Best Shopping Trip from Athens: Smart Park & Designer Outlet Athens
If you’re spending your vacation in Artemida (or in Athens) and after a few days of beach time you start craving a change of scenery, the idea of a short shopping trip comes up very naturally. Artemida is a quiet, laid-back seaside town, focused mainly on relaxation by the sea, so you won’t find large shopping centers there. Local shops, cafés, and beachfront tavernas work perfectly well for everyday needs, but they don’t offer a wide selection or the kind of facilities many people expect during a longer stay.
At moments like this, many travelers look for a place where they can do bigger shopping in comfortable conditions, enjoy air-conditioned interiors, and spend a few hours away from the beach. The good news is that you don’t have to go far or plan an all-day excursion. Just a short drive is enough to find yourself in a completely different, more urban environment.
Spata: the best shopping centers near Athens
Spata is an attractive destination not only for visitors staying in Artemida, but also for tourists spending their holidays in Athens. The drive from downtown Athens usually takes about 30 - 40 minutes by car or taxi, making Spata an ideal choice for a half-day shopping trip away from the crowded city center. Importantly, visitors staying in Athens can also plan this trip using public transportation. From central Athens, simply take Metro Line M3 toward the airport to Doukissis Plakentias station, then transfer to bus line 319, which runs through Spata and stops near Smart Park and Designer Outlet Athens.
From Artemida, the shopping centers can be reached in about 10 minutes by car or taxi. Thanks to its convenient location, Spata offers an easy alternative to shopping in central Athens and is a great way to change scenery and take a break from sightseeing.
Smart Park: the closest major shopping center to Artemida
The nearest shopping destination from Artemida is Smart Park, often considered the most convenient mall for visitors staying in this seaside area. Smart Park is very different from a traditional enclosed shopping mall. It was designed as an open-air complex with wide walkways, greenery, and plenty of natural light.
This layout makes shopping far less tiring, even during the summer months when temperatures are high. Visiting Smart Park feels more like taking a relaxed walk than spending time in a typical mall. It’s also extremely practical for anyone vacationing in Artemida. You can take care of several things in one trip - do your main shopping, enjoy a meal, grab a good coffee, and simply take a break from the beach sun.
Shops, supermarket, and dining at Smart Park
One of the key features of Smart Park is the large Sklavenitis supermarket, which is very popular with locals. It’s an ideal place for grocery shopping, especially if you’re staying in a rental apartment and cooking for yourself. In addition to the supermarket, there are many well-known clothing, sportswear, and shoe brands, making it easy to refresh your wardrobe or buy practical items for your vacation.
The complex also features an open-air cinema and a wide range of dining options. You’ll find small cafés perfect for a quick break during the day, as well as restaurants where you can sit down for a relaxed lunch or dinner.
Getting from Artemida to Smart Park and parking
Getting from Artemida to Smart Park is quick and straightforward. By car or taxi, the trip usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on traffic. There is a large, free parking area on site, which makes visiting especially convenient during the busy summer season. Thanks to its proximity to Athens airport, Smart Park is also a popular stop either just before departure or right after arriving in Greece.
Designer Outlet Athens: the largest outlet in Greece
Just a few minutes’ walk from Smart Park is Designer Outlet Athens, previously known as McArthurGlen, the largest outlet shopping center in Greece. For years, it has attracted not only tourists but also residents of Athens and the surrounding areas, especially during seasonal sales. The outlet is designed like an elegant open-air village, with streets, squares, and open spaces. This creates a relaxed shopping experience without the rush and crowds, perfectly matching a vacation mood.
Brand shopping in Spata: what you’ll find at Designer Outlet Athens
Designer Outlet Athens offers a wide selection of premium and sports brands. Year-round, you can find collections from well-known manufacturers at prices significantly lower than in regular retail stores. It’s an excellent place to buy quality clothing, shoes, and accessories without overspending. For many visitors, the outlet is one of the main reasons to plan a shopping trip to Spata while staying in Artemida.
Discounts at Designer Outlet Athens are available throughout the year, and during major sale periods prices can be especially attractive. The outlet also has cafés and restaurants, making it easy to take a break and relax in pleasant surroundings.
Is Spata worth the trip?
For many people, the answer is a clear yes. The short drive, wide selection of stores, and the ability to combine shopping with relaxation make Spata one of the most popular shopping destinations for travelers staying near Athens. It works equally well for a quick trip or a leisurely afternoon away from the beach. With Smart Park and Designer Outlet Athens located right next to each other, Spata has become one of the most important shopping hubs for locals and visitors alike. In one place, you can take care of everyday shopping and, just minutes later, enjoy the world of great brand deals.
