By Maria Alexiou
Athens' deep blue waters are rarely seen on trips to the city; instead, its archaeological sites are usually prioritized over any sandy ones. That makes sense – a visit to the Acropolis, the charming Plaka, and a few of the city’s museums would wrap up your stay. Furthermore, it seems sense to prioritize Crete, Mykonos, or Santorini over Athens when considering Greek beaches. However, leaving the ocean-dipping to a Greek island vacation would be a grave mistake in a capital lapped by the Aegean Sea. After a long day of intense sightseeing, retreat to one of the top beaches on the Athenian coastlines from this list.
Free entrance beaches
Glyfada
You will notice the “Glyfada” sign on your right as you travel along the coastal highway to Glyfada. Make a right turn and begin your parking search. There are a few stones along the shoreline of the broad, sandy beach. There is a lifeguard on duty and free straw umbrellas, though sadly not enough for everyone. On Sundays, a lot of people visit the beach, where vendors sell beer and soft drinks as well as, frequently, ice cream. There is another, less crowded beach 500 meters further along the same road.
Mikro Kavouri
Turn right at the “Kavouri” sign as soon as you pass the Voula beach. There are two sandy beaches to the right of the Divani Hotel and three more to the left as you face the ocean. Families will love these shallow waters, and the staff at the nearby coffee shops will be happy to take your order.
Megalo Kavouri
For families with small children, Megalo Kavouri's shallow waters are a popular destination. The beach is surrounded by a large number of cafes, restaurants and bars, and its flat sand makes it ideal for strolls in the dusk and tanning. Skip the weekend visits to this beach if you want a more sedate, less congested experience.
Mavro Lithari
Many people are surprised to learn that Mavro Lithari allows free access to its white sand beach and crystal-clear blue waters. Keep in mind that getting to this beach by car or taxi can often be more efficient because it is not easily accessible by public transportation.
Sounio
Sounion is totally free and open to the public. It is bounded by the Cape of Sounio, which protrudes into the Aegean Sea at the end of the Attican peninsula. This is about as far away from Athens as you can go without a boat, only a few hundred meters from the magnificent archaeological site known as the Temple of Poseidon and 70 kilometers from the city. The Temple of Poseidon, which is visible from the beach, is what distinguishes Sounion from the other beaches on this list. It gives you the impression that you are taking in both sunlight and Greek culture.
Limanakia
A rocky outcrop with a view of the ocean, Limanakia is a well-liked hangout for LGBTQIA+ people and people in the nude. You can walk there from Vouliagmeni.
Legrena
Legrena has a long stretch of unorganized coast close to the Temple of Poseidon. Legrena is nearly deserted during the week, though the beaches can get crowded on weekends. Locals enjoy sipping cocktails at the surrounding restaurants while staring out to sea, and naturists relish tanning in the nude at Legrena's shingle-style KAPE beach.
Ramnounta
The beach at Ramnounta, east of Marathon, is an ancient site encircled by ongoing excavation projects (which are closed to the public). Its secluded pebble beaches and azure waters provide the ideal setting for unwinding. Although Ramnounta is a popular destination for naturists and couples in Athens, it is undoubtedly hard to find.
KAPE, Legrena
Turn right at the sign that reads “KAPE Property” on the road leading to Sounio, immediately after the settlement of Harakas and before Legrena. After a short distance on the dirt road, park. If this is your first visit, especially during the week when it's not too busy, you'll undoubtedly be perplexed as to how a beautiful beach like this can be found only an hour's drive from Athens' downtown. Looking out to sea, there's another beach that's open to nudists on the right. Don't forget to pack supplies.
Althea (Skalakia, Agia Marina), Koropi
This little bay, which is located at the start of the Municipality of Kropia right after Varkiza, is sure to impress. It has a slight Cycladic feel to it. You'll descend a short flight of stairs to reach the beach. Remember to bring supplies with you!
Erotospilia, Porto Rafti
Situated just one kilometer from Porto Rafti, there's a sandy beach with rocks, tree-shaded areas and little caves. If you're not a fan of crowds, stay away from this beach on weekends. Additionally, there's a packed beach bar.
Alepochori and Psatha, Vilia, Attica
Approximately 60 kilometers west of Athens, on the other side of Attica. Both beaches are enormous, with organized sections complete with sunbeds and umbrellas, cool waters and plenty of room to spread out your towel. There are also pleasant taverns with tables by the seaside at the edge of Psatha.
