Elliniko
Area, Quality of Life 2025
Location & Historical Background
Elliniko is located in the southern suburbs of Athens and borders Alimos, Argyroupoli, and Glyfada. Historically, the area was best known for the former Athens airport, which operated until 2001. Since then, the site has been transformed into the largest urban development project in Greece and one of the most significant in Europe — “The Ellinikon.” The project includes the creation of an extensive park, skyscrapers, marinas, commercial and cultural facilities, transforming the area into an international destination.
Nature and Green Spaces
The area already features several squares, playgrounds, and the Experience Park, which has opened its doors offering interactive spaces, walking paths, and outdoor activities. The under-construction Metropolitan Park of Elliniko, with over 1,000,000 plants, will provide a vast “green lung,” enhancing the microclimate and quality of life for residents.
Daily Life & Entertainment
Elliniko has a solid local market with cafes, bakeries, supermarkets, and convenience stores, mainly near Vouliagmenis Avenue and the metro station. The Alimos coastal zone, just minutes away, offers numerous bars, restaurants, and beach clubs. The development of the “Athenian Riviera” is bringing luxury facilities, such as the Marina Tower — the tallest skyscraper in the Mediterranean — and new entertainment options expected to reshape the area’s profile.
Transportation & Accessibility
Elliniko enjoys excellent connectivity to central Athens, Piraeus, and the southern suburbs, thanks to a combination of public transport and convenient road access. Its central location along Vouliagmenis Avenue and proximity to Poseidonos coastal avenue make it a strategic transport hub for residents, professionals, and visitors alike.
Metro (Line 2 – Red)
The “Elliniko” station is the southern terminal of Line 2 and serves as a key entry and exit point from the city.
Travel times:
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Athens City Center (Omonia): ~20 minutes direct, no transfers.
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Syntagma: ~23 minutes.
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Larissa Station (Central Railway Station): ~27 minutes with one transfer to Line 3.
The station’s operation has significantly boosted commercial and residential development, with further infrastructure upgrades planned for the future.
Buses & Urban Routes
The area is served by numerous bus lines covering various directions:
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A3: Elliniko – Akadimia (Athens city center) via Vouliagmenis Avenue.
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N962: Elliniko – Piraeus (night route), ideal for off-peak travel.
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122: Elliniko – Saronida (coastal route).
The network provides connections to neighboring municipalities (Alimos, Glyfada, Argyroupoli) as well as access to beaches, shopping centers, and hospitals.
Tram
Although the tram does not pass directly through Elliniko, the nearest stops are in Glyfada and Alimos, offering access to the entire southern coastal route up to Syntagma. Future extension plans may bring the tram closer to Elliniko’s new waterfront.
Road Access
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Vouliagmenis Avenue: Main artery connecting Elliniko to Syntagma (20–25 minutes off-peak) and to Mesogeia via Attiki Odos.
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Poseidonos Avenue: Quick access to coastal areas (Glyfada, Voula, Vouliagmeni, Sounio).
Elliniko’s location makes it ideal for those traveling frequently between the coast and the city center.
Access to Airport & Port
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Athens International Airport (El. Venizelos): ~35–40 minutes by car or ~50 minutes by metro (with transfer to Line 3).
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Port of Piraeus: ~20–25 minutes by car or ~35 minutes via metro (Lines 2 & 1).
Future Infrastructure Prospects
The progress of the Ellinikon project is expected to bring:
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Dedicated bus and shuttle routes linking the metro station to the waterfront and new points of interest.
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Road junction upgrades and creation of new pedestrianized corridors, easing traffic and reducing car dependency.
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Expansion of micromobility infrastructure (bike lanes, electric scooters).
Parking
Elliniko offers relatively easy parking compared to other areas of Athens:
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Residential side streets generally have free parking.
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Commercial areas (e.g., Vouliagmenis Ave) feature private parking lots and spaces near supermarkets.
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Around the metro station, demand rises in the morning due to park & ride use.
Education & Facilities
The area offers a full range of public schools, from kindergartens to high schools. Development plans include the establishment of high-level private schools (such as Costeas-Geitonas Schools and Athens College) within the former airport premises. In addition, proximity to major private clinics and shopping centers enhances daily convenience.
