Why Is Glyfada, Greece Called the Hellenic Hamptons?
Glyfada, the largest southern suburb of Athens, is located by the Athens Riviera, on the Attica coastline. The seaside neighborhood is known for its beaches, its laid-back vibe, its boutiques, and numerous cafés and restaurants. But why is often called the Hellenic Hamptons?
Located on the eastern part of Long Island, off the East Coast of the U.S.A. near New York, the Hamptons, just like its Greek counterpart, is a popular getaway for affluent New Yorkers on weekends and vacations. But, seafront position aside, why do people call Glyfada the Greek Hamptons? A quick look into the recent history of the area offers some insight into the answer.
In the early 1930s, Glyfada gained popularity as a seaside resort, but World War Two put a halt to the area development. After WWII, the Ellinikon airport, built in 1938, was used by the United States Air Force as a base of operations for flights between Rome and the Middle East. It also served to facilitate Marshall Plan aid to Greece and neighboring Turkey. Once the American initiative was ended, the airport resumed its purpose for commercial flights in 1957 – though the U.S. still used part of the facilities for airlift evacuation operations from the 1960s until the end of the Cold War, when the U.S. closed the base in the early 1990s.
For over 50 years, the presence of an American population in the area largely contributed to the suburb’s current character, making it a melting pot of Greek and American culture.
In the ’60s, wealthy Athenians came to build secondary homes by the sea, and so did Aristotle Onassis who was quickly followed by other wealthy businessmen. This explains why, today, Glyfada is still a choice residence for local celebrities and high-profile personalities.
With a modern business district, a golf course (the first in the whole nation), wide, palm tree-lined streets, opulent seaside residences and hotel resorts, and a modern and fully-equipped marina, Glyfada is considered by many as the heart of the Riviera, and it is not unusual to see Athenians from all across the city, from Kifissia to Egaleo, coming to the southern suburb for dinner or even a night out.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.