Athens’ Best Beaches: Island Vibes Without the Boat Ride

Astir Beach delivers a high-end beach experience, ranking as a prime location for summer swims in Athens. Located in Vouliagmeni, a chic southern suburb, it offers top-tier services, including complimentary WiFi and reservable, roomy sun-loungers. Visitors can indulge in a selection of coffees, ice creams, and various refreshments. This luxury comes with a fee: approximately 60 euros on weekdays and 100 euros on weekends at the door, or 80 euros on weekdays and 160 euros on weekends if you pre-book online. Prebooking is advised due to its popularity.

Vouliagmeni

Akti Vouliagmenis

If you want to have the comforts of a serviced beach and not go too far from Athens for your first swim of the season, then this popular beach of the Athenian Riviera is probably an ideal choice. This blue flag beach combines clear waters with top-notch facilities. You can come here to enjoy a carefree day with your family or friends, since there’s a large sandy beach, a lawn, a playground, and a tennis and volley court. Akti has a ramp to facilitate people with mobility issues, as well as accessible toilets. They have dedicated parking space, a doctor’s office, lifeguards, changing rooms and showers. At the canteen, you’ll find anything you need. Akti Vouliagmenis is probably the best choice for the first swim of a family with small children.

Vouliagmeni

Limanakia Vouliagemnis

Limanakia in Vouliagmeni is not exactly a beach and perhaps this is its greatest advantage for a first swim. Here, you enter the sea with a reviving splash by diving off rocks into the deep waters. A series of small bays between Vouliagmeni and Varkiza is known collectively as Limanakia. The most popular one is the second, that also has a beach bar that stays open in the evening, and wooden platforms that are perfect for sunbathing. The water is, again, crystal clear and one of the best seas in Attica, making you forget you’re just 40 minutes away from the centre of Athens, and just a two-to-three-minute walk downhill from the busy seaside avenue.

Vouliagmeni

Lake Vouliagmeni

This unique coastal formation, near the sea, is a large (for Athens) lake with saltwater fed from underground currents. The water remains shallow near the sunbeds but deepens significantly at the opposite end. Often warmer than the sea, at around 36 degrees Celsius, the lake is a top-rated destination especially in winter, spring and autumn because of its warm, curative waters. It’s peaceful and perfect for those who prefer places without loud music and huge crowds. The lake has its own facilities such as an all-day bar, a restaurant, changing rooms, showers, and full wheelchair access. Evenings are charming, with illuminated rock walls and gentle music enhancing the tranquil waters and cocktails and dinner served.

Vouliagmeni

Kavouri

In the Vouliagmeni suburb lies Kavouri, a charming peninsula dotted with pine trees and upscale villas. Megalo Kavouri, the western coast’s highlight, is the favorite spot for swimmers, offering both organized sunbed rentals and free areas. The beach’s open space often buzzes with the lively Greek pastime of beach paddle ball. With its sandy shores and long stretches of shallow water, Kavouri is perfect for a leisurely swim. Refreshment stands ensure you’re never far from a cool drink or snack.

Vouliagmeni

Thalassea

Voula, located in a southern suburb of Athens, is a great swimming spot, a sandy beach with several amenities and reasonable prices for sunbed rentals and drinks. In summer, you may find yourself at a beach party or a live performance by notable Greek singers.

Voula

Yabanaki Varkiza

Varkiza Resort, often called Yabanaki, is a beach park located in the southern suburb of Varkiza. It provides a variety of dining options, from coffee and refreshments to fast food and seafood meze with ouzo. The park also offers numerous water sports such as waterskiing, banana boating, paddleboarding, and windsurfing lessons. Afternoons feature a supervised children’s play area with large bouncy castles.

Varkiza

Edem

Edem, the nearest beach to Athens’ city center, stretches along the boundary between Palio Faliro and Alimos. This organized sandy beach often attracts crowds due to its central location. The area is popular not only with swimmers but also with those strolling along the seafront promenade, which leads to two smaller beaches. Along the way, you’ll find a large pavement chessboard where locals enjoy games in the warm weather and sea breeze. The beach is easily accessible from downtown via the tram, stopping at Edem.

Palio Faliro

Agios Petros

Agios Petros (Saint Peter’s) in Sounio, southeast of Athens, offers a unique experience with a beautiful view of the stunning ancient Temple of Poseidon, set within a national park. Located just 68 kilometers from Athens, the drive takes about one hour and fifteen minutes, or a maximum of two hours in heavy traffic. Look for the direction sign near Sounion, just past the Grand Hotel in Legraina. The waters here are crystal clear and typically calm, thanks to the natural protection from the winds. The beach is generally not crowded but popular with boat owners who anchor near the rocky islet of Archi. It is not organized, so bring your own umbrella and water.

Sounio

KAPE

KAPE beach, located near Legrena and just before Sounio, is named after the Centre for Renewable Energy Sources (KAPE in Greek). The beach features a shoreline of pebbles and fine gravel against striking turquoise waters, and offers limited natural shade, except for some rock-formed caves to the left, so bring an umbrella. KAPE feels like a secluded island escape within the Aegean Sea, with a peaceful view of the uninhabited islet of Patroklos. Access to the beach involves a descent of about 100 steps, which is manageable but requires care. A kiosk at the start of the path is the last chance to purchase water and essentials. The beach has no bars, shops, or sunbeds, which adds to its unspoiled charm.

