7 Small Towns Near Athens, Greece, That Offer Big Benefits for Expats

7 Small Towns Near Athens That Offer Big Benefits for Expats
A slower pace of life, with the capital’s energy still close at hand.|©iStock/Andrew_Mayovskyy

You’ve decided that Greece is going to be your new home, and the idea of living near the capital excites you. Athens has plenty to offer. Nearly 700,000 people live in the city itself, and more than 3 million in the wider metropolitan area. No surprise—it buzzes with energy, culture, and opportunity.

Still, the city center can feel crowded and intense. And with more than 59 municipalities across the metro area, choosing where to settle isn’t easy.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide: to highlight some of the charming towns within an hour’s drive of central Athens. Each offers a more relaxed pace of life while keeping you close to the capital’s energy and amenities.

Voula

Voula: A peaceful suburb where urban access meets beachside bliss.
Voula: A peaceful suburb where urban access meets beachside bliss.|©iStock/SHansche

Live like a local while enjoying seaside serenity and quick access to Athens. Voula offers expats the perfect balance of beachside bliss and urban convenience.

If you love beautiful beaches and relaxed seaside living, Voula is worth a closer look. Home to about 32,000 residents, it sits just 9 miles (15 km) from central Athens. Part of the Athens Riviera, an increasingly popular area to call home, Voula combines coastal charm with city access.

The beaches here are clean, family-friendly, and undeniably beautiful. The town itself feels spacious and relaxed, and though downtown Athens is within easy reach, Voula feels like a world apart. Just 2 miles (3 km) south, Lake Vouliagmeni offers a favorite local outing. This natural thermal lake is famous for its warm, mineral-rich waters, dramatic cliffs, and therapeutic properties.

Voula maintains an authentic Greek character while offering a slightly lower cost of living than its affluent neighbors, Glyfada and Vouliagmeni. With good schools, plenty of shopping, and a wide array of restaurants, Voula feels both livable and relaxed. The Athens tram line ends here, though the suburb isn’t directly connected to the metro.

Best for: Expats seeking a peaceful, beach-oriented lifestyle with easy access to Athens, natural attractions like Lake Vouliagmeni, and an authentic local community.

Rafina

Rafina: A bustling port town with easy island access.
Rafina: A bustling port town with easy island access.|©iStock/Aggelos Giannikos

For expats who crave island-hopping adventures at their doorstep, Rafina delivers seaside living with easy access to both Athens and the Greek islands.

About 20 miles (32 km) east of Athens, Rafina is the second-largest port in the Attica region, making it an excellent base for travelers. Its 14,000 year-round residents enjoy a lively port and a laid-back coastal vibe.

The picturesque harbor connects directly to the Cyclades islands, including Andros, Mykonos, and Tinos, as well as other destinations. Along the waterfront, fish tavernas, cafés, and cantinas give the town a festive air. Beyond ferry travel, Rafina offers seasonal events like the Festival of Colors, featuring music, dance, and creative workshops. Local fairs and holiday celebrations add a dose of traditional Greek culture.

Transportation is worth considering: Rafina isn’t on the metro, so travel to Athens requires a car, taxi, or bus. Still, its blend of coastal living, island access, and proximity to the capital makes it an attractive choice for travel-hungry expats.

Best for: Expats who love the sea, travel, and a relaxed coastal lifestyle.

Chalandri

Chalandri: A vibrant, family-friendly suburb with easy access to Athens.
Chalandri: A vibrant, family-friendly suburb with easy access to Athens. |©iStock/D2020

For expats looking for a lively, family-friendly community just outside Athens, Chalandri blends top schools, plenty of culture, and convenient metro access.

Located about 7 miles (12 km) northeast of Athens, Chalandri is home to about 78,000 residents. Popular with both locals and expats, it offers suburban calm without sacrificing urban amenities. World-class schools, including the American Community Schools (ACS), numerous parks, and frequent community events make it especially appealing for families.

The town is also known for its nightlife, with stylish wine bars, cocktail lounges, and live music venues that attract a younger crowd. Around the central square, you’ll find cafés, restaurants, and shops, along with weekly farmers’ markets and art exhibitions that foster a strong community spirit.

From July through September, the Rematias Festival brings more than 40 performances of music, dance, theater, and puppetry. In December, the central square hosts a Christmas market full of festive charm.

Chalandri is conveniently connected to the metro, with Syntagma Square just 20 minutes away.

