BEST Beaches in Athens for a Perfect Summer Break

Athens is not the kind of city people usually come to for the beaches first. And honestly, that’s fair. If you only look at the closer urban stretch of the coast, the Riviera can seem a bit overrated.

But the coast gets much better once you know where to go.

There are sandy beaches, small coves, organized spots with proper facilities, free beaches where all you need is a towel, and a few places where the water is clear enough to justify leaving the city for a few hours.

The problem is that not every beach near Athens is worth your time, and not every part of the coast is somewhere I would personally swim.

That is exactly why I put this guide together. I grew up here, and I wanted to make this the beach guide I would actually want to read myself: clear, selective, and honest about which beaches are worth the trip, how good the water really is, how to get there, what you will pay, and where the coast starts getting really good.

Just so you know: Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you book or buy through them, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Athens Beach Map

Before going further, make sure to check this free downloadable map of all the beaches in Athens that are featured in this guide so that you can better plan your day.

How to Choose the Right Beach Near Athens

If you want something easy and close to the city, the earlier Riviera beaches are simpler to reach, but the swimming is not always the best. If the priority is cleaner water, it is worth going further down the coast, even if the journey takes longer.

Some beaches work better for a full organised day, with sunbeds, food, showers, and easier access. Others are better when all you want is a towel, clear water, and a few quiet hours by the sea.

• Best beaches near Athens for families: Look for sandy beaches with shallow water and easier entry, like Kavouri, Varkiza, and Anavyssos.
• Best free beaches near Athens: If you do not want to pay for entry, Legrena, Harakas, Saronida, and parts of Anavyssos are better options.
• Best organized beaches near Athens: For a more comfortable beach day with sunbeds, food, showers, and proper facilities, Akti Vouliagmeni, Varkiza Resort, and Astir Beach make more sense.
• Best luxury beach options near Athens: If you want something more luxurious, with better service and a more premium setup, Astir Beach and Zen Beach are the obvious choices.
• Best beaches near Athens for water quality: In general, the further down the coast you go, the better the swimming gets. Vouliagmeni, Varkiza, Anavyssos, Legrena, and Sounio are much better than the earlier urban stretch.
• Best beaches near Athens without a car: If you are relying on public transport, Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, Varkiza, and Lake Vouliagmeni are the easiest to manage.

A note on this Guide

In general, the further down the Athens-Sounio coast you go, the better the sea gets. That is not a perfect rule, but it is a useful one.

Greece’s monitored bathing waters are assessed based on bacteria linked to contamination, and the authorities publishes beach-level information and annual reports for monitored sites.  

For this guide, I have only included beaches I would personally trust and swim at, based on independently monitored bathing-water records.

My rule is simple: if one part of an area is flagged as unsuitable or has a poor result, I would rather leave the whole area out than pretend the problem stops at one section of sand or sea.

I will keep updating this article whenever new official checks come out, adding the beaches that remain safe and excluding the ones that do not.

Now I’ll explain a few terms that are gonna come up in this guide.

What is a Blue Flag

The Blue Flag is an annual international award for beaches that meet a set of environmental, safety, management, and visitor-information standards, and those standards have to be maintained in order for the beach to keep the award.

Water quality is one of the core requirements, and the official Blue Flag criteria for beaches in Greece are presented as 33 separate requirements. 

What is Seatrac

When I mention Seatrac, I mean a beach with a free sea-access system designed for people with disabilities and mobility issues, allowing more independent access into the water.

On many Seatrac beaches, there are also extra facilities such as parking, a beach track, toilets, changing rooms, shade, and showers, although the exact setup still varies from beach to beach. That is why I mention Seatrac separately in this guide whenever it is available.

The best beaches near Athens without a car

1. Glyfada A Beach/Glyfada B Beach/ Asterias beach

This is the first part of the coast where I’d personally stop for a swim. Glyfada A Beach, Glyfada B Beach, and Asterias are three public beaches located one after the other along a long sandy part of the Glyfada waterfront.

The water here is noticeably better than in the earlier parts of the Riviera, and this part of the coast has kept a good water-quality record. These beaches were also included on the 2025 Blue Flag list.

Entry, sunbeds, and what you will pay: There is no entrance fee. It’s a public beach with umbrellas set up along the sand.

Beach bar and food: You’re right next to Glyfada, so food and drinks are easy. Coffee, snacks, bars, and proper meals are all nearby.

Facilities: There are showers, changing rooms, seating areas, parking spaces, and shade.  

Accessibility: Glyfada B Beach is the most accessible of the three, with Seatrac and other useful facilities for visitors with mobility needs.

How to get there by public transport: Take the tram from Syntagma and change at Pikrodafni for the T7. Get off at either “Paralia Glyfadas” or “Palaio Dimarhio”, depending on which beach you’re aiming for. From Syntagma the full journey is roughly 50 minutes.  

