The Athenian Riviera resort is No.27 in the 2026 World's 50 Best Hotels list, with a redesigned Zolotas Beach and new Avra cocktail menu.
A peninsula hotel recognised once more
Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens has been placed at No. 27 in The World's 50 Best Hotels for 2026, its second consecutive appearance on the list. The 15 September announcement adds another chapter to a waterfront property whose history as a Riviera landmark predates its reopening under Four Seasons in 2019.
The resort occupies a pine-covered peninsula around a half-hour drive from central Athens, creating a contrast between beachside seclusion and the city's historic sites. The ranking is an external hospitality distinction rather than a claim that the hotel has gained a new marina or yacht berth.
A beach with a new visual identity
This year the hotel has reintroduced Zolotas Beach with a design by Athens-born creative Rianna Kounou of RIANNA + NINA. Her work combines colour, patterns and references to summers spent at the property, while the beachfront food offering centres on Greek cooking over fire.
Avra has also developed a sensory-led cocktail menu through its mixology laboratory, adding another recent change to the established restaurant and bar collection. For a visiting guest, these are specific new experiences rather than simply a fresh award for an unchanged property.
Rooms, restaurants and city access
Astir Palace lists 303 rooms and suites, three private beaches, two pools and dining choices that include the Michelin-starred Pelagos as well as Taverna 37, Mercato and Avra. That breadth allows a stay to alternate time ashore with excursions to Athens and the Saronic coast.
The 50 Best Hotels list is determined by votes from a hospitality and travel academy, according to the hotel. Rankings reflect the organiser's methodology and should not be confused with a quantitative audit of every room or activity.
Planning a yacht-and-city itinerary
The Athenian Riviera can work as an arrival or departure point for guests beginning a Greek islands cruise, but a hotel reservation and a yacht's marina arrangements remain separate. Transport and access to the resort's beach facilities should be confirmed with the property before arrival.
The official release supplies the dated ranking and exact property image. It also documents this year's beach and bar changes, giving the story a current basis beyond the hotel name.