Glyfada is Athens’ largest southern suburb and one of the first coastal suburbs, drawing until the 1990s some of its population from the American military air force base in nearby Elliniko. As a result Glyfada was quick to become westernised with a proliferation of American and international food outlets and night-life entertainment. Today is home to some of the wealthiest Greeks and celebrities and the hub of the Athens Riviera.
Glyfada boasts a modern marina and ready access to several beaches that are especially busy in the summer. There is an abundance of restaurants, bars and cafeterias and the area still retains its American flavour. The Avenues (Leoforos) Dimarchou Angelou Metaxa and Grigoriou Lambraki are lined with shopping malls offering a wide range of high-street and designer boutiques. A vibrant sea front club scene swells Glyfada’s night-time population during the summer months.
Glyfada has got a Golf Club with an 18-hole golf course. There is also a Sea Turtles Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre that runs educational tours. There is a variety of hotels to stay, many of them offering luxury accommodation.
Glyfada is interesting as a modern coastal suburb with crowded beaches, sprawling food and night-life outlets and a diverse population of new and old money, young clubbers and middle-aged professionals. The area is connected to Athens via bus and tram routes.
