Most of our owners know and love the stretch of coastline from Glyfada to Vouliagmeni in summer time, full of beach clubs and long dinners to make the most of the warm sea and Mediterranean weather. In winter though, the area is much quieter and more local. The landscape is greener, the weather is milder than you might imagine, and it’s the time of year when an owner who lives abroad needs to think about his or her home the most.
In this second part of our series for homeowners, we discuss what to expect from the Athens Riviera in winter, what stays open all year round, and some tips for owners visiting their properties or preparing for the spring.
What the Athens Riviera Winter Weather Is Like
In general, winter in Athens is mild. The Hellenic National Meteorological Service’s climate figures for Ellinikon show average daytime highs of approximately 14–15°C in December, January and February, with nighttime lows around 7–9°C. Climate Data
Rainfall can arrive in short, sharp bursts, although some weather systems bring prolonged rain. Yet the weather is by no means gloomy the whole time, and there are plenty of bright, sunny days in between.
There are two things to know:
- Cold spells: Cold air reaching Greece from the Balkans can bring periods of much colder weather. Snow is uncommon on the Riviera, but it should not be treated as something that can only happen in the northern suburbs.
- Severe storms: Occasionally, powerful storms bring substantial rainfall within a short time. Storm Byron in December 2025 brought official warnings of heavy rain and thunderstorms affecting Attica. During flood risk, the advice is to avoid basements, and if flooding threatens a building, leave basement areas for a safe higher location. civilprotection.gov.gr
What’s Open on the Riviera in Winter
Many seasonal beach clubs close during winter and reopen in spring. Dates vary by venue. However, many seaside restaurants, cafés and bars operate all year round.
Glyfada and the neighboring suburbs are home to people who live and work here throughout the year, so their shopping streets, cafés and restaurants remain active beyond the summer season.
Some winter favourites:
- Lake Vouliagmeni: This beautiful thermal lake is another place to visit during the winter months. Its spring-fed water stays warm throughout the year, making it popular for winter swimming. The lake’s website says that only the Main Deck operates during winter, with seating available on a first-come basis. Check current opening hours before visiting rather than relying on a fixed winter timetable. thisisathens.org
- Winter sea swimming: In Vouliagmeni, the Poseidon Winter Swimmers Club has operated during winter since 1982. Other winter swimming spots featured by the official Athens guide include Asteras beach in Glyfada and Stolidi beach in Alimos. thisisathens.org
- Golf: The 18-hole Glyfada Golf Course operates throughout the year, with specific holiday closures and shorter Monday hours in winter. Golfing on a mild winter day is just about perfect. glyfadagolf.gr
- The Ellinikon Sports Park: LAMDA Development announced its public opening in August 2026. It forms part of The Ellinikon Park, rather than being located at Riviera Galleria, and includes track-and-field facilities, football pitches, tennis and basketball courts, and green spaces. Riviera Galleria is a separate development whose construction completion was scheduled for early 2027, alongside the expected first residential deliveries. Check the individual sports facilities’ access and booking arrangements before visiting. prnewswire.com
- The coastal walk: The seafront in Alimos, Glyfada and Voula is so much prettier without crowds of tourists, and parking is often easier, with shops and cafés open all year round.
As owners note, the Riviera can be even more pleasant in winter. There are fewer crowds, parking is easier, and restaurants can feel more relaxed.
The Catch: Winter Is Hard on Empty Homes
The same winter weather can also adversely affect your vacant home. What are the chief problems encountered?
1. Humidity and sea air
An apartment shut up for winter has little airflow. Persistent moisture can encourage mold on walls, within wardrobes and around soft furnishings.
Salt air also contributes to corrosion of exterior features such as shutters, outdoor fittings and air-conditioning units. Read more about salt air and coastal property maintenance on the Athens Riviera.
2. Balcony and terrace drainage
Leaves from your garden and neighboring gardens, pine needles and dust can enter balcony drains.
If debris blocks a drain, water can pool during heavy rain and enter through gaps beneath balcony doors. Roof terraces can also develop leaks. Our guide to balcony waterproofing in Greece explains what apartment owners should check.
3. Systems unused for long periods
Faults in heating, hot water, air conditioning and plumbing can go unnoticed during a long absence.
Water in unused drain traps can also evaporate, allowing sewer odours to enter the home through the drainage system.
4. Local emergency alerts while you are abroad
Greece’s 112 Cell Broadcast alerts are location-based. If you are abroad, your phone will not receive the local broadcast simply because you own a property in the affected area. The issue is your location, rather than whether your phone number is Greek or foreign.
Civil Protection also offers registration for other alert channels, including email, linked to a specified location. You can also follow the official 112 accounts for published warnings. civilprotection.gov.gr
5. Damage before discovery
A small leak found in December may be straightforward to repair. Left undiscovered until Easter, it could cause substantial damage to walls and floors, taking weeks to put right.
Believe me or not, the Riviera in winter is one of the best-kept secrets in Athens. I have had the privilege of taking lovely walks early in the morning on beautiful days. The sun is shining, it is warm, there is little traffic and it is very quiet along the coast. It’s lovely. But a house is different from its owner. A house does not enjoy winter in the same way that its owner does. Many things that go wrong start small and can be caught early: a balcony drain full of leaves, an unaired room, an unused boiler. Someone just needs to be there.
Yanis, Founder of Home Watch Athens
How to Prepare Your Riviera Home for Winter
Before you leave in autumn
- Clear leaves and debris from accessible balcony, terrace and roof drains. Arrange safe access for any roof work. If drainage from an apartment above affects your property, ask the building manager to coordinate checks.
- Close and secure shutters. Bring loose furniture, cushions, umbrellas and blankets indoors, or secure suitable outdoor items against strong winter winds.
- Ask your building manager about the central heating schedule during your absence and any planned work that could affect your home.
- If using a dehumidifier, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for unattended operation and arrange regular checks and emptying, or suitable continuous drainage. Alternatively, arrange regular airing.
- Agree how to leave the water supply, heating and essential electrical systems with the appropriate technician. Switch off appliances that are not needed. See our guide to finding and using your apartment’s water shut-off valve.
- Find someone local who can hold keys and knows the property. Our keyholding service in Athens explains how this works.
During the winter
- During agreed visits, have someone check the heating, air conditioning and hot water where safe and appropriate, and flush taps and toilets. See our property check service.
- Arrange checks of floors, ceilings and balconies after major storms, once conditions are safe. Additional visits need to be agreed separately.
- Pay attention to letters delivered by post. Important notices concerning the building and services may still arrive at the property.
Before you arrive
Arrange any additional preparation in advance, such as airing the home and switching on suitable heating before arrival.
Bed-making and other arrival preparation are separate from the standard monthly property visit and need an agreed scope and price.
A Home That’s Ready Whenever You Are
Home Watch Athens looks after holiday homes and empty apartments in areas of the Athenian Riviera including Glyfada, Voula, Ellinikon and Vouliagmeni.
If you want assistance preparing your home before arrival, or help arranging maintenance between visits, these services can be agreed separately for members.
If you leave your Riviera property empty for winter, read about our holiday home management service. We also have a guide to what happens when storms hit an empty home in Greece.
Apply for membership: Yanis aims to answer applications within 24 hours.