Legrena

Daskalio

Just 50 kilometers from the center of Athens, Daskalio is one of the seaside villages in Keratea. It consists of three small bays, the first two have sun beds and beach bars, but even so, many people choose to spread their towels on the sand. The waters are clear and not too deep, something that makes it popular with families. During the summer weekends it gets crowded but it’s a great choice if you’re after clear, clean waters, green surroundings and a place to grab a bite or drink. Going swimming here can also be combined with a trip to Lavrio with the lovely neoclassical buildings and the great food options.

Keratea

TIP:

To the southwest of Keratea, on the south side of Mount Keratovouni and at an altitude of 548 meters, you’ll find the Keratea cave. The two-level cave is divided into three long parallel sections by stalactites and stalagmites. Small water pools with clear waters enhance its spectacular appearance. One of the caves, once visited by Philhellene poet Lord Byron has been named after him. The ‘Cave of Kitsos’ owes its name to a legendary robber who used it as a hideout with his criminal gang of six.

Asimakis

Located between Sounio and Lavrio, this beach offers a clean, sandy stretch perfect for relaxation. While there are no beach umbrellas, a nearby restaurant and cafe provide refreshments. It’s approximately a 1-hour drive from Athens, making it a convenient and peaceful retreat.

Sounio

Prosili, Porto Germeno

Porto Germeno is actually not one beach but four. To arrive there, you’ll need to cross the Elikonas fir forest, which unfortunately was affected by wildfires in recent years. The road to Porto Germeno has many turns, but it’s worth it. Families usually choose one of the first three beaches: Mesea, Agios Nikolaos or Kentriki, because they are more spacious. But we think it’s worth going all the way to Prosili. The beach is not particularly large so you may not get a great spot, but as soon as you’re in the water, you’ll see why it was worth going the distance. It’s clean and clear, if a bit cold. Meanwhile, the beach and the sea bottom are covered in small pebbles which means strong winds won’t affect you, though, strong winds are rare here.

Porto Germano

Flampouro

Flampouro is a beautiful 150-meter beach with fine pebbles and sand, relatively unknown even to Athenians, ensuring it remains relatively uncrowded even in summer. The beach is surrounded by lush greenery and has clear blue waters of the Corinthian Gulf. Just six kilometers from Loutraki and a 1.5-hour drive from Athens, it has both organized areas with umbrellas and sunbeds, and space for personal setups. It’s sheltered from strong winds, with shallow waters perfect for families with young children, and the sunsets are stunning.

Skaloma

St. Nicholas

In just under 50 minutes from central Athens, heading towards Anavyssos on the Athens-Sounio highway via Palaia Fokaia, you’ll discover the hidden gem of St Nicholas beach. Located beneath the School of Tourism Professions, this beach isn’t visible from the road but is easy to find. The wide sandy beach and blue-emerald sea are reminiscent of Bella Vraka in Syvota or Balos in Crete. In July and August weekends, the beach gets very busy, so early arrival is recommended. Choose between the organized beach, the unorganized section, or a secluded cove for naturists across the hill. Sturdy footwear is advised due to rocky terrain.

Anavissos

Alepochori

Begin your beach escapade in Alepochori, right on the cusp of Attica and Corinth. An expansive, pebbly beach awaits, scattered with sunbeds and umbrellas but with enough breathing room to stake your spot. Time your visit for early in the morning or the afternoon if you can, and ideally the latter; Trust us, you’ll want to witness a sunset that drenches the sky in a riot of purples and sets the Corinthian Gulf ablaze. The drive from Athens covers about 63 kilometers and takes around an hour.

Alepochori

Schinos

Steer westward from Alepochori, and in about 15 minutes you’ll find yourself at Schinos beach. Despite its relative obscurity, it’s a slice of paradise in its own right, featuring clear, shallow waters. There’s usually ample parking and you can plant your umbrella or grab a sunbed at a beach club. Past Schinos is Alkyoni beach – a more tranquil affair with a handful of umbrellas. A 77 kilometers journey on the provincial road of Megara-Alepochori will take you to Schinos, which should take about one hour and twenty minutes.

Alepochori

Psatha

A quick five-minute drive northeast of Alepochori town and you’re there. Catering to every whim, this expansive beach stretches for 2.5 kilometers. Whether you are in the mood for a lively beach bar or a quiet spot under the trees, Psatha has it all. And its name? It comes from the abundant aquatic plants, especially the reed called ‘psathi’, which is used to make local ‘psathas’ (basketry). To get to Psatha from Athens, it’s a 66 kilometer drive along the Megara-Alepochori road, which should take about an hour.

Alepochori

Schinias (Marathon)

One of the most popular summer spots for Athenians, Schinias has a shallow and sandy coastline, and thanks to its location it is sheltered from the summer Meltemi winds. It’s an idyllic spot for families with young children. It offers both organized and free-roaming areas.

Marathonas

Nea Makri

Located 25 kilometers northeast of Athens is a coastal town on the Aegean Sea known for its well-organized beaches and clean waters. Beaches in this area are equipped with amenities like umbrellas, sunbeds and showers, making them popular with locals and tourists. Within easy reach of Athens by KTEL bus or by car (approximately 45 minutes), Nea Makri also has a picturesque promenade ideal for walking and jogging.

Nea Makri