The great thing about Athens is that it’s the only european capital that is so close to some incredible tropical beaches within a 1 hour bus ride or drive and they are mostly located in the southern suburbs of the city. 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 noawadays called the “Athens Riviera“:
Athens has some impressive beaches in its southern suburbs close to Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, Vari, Saronida, Lagonissi and even Cape Sounion.
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They are all reachable with public transportation (buses and tram 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 apparently there are lots of nice sandy beaches across its coastline and are definitely worth your visit if you have the time. They have al been certified with a Blue Flag which means they have very clear waters and sand. Obviously you are still close in a 5 million people city so you should not expect them to be as pure and clear as in the greek islands but there is definitely 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 becauue of all the amenities that are around. Vouliagmeni beach is ticketed though (10 euros per adult – kids under 11 go free)
- When can you actually swim in the beaches near Athens: you can swim whenver 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 and 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 basically 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 andd what is actually included in the price
1. Kalamaki Beach (Edem)
2. Glyfada Beach
3. Voula Beach
4. Kavouri Beach
5. Vouliagmeni Beach
6. Vouliagmeni Lake
7. Varkiza Beach
8. Lomvarda Beach
9. Althea Beach
10. Eden Beach
11. Saronida Beach
12. Lagonissi Beach
13. Anavissos Beach
14. Mavro Lithari Beach
15. Palea Fokea Beach
16. Thimari Beach
17. Charakas Beach
18. Kape Beach
19. Legrena Beach
20. Sounion Beach
21. Porto Rafti Beach
22. Loutsa Beach
23. Pountazeza Beach
24. Schinias Beach
CONCLUSION
So, these are the best Beaches in Athens. If you only have time for one or two beaches then let those be Vouliagmeni or Saronida Beach. Both of them are extremely family friendly with beautiful golden sand, organized amenities and beach bars with fully equiped restaurants. Vouliagmeni is a ticketed beach but the ticket includes the price of the umbrella and the sunbed and of course free 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 under the sun. I highly recommend you rent a car if you want to explore the beaches of athens in more detail but I am not going to lie to you: Athens beaches are great for a daytrip while in the city but they 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.
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