2. Kavouri

Kavouri is a long beach right before Vouliagmeni. It has a long sandy shoreline, shallow water, and a wide paved walkway behind the beach, which makes the whole area easy to move around. The water is clear and shallow, which is a big reason Kavouri is so popular with families.

Entry, sunbeds, and what you will pay: There is no entrance fee. You’ll find both free parts and a few organized sections during the season. Any charge for sunbeds depends on the exact section.

Beach bar and food: There is a refreshment point near the beach, and the wider Kavouri area has places to eat within easy reach.

Facilities: Kavouri has a broad promenade behind the sand, a mix of free and organized areas, and a renovated playground nearby.

Accessibility: no

How to get there by public transport: Metro Line 2 to Elliniko, then bus 122 towards the Vouliagmeni until you reach “Ouranou”. From Syntagma the full journey is roughly 60 minutes.  

3. Zen Beach

Zen Beach is the more “upscale” beach on the Niriides side of Vouliagmeni.

This is the place you choose when you want a more comfortable beach day with proper sunbeds, beach service, a restaurant above the water, and a location that is clearly more luxurious than the usual municipal beach.

The water is clean, and the beach itself is sandy, which already puts it in a very good category for this part of the coast.

Entry, sunbeds, and what you will pay: Zen does not charge a general entrance fee, but you do pay for sunbeds and parking. Current weekday sunbed prices are €75 ($87) for a first-row set, €65 ($75) for a second-row set, €55 ($64) for a third-row set, and €65 ($75) for the deck. On weekends and holidays, prices go up to €95 ($110), €85 ($98), €75 ($87), and €85 ($98) respectively.

Beach bar and food: The beach service starts early with coffee, juices, and a beach menu, while the restaurant above the sea serves seafood, fresh fish, salads, and other summer dishes. So this works well not only for swimming, but also for a longer lunch that is worth planning around.

Facilities: There are sunbeds, beach service, a restaurant, and paid parking right by the beach. One useful thing to know is that sunbed reservations and restaurant reservations are handled separately.

Accessibility: no

How to get there by public transport: Metro Line 2 to Elliniko, then bus 122 towards Vouliagmeni until you reach “Lok”. From Syntagma the full journey is roughly 60 minutes.  

4. Asteras Vouliagmenis (Astir Beach)

Astir Beach is the more high-comfort option in Vouliagmeni.

It is a private beach with a well-kept sandy shoreline, pine trees behind it, and even the Temple of Apollo Zoster (yes, the ruins of an ancient temple) inside the grounds.

The water is very clear, and the beach holds Blue Flag status in 2025. It is easily one of the most attractive swimming spots near Athens if comfort matters almost as much as the sea itself.

Entry, sunbeds, and what you will pay: Astir Beach works with seasonal entry pricing. In January, February, and December, adult entry is €10 ($11) on weekdays and €15 ($16) on weekends and holidays. In March, April, October, and November, it rises to €25 ($27) and €35 ($38). From May to September, adult entry is €50 ($55) on weekdays and €80 ($87) on weekends and holidays.

An umbrella requires two passes, and a first-row umbrella requires those two passes plus an extra €50 ($55). Reservations are handled through Astir’s own ticketing platform, and this is one I would book ahead rather than leave to chance.

Beach bar and food: There is service at the umbrella, along with bars and restaurants inside the beach complex. So for coffee, drinks, or a proper lunch without leaving the beach, everything is already there.

Facilities: This is a full-service beach complex, with showers, changing rooms, lockers, Wi-Fi, first aid, lifeguards, security, shops, volleyball courts, a water-ski school, concierge service, and valet parking. 

Accessibility: Astir lists disability access among its facilities. For anyone who needs a specific sea-access arrangement, I would still confirm the exact setup in advance.

How to get there by public transport: Metro Line 2 to Elliniko and continue with bus 122 towards Vouliagmeni. The stop to use is “Apollonos”, and from Syntagma the full journey is roughly 60 to 70 minutes.  

5. Akti Vouliagmeni

Akti Vouliagmeni is one of the best organised beach choices near Athens when you want a full-service day by the sea without moving into the higher-price category of Astir.

It has a long sandy shoreline and a layout that works well both for a few hours or for spending there most of the day.

The water is clear, calm, and very easy to swim in, which is a big reason this beach stays so popular. It is a simple, budget-friendly, and always reliable option.

Entry, sunbeds, and what you will pay: A regular ticket costs €10 ($11) on weekdays and €15 ($16) on weekends and holidays. Reduced tickets cost €5 ($5.50)on weekdays and €8 ($9) on weekends and holidays. Visitors with disabilities and one carer enter free.

Beyond the standard ticket, the beach also offers umbrella and sunbed sets, front-row reserved umbrellas, and cabanas through its reservation system, so you can keep the day simple or make it more comfortable depending on what you want.

Beach bar and food: There is the Oceanida café-restaurant on site, along with refreshments and snack options.

