29.10.2026
Living in Corfu Year-Round: The Basics Before Buying a House
Corfu is a well-known island in Greece, particularly popular as a vacation destination, but it’s much more than that.
Regional Guides
Athens has a handful of neighbourhoods that are consistently the most admired places to live, prized for their elegance, greenery, and sense of calm in a big city. Centrally, that's Kolonaki, beneath Mount Lycabettus. To the north, the leafy suburbs of Kifisia, Psychiko, and Ekali. Each has its own character, but they share good schools, handsome architecture, and a settled, desirable feel. Here's what sets them apart, and what to know if you're thinking of buying in one.
Kolonaki
Set beneath Mount Lycabettus in the heart of the city, Kolonaki has been Athens' most prestigious central address for over a century. Its appeal is the mix of culture and elegant living: tree-lined streets, neoclassical buildings alongside smart modern apartments, and some of the city's best boutiques, galleries, and restaurants on the doorstep. Homes range from restored 19th-century buildings to contemporary penthouses with views across the city. Space is limited and there's little room for new building, so prices sit at the top of the central market. It suits buyers who want to be in the middle of everything, with character and culture all around.
Kifisia
In the northern suburbs, Kifisia offers a gentler, greener alternative to the dense centre, while staying well connected. It's known for its tree-lined avenues, villas with gardens, and plenty of green space. It's especially popular with families, thanks to good international schools, upscale shopping, and a relaxed pace. Properties include substantial family homes on generous plots, modern apartments, and some gated developments. A metro link keeps the city centre within easy reach, which makes it practical as well as pleasant.
Psychiko and Neo Psychiko
These neighbouring districts are among the quietest and most exclusive parts of Athens, planned as low-density, green residential areas and home to many embassies and international schools. The feel is one of privacy and calm: handsome houses set in landscaped gardens, with careful planning rules that have preserved the character over the years. The mix of greenery, security, and proximity to international schools and business districts appeals particularly to families and those relocating from abroad.
Ekali
Further north, Ekali is one of the city's most spacious and private suburbs, known for larger properties set in their own grounds and a leafy, country feel. Its club culture, centred on the well-known Ekali Club, gives it a sociable, community side too. Homes here tend to be sizeable, with gardens and a real sense of seclusion, suiting buyers who want space and quiet within reach of the city.
What They Have in Common
A few threads run through all of them.
Location and Connections
Whether central like Kolonaki or suburban like Kifisia, each keeps the city within easy reach.
Green space and calm
Trees, gardens, and a quieter atmosphere set these areas apart from the dense centre.
Schools
Access to good international and private schools is a major draw for families. Lasting appeal. Limited supply of quality homes and steady demand mean these areas have long held their character and their value, though as always, treat future value as an expectation rather than a guarantee.
Why Elxis?
We've been guiding international property buyers to find their ideal house in Greece since 1991, with support right across the country. With Elxis, you get:
An in-house team of 10 lawyers, not outsourced work
Full due diligence on every property: titles, the National Cadastre, tax, and any outstanding obligations
Contract drafting and management of the whole transaction
Everything explained in your own language: English, Dutch, German, French, or Greek
A trusted network across Greece: notaries, surveyors, viewing teams, and technical specialists
Conclusion
Athens' most sought-after neighbourhoods each offer something distinct: central elegance in Kolonaki, leafy family living in Kifisia, quiet exclusivity in Psychiko, and spacious seclusion in Ekali. What they share is character, greenery, good schools, and easy access to the city. Which suits you depends on whether you want to be in the heart of Athens or in the calm of its greener suburbs.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. For any issues relating to specific cases, we recommend consulting a lawyer, an accountant, or a notary depending on your needs.
