The European Earthquake Monitoring Centre recorded the quake's epicentre at 22 km northwest of the Greek capital city.
Reuters reported that people were running from buildings in panic while high rise towers had been evacuated.
This is believed to be the first earthquake to hit Athens since the deadly one in 1999 - which left 143 people dead, 700 injured and 70,000 buildings damaged.
There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage and reports say the tremors did not last long.

Nigeria confirms Ebola case in patient who arrived from Uganda
France calm under night curfews as government awaits new weekend protests
Zelenskyy to meet Witkoff as Trump praises Russia and rebukes Ukraine
Indian voters declared dead fight to get back on electoral rolls
At least four killed in floods in eastern Spain
