Summer may be over in Greece but the weather is still warm, so it's not unusual for Athenians to swim in Autumn, and all the way through to mid-November. If you are in the Greek capital and looking for a stylish hotel pool to dip into, here are our 10 most recommended selections - from the ultra-glamorous to the best views of the Acropolis, here are plenty of options for a swim in the city!
1. TOP CHOICE 2019: Athens Hilton, 46 Vas. Sofias Ave, Ilisia
As Athens’ largest (25m x 15m) swimming pool - and also uniquely, on the ground floor instead of a rooftop, but scenic nonetheless - the Athens Hilton pool welcomes guests throughout the day. We love it enough to rate it as number one because of its large size, luxurious finesse, free Wifi, cleanliness, sense of tranquility (even when it’s busy), shallow baby and toddler pool at the back and greenery. The Oasis Pool Bar & Grill serves up an excellent selection of brunch, lunch and dinner snacks and delicious coctails to keep you feeling satisfied and refreshed throughout even a long stay.
2. Mavili Beach, Timoleontos Vassou 8, Mavili Square
Yes, a beach. On a rooftop. In Athens. Just opened after three years in the making, this Cycladic island-style paradise is a beach-themed swimming pool with rentable cabanas, sun loungers and even a seafood taverna! Using a sophisticated architectural design and 55 tons of sand Mavili beach is atop Airotel Alexandros Hotel in Mavili Square. It is adorned by classic Cycladic features like white wood pergolas, pink bougainvillaea, elegant blue umbrellas and stone walls, and the sweeping views of Lycbettus hill and city make for a quizzical (once you start to believe you are actually at a beach) yet lovely juxtaposition.
3. Radisson Blu Park Hotel, 10 Alexandras Ave
A decently sized, comfortable pool to spend the morning or afternoon lounging around, and there are plenty of loungers going all the way round it. Surrounded by glass walls beyond which spreads the greenery of Pedion Tou Areos Park, the pool is a great option for a downtown dip.
4. Wyndham Grand Athens, 2 Megalou Alexandrou, Metaxourgeio
A swim with a lovely view of the Acropolis, Lycabbetus hill and on a clear day, even the sea in one of Athens’ artsy, edgy areas. There is also a bar-restaurant so you can order tasty snacks and cocktails and relax to the sounds of the waterfall tumbling over the pool wall.
5. Novotel Athens, 4 Michail Voda, Omonia
Stylish sun loungers and details of understated luxury, sweeping views of the Parthenon, free parking and a complimentary arrival drink are all great pluses for this rooftop pool in the heart of Athens. The pool is heated during cooler months (spring and autumn) and there is also a bar-restaurant serving everything from snacks and drinks to main courses.
6. Divani Caravel, 2 Vas. Alexandrou, Syngrou
This large and open (because it is surrounded by noise-buffering glass walls) also offers breathtaking views of Athens’ most dazzling landmarks and is next to Thea restaurant and the hotel’s Peak Health Club Spa if you want to combine swimming and sunbathing with other pleasures.
7. Fresh Hotel, 26 Sofokleous, Psyrri
Atop the hip and creatively decorated boutique hotel, you’ll find a small yet pretty pool to lie comfortably beside. Pool guests can order drinks and can even arrange a pre or post-pool yoga session (must be booked in advance).
8. St George Lycabbetus, 2 Kleomenous, Kolonaki
At the foot of verdant Lycabettus hill and with pretty view of it above as well as of the Acropolis, the pleasantly breezy (because of the nearby forest) and renovated pool makes for the perfect stop after a few hours of window-shopping in Athens’ most popular boutique district. Order snacks from the pool bar and dig into a BBQ every Monday evening.
9. President, 43 Kifissias Avenue, Ambelokipi
With a panoramic view of the city and located on Athens‘ highest roof garden, this medium-sized pool with a next-door cafe is a little aged but pleasant enough on an especially hot day.
10. Electra Palace, 18-20 Navarchou Nikodimou, Plaka
Especially picturesque because the pool overlooks not only the Acropolis but also the low-rise, old fashioned rooftops of the Plaka neighbourhood, this medium-sized, 5th-floor pool is well maintained, with friendly service and a relaxed ambiance.