Best for: Expats who want a lively, family-oriented environment close to Athens.

Kifisia

Kifisia: An upscale town with elegant charm.
Kifisia: An upscale town with elegant charm. |©iStock/Konstantinos Livadas

For expats seeking stylish, refined living, Kifisia combines leafy streets, elegant villas, and easy access to central Athens.

Located about 10 miles (16 km) north of Athens, Kifisia is a prestigious suburb with nearly 50,000 residents. Long a summer retreat for affluent Athenians thanks to its cooler microclimate, greenery, and elegant estates, it remains a top choice for those who want an upscale lifestyle within reach of the capital.

Today, Kifisia’s streets are lined with trendy cafés, high-end restaurants, and stylish shops. Pedestrian-friendly avenues bustle with designer boutiques, artisanal stores, and patisseries. Fine-dining spots feature both traditional Greek and international cuisine.

Families appreciate the town’s top-tier schools, including the International School of Athens and the Kifissia Montessori School. A direct metro line connects Kifisia to central Athens in under 30 minutes.

Best for: Expats seeking an elegant, green, and family-friendly environment close to Athens.

Nea Makri

Nea Makri: A fishing village with laid-back charm.
Nea Makri: A fishing village with laid-back charm.|©iStock/Rawf8

For expats dreaming of a rustic town by the sea, Nea Makri offers sandy beaches, village charm, and a welcoming community just outside Athens.

About 16 miles (25 km) northeast of Athens, Nea Makri is a peaceful seaside town with around 15,000 residents. Once a fishing and farming village, it has grown into a charming coastal community with cafés, tavernas, and local shops.

The town’s long sandy beaches and seaside promenade make it perfect for walks, cycling, and sunsets over the Mediterranean. Nearby attractions include Schinias Beach and its pine forest.

Public transport is limited, but Nea Makri is easily accessible by car or taxi from Athens.

Best for: Expats who want a quiet coastal lifestyle, family-friendly beaches, and a welcoming community within commuting distance of Athens.

Porto Rafti

Porto Rafti: A coastal city with a holiday vibe.
Porto Rafti: A coastal city with a holiday vibe.|©iStock/Andrew_Mayovskyy

For expats craving a home with a vacation feel, Porto Rafti delivers clear seas, a lively waterfront, and quick access to both Athens and the airport.

Located 22 miles (35 km) southeast of central Athens and just 15 minutes from the international airport, Porto Rafti has about 10,000 permanent residents—a number that swells in summer. Historically a fishing village, it has grown into a vibrant seaside town while keeping its authentic charm.

The sheltered bay, framed by green hills, offers calm waters for swimming, sailing, and water sports. Along the waterfront, tavernas, cafés, and bars hum with activity during summer, though the town maintains a laid-back vibe year-round.

Porto Rafti isn’t on the metro, but with good road connections, Athens and the airport are just a short drive away.

Best for: Expats who want seaside living, natural beauty, and easy access to Athens and the airport in a relaxed, vacation-like setting.

Chalkida

Chalkida: Island living with easy access to Athens.
Chalkida: Island living with easy access to Athens.|©iStock/vasiliki

For expats who want island living without feeling isolated, Chalkida offers historic charm, seaside beauty, and direct rail access to Athens.

Chalkida, the capital of Evia Island, sits about 50 miles (80 km) north of Athens, reachable in about an hour by car. Despite being on an island, it’s connected to the mainland by two bridges. With around 100,000 residents, it’s lively year-round.

The city is rich in history, home to the Karababa Fortress and the Church of Saint Paraskevi. Its Euripus Strait is famous for tidal currents that change direction several times a day. A waterfront promenade offers leisurely walks, cycling, or jogging with strait views.

For those who prefer not to drive, Chalkida is linked to Athens via the Oinoi–Chalkida railway, making commuting straightforward.

Best for: Expats seeking a blend of history, seaside living, and convenient access to Athens.

In Summary

Living outside Athens doesn’t mean giving up lifestyle, charm, or community. Voula’s beachside serenity, Chalandri’s family-friendly vibrancy, Kifisia’s elegance, and the coastal appeal of Rafina, Nea Makri, Porto Rafti, and Chalkida all offer unique advantages.

And while these towns may or may not bring a lower cost of living, depending on personal choices, they do offer a different rhythm than the urban grind. Whether you’re drawn to seaside relaxation, cultural events, or refined suburban living, each community provides a refreshing alternative to the city center and an authentic Greek experience just beyond the capital.

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