Eden (Paleo Faliro)
Edem, the nearest beach to the center of Athens, is a sandy beach with crystal-clear waters that sits close to the border of the Palio Faliro and Alimos districts. Edem is a very charming beach and one of the easiest free beaches to reach by public transportation. Apart from swimmers, you can probably spot people taking in the warm weather and sea breeze while strolling along the charming waterfront promenade or competing against one another on a sizable chessboard set into the pavement.
Vouliagmeni
The public beach at Vouliagmeni, which is located across from the well-known Astir beach, is cozier and less expensive. This beach is ideal for families and friends alike, offering a beachside bar, rentable daybeds and crystal clear waters for a fun day trip.
Organized beaches
Akti tou Iliou
It is the closest beach to the heart of Athens and it is situated in Alimos. A water park, a number of eateries and cafés and a store selling beachwear can all be found here. Weekday admission is 6 euros, and weekend admission is 8 euros. For those over 65 and children aged 5 to 12, the price is 4 euros, respectively. Sunbeds come with an extra cost of 2 euros during the week and 4 euros on the weekend.
62 Poseidonos Ave., Alimos, +302109855169, www.aktitouiliou.gr
Akti Vouliagmeni
The favorite beach in Vouliagmeni is open all year round. It is incredibly well-run and has recently added a new, purpose-built area called Gold Beach, which offers special access, services and advantages. Weekday admission to Akti Vouliagmeni costs 10 euros and weekend admission costs 15 euros. Reduced tickets cost 5 and 8 euros respectively. The entry fee to the Gold Coast is 50 euros during the week and 65 euros on the weekends.
2 Poseidonos Ave. & Apollonos Str. Vouliagmeni, +302108960769, www.vouliagmeni-akti.gr
Astir Beach
The most popular summer destination on the Athenian Riviera, it has been making history since 1959 and offers all the comforts you could want, including opulent eateries, pubs and cafés. The best location if you want to swim alongside TV stars and other somewhat well-known figures. Youngsters under four enter free of charge. Depending on availability, a set that includes two sunbeds and an umbrella costs 50 euros per day for adults and 12.50 euros for kids aged five to twelve. The rates are 80 euros and 20 euros on weekends, respectively. The cost of reservations made online is higher: 70 euros for daily reservations and 140 euros for weekends.
40 Apollonos Str. Lemos Vouliagmenis, +302108901619, www.astir.gr/beach/
Varkiza Resort (Yabanaki)
A huge, magnificent, shallow-water sandy beach with a plethora of activities to fulfill every need. Yabanaki is a year-round destination with a variety of eateries, bars, beach bars, playgrounds, water sports, spas and retail stores. On weekdays, admission costs 7.50 euros, and on weekends, it costs 8.50 euros, which includes one sunbed under an umbrella. A total of 10 euros extra will be charged if you wish to reserve an entire set of umbrellas and sunbeds.
Varkiza Resort, +302108972414, www.varkizaresort.gr
Grand Resort Lagonissi
This beach, which stretches across the whole Lagonissi peninsula, is almost unbelievable in its proximity to Athens and equally remarkable in terms of its aesthetics. The beach is great for a full day's visit because it provides a variety of facilities, such as the traditional beach chair and umbrella as well as an assortment of adult-only water sports. A movie theater, volley court, beach bar, restrooms, medical support, and complimentary Wi-Fi are among the additional amenities. Enjoy the waterfront view and sea breeze while relaxing by the Grand Pier jetty-bar, which also features soft music, fresh juice, and a breathtaking sunset. There are several places to eat, including Poseidon Tavern, which offers a more laid-back dining experience. On weekdays, a set of sunbeds and an umbrella will cost approximately 40 euros, and on weekends, 80 euros.
+302291076000, www.lagonissiresort.gr
Aquapolis
Aquapolis, the only waterpark in Athens, has been the sensation of summer since its opening next to the Attica Zoological Park, the largest zoo in Greece. The star attraction? The King Cobra. This thrilling slide dominates the park, offering a stomach-churning drop into the beast's belly, followed by a high-flying swoop between its fangs. Imagine a skate ramp on steroids—on an inflatable! Visitors can't get enough, racing up and down the stairs to perfect their moves for the ultimate TikTok or Boomerang moment. Capture their daring descents or join them on double inflatables. Aquapolis is expertly divided into the Adrenaline Speed Zone, a delightful Family Adventure Zone, and a relaxing pool area. Don't miss the Rafting Ride and the neon-lit Magic Cone and its brand new Virtual Reality corner! Located 20 minutes from the city centre and 10 minutes from the airport. Open June through end of September-early October.
Thesi Yalou, Spata, +302106633250, www.aquapolis.gr, FB: aquapolisathens
