A beach visit is an amazing time for relaxation and an escape from the mundane. Athens, the capital of the Southeastern European country Greece, in addition to the timeless and beautiful structures and settlement in it, has numerous islands around it and all over the country. Greece has, in total, more than 2000 beaches. A compilation of the top 10 Athens Greece beaches is difficult!
With marvelous sights and structures like the ancient temple of Poseidon (to name one of the various), etc., all around the place, Athens, the Greek capital, has some of the greatest and nicest beaches in the world.
Image by Thanasis P. from Pixabay Copyright 2021
However, with such a great number of ‘Athens Greece Beaches’, it is better to find out more about some specific beaches that are more popular among the tourists and are the most-visited among the many.
Undoubtedly, Athens, Greece beaches have their charm and beauty. Yet, still, some are more popular among tourists than others due to several reasons, including sights, hotels & resorts, cost, facilities (sun bed, umbrellas, etc), distance from the Athens city center, etc. And therefore keeping in mind all these different requirements that one has to assess before starting.
These beaches are popular and easy to reach and provide different experiences, such as underwater sightseeing or sandy beaches with clear blue waters.
Read this compilation to get a better idea of the beaches around Athens and decide on the best one for yourself for your next beach trip. Below are listed the top 10 Athens Greece Beaches plus some bonus beaches.
Top 10 Athens Greece Beaches
1. Glyfada Beach
Image by Katarzyna Tyl from Pixabay Copyright 2016
This beach is located in the Corfu islands in Greece known for the lush green hills and crystal clear waters. With picturesque bays and mountains covered with flowers and forest, this beach receives the ‘Blue Flag’ Award almost every year for its sustainable tourism measures. One of the best Athens Greece beaches. Glyfada beach is a must-visit.
The weather conditions are nice all year round and it has a beautiful cosmopolitan town around. This ensures that one does not get bored after beach adventures. This beach is considered one of the best Athens Greece beaches.
Glyfada beach is very near to the city of Athens, with a distance of only 16 km, and the beach can be reached easily via a bus from the Athens city Centre. Traveling from Athens to Glyfada beach will cost only about a euro.
i. Nicknames Of Glyfada Beach
Glyfada has two nicknames, ‘king of the beaches’ and ‘Golden Coast’, after the special beauty and charm that the beach holds.
ii. More About The Beach:
It is especially great for someone who wants to visit a sandy beach. The water here is crystal-clear and very blue, and visitors can participate in several water activities or sports. If not, there are 24/7 bars with music and resorts with excellent views and hospitality.
The beach’s northern part has shallower waters compared to the southern part. Therefore, the southern part of the beach is perfect for divers and snorkeling. While the northern shallower part is good for children to enjoy swimming.
iii. When To Visit:
During peak season, it can become a little difficult to access the beach, but with good planning, it is not impossible since the beach is open even after 10 pm. Beach parties stop after 10 pm, making it perfect for a calm moment.
2. Varkiza Beach
Image by Julius Silver from Pixabay Copyright 2017
One of the favorites of the Athenian population, Varkiza beach is located in the town of Varkiza, which lies at a distance of about 25 km from the city. It is easily accessible via bus and car etc. The total cost to reach the area should not exceed 2 euros.
It is one of the most visited beaches near Athens, and Athenians love this spot. During the summers, especially, the beach has a lively atmosphere throughout.
i. Two parts of the beach:
The beach is loosely divided into two parts, where one part is organized (Varkiza resort) and therefore requires a ticket (bought with a fee) to enter.
ii. Sandy beach
The other part of the beach is not organized, and one does not need to pay any entrance fee. Both sides have many cafes, bars, and nice restaurants to refresh and relax.
iii. More about the beach:
Varkiza is comparatively less-crowded than some other beaches because it is not as popular among tourists as others. However, it receives enough people (mostly local) to have a lively and cheerful atmosphere.
Also, it has all the amenities that a beach could provide, such as snack bars, sun beds, umbrellas, etc.
The nearby village of Varkiza is filled with shops for window shopping or souvenirs. Hit the village after the beach or vice-versa.
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3. Vouliagmeni Beach
This beach is one of the very well-organized beaches. Here one has access to various cafes, beach bars, and restaurants. It is one of the most popular and organized of all the Athens Greece beaches. One has to take any public transport available or even a cab would be great.
i. How Long To Reach?
