Athens Wellness & Spa Guide: Best Retreats, Spas & Relaxation (2026)
Welcome to Athens, a city steeped in history and increasingly recognized as a haven for wellness and relaxation. Beyond the iconic Acropolis and ancient ruins, Athens offers a growing array of spas, retreats, and wellness experiences perfect for families seeking rejuvenation. This guide will navigate you through the best of Athens' wellness scene, ensuring a refreshing and memorable family vacation.
Best Day Spas in Athens
Indulge in a day of pampering at one of Athens' luxurious day spas. From traditional Greek treatments to modern therapies, these spas offer something for everyone.
Aegeo Spas at Divani Caravel
Located within the Divani Caravel Hotel near the Kolonaki neighborhood, Aegeo Spas offers a comprehensive menu of treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps. Their specialty is incorporating Greek ingredients like olive oil and honey into their therapies.
- Treatments: Aegean Massage (from €90), Olive Oil Body Wrap (€75), HydraFacial (€120)
- Family-Friendly: Offers treatments suitable for teenagers.
- Address: 2 Vasileos Alexandrou Ave, Athens 161 21
- Booking Tip: Book online in advance, especially during peak season (May-September).
Holmes Place Marousi
Part of a high-end fitness chain, Holmes Place in Marousi provides spa services within their well-equipped facility. Expect a modern and sophisticated atmosphere with a focus on results-driven treatments.
- Treatments: Deep Tissue Massage (from €85), Anti-Cellulite Treatment (€95), Guinot Hydradermie Facial (€110)
- Family-Friendly: Offers family memberships and fitness classes.
- Address: Agiou Konstantinou 40, Marousi 151 24
- Booking Tip: Check for seasonal promotions and package deals.
GB Spa at Hotel Grande Bretagne
For a truly luxurious experience, visit the GB Spa at the Hotel Grande Bretagne, located near Syntagma Square. This award-winning spa offers a range of treatments in an opulent setting, with stunning views of the Acropolis.
- Treatments: Signature GB Massage (from €120), Caviar Facial (€180), Hammam Ritual (€150)
- Family-Friendly: Offers treatments suitable for older teens.
- Address: 1 Vasileos Georgiou A 1, Athens 105 64
- Booking Tip: Book well in advance (at least 2 weeks) due to high demand.
Wellness Retreats in Athens
Escape the city's hustle and bustle with a multi-day wellness retreat designed to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit. These retreats often combine yoga, meditation, healthy eating, and spa treatments.
Euphoria Retreat (Peloponnese - Day Trip Possible)
While not directly in Athens, Euphoria Retreat in the Peloponnese is accessible for a longer day trip (approx. 3-hour drive) or an overnight stay. This world-renowned retreat offers transformative wellness programs focusing on holistic healing and personal growth.
- Programs: Emotional & Physical Transformation, Detox & Weight Loss, Rebalance & Recover
- Price: Programs start from €2,500 (per person for a 3-night program)
- Family-Friendly: Offers tailored programs for families with older children (12+).
- Address: Mystras, Peloponnese 231 00 (Approx. 3-hour drive from Athens)
- Booking Tip: Book at least 3-6 months in advance due to limited availability.
Shanti Wellness Retreats (Various Locations)
Shanti Wellness Retreats organizes pop-up retreats in various locations around Greece, including occasionally near Athens. These retreats typically focus on yoga, meditation, and mindful eating.
- Programs: Yoga & Meditation Retreats, Detox Retreats, Wellness Weekends
- Price: Retreats range from €500-€1500 (per person for a 3-5 day retreat)
- Family-Friendly: Some retreats are specifically designed for families; check their schedule.
- Booking Tip: Sign up for their mailing list to be notified of upcoming retreats.
Yoga and Meditation Studios
Find your inner peace at one of Athens' many yoga and meditation studios. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced practitioner, there's a class for you.
Athens Yoga
Located in the heart of Athens near the Acropolis, Athens Yoga offers a variety of yoga classes, including Hatha, Vinyasa, and Ashtanga. They also host workshops and retreats.
- Classes: Drop-in classes (€15), Monthly memberships (from €80)
- Family-Friendly: Offers prenatal and postnatal yoga classes.
- Address: Kekropos 10, Athens 117 42
- Booking Tip: Check their online schedule for class times and availability.
Bhavana Yoga Center
Located in the Psirri neighborhood, Bhavana Yoga Center offers a more intimate and spiritual yoga experience. They focus on traditional yoga practices and meditation techniques.
- Classes: Drop-in classes (€12), 10-class pass (€100)
- Family-Friendly: Offers gentle yoga classes suitable for all ages.
- Address: Miaouli 23, Psirri, Athens 105 54
- Booking Tip: Call or email to reserve your spot in advance.
Traditional Greek Wellness Practices
Immerse yourself in the local culture by exploring traditional Greek wellness practices.
