These stretches of sand in western Attica have a kind of magnetism, pulling in folks from every walk of life on weekends and even on weekday afternoons when the grind winds down. They come to swap the hustle for the hush, to dive into the azure depths or simply lose themselves in a book with the scent of the sea in their nostrils. The best part? The journey is easy as pie, no monster traffic, and plenty of choices for a splash or a bite.
Alepochori
Begin your beach escapade at 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 the afternoon. Trust us, you’ll want to witness the sunset that drenches the sky in a riot of purples and sets the Corinthian Gulf ablaze. The ride from Athens covers about 63 km and takes an hour. You’ll need to fork out €4.2 for return tolls, and petrol costs will hover around the €20 mark.
Got a rumbling stomach? Pull up a chair at Meltemi (Alkionidon Avenue, Alepochori beach, Tel. 22960 52850). Their terrace, right on the water’s edge, offers some astounding views. And the menu includes a veritable banquet of seafood, meat, and some surprising culinary twists. For another taste of seaside dining, there’s “Paralia” (Alepochori Port, Tel. 22960 51310), also known as “Tzavaras,” a taverna that pulls no punches in delivering the freshest catch of the day, right on the beach.
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 and a beach that could be mistaken for a compact island. 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 km journey on the provincial road of Megara-Alepochori will take you to Schinos, which should take about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
For a memorable meal, check out the Alkyoni taverna (Schinos, Tel. 6989 688601). They serve up a medley of fresh seafood and traditional home-cooked dishes. If a summer cocktail is what you’re after, then Cariocas (Schinos Beach, Tel. 27440 57179) is the spot for you. Their calendar is chock-full of summer events from movie screenings to DJ sets and karaoke nights. Even the cocktails pay homage to local landmarks.
Psatha
Next up is Psatha. A quick 5-minute drive northeast from Alepochori and you’re there. This expansive beach covers 2.5 km and caters to every whim. Whether you want a vibrant beach bar or a quiet spot under the trees, Psatha has got you covered. And its name? That comes from the abundant aquatic plants, especially the reed called “psathi” used to make local “psathas (wicker).”
To reach Psatha from Athens, you’re looking at a 66 km drive along the Megara-Alepochori road, which should take about an hour. If you’re feeling peckish, Angelos (Tel. 22960 52852) has got you covered with its beachside location and a mouth-watering selection of fresh seafood.
Porto Germeno
Last but not least, Porto Germeno offers a quintet of beaches, each flaunting pristine waters. The crowd favourite is the “middle beach,” a pebbly delight with generous shade from tamarisks. Prosili follows closely, with its fine pebbles and tamarisks reaching out to the sea.
The food here won’t disappoint, either. Marabou (Tel. 22630 41301) is famous for its fresh fish, while Mihalis’ Kaiki (Tel. 22630 41808) offers an elevated dining experience overlooking the sea.
To get to Porto Germeno from Athens, take the National Road of Eleusis-Thebes and expect to cover the 62 km in about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Read also:
KAPE: A Gorgeous Beach Oasis Near Athens
Mikri Hamolia: A beach with turquoise waters only 50 minutes from central Athens
Colourful underwater worlds of Pothitos, Pothitaki, islets just off the wider Athens area
