Nea Smyrni
Area Overview, Quality of Life 2025
Location & Historical Background
Nea Smyrni is located in the southern suburbs of Athens, bordering Neos Kosmos to the north, Agios Dimitrios to the east, Palaio Faliro to the south, and Kallithea to the west. It is an area with a rich history, established as a refugee settlement after the Asia Minor Catastrophe. In 1928, it had only 210 inhabitants, whereas today it is one of the most vibrant and bustling suburbs of the city.
Nature & Green Spaces
Despite significant urban development, Nea Smyrni offers important green spaces, with the most notable being the Nea Smyrni Grove, located near the central Square, featuring walking paths, playgrounds, and relaxation areas. The neighborhoods are dotted with many squares and small parks, enhancing residents’ quality of life.
Daily Life & Entertainment
The heart of Nea Smyrni beats in its central Square, which hosts a wide array of cafés, bars, and restaurants, attracting primarily a younger crowd but also families. Surrounding streets, such as Eleftheriou Venizelou Avenue, are home to supermarkets, retail stores, and various services. The area is well-known for its nightlife, while its proximity to both central Athens and the southern coast expands leisure and entertainment options.
Transportation & Accessibility
Nea Smyrni offers a variety of public transport options ensuring easy access to central Athens, Piraeus, and the southern suburbs.
Tram
Connects the area with the city center and coastal areas (Moschato, Palaio Faliro, Alimos, Glyfada).
Nearby stops for the Grove: “Agia Fotini” and “Aigaiou.”
Municipal Transport – Connection to Neos Kosmos Metro
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Upper Line & Lower Line: Nea Smyrni ↔ Neos Kosmos Metro Station
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Local Circular Route within the area
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Around 13 daily routes per line (7 for the circular route)
Buses
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To Central Athens: 106, 130, 218, 219, 816, as well as Lower Line 2
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To Piraeus: 130 (circular), 218, or tram with transfer
Distances
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To Syntagma: ~6.5 km (20–25 min by public transport, ~1 hr on foot)
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To Piraeus: ~7.4 km (25–30 min by public transport, ~1.5 hrs on foot)
Parking
On-street parking is limited, especially near the Square and commercial streets. Demand increases significantly during peak hours, but there are some private parking lots and spaces in side streets offering easier access.
Education & Infrastructure
Nea Smyrni offers a full network of high-quality public and private schools. In total, there are 11 public primary schools, 9 junior high schools (including the Model Gymnasium of the Evangeliki School), and 8 high schools (including the Model Experimental Lyceum of the Evangeliki School). The area also has sports facilities, cultural centers, and easy access to healthcare services.
