Attica Beaches

Geographically, historically, and inevitably, Attica and Athens are intrinsically linked with the sea.

The Attica basin boasts numerous beaches where Athenians and tourists alike can seek refuge and enjoy a swim during the summer months.

The majority of these beaches feature sand, while others are shingle. The waters are clean, and many areas have been certified by the European Union.

Organised beaches are fewer than the free ones, with the former being renowned for their services and the latter for their picturesque charm.

Quieter beaches are usually preferred by families and older individuals, though, of course, there's no strict rule.

There are plenty of nearby destinations in Athens to cool off, and they're sure to cater to all tastes!

 

Attica Beaches

Vouliagmeni Beach: Located approximately 15 km from the city centre, this is a beautiful, organised beach.

It features a bar, restaurant, cafes, and sports facilities. Additionally, it is accessible to people with mobility issues. It can be reached by bus lines 114, 116, 340, E22.

 

Lake Vouliagmeni: Lake Vouliagmeni is an excellent alternative for a summer swim.

It's about 12 km from the centre and is a very pleasant location. The waters are usually warm.

It is equipped with umbrellas and sun loungers. It also has a cafe and a hydrotherapy unit.

The bus lines serving the area are 114, 116, G1, E22.

 

Agia Marina Beach (Porto Rafti): Located in Porto Rafti, 30 km from Athens, it can be reached by intercity bus (KTEL) from Pedion tou Areos.

It's worth the journey because it is a particularly picturesque sandy beach. It is not organised, but there are restaurants and tavernas in the area for dining.

 

Agios Kosmas Beach: This is a very well-known sandy beach, located quite close to the city centre.

It is organised with sun loungers, umbrellas, and other services. Visitors can use the tram for transportation.

 

Agios Nikolaos Beach, Artemida: In the area of Loutsa, approximately 32 km from the centre, lies the beautiful Agios Nikolaos beach.

It is not particularly organised, but there is a bar, and visitors can rent windsurfs. The beach can be reached by car.

 

Agion Apostolon Beach (Oropos)

It is located in Oropos. It's a shingle beach with clean waters. It is organised and accessible by intercity bus (KTEL).

 

Alimos Beach: This is the closest beach (8 km) to the city centre. It is located along the coastal road and is organised.

Sun loungers are free on weekdays, while on weekends they cost approximately 7€. Due to its short distance, it attracts many people. It can be visited by tram.

 

Anavyssos Beach

The beach in Anavyssos, in front of the Eden Hotel, is particularly well-organised and offers many services.

There is a playground, entertainment room, beach volleyball and French ball courts, and changing rooms.

It is also considered a paradise for surfers. It is approximately 47 km away and can be reached by car or intercity bus (KTEL).

 

Astir Beach Vouliagmeni

This is one of the best and most beloved beaches in Attica.

It has been awarded the Blue Flag by the European Union. Located approximately 20 km from Athens, it is an organised beach.

There are opportunities for sports such as water skiing, jet-skiing, sailing, and windsurfing. It also has a newsstand and a first aid station. It is considered one of the more expensive beaches.

The bus lines serving the area are 114, 116, 340, E22.

 

Asteria Beach Glyfada: In the Glyfada area, approximately 20 km south of Athens and very close to Glyfada's centre, lies a sandy beach. It is organised and very popular.

It features a water park, volleyball and football pitches, and water volleyball. Parking is free. It can also be visited by bus lines E22, 114, 116, 147, E1, E2, A1, A2.

 

Avlaki Beach (Porto Rafti): Located in the Porto Rafti area, approximately 30 km from Athens. It is an organised beach with umbrellas and sun loungers. It has a basketball court and a bar.

In the area, there are restaurants, tavernas, and fast food establishments. It can be reached by intercity bus (KTEL), which departs from Pedion tou Areos.

 

Varkiza Beach: In the Varkiza area, approximately 25 km south of Athens, there is an organised sandy beach.

The European Union has certified the cleanliness of its waters with the Blue Flag.

Visitors have the option to play mini-football, and children can spend time in the playground.

There are also bars, a restaurant, a first aid station, and a lifeguard unit. It can be reached by bus lines 115, 116, 125, 340, 171.

 

Erotospilia Beach (Porto Rafti)

Located in the Porto Rafti area, approximately 30 km from Athens. It is a small cove with sand, rocks, and caves. It is not an organised beach, but there is a snack bar.

It attracts the most people on weekends. It can be visited by intercity bus (KTEL).

 

Zoumberi Beach (Nea Makri): Located in Nea Makri, approximately 35 km from Athens. The beach is very popular.

There is a football pitch and beach volleyball, as well as opportunities for water sports like diving. For dining, nearby fish tavernas are available. The area is served by KTEL bus routes.

