There's no place quite like
Athens. Where else will you find a bustling metropolis that's also one of the most historic places in the world? One side is a treasure trove of historical and archeological sites while the other is the Greek capital, an urban oasis with major business districts and a large population. Would you ever see yourself living in such a city? If you do, consider settling down in the best suburbs of Athens. The sophisticated Kifissia, the lively Marousi, and the quaint Psiri are just some worth checking out.
Agia Paraskevi
Located only about 15 minutes away from Downtown Athens, Agia Paraskevi is a northern suburb worth checking out. It's a lot calmer than the
central neighborhoods of Athens, with fewer buildings, fewer people, and less noise. The district is best known for its beautiful namesake church which also serves as the center of the municipality. But beyond that, Agia Paraskevi still offers a lot more than just its lovely residences. For one thing, the area is known for its many cultural clubs, ranging from art workshops and film clubs to theater groups and drama troupes.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Badseed
Ekali
Ekali ought to be at the top of your list of potential new hometowns if you're planning to
move to Athens. Not only is it one of the best suburbs of Athens, but it's also among the affluent areas in the city. The district is lovely and luxurious, dotted by upscale restaurants, chic boutiques, and other trendy hotspots. Another great thing about Ekali is its lush greenery, from beautiful parks to healthy trees that line its well-maintained avenues.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ George E. Koronaios
Gerakas
The best thing about Gerakas is how near it is to the city center and other Athens suburbs. The area is right at the heart of the Attica region and was even a former municipality of Eastern Attica, so not only is it near Athens, but it's not too far from other beautiful regions on mainland Greece. As for the town itself, is a largely residential district that's equal parts rural and urban. It has its own hotspots but the provincial charm reigns supreme here.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Dimorsitanos
Kifissia
Located only 14 kilometers from the heart of Athens, Kifissia is technically one of the city's central districts. When people talk about the most popular neighborhoods in Athens, Kifissia is often part of the conversation. At the same time, however, since it's a high-end, extremely affluent, and largely residential district, complete with gated communities too, the area is widely considered a suburb. Packed with some of the most
luxurious homes in Athens, it's undoubtedly one of the best places to live in the city.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ w-es-Usuario-Barcex
Koropi
Koropi is another of the more affluent suburbs of Athens. While it's not as luxurious as Kifissia, it's still upscale and you'll see plenty of high-class homes here. Ultimately, however, Koropi is one of the best places for families to settle down in the Greek capital. Its perfect balance of a peaceful town and a lively urban scene makes it exciting for everyone, but the prominent schools and lovely parks make it even better for families. Especially since the Athenian Riviera is nearby too!
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ C messier
Marousi
Don't think that Marousi is boring just because it's a suburb in Athens. This isn't your ordinary residential district along the outskirts of a major city. While a good part of it is peaceful and chill, Marousi has a few attractions that draw in locals and tourists alike. There's The Mall Athens, for example, which is one of the largest shopping centers in Greece and all of Southeastern Europe. The CINEMΑ ALIVE City drive-in is a must-see too, especially if you're a cinephile and you want to get into this fairly novel movie-watching experience. Overall, it’s the perfect place to
spend a day in Athens.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Dimorsitanos
Penteli
If you truly want to live as if you're in a rural town in Greece, look no further than Penteli. Not only is it a suburb of Athens, but it's a bonafide Greek mountain village too. Set by the foot of the majestic Mount Penteli, the municipality is a small rural village that's closer to Mother Nature than the Greek capital. Don't worry! Athens is still only around 17 kilometers away, so staying here doesn't exactly place you in the middle of nowhere. It will feel that way though!
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ G Da
Piraeus
No talk about the best suburbs of Athens—or simply the best places in Athens, period!—is complete without mentioning Piraeus. This port town is the gateway to the iconic
Greek Islands. Every trip to Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, and more starts from here, at least if you're coming from Athens. And that's not even the best part about it! The port is great sure, but Piraeus is a summer destination of a suburb in and of itself too. Experience Mediterranean magic at its finest by luxuriating in this beloved port town near the Greek capital.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Psychiko
Just drive up north from Downtown Athens and you'll reach Psychiko in about ten minutes. That's how close this suburb is to the city center, which in turn makes it another great place to stay, especially for families who want to live a relatively quiet life in the Greek capital. It's also a posh neighborhood where many distinguished families reside, dominating the town with their luxurious villas and grand estates. Though it's pricey here, it's undeniably a lovely option for your new hometown.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Have you been to the suburbs of Athens? Discover these underrated residential neighborhoods and see what the Greek capital has to offer beyond its famous central districts and iconic historic landmarks.