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Beaches
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Athens is no Santorini, and yet the city’s clear water beaches are perfect ways to spend warm summer days when island-hopping is not on the agenda. Accessible by tram, bus or car, the Athens coastline has myriad places to swim, tan and relax, away from the hustle and bustle of the city center.
By ISAbelle ClAyton
Free Access BeAches Edem (Paleo Faliro)
Easily accessible by public transportation, Edem is a popular location for long walks on the shore, beach tennis competitions, swimming, and other watersports. For those with children, Edem is also home to a small water park!
Erotospilia
On the weekends, locals spill into Erotospilia to soak up the sun and cool down in its clear blue waters. Pine trees encompass the beach’s sweeping coastline, completing the picturesque image of its shores.
Vouliagmeni
Across from the famed Astir beach, the public beach of Vouliagmeni offers a cozier and cheaper option. With crystal clear waters, rentable daybeds, and a beachside bar, this beach will make the perfect day trip for families and friends alike.
Megalo Kavouri
The shallow waters of Megalo Kavouri are a sought out destination for families with small children. Many cafes, restaurants, and bars surround the beach, and its flat sand is perfect for sunset strolls and sunbathing. For a calmer, less crowded experience, avoid visiting this beach on the weekends.
Mavro Lithari
Upon seeing the clean blue waters and white sandy beach of Mavro Lithari, many are surprised to discover that it
offers free access to visitors. Note that because this beach is not directly accessible by public transport, it can be more efficient to travel there by car or taxi.
Sounio Beach
In close proximity to the iconic Temple of Poseidon, Sounio Beach offers refreshing waters and unparalleled views of both the temple and the sunset. Get here early, as the free portion of the beach is smaller than the organized portion, and tends to fill up quickly.
Psatha
Swim while admiring stunning views of the Corinthian Gulf, or rent a canoe to experience the totality of Psatha’s landscape. Restaurants and cafés are easily accessible, and usually serve fresh fish!
K.A.P.E. BEACH
Named after the acronym for the nearby centre for renewable energy sources, KAPE Beach is the closest beach on this list to resemble one of a Greek island. Hidden from bird’s eye view, it might even miss you altogether as you drive down the road towards Sounio. This secret spot is absolutely stunning — with a jawdropping view of the Aegean and a seafloor covered with crisp, clear waters that get abruptly deep, you might just forget you’re just less than an hour’s drive away from Athens. You’ll need to walk down a short stairway to the rocks. If you’re not sure where you are, keep your eyes peeled for a small canteen or a few parked cars — they’re good indications that you’re in the right place.
Organized Beaches
Astir Beach
Located at the high end of the Athens Riviera, in the chic southern suburb of Vouliagmeni, Astir Beach is the epitome of ultimate luxury. Largely considered by both families and celebrities alike to be the place to be in the summer, the beach offers a full range of highquality services, from free WiFi across the beach, to the ability to pre-book sun-loungers, and of course, a wide selection of coffees, ice creams, food and drinks. A little button on your sun-chair allows you to order snacks without even getting up. Other amenities on the beach include lockers, beach towels, changing cabins, medical assistance and a non-smoking exterior area. One can water ski, jet ski or play sand sports — but if the athletic activity doesn’t feel like the way to go, you can also curl up and pamper yourself at Orloff Spa. Astir Beach also holds the Platinum Lounge, with a capacity of 80 persons and capable hosting anything from theme parties to business cocktails, making it a main reference point for summer socializing, be it social or corporate. Unfortunately, all of this comes at a fairly steep price. You’ll need about 50 euros for a set of sun lounges and an umbrella during week days and 80 euros during the weekend. If you're on a budget, the nearby beaches of Vouliagmeni and Kavouri are good alternatives. Also consider prebooking, especially on weekends.
Grand Beach Lagonissi
This beach covers the entire Lagonissi peninsula, and is as spectacular in its aesthetics as it is close to Athens, almost unbelievably so. Ideal for a daylong visit, the beach offers a wide range of amenities from the classic umbrella and beach-chair to a series of different water sports for adults to participate in. Other facilities include a cinema, volley court, beach bar, changing rooms, medical assistance and free Wi-Fi. Visitors can unwind by the Grand Pier jetty-bar while admiring the waterfront view and enjoying the sea breeze, accompanied by soft music, fresh juice and a stunning sunset. Alternatively, you can dip your toes into either the sea or the swimming pool should you feel like cooling down under the sun. After you’re done, you may access a number of dining options like Poseidon Tavern for a casual dining experience. You’ll need to pay about 40 euros for a set of sun beds and an umbrella on weekdays and 80 euros on weekends. Note that if you bring a car, you will have to pay a parking price.
Vouliagmeni Beach
Accessible via public transportation, Vouliagmeni Beach is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The beach is incredibly clean, with volleyball nets, glistening waters and sunbeds perfect for tanning.
Vouliagmeni Lake
One of the more romantic locations on the Athenian coast, Vouliagmeni Lake offers mesmerizing views and warm waters all year round. Take in the beauty of your surroundings in a lavish sunbed, or over a decadent dinner at one of the lake’s intimate restaurants.
Yabanaki
Located in the suburb of Varkiza, Yabanaki Beach is a what a beach would be if a beach was an amusement park. Equipped with a full stack of services, guests can consume a range of options for coffee, refreshments, fast food, ice cream, seafood mezze and ouzo. Inside the beach, you’ll be able to access all the amenities you need to enjoy a full day in the water, from sun-chairs and umbrellas to massages and water sports. With over 20 seaside activities, Yabanaki offers a wide array of water sports from waterskiing and banana boats for adults to windsurf rentals and stand-up paddle-boarding lessons for smaller children. All in all, the sun-beds, pavilions and torches create an electric, exotic atmosphere. The Moana Beach House can host beach parties and other events, fresh fish is served at the Isalos tavern and Holy Spirit is good for a cocktail or two. An entrance fee of 7.50€ per head during the week including an umbrella and sun loungers. On weekends, the entrance fee is 8.50€ but you’ll need to pay an additional 10€ for an umbrella and a set of sunbeds. Entrance after 7:00 p.m. is always free.
Nude Beaches Limanakia
A rocky mass overlooking the ocean, Limanakia is a popular destination for both nude sunbathers and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. It is accessible by foot from Vouliagmeni.
Legrena
Close to the Temple of Poseidon, Legrena is home to a long expanse of unorganized coast. While the beaches can get busy over the weekends, Legrena is almost empty most weekdays. Locals like to gaze out at the sea over drinks at nearby restaurants, and naturists enjoy tanning out in nude at the pebbly KAPE beach, a section of Legrena.