 

Kakia Thalassa Beach (Keratea): The beach is organised with sun loungers, umbrellas, changing rooms, and showers. It has a restaurant, and other tavernas are nearby. It can be visited by intercity bus (KTEL).

 

Kalamos Beach: This is a relatively quiet beach that doesn't attract many people. The sea is clean, and there is sand.

The beach is free, and there are several restaurants and tavernas in the area for dining. It can be reached by intercity bus (KTEL) or by car.

 

Lagonisi Beach

It is approximately 35 km from the centre and has received Blue Flag certification from the European Union.

The public section of Lagonisi beach is part of the Grand Resort Lagonissi Hotel. The beach is sandy and organised.

Many services are offered, making it a rather expensive beach. It is accessible to people with mobility issues.

Parking is charged, but it is preferable to go by car. Intercity bus (KTEL) routes also operate.

 

Legrena Beach: Located near Sounio, approximately 60 km from the city centre.

It is very popular during the summer months. It has sand and is not organised. Nearby, there are tavernas for dining.

The area is served by intercity bus (KTEL).

 

Marikes Beach, (Rafina): This is a sandy beach in the Rafina area. It is approximately 32 km from the centre.

Few services are offered. There is a bar and a volleyball court. The area is served by intercity bus (KTEL) from Ethniki Amyna station.

 

Nea Palatia Beach (Oropos): Located in Oropos. This is an organised beach. It has shingle rather than sand.

It can be reached by intercity bus (KTEL).

 

Nea Makri Beach: This is an organised beach with umbrellas, sun loungers, showers, and swimming platforms. Intercity bus (KTEL) routes run from Pedion tou Areos.

 

Sesi Beach (Marathon): It is a sandy beach in Marathon. It is not organised. It attracts quite a lot of people on weekends. If you don't have a car, the intercity bus (KTEL) is available.

 

Psatha Beach

This is a beach in the area before Porto Germeno. It is approximately 2 km long and about 66 km from Athens. It is not an organised beach. It can be reached by intercity bus (KTEL).

 

Voula A' and B' Beaches: Located approximately 17 km from the city centre. They are considered among the most popular beaches, both due to their proximity and beauty.

They feature large sandy expanses and are organised. Among the services offered is the opportunity for visitors to engage in water sports.

There are bars, a restaurant, changing rooms, beach volleyball and football courts, and waterslides. Specifically, Beach A' has been awarded the Blue Flag by the European Union.

The area is served by bus lines A1, E1, E1Θ, E2Θ, 114, 115, 116, 138, 149, 162, 163.

 

Kavouri Beaches: In Kavouri, approximately 10 km from the centre, there are picturesque coves with sandy beaches for swimming. These beaches are free and attract a fair number of people.

There are also many cafes, refreshment stands, and mezedopoleia (tavernas serving small dishes). The area is served by bus lines E1Θ, E2Θ, 114, 115, 116, 138, 149, 340.

 

Porto Germeno Beaches: Porto Germeno is approximately 60 minutes from Athens. The beaches are clean with large sandy and shingle areas.

They attract many people despite the longer distances.

There are also opportunities for water sports. For dining, visitors can head to the nearby fish tavernas. The area is served by intercity bus (KTEL), but it is preferable to go by car.

 

Schinias - Karavi Beaches (Marathon): In the Marathon area, you'll find Schinias Beach and Karavi Beach.

These are among the most favourite destinations for swimming in Attica. They are located approximately 43 km north of Athens and are organised with umbrellas, sun loungers, a bar, a restaurant, and other services.

They are suitable for water sports. There are also football and beach volleyball courts. On some days, bungee jumping is available. Intercity bus (KTEL) routes serve the area.

 

General Information:

If you have your own transport or if you intend to rent a car to go swimming, it's preferable to choose a more remote beach.

If you wish to enjoy your swim on a quiet beach, avoid those very close to Athens.

Greeks don't visit the beaches early in the morning. Peak hours are from midday onwards. If you want to avoid traffic and crowds, set off for the beach early in the morning.

Prefer weekdays. Most people go to the beach on weekends.

Wherever you choose to go, factor in the journey time, departure time, and traffic conditions.

On organised beaches, the services provided are quite expensive. Entrance fees range from 4€ to 10€. Umbrella rental costs approximately 5€ and sun lounger rental 4€. Parking may also be charged.

Near many free beaches, there are bars or canteens.

Canteens and refreshment stands on both organised and unorganised beaches often have inflated prices for their products. A bottle of water can sell for up to 2€. The same applies to coffee (4-8€), sandwiches (3.50€-6€), and ice creams.

Bus and tram routes are quite frequent in summer. Intercity bus (KTEL) routes are not as dense. Before you set off, check for route schedules and prices.