Athens is not only a city rich in history and culture, but also a great starting point for discovering beautiful beaches within easy reach of the city centre. During the summer months, when temperatures in the Greek capital easily reach 35°C, a trip to the beach becomes almost a necessity. Fortunately, Athens‘ geographical location offers easy access to numerous bathing shores in less than an hour’s drive. The Attic coast, which stretches over 100 km around the capital, is dotted with hidden coves, wide sandy bays and organised seaside resorts.
The Athenian Riviera, which stretches south of the city, is particularly renowned for its clean waters and well-developed tourist infrastructure. Not to be outdone are the islands of the Saronic Gulf, easily accessible by frequent ferries from the port of Piraeus, which offer some of the most beautiful and unspoilt beaches in the region. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day on an organised beach or an adventure in crystal-clear waters away from the crowds, you’re sure to find the perfect option within easy reach of Athens.
The Athenian Riviera, which stretches from Faliro to Cape Sounion, is the beach destination par excellence for the capital’s inhabitants and for tourists wishing to combine a cultural visit with a few days at the beach. Here you will find beaches to suit all tastes, from the mundane and well-equipped to relatively wild coves.
Astir Beach is considered one of the most elegant and well-organised beaches in the whole of Attica. Situated on the Vouliagmeni peninsula, some 25 km from the centre of Athens, this private beach offers a bathing experience of the highest standard. The fine golden sand, regularly cleaned, and the crystal-clear waters with a gently sloping seabed make it ideal also for families with children.
There is an entrance fee, but the price includes sunbeds, parasols and quality services. Within the complex you will find restaurants, bars, showers, changing rooms and security personnel. The level of service is far superior to other beaches in the area, with sunbed service and the possibility of reserving private cabanas.
For those seeking an even more exclusive experience, Astir Beach also hosts a beach club that is very popular with the international clientele. The ambience is sophisticated and carefully designed, perfect for those who do not want to compromise on comfort even during a day at the beach. It is advisable to book in advance, especially on summer weekends, through the official Astir Beach website.
About 30 km from the centre of Athens, Varkiza Beach (also known as Yabanaki Beach) is one of Attica’s most popular beach destinations. Unlike Astir Beach, Varkiza offers both an organised paid and a free area, making it accessible to all budgets.
The paid part, the Varkiza Resort, has sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, changing rooms and a variety of dining options. The entrance fee is lower than at Astir Beach and often includes a sunbed and umbrella. The beach is characterised by fine sand mixed with small pebbles and the sea is usually calm and transparent.
Varkiza Beach is particularly popular with water sports enthusiasts thanks to the centre that offers equipment for windsurfing, kitesurfing, paddle boarding and water skiing. For the more adventurous, there is also a wakeboard park with cables. Constant winds, especially in the afternoon, make it a favourite destination for windsurfers in the region.
In the immediate vicinity of the beach are numerous fish restaurants serving fresh local catch. It is easily accessible by bus from Athens airport or the city centre. On summer weekends it can get very crowded, so it is advisable to arrive early.
Glyfada Beach is located just 15 km from the centre of Athens, in the heart of the suburb of the same name that is considered one of the most elegant in the capital. It is one of the most convenient options for those staying in the city and wanting a quick dip without straying too far.
The coast of Glyfada has several beaches, some free and some organised. The organised areas offer sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bars and restaurants with more affordable prices on average than the beaches of Vouliagmeni. The water quality is good, although it does not reach the levels of the beaches further south.
Besides the sea, Glyfada is known for its lively nightlife and shopping. After a day in the sun, you can explore the many shops, restaurants and clubs that make this suburb one of the most dynamic in the Athens metropolitan area. The area is well connected to the centre of the capital by tram, which follows the coastline and offers beautiful views.
The beach is particularly popular with young Athenians and can get very crowded during the summer months, especially on weekends. For those seeking a bit more tranquillity, it is advisable to visit it during weekdays or opt for the beaches further south.
Continuing along the coast, about 40 km from Athens, is Lagonissi Beach, another gem of the Athenian Riviera. This area is home to numerous small coves and beaches, both free and private, with crystal-clear waters that have nothing to envy from the Greek islands.
The Lagonissi area is known for the Grand Resort, a luxury hotel that also runs an exclusive private beach. However, there are several public beaches accessible to all, characterised by golden sand and clear waters ideal for snorkelling. Some of these small bays are relatively unknown to tourists and offer a more relaxed atmosphere than the more central beaches.