The whole journey will take not more than 24.7 km and you will reach there in under 20 mins. The whole trip will cost about 18-22 euros.
ii. long sandy beach
The long sandy coasts of this beach are delightful to experience, one which will not disappoint the visitor.
iv. More about the beach:
Since the beach is highly organized, there is an entrance fee that a visitor will have to pay. The place is very clean and there are very good selections of cafes and snack beach bars. Throughout the year, the beach remains busy with tourists and Athenians.
Especially during the peak summer season. In addition to picturesque views and clear blue waters, Vouliagmeni has a lot to offer in the form of activities such as surfing (surfing boards are available for renting) and other water sports. Moreover, for sports lovers, the beach offers volleyball and tennis courts.
Overall, Vouliagmeni is one of the best beaches to relax and have a fun and playful time.
5. Kape Beach
Image by Erik Karits from Pixabay Copyright
Kape beach, one of the most popular of all the Athens, Greece beaches, is about 60 km from Athens. And although it is much farther than some others mentioned, it is easily reached via a taxi, and is only an hour’s drive and might cost around 18-20 euros. Another one of the best Athens Greece beaches.
The best way to reach Kape beach is through ‘Athinon Saounion’, the coastal road from Athens. Kape beach is nearby Cape Sounion about 3 km away.
The only downside of visiting this beach would be the stairs that need to be used to get to the beach.
Since cliffs surround the beach in the area, the only way to get down to the beach is using the stairs, and getting back up the same route can make one exhausted.
But all that expended energy is worth the beach’s view and feel. Cool and fresh sea water is what awaits everyone down at the beach. Additionally, the beach area is much more diverse than other beaches near Athens.
The area ranges from sandy parts to pebbled ones and even rocky in other parts. This is a plus point of Kape beach. On top of all this, the beach is not an organized one. Therefore you can go there anytime free of cost.
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i. Best Time To visit:
It is a bit crowded during the summer weekends, but weekdays are less crowded. After walking around the beach and taking the best pictures, a great café awaits just above the beach. This café has one of the best views and a great menu.
6. Vrachos-Loutsa (Artemis) Beach
This beach is one of the most popular sites to visit in Greece. It resides between two beautiful green towns, Preveza and Parga. Artemis is also one of the well-known Athens, Greece beaches.
Therefore the whole beach, which is about 4 km long, has been given two names, the part nearer to the town of Parga is called Loutsa, and the opposite part nearer to Preveza is called Vrachos.
The island is large, so there are plenty of spaces to walk around. Although weekends are crowded, compared to other popular beaches nearby Athens, this beach is big and unspoiled. Apart from being one of the best, it is also one of the most popular Athens, Greece beaches.
i. More About The Beach Club:
Distance from Athens city center to Vrachos-Loutsa is about 30 km; using a taxi will take about 25 mins to reach the destination. The beach provides numerous services, such as free sunbeds, coffee, water sports, etc. There are plenty of good cafes and bars with music.
Another plus point of the beach is that it is not entirely organized; therefore, there are plenty of places that do not have any bars or loud noise, so a visitor can easily have a nice quiet time.
Overall it is beautiful with white sands and crystal clear waters with lush green views. The place is good for children and adults alike. A must-try is the fresh fish dishes right from the sea.
7. Erotospilia Beach (Porto Rafti)
Image by Karl Egger from Pixabay Copyright 2016
Erostopilia beach is one of the beaches that is considered magical and a secret among the Athenians. This beach is not as popular as some of the others on the list, but it is one of the best. But it is still considered one of the best Athens Greece beaches. Erostopilia lies in the seaside town of Porto Rafti in east Attica.
The distance between the city center and the beach is about 36 km, so it will take around 30 mins to cover the distance via taxi.
i. More About The Beach:
Locals or tourists, Erostopilia is well-known by the title ‘Cave of Love’ and is one of the favourite among the Athenians. Erostopilia is a fully organized beach with numerous activities and facilities. It offers water sports, cafes, bars, and music, along with sandy coast to walk on and blue water to look at.
There are even some trees along the edges that provide shade from the beach sun. Due to its popularity, the beach can be crowded during weekends, especially in summer. best city
8. Edem Beach
Image by Thanasis Papazacharias from Pixabay Copyright 2020
Located in Palaio Faliro, Edem beach is one of the most popular out-of-city Athens, Greece, beaches, with the Eden beach resort in the vicinity. This is the closest beach to the city of Athens. It only takes around 20 mins to reach the beach from the city center of Athens. As for transport, the Tram or public bus is good enough. Not surprisingly, it is just along a road. And it is lined with palm trees.
