Organized beaches

Akti tou Iliou

Located in Alimos, it is the nearest beach to the centre of Athens. Here, you will find a water park, various restaurants and cafés, as well as a shop selling beachwear. The cost of entrance is 6 euros on weekdays and 8 euros on weekends. Respectively, for children 5-12 years old and people over 65 years old, the cost is 3 and 4 euros. There is an extra charge for sunbeds, i.e.,2 euros on weekdays and 4 euros on weekends. 62 Posidonos Ave., Alimos, +302109855169, www.aktitouiliou.gr

Akti Vouliagmeni

Vouliagmeni's favourite beach, open year-round. Perfectly organized, it now has a new, specially designed area, the Gold Beach, with exclusive access and service and unique privileges. The cost of entrance in Akti Vouliagmeni is 10 euros on weekdays and 15 euros on weekends, while the corresponding reduced tickets are 5 and 8 euros. For the Gold Coast, the cost of entrance is 50 euros on weekdays and 65 euros on weekends. 2 Poseidonos Ave. & Apollonos Str., Vouliagmeni, +302108960769, www.vouliagmeni-akti.gr

Astir Beach

Making history since 1959, it is the top summer destination of the Athenian Riviera, offering all the comforts you may desire, with luxurious restaurants, bars and cafés. The ultimate spot if you wish to swim next to TV celebrities and other more or less famous personalities. The cost of a set including two sunbeds and one umbrella is 50 euros daily for adults and 12.50 euros for children 5-12 years old, upon availability. On weekends, the prices are set at 80 and 20 euros, respectively. For online bookings, prices are more expensive: 70 euros for daily bookings and 140 euros for weekends.

40 Apollonos Str., Lemos Vouliagmenis, +302108901619, astir.gr/beach/

Limni Vouliagmeni

This is not a beach but a magnificent and atmospheric lake that has relatively warm waters all year round and reaches 100 meters at the deepest point. The space around the lake is landscaped with sunbeds and umbrellas, and there is a parking space, a children's corner, changing rooms, showers with hot water, access for people with disabilities, etc. The cost of entranceis 15 euros on weekdays and 18 euros on weekends. Posidonos Avenue, Vouliagmeni, +302108962237-9, www.limnivouliagmenis.gr

Varkiza Resort (Yabanaki)

A vast, amazing sandy beach with shallow waters, offering myriads of activities that satisfy all desires.

Yabanaki is open all year round and hosts various cafés, bars, beach bars, restaurants, a playground area, a spa corner, water sports, clothing stores, etc. The cost of entrance including one sunbed under an umbrella is 7.50 euros on weekdays and 8.50 euros on weekends. If you want to reservea whole umbrella-sunbed set, you will have to pay 10 euros extra.

Varkiza Resort, +30210 8972414, www.varkizaresort.gr

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.

www.lagonissiresort.gr +3022910 76000