Sun, sand and a sexy name: the world’s rivieras, from Italian to Redneck and even the South China Sea
- France’s Cote d’Azur might have the monopoly on riviera reveries, but there are plenty more coastlines on the ocean
- The English Riviera attracts the bucket-and-spade crowd while that of the South China Sea draws the hordes to Vietnam’s Nha Trang
Some words sound so much better in another language. Spain’s Costa Blanca merely means “white coast” and France’s Cote d’Azur translates as plain old “blue coast”. But few words have had more of an impact on the fortunes of beach destinations than the Italian for “coast”.
“Riviera” brings to mind a string of sunny seaside towns with palm trees, opulent hotels and a once gritty fishing port now transformed into a sleek marina where well-heeled locals rub shoulders with celebrity residents. Rivieras have an air of exclusivity. They’re stylish, sophisticated and displays of wealth are almost compulsory.
The South of France epitomises riviera chic but there are plenty of other candidates aiming to emulate Nice, Cannes and St Tropez.
Athenian Riviera
Visitors to Athens dutifully dash around the Acropolis at the end of their island-hopping holiday, almost as an afterthought. Few realise that 30 minutes south of the Greek capital is a picturesque region of seaside towns and sandy beaches; mountains, mineral lakes and archaeological ruins.
The Athenian Riviera is a 50km stretch of Saronic Gulf seashore that runs from glitzy Glyfada to windswept Cape Sounion. It features a corrugated coastline comprised of hidden coves and islets, and the same blue-green water that lures tourists to islands such as Rhodes and Mykonos. Yacht clubs, palm-lined promenades, swish hotels and manicured golf courses tick all the “riviera” boxes.
See and be seen at hip Astir Beach or leave the crowds behind at Vouliagmeni Lake, which is fed by silky thermal springs, or try your hand at windsurfing off Varkiza beach.