The area is particularly popular with families due to its gently sloping seabed and generally calm waters. The surrounding area is less developed than Glyfada or Vouliagmeni, offering a more authentic and peaceful experience.
To reach Lagonissi, it is advisable to rent a car or use the KTEL buses that leave from the Pedion Areos station in Athens. The area has several fish restaurants serving local specialities at reasonable prices, perfect to round off a day at the beach.
At the southern end of Attica, about 70 km from Athens, is the beautiful beach of Cape Sounion, located just below the iconic Temple of Poseidon. This combination of crystal-clear sea and archaeology creates one of the most striking settings in the whole of Greece.
The main beach is a sheltered bay with turquoise waters and a sandy seabed. It is not particularly large, but the water is exceptionally clear and the view, dominated by the temple high up on the cliff, is incomparable. There are also other smaller, more secluded coves nearby that can be reached on foot via short paths.
The real added value of this destination is the possibility of combining bathing and culture, visiting the magnificent Temple of Poseidon, which dates back to the 5th century BC. The ideal time to visit the archaeological site is at sunset, when the golden light illuminates the ancient columns creating an unforgettable spectacle.
There are a number of restaurants in the area serving fresh fish and traditional Greek dishes, many of which offer panoramic terraces with views of the temple and the sea. To reach Cape Sounion, you can rent a car (the coastal road is very scenic) or take one of the KTEL buses that depart regularly from Athens.
The islands of the Saronic Gulf offer some of the most beautiful beaches that can be reached from Athens in a day. With frequent ferry connections from the port of Piraeus, these islands are a perfect escape from the urban hustle and bustle.
Aegina, just a 40-minute ferry ride from Piraeus, is the most easily accessible island from Athens and is home to several enchanting beaches. The island, rich in history and tradition, is famous for pistachio production and is a popular destination for Athenians for weekend trips.
The beach of Agia Marina, on the east coast, is one of the most popular in Aegina. It is a long stretch of fine, golden sand with crystal-clear waters. It is well organised with sunbeds, umbrellas, taverns and water sports facilities. Also nearby is the impressive Temple of Aphaia, one of the best preserved in Greece.
Other notable beaches include Marathonas, a small bay with calm waters perfect for families, and Perdika, a picturesque fishing village with small coves nearby. For those seeking tranquillity, the beaches at the southern end of the island, such as Portes, offer a more relaxed and less touristy atmosphere.
Aegina is ideal for a day trip, but also deserves a longer stay. The island has a good selection of hotels and flats, especially in the main town and the Agia Marina area. Ferries to Aegina depart regularly from Piraeus, with frequent runs throughout the day, especially in summer.
A few minutes by ferry from Aegina is the small island of Agistri, a true paradise of turquoise waters and pine forests reaching down to the sea. With an area of only 14 km², Agistri is a hidden gem that is still relatively unknown to international tourists.
The beach of Chalikiada is considered the most beautiful on the island: a bay of white pebbles and incredibly transparent waters, surrounded by a dense pine forest. It is not equipped, so it is perfect for those seeking a more natural and peaceful experience.
For those who prefer comfort, the beaches of Skala and Megalochori offer full facilities with sunbeds, umbrellas and beach tavernas. Both have clear waters and are suitable for families due to their gently sloping seabed.
Agistri can be reached by ferries and hydrofoils from Piraeus, with a stopover in Aegina. The crossing takes about an hour in total. The island is so small that you can easily explore it on foot, by bicycle or with the local minibuses that connect the main villages and beaches.
A little further away but still perfectly accessible for a day trip, Poros is about an hour’s hydrofoil ride from Piraeus. This verdant island, separated from the Peloponnese by a narrow channel, offers a more relaxed and authentic atmosphere than the more touristy destinations.
Love Bay beach is a small cove surrounded by pine trees, with crystal-clear waters and a romantic atmosphere that justifies its name. It is partially organised but retains a natural and peaceful character.
Askeli is the largest and best-equipped beach on the island, with a long stretch of sand and pebbles. Here you will find several hotels, restaurants and water sports facilities. Its location, a short distance from the main town, makes it easily accessible.
For snorkelling enthusiasts, Russian Bay offers clear waters and a seabed rich in marine life. This beach is named after the Russian fleet that docked there in the 19th century and is accessible via a scenic path.
Poros has a more relaxed character than Aegina, with an atmosphere reminiscent of traditional Greek islands. Ferries and hydrofoils to Poros depart regularly from Piraeus, especially during the summer season.
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