The great thing about Athens is that it’s the only European capital close to some incredible tropical beaches within a 1-hour bus ride or drive, and they are mostly located in the city’s southern suburbs. If you are in Athens and you are looking to get some sun and sand, then this is the list of the best beaches in Athens, or what is nowadays called the “Athens Riviera“:
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They are all reachable with public transportation (buses and trams mainly), but you can also take a taxi or (even better) rent a car for one day or two and explore some of them at your own pace.
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So, the best beaches in Athens are:
- Kalamaki (Google Maps)
- Glyfada(Google Maps)
- Voula (Google Maps)
- Kavouri (Google Maps)
- Vouliagmeni (Google Maps)
- Vouliagmeni Lake (Google Maps)
- Varkiza (Google Maps)
- Lomvarda(Google Maps)
- Althea(Google Maps)
- Enten(Google Maps)
- Saronida (Google Maps)
- Lagonissi (Google Maps)
- Anavissos (Google Maps)
- Mavro Lithari (Google Maps)
- Palea Fokea(Google Maps)
- Thimari (Google Maps)
- Charakas (Google Maps)
- Kape (Google Maps)
- Legrena (Google Maps)
- Sounion (Google Maps)
- Porto Rafti (Google Maps)
- Loutsa– Artemis(Google Maps)
- Pountazeza(Google Maps)
- Schinias(Google Maps)
VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW
- Is it worth going to a beach in Athens? You may think that Athens is only for sightseeing, but there are lots of nice sandy beaches across its coastline that are worth visiting if you have the time. They have been certified with a Blue Flag, meaning they have very clear waters and sand. You are still close to a city of 5 million people, so you should not expect them to be as pure and clear as in the Greek islands, but there is nothing wrong with them.
- Best Beach in Athens: Many people consider Saronida the best beach near Athens, but honestly, they are all very good
- Best Beach for Families with kids in Athens: I believe that Vouliagmeni beach and Saronida beach are ideal for families because of all the amenities. Vouliagmeni beach is ticketed, though (10 euros per adult – kids under 11 go free)
- When can you swim on the beaches near Athens? You can swim whenever you feel comfortable, to be honest, but all beaches are at their best in June, July, August, and September, when the waters are very warm. The ambient temperatures are more than 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit). Bear in mind that Athens beaches are very busy during the weekends when Athenians visit them, but not that busy during the weekdays.
- Tickets: some of the beaches on this list have an entrance ticket, which is paying for your umbrella and sunbed (usually between 5-15 euros); please ask before you enter, and make it clear how much you have to pay before entering and what is included in the price
1. Kalamaki Beach (Edem)
Kalamaki Beach Information
2. Glyfada Beach
Glyfada Beach Information
3. Voula Beach
Voula Beach Information
4. Kavouri Beach
Kavouri Beach Information
5. Vouliagmeni Beach
Vouliagmeni Beach Information
6. Vouliagmeni Lake
Vouliagmeni Lake Information
7. Varkiza Beach
Varkiza Beach Information
8. Lomvarda Beach
Lomvarda Beach Information
9. Althea Beach
Althea Beach Information
10. Eden Beach
Eden Beach Information
11. Saronida Beach
Saronida Beach Information
12. Lagonissi Beach
Lagonissi Beach Information
13. Anavissos Beach
Anavissos Beach Information
14. Mavro Lithari Beach
Mavro Lithari Beach Information
15. Palea Fokea Beach
Palea Fokea Beach Information
16. Thimari Beach
Thimari Beach Information
17. Charakas Beach
Charakas Beach Information
18. Kape Beach
Kape Beach Information
19. Legrena Beach
Legrena Beach Information
20. Sounion Beach
Sounion Beach Information
21. Porto Rafti Beach
Porto Rafti Beach Information
22. Loutsa Beach
Loutsa Beach Information
23. Pountazeza Beach
Pountazeza Beach Information
24. Schinias Beach
Schinias Beach Information
CONCLUSION
These are the best Beaches in Athens. If you only have time for one or two beaches, choose Vouliagmeni or Saronida Beach.
Both are extremely family-friendly with beautiful golden sand, organized amenities, and beach bars with fully equipped restaurants. Vouliagmeni is a ticketed beach, but the ticket includes the price of the umbrella and sunbed, as well as unrestricted use of all amenities such as showers and changing kiosks.
The Athens Local Bus can take you to most of these beaches, but unfortunately, the buses in Athens can be unreliable, and they won’t drop you close to the beach sometimes, so you may have to walk in the sun. I highly recommend you rent a car to explore the beaches of Athens in more detail.
Still, I will not lie to you: Athens beaches are great for a day trip while in the city, but cannot be compared to the beaches on the Greek islands, which are much better and more impressive. The best beaches in Greece are mostly located on the Greek islands like Crete, Mykonos, Naxos or Kefalonia (Santorini is not on this list as it doesn’t have great beaches in my opinion and that’s common knowledge among Greeks), so you’d be better of in any of these islands in regards to beaches and beach life.
