Attica’s Coastal Area, Islands Still Unknown to Foreign Travelers

Athens, Greece. Photo source: @Visit Greece

Attica’s coastal area and islands were unknown to almost half of the foreign travelers that visited Athens in 2021, GBR Consulting Managing Consultant Stefan Merkenhof said during a press event earlier this week.

Merkenhof on Tuesday presented the results of the “17th Survey on Guest Satisfaction and Hotel Performance in Attica” released by the Athens – Attica & Argosaronic Hotel Association.

According to the survey, around half (53 percent) of Greek and foreign travelers that arrived in Athens in 2021, visited the city’s eastern and western coastal areas extending from the area of Glyfada to Anavyssos and from Alykes to Keratea. Of those, around 70 percent went for swimming.

Meanwhile, 47 percent of foreign travelers said they did not know that Attica has an attractive coastline.

Yet, the area receives many domestic travelers – mainly from Athens – during the summer months due to its proximity to the Greek capital, points of interest and high-quality bathing waters.

“Certainly, this is a fact that requires further analysis,” Merkenhof said during the event.

It is reminded that a total of 12 beaches in Attica were awarded the Blue Flag in 2021 for their excellent water quality.

Saronic islands

Hydra island, Saronic gulf, Attica. Photo source: @Athens – Attica & Argosaronic Hotel Association

Meanwhile, the Saronic islands which are part of the Attica region, also remain unknown to many of Athens’ foreign visitors.

According to the GBR analysis for 2021, 56 percent of foreign travelers did not know the nearby island of Aegina; 53 percent were not aware of Hydra, while 63 percent had never heard of Poros.

The percentages were higher for other Saronic islands, namely:

Agistri – 74 percent
Spetses – 72 percent
Kythira – 73 percent
Salamina – 76 percent
Antikythira 80 percent.

“Visitors should be informed that Attica is also a sea destination. It has many islands and multi-star seaside resorts,”  the president of the Athens – Attica & Argosaronic Hotel Association, Lambrini Karanasiou-Zoulovits said during the press event.

“Athens’ waterfront is only 30 minutes away from the Acropolis. It is ideal for swimming and water sport activities six months a year,” she added.

The “17th Survey on Guest Satisfaction and Hotel Performance in Attica” was conducted by GBR Consulting and the Athens – Attica & Argosaronic Hotel Association in cooperation with Athens International Airport (AIA).