and there are fewer people around.
Lake Vouliagmeni is one of those places I never get tired of. It’s close enough to Athens for an easy escape, but once you’re there, it feels like you’ve discovered a secret retreat. Between the warm waters, the peaceful setting, and even the little fish spa, it’s always a highlight when I want to slow down and recharge.
Next time you’re in Athens, I really recommend adding it to your itinerary — it’s a simple trip that turns into a surprisingly memorable day.
Chrysoula is an Athens-born travel writer, island explorer, and lifelong lover of Greece. She’s been sharing her insider knowledge of Athens, the Greek Islands, and local culture for nearly a decade — both on this blog and her YouTube channel. Having visited over 60 countries and every major region of Greece, she brings a traveler’s curiosity and a local’s insight to everything she writes.
📍 Based in Athens🎥 Also on YouTube: @GreeceandBeyond🧿 Favorite Greek escape: Lemnos & Crete (where her grandmothers were born)📬 Contact: unfoldinggreece@gmail.com
Learn more about me here.