For those looking for shade under the glaring beach sun, there are plenty of palm and Tamarisk trees along the beach, in addition to beach umbrellas and sun loungers.
i. More About The Beach:
The clear and clean water provides a refreshing view and takes away the tiredness quickly. Unlike some popular beaches, Edem beach is more of an evening stroll by the sea kind of beach rather than a vacation spot.
Due to its proximity to the city center, it is most crowded but great to take a stroll with the fresh sea breeze blowing around.
All around the year, the beach is open to everyone 24 hours. From People strolling to playing games such as beach tennis, the beach is packed with several activities simultaneously.
There are chairs along the beach facing the waters, ideal for those deep conversations (and light ones just the same).
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After a long day in the city, this is a good place to just dive into the water for swimming. The beach is a great escape from the city without traveling long distances. There are beach bars for food and drinks, and just within walking distance, there are several shops, taverns, cafes, etc.
All in all, the beach is one of the best and most-visited of all beaches near Athens. It is children-friendly and safe for everyone.
9. Thalassea Beach
Thalassea is located in the Voula district and is accessible via public transport, both tram, and metro. Metro is faster than the tram, but both ways go towards the beach location. Thalassea beach is one of the more expensive and organized Athens, Greece beaches.
This beach is a little on the expensive side, as it is a private beach and requires an entrance fee of five euros. Inside there are bars and restaurants with good food and drinks (normally around 5 euros can be used) however the sun beds or big umbrellas need to be rented.
i. More About The Beach:
The beach offers music events and parties during summer in the evening time. Aside from that, the beach has crystal clear water, which is a nice sight for sore eyes. Overall the beach has nice vibes and pretty sights, although a bit on the expensive side.
Thalassea beach is known to have a calm atmosphere and is mostly visited by older people. This is best for those who want to avoid loud music and just noise in general. And again we cannot forget the fact that this is one of the best Athens Greece beaches.
10. The Grand Beach Lagonissi
Another luxurious and expensive private beach is the Lagonissi beach running along the Lagonissi peninsula. This private beach is a part of the group of grand Lagonissi resorts. One of the well-known Athens, Greece beaches, Lagonissi is a once-in-a-lifetime visit.
Public transport does not go straight towards the beach. Therefore, a taxi cab needs to be hired to get to the resort beach.
This will cost around 25 euros. Apart from resort guests, the beach also offers day passes for those who don’t want to stay at the resorts. Those who prefer not to expend too much money can opt for the day pass.
i. More About The Beach:
Under 150 euros, a visitor can get 2 beach beds, an umbrella, snacks, and water bottles. Again, this beach is suitable for relaxation if money is not the prime concern.
If that is not the case, then the beach has a lot to offer, with around 20 beach coves to explore, sandy beaches to walk on and luxurious five-star hotels, and many more great exclusive offers for visitors.
One can even get a swimming pool around the beach. Overall, the grand beach Lagonissi is a once-in-a-lifetime luxurious experience. And it is a must try Athens Greece beaches.
Bonus Athens Greece Beaches
Yabanaki Beach
The beach is in the suburb Vari in the Attica region of Athens. A picturesque escape from the city center normally takes around 30 mins via vehicle to reach the beach. This is another best Athens, Greece beaches.
Public transport, such as the bus, is available, and cabs are also available straight to the beach from the city.
Yabanaki beach is one of the most popular Athens, Greece beaches with clear blue waters and soft sandy beaches to walk on. It is also perfect for swimming.
i. More About The Beach:
A good place to relax and enjoy with family and friends since the beach is child-friendly. This one is a semi-private organized beach. Therefore, an entrance fee of 6 euros (for adults) has to be paid.
ii. Best Time To Visit:
During the months of June-August, the beach is open from 8 am to 7 pm; however, the beach is accessible 24 hours for those that want to visit the bars and restaurants inside the beach. Once inside, there are beach beds and umbrellas for rent, and is worth it. The beach boasts lush green views all around.
Summertime is best for beach vacations and even simple beach strolling. The top 10 Athens beaches mentioned above are a few of the many beaches existing around the peninsular island of Greece.
These beaches all boast clear-blue waters and scenic views, with good foods and beverages available inside or near the beach.
Most of these beaches are near the city center and therefore easily accessible via public transport or cabs. There are various activities on these beaches ranging from shopping and eating to water sports etc.
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