VOULIAGMENI FROM ANTIQUITY TILL TODAY

:: The legend
At the beaches of Saronicos bay, 24 km south of the city of Athens and from the preclassical years till today, the ancient Demos of Aexonidon Alon - the today's Vouliagmeni keeps thriving and developing.

The legend binds with an unbroken historical link the beautiful city of Vouliagmeni to the Cyclades Islands, the sacred Delos and the birth of the Olympian Gods.

According to the historian Pausanias, the young Titan Leto, pregnant with the children of Zeus, father of Gods, and hunted by the jealous Hera was desperately searching for a place where she could give birth to them. During the pursuit and uncomfortable from the pains, Leto throws her belt over the sandy and full of pine trees thin strip of land with the beautiful beaches on both its sides, the region known today as Lemos of Vouliagmeni.

The area will be named 'Zostir' (Belt) after Leto's garment, with a second explanation offered again by Pausanias and referring to the weapons that Apollo put in his belt in order to protect his mother. 

:: A brief history of Vouliagmeni 
The exquisite beaches of the city had long attracted human activity since the early historical years. The 'Makra Akra' (Long Edge), as the peninsula of Lemos was characteristically known, was one of the areas of Attica where the archaeological excavations brought into the light many remains of human settlements during the end of the Neolithic Period (3.000 bC.)

Human presence becomes even more prominent during the next centuries, as the archeological findings at Mikro Kavouri reveal several Proto-Hellenic settlements and some quantities of obsidian, a hard volcanic stone that can be found only in the islands of Milos and Nissyros. These findings reveal a maritime communication with these islands, at least 4.500 years ago. 

:: The City today 
Vouliagmeni is the only really green suburb that is situated at the beaches of Saronikos. Surrounded by hills that are full of pine trees and end to exquisite, sandy seashores and the clear blue sea, it is a source of life and recreation for its citizens and visitors.

The main goal of the Municipal Authority is the protection of the natural beauty and the green areas of Vouliagmeni, so that its unique physiognomy and excellent environment can be preserved. With the help of a systematic planning the city is constantly enriched with parks, beautiful orchards, functional playgrounds, pedestrian zones and contemporary infrastructures.

In the general framework of the undertaking of the Olympic Games and in view of its natural milieu and the suitability of its infrastructures, Vouliagmeni has been chosen to host two Olympic Games, the Triathlon and the Cycling - Individual Timing.

:: The beaches
They begin at the sandy shores of Aghios Nikolaos of Pallon, they continue towards the Megalo Kavouri, around the Lemos and the bay of central Vouliagmeni, and end to the Limanakia, the small gulfs at the other side of the lake, at the timeless landscape of Attica, the Faskomilia region.

The beaches of Vouliagmeni are quite clear, and because of this they have been awarded with the blue flag of the F.E.E.E. (Foundation for the Environmental Education in Europe).

Hotels in the Area:

	ARION RESORT AND SPA - THE LUXURY COLLECTION Arion Astir Palace is the hallmark of exclusivity. The hotel features a prestigious, club atmosphere, in contemporary surroundings enhanced by spectacular views of the sea. The Astir Palace is located on the elegant "Vouliagmeni" area just 25 km from the centre of Athens and 24 km from the Internati.
	WESTIN NAFSIKA HOTEL RESORT ATHENS An ultra modern hotel that captures the beauty of an elegant seaside resort and provides a world-class business venue. State-of-the art conference center, a wide range of business services, luxuriously spacious rooms and suites, an Olympic size pool, fine dining restaurants and trendy lounge bars ma