Herbal Remedies
Greece has a rich tradition of using herbal remedies for healing and well-being. Visit a local herbal shop to learn about traditional Greek herbs and their benefits. Look for shops in the Monastiraki area.
- What to Expect: Knowledgeable staff who can recommend herbs for specific ailments.
- Price: Varies depending on the herbs you purchase.
- Tip: Try mountain tea (Tsai tou vounou) for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Olive Oil Therapy
Olive oil is a staple of the Greek diet and is also used for its therapeutic properties. Many spas offer olive oil massages and body treatments.
- What to Expect: A relaxing massage using high-quality Greek olive oil.
- Price: Similar to other massage treatments (from €70).
- Tip: Look for spas that use extra virgin olive oil from local producers.
Fitness Centers and Outdoor Workout Spots
Stay active during your vacation by visiting a local fitness center or exploring Athens' outdoor workout spots.
Fitness First Glyfada
Located in the coastal suburb of Glyfada, Fitness First offers a wide range of equipment, classes, and personal training services.
- Facilities: Cardio machines, weightlifting equipment, swimming pool, group fitness classes.
- Price: Day pass (€20), Weekly pass (€50)
- Family-Friendly: Offers kids' fitness classes and childcare services.
- Address: Grigoriou Lampraki 83, Glyfada 166 74
National Garden
The National Garden, located near Syntagma Square, is a beautiful green space perfect for jogging, walking, or practicing yoga outdoors.
- Activities: Jogging, walking, yoga, tai chi.
- Price: Free
- Family-Friendly: Plenty of space for kids to run and play.
- Tip: Visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
Healthy Eating Restaurants and Juice Bars
Nourish your body with healthy and delicious food at one of Athens' many healthy eating restaurants and juice bars.
Avocado
Located near Syntagma Square, Avocado offers a vegetarian and vegan menu with a focus on fresh, organic ingredients.
- Menu: Salads, wraps, burgers, smoothies, juices.
- Price: Mains range from €10-€15.
- Family-Friendly: Offers a kids' menu and high chairs.
- Address: Nikis 30, Athens 105 57
The Juice Bar
With several locations throughout Athens, The Juice Bar offers a variety of fresh juices, smoothies, and healthy snacks.
- Menu: Juices, smoothies, salads, sandwiches.
- Price: Juices and smoothies range from €5-€8.
- Family-Friendly: Offers kid-friendly flavors and sizes.
- Locations: Multiple locations throughout Athens.
Mental Wellness Experiences
Engage in experiences that promote mental well-being and reduce stress.
Sound Bath Meditation at the Holistic Center Athens
Experience deep relaxation through a sound bath meditation session. The Holistic Center Athens offers group and private sessions.
- What to Expect: Lying down comfortably while listening to the sounds of singing bowls and other instruments.
- Price: Group sessions (€25), Private sessions (€60)
- Address: Voulis 44, Athens 105 57
- Booking Tip: Book in advance as spaces are limited.
Forest Bathing in Parnitha National Park
Escape the city and immerse yourself in nature with a forest bathing experience in Parnitha National Park. Several tour operators offer guided forest bathing walks.
- What to Expect: A slow, mindful walk through the forest, focusing on your senses.
- Price: Tours range from €30-€50 per person.
- Family-Friendly: Suitable for families with children of all ages.
- Booking Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and bring water.
Wellness Neighborhoods in Athens
Certain neighborhoods in Athens offer a higher concentration of wellness-related businesses and activities.
Kolonaki
Kolonaki is an upscale neighborhood known for its boutiques, cafes, and wellness centers. You'll find several spas, yoga studios, and healthy eating restaurants in this area.
Glyfada
Located on the coast, Glyfada offers a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and healthy living. You'll find fitness centers, juice bars, and beachside workout spots in this area.
Dedicated Wellness Hotels
For a truly immersive wellness experience, consider staying at one of Athens' dedicated wellness hotels.
The Margi
Located near the coast in Vouliagmeni, The Margi offers a tranquil retreat with a focus on wellness and sustainability. The hotel features a spa, a farm-to-table restaurant, and yoga classes.
- Features: Spa, outdoor pool, yoga classes, farm-to-table restaurant.
- Price: Rooms start from €250 per night.
- Family-Friendly: Offers family suites and kids' activities.
- Address: Litous 11, Vouliagmeni 166 71
A Perfect Relaxation Day Wellness Itinerary
Here's a sample itinerary for a perfect relaxation day in Athens:
- Morning: Start your day with a yoga class at Athens Yoga near the Acropolis.
- Mid-day: Enjoy a healthy lunch at Avocado, followed by a stroll through the National Garden.
- Afternoon: Indulge in a massage at Aegeo Spas at Divani Caravel.
- Evening: Experience a sound bath meditation at the Holistic Center Athens.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about wellness in Athens: