Athens might be known for crumbling ruins, ancient gods and overpriced gyros… but underneath the Acropolis lies a pulsating (and often poorly lit) sex scene that’s as gritty as it is affordable.
From €15 quickies in the backstreets of Metaxourghio to full-service nuru massages with body oil and slippery promises, there’s a lot to discover in NSFW Athens.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly where and how the locals get their kicks, from the infamous Fylis Street brothels, to the sex clubs where Greek couples swing harder than the economy. This is the Athens you don’t see in the travel brochure.
Athens Adult Entertainment
Sex and Prostitution In Athens
Prostitution in Greece is fully legalised and regulated. As a result, Athens has a large number of state-registered, studio-style brothels where you can pay for sex. In addition, you can also pay for full service at erotic massage parlours.
The law on prostitution is restrictive and means that only unmarried women who are in good health (mental/physical) may register as prostitutes. They must also have the right to live and work in Greece.
In practice, most of the sex industry operates underground, with an estimated 1000 women officially licensed as sex workers, and an estimated 20,000+ working illegally. Many of these SWs come from overseas, with a large number from nearby Albania.
Likewise, for brothels, while they are legal, this is only the case in instances where they avoid a 200-meter distance from schools, churches and public buildings.
If you’ve ever been to Athens, you’ll know how problematic that could be!
Inevitably, this has led to reports of over 600 unlicensed brothels in Athens alone.
For a country where ancient courtesans were once state-sanctioned, modern Greek bureaucracy still hasn’t fully figured out where to let people shag for money. But at least the industry is legalised in theory.
Escort Industry
The Athens escort scene operates in two flavours: independent escorts and agency girls.
Some of the notable Athens based agencies we found include:
These tend to cater towards high-end companionship at premium rates. They have polished websites with glamour photos, discrete phone booking and multi-lingual operators.
Hourly rates typically €150 – €250+ for a GFE/PSE (Girl Friend Experience/Porn Star Experience) date, on par with other big European capitals.
The women are often foreign (Eastern European, Russian, Asian) mixed with some Greek pros, usually in their 20s and done up to the nines.
Meanwhile, independent escorts do a steady business on local classified sites and international directories.
They advertise on platforms like EuroGirlsEscort (939 listings), local-based Hellas Ladies (134 listings) and various Greek punter forums.
Many, of course, use social media or local ad boards in Greek (search term “συνοδός Αθήνα” yields a crap ton of escort ads from various corners of the web).
The independents are often cheaper than agencies (some starting at just €100/hour or offering quick 15-30min sessions for €50-€80). Websites like Bourdela.com are popular with the local punters, filled with reviews and intel on escorts and brothels.
Athens Brothels
Brothels are legal in Greece as long as they are state licensed and the women who work in them carry the relevant permits. These are known as ‘studios’ and are distinct from ‘brothels’ that are often unlicensed.
There are more women providing sex for sale than there are legal venues and you can find hundreds of small brothels throughout Athens which do not carry a license.
Illegal brothels tend to be in pretty run-down areas of the city and are in cheaply-let buildings. Prices are much lower but the facilities are often of a poor quality. Sometimes there are showers but, more often than not, many just have a basic sink.
There are two main areas of the city which are notorious for brothels; the Fylis Street area and the area around the Metaxourghio metro station. The latter has the cheaper end of the market and is more popular with locals than tourists. However, it is the area around Fylis Street which is seen as the ‘seedier’ side of the city.
Athens Social Atlas has this interesting visual breakdown of brothels by area within the city:
These two zones are where the punters go brothel-hopping: literally strolling door to door until a lit doorway, often with a number but no name, catches their eye.
Interestingly, the Fylis area brothels tend to charge double what the Metaxourgeio ones do.
Legally, these houses are supposed to have permits, but “almost all operate illegally” due to zoning rules.
Athenian brothels are typically single-woman operations: one girl on shift (sometimes two), managed by a mamasan (a middle-aged “madam” who collects the cash).
You enter a waiting room, the madam beckons the girl to come say hello (or you peek into the lit doorway to see who’s on). Service is usually a wham-bam 10-15 minute session in a tiny bedroom off the hall. Standard price is remarkably low… a legacy of Greece’s financial crisis. In 2012, the average brothel session was €40; by 2017 it plunged to about €15-20.
Today, prices have gone back up, but Athens remains one of the cheapest places in Europe for brothel sex.
These days, besides the old-school brothels (often just referred to as “ta bourdela” by locals), Athens has a newer breed called “studios.”
Don’t be confused – here “studio” doesn’t mean a photographer’s loft or Pilates class. It’s the euphemism for a higher-end brothel or massage house. Studios usually have a neon “Studio [Street Number]” sign, which is generally suggestive of a more upscale setup (and higher prices as a result).
The following studios are (or were) fully licensed and legal to use. Some may have closed down or changed ownership over the years, so be sure to check the various punter boards for local reviews before arriving!
- Studio Liforos, 296 Syggrou Avenue, Athens
- Kassandra’s Studio 1, Kassandras 8, Athens 104 47
- Studio Desire, Thisseos 40, Kallithea 176 76
- Studio Illusion, Krokeon 6, Athens 104 42
- Studio Caroline, Katechaki 5, Athens 115 25
- Studio de Paris, Athinon 204, Athens 104 42
- Liosia 73A, Liosion 73, Athens 104 40
- Triggeta 3, Tringeta 3, Athens 117 45
Red Light Districts
Athens doesn’t have a single contained “red light district”, instead, punters get the two brothel areas above, plus some street action in other pockets.
Street prostitution is technically illegal (soliciting in public is banned), but enforcement is really quite lax unless there are trafficking concerns.
Based on the most recent intel, the city’s street walkers fall into distinct groups by area:
- Omonia Square: Seriously dodgy after dark, full of Eastern European or ex-Soviet ladies in their 30s-40s.
- Skoufa Street, Kolonaki: In the posh Kolonaki district, you’d think only champagne and designer heels rule – but after midnight, you might notice a few older, not-so-glamorous women lingering on Skoufa and side streets. These are normally Greek hookers searching for potential punters leaving bars late at night.
- Theatre Square, Psirri: Near Psirri, it’s mostly African sex workers from Nigeria or Ghana. A notoriously seedy part of town in the early hours.
- Syngrou Avenue: Late at night, parts of Syngrou (especially around abandoned lots or underpasses) become the turf of transgender prostitutes. This scene has been around for ages, dating back to the 1980s.
Outside of these areas, street prostitution is less common in Athens than in some other cities.
In all cases, it’s strongly recommended that punters stay off the streets. There are several risks attached, including the obvious scams, as well as shockingly low condom-use among street workers. HIV outbreaks have been a real problem in the past.
The Price of Sex in Athens
One of the most striking things about Athens’ sex market is just how low the prices are compared to Western Europe. It’s quite shocking.
Years of economic hardship drove prices down sharply. And while we’re seeing signs of a revival, tied to the Greek economy’s wider fortunes, the oldest trade in the world is still dirt cheap.
- Brothels: As we mentioned, €15-20 is standard for a basic session in many brothels. Some low-end brothels or street arrangements can be as little as €10. Higher-end studios: €40-100 depending on service. Even compared to nearby countries, Athens is cheap.
- Escort / Independent: A “tourist-priced” agency escort typically asks €150 per hour (some agencies have 2 hour minimums around €250-€300). Top models or porn-star types quote around €200-€300/hour. Independent escorts often start around €120/hour and may do quick 30-minute visits for €80-€100.
- Erotic massage parlours: Many of the “massage” spots have set fees like €50-€70/hour for a nude body-to-body massage with happy ending. FS will bump that beyond €100.
- Street hookers: We see all kinds of reports across Reddit and Punterland, but it’s generally accepted that sub-€50 is the norm.
Erotic Massage Shops
Due to the profusion of licensed studios and brothels for sex, erotic massage parlours tend not to provide full service.
Unlike other European countries where massage parlours exist to provide a legitimate front for sex work, these establishments often just provide a massage treatment with some element of happy ending. This could be a tantric and erotic body rub or a specialist service such as prostate, nuru or lingham.
The massage parlours vary from truly skilled masseuses who will unknot your back and then “unknot” other things, to sloppy operations where the goal is just to get you off quickly.
There are truly too many parlours to list here, but you can find many of them advertising on the local escort boards.
Sex Clubs In Athens
Athens has a handful of choices for swinging clubs and sex parties. It’s fairly sedate compared to some of the major European hubs, but check out…
Nirvana Swingers Club
Archanon 335 & Nirvana Street, Athens 111 45
https://www.nirvanaswingerclub.com
A club for open-minded couples, Nirvana has been open since 2006.
Nirvana is the swinger hangout in Athens, known for its themed parties and open-minded atmosphere. It’s a couples-oriented club (single men have limited entry, typically only on certain days or with steep fees, to keep the male/female ratio balanced).
Couples pay an entry fee (€30-€50) and then can enjoy a nightclub-like space with a dance floor, erotic shows, and playrooms available for the extra-curricular fun. Ages range 30s to 50s mostly; the occasional younger couple.
The venue is more like a nightclub than a swingers club.
There is also a second ‘club within a club’ above Nirvana called the Bikini Room. This area extends the playtime after the Nirvana bar has closed. It has gloryholes, a group play zone with huge bed and shower facilities. A giant TV screens pornography to maintain an erotic ambience throughout the evening.
2 Plus 2
Dervenakion 18, Piraeus, Athens
Situated about 10km to the west of the city centre, 2 Plus 2 is located in the port town of Piraeus.
Owned by a Greek-German, the club is considered one of the best in the country and is a good size. The main space is a large bar with plenty of seating and a big dance floor. There are lots of play spaces with comfortable beds and facilities, all of which are modern, clean and well maintained.
They styled themselves as a swinger club/hotel where couples could meet and even stay overnight. It’s a bit more under the radar.
The venue can host up to 100 people with the majority of guests being aged between 30 and 50.
If you’re in Athens and part of the lifestyle community, asking around on swinger forums, SDC or FetLife might get you invites to smaller private meetups as well.
What about sex parties and fetish meet-ups?
Well, one long-running club is Underworld… not a sex club per se, but a fetish/goth dance club (formerly in Exarchia area, now relocated). It hosts extreme electro-industrial parties where latex, leather, and whip accessories are all common attire.
No, you won’t find public orgies there, but you may well find a dom whipping their sub in a corner or a live fetish show on stage!
For gay travelers, Athens has a couple of “backroom” gay clubs and saunas. Check out Flex Sauna and Attraxx club (a top cruising spot).
Athens Strip Clubs
For such a small city Athens has a huge number of strip clubs with most offering topless shows, table and lap dancing.
Athens operates a ‘champagne system’ whereby the girls spend time with you in exchange for you buying drinks. Of course, the drinks are at inflated prices so be prepared to face a big bar bill.
Caissa
Sygrou 237, Nea Smirni 171 21
The Caissa is a modern strip club situated about 7km to the south west of the city in an area known as Nea Smirni. There is a full programme of entertainment including some kinky live shows and nude dancing.
Previously known as the ‘Cotton Club Sex Theatre’, the Caissa has a good reputation. However, there are some visitors who seem to have fallen foul of the ‘champagne’ drinks system.
Drinks prices start from €10 but many are priced at €30 and above so be wary of what you order particularly if you are buying a drink for one of the dancers!
Kinky Opera
Sygrou 154, Kallithea 176 71
Situated on the same road as Caissa, but about 1km closer to the city is Athens’ first modern-day, erotic theatre, the Kinky Opera. They offer a free taxi service to pick you up from your hotel as well as limousine hire for any special events.
They offer a good range of erotic and kinky shows with talented pole dancers, and the girls don’t have a reputation for being too pushy.
The venue is stylish and modern with a great bar and lounge area.
Alcatraz
Leof. Andrea Siggrou 137, Nea Smirni 171 21
Further on up the same road and you will find, Alcatraz, a mixed gender erotic dance club. A selection of male and female dancers perform sexy routines on stage and are also available for private dances.
Most of the women here are Russian or Eastern European so don’t expect to see many Greek goddesses on stage.
Drinks are, again, pricey with typical costs being around €30. Dances also don’t come cheap and a nude one-to-one performance will cost €100.
Toys
Triptolemou 12 Athens, 118 54
Also known as the Toy Room, this strip club is a few minutes’ walk from the Kerameikos metro station in the heart of the capital.
Opened in 2017, it’s an elegant club with a modern design and is well-liked by locals as well as tourists. They do operate a ‘champagne’ style system so bottles are about €70 but you can get a beer for €10.
Guests can enjoy a free strip tease with their first drink as well as take advantage of their daily drinks specials.
Legends Men’s Club
Seneka 3, Kifisia 145 64
Slightly further out, the Legend Men’s Club near Gazi is a popular spot for younger crowds and often has party nights drawing in the stag-type crowds.
The venue can put on limo transfers for group bookings, and has a regular stream of offers promoted on the website (including a unique “1 drink + 1 dance €10 deal” – we bet that’s pretty quick!)
Athens Queens
Leof. Athinon 250, Chaidari 124 61
Highlights of their weekly entertainment include the live sex show featuring Greek porn stars Inna and Teo. Inna also stars in the lesbian show as well as taking part in the “daily dildo” show.
Yep, things get pretty spicy here!
It’s one of the more famous clubs in Greece with a long history for providing great service, epic stage shows, and some good-looking performers (both local and overseas).
Local Sex Shops and Adult Stores
There are dozens of sex shops in Athens, earning it a reputation for being a ‘sexcropolis’.
Most sell a basic range of bedroom basics and sexy accessories but some specialise in more niche items.
Some notable stores to check out include:
Megalove Shop
Domokou 4, Athina 104 40
As the name implies, a mega selection.
Their store near Larissis Station (Domokou 4) is well-known and even does online orders. You can walk in and find everything from vibrators and dildos to BDSM gear and sexy lingerie.
Prices are reasonable; many products imported from Europe.
Amor Sex Shop
Leof. Andrea Siggrou 102, Athina 117 41
This store is located right in that mini red light stretch. It’s been a staple for locals; you’ll spot the bright red signage easily while cruising down Syngrou.
This is your traditional all-encompassing sex shop, with a large variety of fetish-wear, bedroom accessories, condoms, lubes and kinky toys. It’s open 11 to 11.
Aroma
Leof. El. Venizelou 295, Kallithea 176 74
A bit off the main drag, but well worth the detour. Aroma is a large, multi-level sex emporium with a huge inventory… think vibrators, lingerie, BDSM toys, dildos in every material known to humankind, plus a dedicated couples section.
Prices are fair and they have rotating promos on lube bundles and rechargeable toys. Open late most nights.
Other Notable Adult Attractions
What other NSFW attractions might you find in Athens?
Here are a few extras…
Sex Toy Vending Machines
Yes, you read that right.
A handful of late-night sex toy vending machines have popped up around Athens… usually in discreet spots near universities or party districts. You’ll find condoms, mini-vibes, lube, cock rings, and the occasional novelty gag gift, all dispensed like a Kit Kat. Try the one reportedly outside a periptero (kiosk) on Acharnon Street.
Love Hotels & Hourly Rooms
If your Airbnb has thin walls and a grumpy host, Athens offers plenty of short-stay “love hotels” for a quick shag session.
- Xcite Hotel Chain – They have multiple locations (Kifissia, Nea Filadelfeia, Glyfada).
This is the go-to option for themed rooms, mirrors on ceilings, mood lighting and hourly rates. Rooms usually €25–€40 for 3 hours. Some even have in-room sex furniture (if you know what to ask for). Clean, discreet and often with underground parking… vital if discretion is a must.
Fetish & Kink Workshops
Athens hosts a few BDSM-themed workshops or events, normally via Fetlife or Telegram groups. Past events have included:
- Rope play tutorials
- Impact play demos
- Latex fashion nights
These are low-key, semi-private affairs (usually BYO gear and RSVP only). If you’re kinky and social, join the Greek FetLife community or find an event via Bloody Pleasures.
Drag & Queer Cabaret Shows
The queer nightlife in Athens is vibrant… especially around Gazi, which has become the LGBTQ+ hub.
Reports suggest these are the places to go:
- Sodade2 Club – The top mainstream gay/lesbian club with drag shows and late-night debauchery.
- Shamone – Crazy popular and campy cabaret bar with themed shows.
- BeQueer – A newer venue hosting queer parties, looks to be gaining a following fast.
Are there any great adult services or attractions in Athens that we’ve missed?
Drop us your reccos and reviews!