The Most Beautiful Beaches Near Athens

There is much more to Athens than the Acropolis and museums. The city and surrounding suburbs are home to beautiful beaches, and Athens happens to have the longest coastline of any European capital.

Staying in Athens doesn’t mean that you’ve picked the city over the beach. Many beaches around the city rival those found on the Greek islands.

There is a catch though. Most are crowded during the summer as Athenians flock to the sea to cool down from the intense heat. Almost all have cabanas, snack bars, showers, cafes, restaurants, and everything you need to combat boredom at the beach. Most can be easily accessed by car, taxi, or public transport.

There are still some attractive options for the more adventurous, for those who want more seclusion and privacy. Some smaller beaches and coves give the feeling of being on a tiny island somewhere in the Cyclades.

Beaches near Athens

Akti Vouliagmenis 

Located close to Athens, this is a popular beach due to its sandy shores and calm waters. Be sure you go early enough in the morning to find an umbrella and chairs.

You will want to spend all day at the beach, which is easily doable, as there are snacks and drinks available, as well as the favorite summertime coffee, frappé.

There is a playground for kids, grassy fields where you can play racket ball, and free WiFi. There is a small fee to rent a chair at the beach.

Lake Vouliagmeni

This beach experience is sure to be truly unique and something you want to experience while visiting Athens.

Check out this natural lake just above the entrance to one of the most complex and mysterious cave systems in the world.

The lake has brackish water, as it is from a combination of the underground currents of the sea and the underground thermal springs seeping from Mount Hymettus, offering a natural thermal spa experience.

The entrance fee is around 15 euros per person, but even if you’re not lucky enough to find a lounge chair or umbrella, you still pay the full entrance fee, so it is a good idea to get there early.

Asteras Beach

One of the most exclusive beach clubs in Greece, Asteras Beach is set on 300 meters of coastline in the crystal blue waters of the exclusive Laimos peninsula. It is open to the public but for a significant entry fee, the upside being the facilities are in pristine condition and the service level is high.

This beach, which is home to crystal-clear turquoise waters, even offers changing rooms, showers, a self-serve restaurant, three bars and water sports, as well as trampolines and a playground for the kids.

Glyfada Beach

Glyfada Beach is located just south of Athens and is the perfect escape from the bustling Greek capital.

The stretches of azure waters are lined by golden sand at Glyfada Beach. Visitors can explore the many beach bars and restaurants here and rent chairs for a small price.

Athines by the Sea Beach

Step up your beach game at Athines by the Sea. This luxurious coastal beach park is the new addition to the upmarket Voula district. You will find shops, restaurants, nail spa, massage facilities and late-night beach parties. Family-friendly with comfort at the forefront.

Yabanaki Beach – Varkiza Resort

One of the largest beach clubs on the Riviera, the Varkiza Resort offers a selection of restaurants and facilities that make it a comfortable family day at the beach.

With a beachside souvlaki eatery, pizzeria and sushi bar, it makes every effort to please. Beach tennis and a children’s water park are also available along with a quiet area used for wellness and massage. There’s a big take up of water sports such as windsurfing and water skiing.

You will need to pay extra for your sun bed and umbrella but you will find it all here in one place. Partygoers can stay until late.

Cape Sounio

Heading further along the Athens Riviera, towards the southern tip of the Attica peninsula, one encounters the beaches near Cape Sounio.

This area is known for its dramatic landscapes, including the ancient Temple of Poseidon perched on the cliffs overlooking the sea.

The beaches near Sounio, such as Legrena Beach and Pounta Zeza Beach, offer a more rugged and secluded setting compared to the busier beaches closer to the city. Visitors to Sounio can enjoy a sense of tranquility and natural beauty while exploring the coastline and taking in breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea.

Avlaki Beach

The organized beach of Avlaki of the Municipality of Markopoulo is one of the favorite destinations for swimming in the region of Attica, at the summer resort of Porto Rafti. Avlaki Beach has been awarded the international Blue Flag for overall quality and can be reached in only 24 minutes from the international airport or 42 minutes from the center of Athens.

Artemida Beach

Also known as Loutsa, the bustling village of Artemida is home to one of the most popular family beaches in the area. With its fine sand and safe, shallow water, this organised beach is perfect for kids. A wide range of services, accommodation and dining options are also offered by the town of Artemida.

Schinias Beach

For those willing to venture a bit farther from central Athens, Schinias Beach, located on the northeastern coast of Attica, is well worth the journey.

This Blue Flag beach was renowned for its pristine waters and unique ecosystem, as it is situated next to a protected pine forest and wetlands.

However, the previously beautiful beach has been abandoned by the authorities. Complaints were then made about tavernas operating without licenses in the Park, which is on the beach. After lengthy Court proceedings the tavernas were brought down.

The beach has been left without toilets, any other facilities, and anyone to keep it clean. Dried sea plants are piled up next to the sea and rubbish mounts up, left by the people who still visit and who have to bring their refreshments.

Ramnountas beach

Finally, further north is Ramnountas. A hard-to-find location, Ramnountas is right below the archaeological site and requires a pair of comfortable shoes to walk from the parking lot to the beach. This is why Ramnountas is not crowded, even on Sundays.