The Vouliagmeni lake is a real little treasure of nature. It is located south of Athens, a few meters from the sea, nestled at the foot of a cliff. It offers a temperate water and full of virtues all year round.
Vouliagmeni Lake: an open-air cave
The lake is actually only the visible part of a cave, hosting a huge underground network of tunnels of more than 3 kilometers. In the past, the lake was covered by a ceiling that collapsed due to erosion.
The lake of Vouliagmeni is fed by the sea and by a thermal spring. The latter allows to maintain, even in winter, a minimum temperature of 22 degrees. This lake is also home to a rich ecosystem: algae, anemones, sponges, mollusks and small fish. More information on the website.
Swimming in the lake
The lake is ideal for swimming, even when the air outside is still a bit cool. Its length and the surrounding area are very pleasant for tall swimmers. Curious, take your glasses or your mask, you will not be disappointed. Because you will have the opportunity to explore its depths, which reach beautiful depths in the center.
Thermal waters, full of virtues
The quality of the water and the concentration of calcium, potassium, sodium, lithium… are the source of multiple curative virtues. In addition, small fish, called GarraRufa or Fish Doctor, natural inhabitants of the lake, come to peck at your skin and make it all smooth. Attention ticklish people, the sensation is a little particular at the beginning. In short, you will leave the lake refreshed!
Vouliagmeni lake with children
The setting is idyllic but not always very compatible with young children.
- First of all, the“beach” area is not very suitable: it is quite narrow and the toddlers running around are not really in the spirit of the place. The teak terrace, offers little entertainment for the youngest. We forget the shovels and buckets of beach… too bad.
- On the other hand, swimming is not easy for the youngest: to enter the lake, you have to go down a few steps, and the children do not have a foot on the shore.
- Finally, the playground designed for children a little to the rear near the restaurant is a good idea, but unfortunately it has only a few games, and the children get bored quite quickly.
In short, you will have understood that the Vouliagmeni lake is more suitable for big children, who know how to enjoy the pleasure of a sunbath, than for those who do not know how to swim and are a bit turbulent. For them, the private beach can be a good alternative, as it offers some greenery and space.
Events at Vouliagmeni Lake
The spectacular setting of this venue makes it the scene of several events throughout the year. During the summer of concerts are organized, the lake and its cliffs offering a very beautiful acoustic. Each year there is also races around the lake like “Run the Lake”. Finally, the lake organizes competitions of dives, the divers jumping from the top of the cliff.
What to do in Vouliagmeni lake?
The lake is now managed by a private company, which offers different services:
- A café-restaurant: Open all day, the menu is simple but expensive (about 15€ for snacks, 20-25€ for more sophisticated dishes).
- A beach, or rather a pretty wooden terrace: the entrance is paying (multiple rates and possibility of subscription) and gives access to deckchairs, cabins and showers.
- A private space: The lake has a private area with a lawn, more pleasant than the terrace, which can quickly be saturated in case of heavy traffic. It is available to groups or individuals.
The lake is located right next to the beaches. This makes it possible to quickly change from fresh to salt water and to enjoy the many activities of the city of Vouliagmeni.
For a vacation with your feet in the water, don’t hesitate to spend one or two nights in Vouliagmeni. You can find hotels or apartments for rent on Booking.
How to get to Vouliagmeni lake?
- By bus: lines 117, 115, 116 and 122 serve the Vouliagmeni lake. The Ktel Attikis buses that go to Cape Sounion also stop.
- By bus with multiple stops: very practical, this bus serves the entire Athenian coast up to the lake of Vouliagmeni. More about The best tourist buses in Athens
- By car: from Athens, drive along the southern coast. Don’t hesitate to rent a car, especially if you plan an excursion to Cape Sounion.
- By cab: you can book a cab to take you there. The fare will then be around 35€/way.
Practical informations
- Where is Vouliagmeni Lake ? Google Maps
- Opening hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Prices: €17 weekdays / €19 weekends and national holidays (for children aged 6 to 12: €14 weekdays, €17 weekends) Free for children aged 0-5. Price includes : Parking, Transat, Cabins, Showers. The site is handicapped-accessible.
- Website
More cool ideas….
- You can treat yourself to a lunch break at Moorings just next door.
- And take a walk around the lake of Vouliagmeni
- And why not push to Cape Sounion
Sophie B.
