Lake Vouliagmeni is a natural phenomenon and a great day trip to make when visiting Athens with your family! It is very nice to swim in the lake or visit the family-friendly spa and wellness centre. Read on about this special place on the Athens coast.

Lake Vouliagmeni

Lake Vouliagmeni is located on the Athenian Riviera in the coastal town of Vouliagmeni, a suburb of Athens. It’s very near to the sea, in fact, it is connected to it. The lake contains brackish water fed by underground currents seeping through the surrounding mountains. It is not very clear how the lake was formed, but it is said that at the location of the lake, there was once a large underground cave.

The walls of this cave suffered erosion by the hot thermal water causing the roof of the cave to collapse and the ground sank. Vouliagmeni means ‘sunken’.The scenery is truly impressive. The huge tall rock and the mysterious underwater cave are worth a visit even if you are not going to swim. 

The lake stands at a 40 cm above elevation and its water has a constant temperature of 21-27 degrees Celsius all year round. The water comes from the springs that are located 50-100m underground.

Because the lake is above sea level its water moves towards the sea and is constantly renewed. The healing capacities of Lake Vouliagmeni provide relief in arthritis, dermatological and gynecological conditions as well as problems in the musculoskeletal system. Inside the lake is a variety of unique organisms: a special sea anemone and also species of sponges.

It also has the little Garra Rufa fish, also known as Doctor fish or Spa fish and famous for being used in fish spas; they exfoliate the skin and offer a massage. Vouliagmeni Lake is recognized by the National NATURA 2000 list and a Site of Outstanding Natural Beauty by the Ministry of Culture.

An excursion to Lake Vouliagmeni

Vouliagmeni Lake is located in South Attica in Vouliagmeni municipality. You can reach the lake from the Athens center following the coastal road towards Sounio. You can also take the public bus, there is a bus stop right outside the lake.

It is very nice to drive up to Lake Vouliagmeni and make a walk around the lake and its surrounding mountains. The view from above is worth it (see photo above). You can park your car in the parking area outside of the Lake (free of charge), order a taxi or take the local bus towards Vouliagmeni.

A path starts exactly over the lake and takes you to the Faskomilia Hill. It is also good for cycling and it overlooks the beautiful Attica coastline and the Lake. Organized group tours and walks on the hills are being organized upon request by Lake Vouliagmeni Thermal Spa and tour companies in Athens.

If you want to swim in Lake Vouliagmeni, you need to pay an entrance fee. For visitors to the spa and wellness centre, there is a designated parking area.

Spa and Wellness at Lake Vouliagmeni

The lake is run by a private company Thermal Spa Vouliagmeni which offers a large range of facilities and manages the lake as a spa resort. We often visit Vouliagmeni Lake for swimming and its healing qualities. Others visit for sunbathing, have a coffee or to enjoy the scenery.

It is important to know that sun lotions are not allowed when using the lake. It is wise to dress your babies/children in sun-protective swimwear and keep them in the shade.

There are plenty of umbrellas and trees around the lake.  It is always relaxing and rejuvenating to swim in Lake Vouliagmeni. I also like to sit at the sides of the lake with my feet in the water. The little natural inhabitants of the lake nibble on your feet, providing a free exfoliating experience!

The lake is safe for children to swim, although young children will not be able to stand on the bottom. There are no waves, and it is almost like a round-shaped swimming pool. There is a lifeguard at all times. The cave is very exciting for older children. Another great activity in the lake is snorkeling.

Right next to the café and near the lounge chairs at the lake is a safe playground surrounded by pine trees for young children.

There is more for families. Large grass areas offer a place where the children can play and there are some small toys. There is a kid’s menu with family-friendly prices and the resort often organizes kids’ events such as children’s book presentations or holiday activities. It can also facilitate birthday parties.

Our experience

We much liked the natural beauty of the area and the stunning rocks with a mysterious cave. Before we hiked down to the lake, we made a nice walk around the area. The children enjoyed the playground as well as the kid’s menu and the smoothies. They loved watching the little fish in the lake.

I like swimming in the lake and sunbathing surrounded by impressive mountains. The food was great, and valet parking made our visit comfortable and pleasant. We all look forward to to visiting again soon!

Fun Facts about Lake Vouliagmeni

• Lake Vouliagmeni, which in Greek means “sunken lake”, is how the whole area of Vouliagmeni got its name.
• The area was once a mix of small coves and salt flats, but in the Middle Ages an underground cavern collapsed, and a shallow lake formed in its wake.

• It was formed 2,000 years ago.
• Its multitudinous cave extends to a length of 3,123 meters.
• Its aquifer is influenced by the volcanic arc (Soussaki – Aegina – Methana).
• There are a total of 14 different underground tunnels in the area. One of them is considered to be the largest in the world.
• A huge stalagmite, which was discovered at its cave, changed completely the theory about the recent formation of the Mediterranean Sea.
• It is listed as one of the top destinations of the Athens Riviera and a must-visit place, while in Athens.
• Lake Vouliagmeni is listed in Greece’s National Natura 2000 Network and is considered a site of “outstanding natural beauty” by the Greek Ministry of Culture.

Opening Hours 2023 

Lake Vouliagmeni is open daily, with shifting operating hours according to each season’s sunset time. Winter Season’s operating hours are from 8am to 5pm, while in the Summer it is open from 8am to 8pm.

Photo credits featured photo:  www.limnivouliagmenis.gr