When we think of Athens, the first thing that comes to mind is usually the Acropolis, Plaka and Monastiraki. What many forget, is that Athens is very close to the sea and that there are plenty of options for swimming.
You don’t have to travel to an island to spend a few relaxing moments by the sea. From Paleo Faliro and Glyfada to Vouliagmeni, Varkiza and Anavyssos, Attica has some of the best beaches near Athens. Some beaches are ideal for a quick dip, while others are worth combining with a day trip. In this article, you will learn about some of the best beaches near Athens, what you will find at each of them and what is the easiest way to get there.
Eden Beach
Eden Beach is located in Paleo Faliro and is one of the first beaches you come across as you leave Athens and head south. The big advantage is mainly its location. If you live in the center of Athens and want to take a walk along the beach and combine your swim with food, it is a very good choice. The area is connected to the center by tram, while the route along the beach is particularly beautiful in the afternoon and at sunset. We recommend the beach and this place in general, more as a spot for a walk near the sea and to enjoy the sunset, since there are other better beaches purely for swimming.
Ideal for: a quick escape from the center, a walk and a sunset.
Glyfada Beaches
A little further south is Glyfada, one of the most famous areas of the Athens Riviera. Along the coast there are different spots where you can swim, while the area has many cafes, restaurants and shops. Glyfada is a great choice for those who don’t just want to take a dip, but also want to combine swimming with a full day out. There are some of the best beaches near Athens along the coast, as well as more organized options. Glyfada is also one of the coastal areas that you can reach by tram or bus from Athens.
Ideal for: swimming, eating, shopping and an afternoon stroll.
Voula
Continuing a little further south and immediately after Glyfada, you reach Voula. Here the beaches start to have more of the image that a tourist probably has in mind when thinking of summer in Greece. In Voula there are organized beaches with sun loungers and beach bars, but also beaches for those who prefer something simpler. Another advantage is that Voula is very close to Glyfada. So you can easily visit both areas in the same day. The coastal route from Glyfada to Voula is one of the places where the true character of the Athenian Riviera begins to appear.
Ideal for: organized beach and relaxed day out.
Kavouri
If you continue your route towards Vouliagmeni, you will come across Kavouri. For us, it is one of the areas that is most worth seeing. The landscape changes quite a bit. Pine trees, small bays, clear waters and places where you can stop without necessarily going to an organized beach bar. There is also a pedestrian walkway right next to the sea, so you can combine swimming with walking. Kavouri is essentially part of Vouliagmeni and includes smaller bays and places to swim. If you have a little time at your disposal and want to choose one or two areas for swimming near Athens, then Kavouri deserves to be on your list.
Ideal for: couples, relaxed swimming and a beautiful coastal route.
Vouliagmeni
Vouliagmeni is one of the most famous areas south of Athens and for good reason. There are options for every taste here, as you can choose between some of the best beaches near Athens, find an unorganized spot or simply spend your day strolling by the sea and eating at one of the restaurants in the area. One of the most famous spots is Vouliagmeni Beach, an organized municipal beach in a very beautiful bay. There are also several different spots for free swimming around Vouliagmeni. If you only have one day available to see the sea near Athens, Vouliagmeni is one of the safest options.
Ideal for: full-day excursions, couples, families and those who want many options in the same area.
Lake Vouliagmeni
Although it is technically not a beach, we could not write such an article without including Lake Vouliagmeni. The lake is surrounded by high cliffs and is located almost next to the sea in a natural landscape that will impress you. Its waters come from underground springs and maintain a constant temperature all year round. That is why it is ideal for swimming even in periods when the sea is cold. It is a different experience than a normal day at the beach and you can combine it with Vouliagmeni and Kavouri.
Ideal for: something different, relaxation and a visit outside the classic summer season.
Vouliagmeni’s Limanakia
Just after Vouliagmeni, on the road to Varkiza, are the well known Limanakia. Here, you should not expect a sandy beach, umbrellas and sun loungers. In Limanakia you will find small rocky coves with deep and clear waters. It is a spot that is particularly loved by the locals and has a very different atmosphere from the organized beaches in the area. It requires more attention to access and is not necessarily the best choice for a family with young children or for someone who wants comfort and sun loungers. However, if you want something more special, it is worth keeping in mind. Limanakia is located in the area between Vouliagmeni and Varkiza and is accessed from the coastal road.
Ideal for: groups, good swimmers and those looking for a more authentic landscape.
Varkiza
After Vouliagmeni and Limanakia you reach Varkiza. The area is a very good choice if you want to spend several hours at the sea. There are organized and non-organized options, while around the area you will find several places for coffee or food. Especially if you have your own means, a good idea is not to choose just one beach. For example, you can start from Kavouri or Vouliagmeni, make a stop at Limanakia and continue to Varkiza. This is also one of the most beautiful coastal routes near Athens.
Ideal for: all-day swimming, company and a combination of sea and food.
Lagonisi
From Lagonisi onwards you start to move quite far from the center of Athens. But this has its advantages. There are several small bays and beaches in the area and you feel more like you have gone on an excursion somewhere, rather than being in a southern suburb of Athens. If your goal is to leave in the morning and return in the afternoon or evening, Lagonisi is a good choice. We would not recommend it so much to someone who has a few hours available. For a whole day, however, it is worth it.
Ideal for: day trips and those who want to get away from the most crowded areas.
Anavyssos
If you are willing to go even further, continue towards Anavyssos and Palaia Fokaia. Here the route becomes part of the excursion, since the coastal road is next to the sea and allows you to stop wherever you like. Anavyssos is known for its long beach, while the area has many options for swimming and eating. If you start early, you can continue to Sounio and end your day with the sunset at the Temple of Poseidon.
Ideal for: full-day excursion and those who want to explore more of the Athenian coastline.
How to get to the beaches of Athens?
There are several ways and the best option depends mainly on where you want to go.
By tram and bus
For the closest beaches, especially to Paleo Faliro, Glyfada and Voula, public transport is an economical solution. If you want to go to a specific beach and then return, it may serve you well. However, if you want to go to Vouliagmeni, Varkiza and even further south, the journeys become more difficult and require time.
By taxi
Taxi is easy and comfortable, especially if you are two or more people and you share the cost. The disadvantage is that if you want to make many stops along the coastal road, the total cost will be high.
By car
With a car you can easily get to even the most distant beaches. The main problem, especially on summer weekends, is traffic and parking at the most famous beaches near Athens.
By scooter
For someone who already knows how to ride a bike, a scooter is the best option for the beach. You can stop at more places and usually find a parking space immediately compared to a car. This way, you can explore the entire Athenian Riviera with ease.