Facilities: Akti Vouliagmeni is well equipped for a full beach day. There are showers, toilets, accessible toilets, changing rooms, Wi-Fi at the sunbeds, a mini playground, a first-aid area, daily lifeguards, and a place to leave personal items while swimming. There are also tennis, volleyball, basketball, beach volleyball, and beach tennis courts.

Accessibility: There is a special entrance ramp, a sea-access facility, parking spaces for visitors with disabilities, and adapted toilets.

How to get there by public transport: Metro Line 2 to Elliniko and then bus 122 towards Vouliagmeni until you reach “Akti Vouliagmenis”. From Syntagma the full journey is roughly 60 minutes.  

6. Lake Vouliagmeni

Lake Vouliagmeni is a very different kind of swim near Athens. This is not a beach, but a natural lake with warm brackish water, rock walls, and a quieter atmosphere than the open coast.

The water is warm, still, and much more sheltered than the sea. It stays between 21°C and 29°C (70°F to 84°F) year-round, which makes it appealing far beyond peak summer. That is a big part of the appeal – you are coming for calm water, a warmer swimming temperature, and a location that is harder to find elsewhere around Athens.

Entry, sunbeds, and what you will pay: General admission is €16 ($17.50) on weekdays and €19 ($21) on weekends and national holidays. The main deck runs on a first-come, first-served basis, with sunbeds, chaise longues, and tables with chairs available when you arrive.

If you want something more comfortable, upgraded areas such as cabanas, comfort sets, lounge chair sets, sunbed sets, the Prive area, and the Small Lake area can be reserved separately. So this can be a fairly simple visit, or a more elevated one if you want to plan ahead.

Beach bar and food: There is an on-site café-restaurant, which makes staying for hours very easy. Outside food and drinks are not allowed.

Facilities: The lake has changing rooms, lockers, hot showers, toilets, Wi-Fi, lifeguard and medical support, parking, and a small shop for basics.

Accessibility: Lake Vouliagmeni is fully accessible, with adapted access around the site and into the water. The Main Deck is also accessible for visitors with disabilities.

How to get there by public transport: Metro Line 2 to Elliniko and then bus 122 until you reach “Limni”. From Syntagma the full journey is roughly 60 minutes.

7. Varkiza

Varkiza is a very good beach choice for space, sandy ground, and water that stays shallow for quite a while. The shoreline runs for about a kilometre, with the central organised section inside Varkiza Resort and a freer, more open municipal part toward the eastern side.

The water is shallow and easy to swim in, which makes Varkiza a great option for families and for anyone who wants a simpler swim without rocky entry points or sudden depth. The sandy seabed also helps.

Entry, sunbeds, and what you will pay: The eastern municipal section is free. On the organized Varkiza Resort side, entrance costs €10 ($11) from Monday to Friday and €15 ($16) on weekends. Sunbed sets cost €30 ($33) in the first and second rows and €20 ($22) from the third row back. There is also a designated area for swimmers who do not want to rent a set.

Beach bars and food: The organized side has bars and restaurants inside, so coffee, drinks, lunch, and dinner are easy to handle without leaving the beach. Around the wider Varkiza seafront, there are also plenty of cafés and tavernas within walking distance, so this is one of the easier places for turning a swim into a full seaside afternoon.

Facilities: The organized section covers the practical basics well – lifeguards, first aid, showers, toilets for visitors with disabilities, security, bars, restaurants, and sports areas. The resort operates daily from 09:00 until late.

Accessibility: The organized beach includes toilets for visitors with disabilities and an easy entrance layout. For anyone who needs a specific sea-access arrangement, I would still check directly before going.

How to get there by public transport: From Elliniko Metro Station, take bus 171 to Varkiza. The ride takes about 30 to 35 minutes and drops you near the resort entrance. Another option is bus 122 or 117 from the Glyfada and Voula side of the coast.

8. El Pouda Beach

El Pouda is on the Lagonisi side of the Athens-Sounio road, around the 38.5 km mark. This part of the coast is greener than much of the earlier Riviera, and the beach has a smaller, more relaxed beach-bar atmosphere.

The water is clear, with the blue-green colour this part of the coast is known for. The shoreline mixes sand with rockier patches, so the swim depends a bit on where you put your towel or rent your bed. It is a great spot for a simple summer swim.

Entry, sunbeds, and what you will pay: Entry is free. There is a beach-bar area on site, and sunbeds are available to rent for an extra charge.

Beach bar and food: El Pouda runs with a canteen-style beach bar, so coffee, drinks, and something simple to eat are easy enough to find. This is more of a casual beach stop than a place you come to for a long, elaborate lunch.

Facilities: There is a basic beach-bar area with seating, but I would still keep expectations moderate. This is not one of the more fully serviced beaches on the coast.

Accessibility: No

How to get there by public transport: Metro Line 2 to Elliniko and then bus 122 down the coast. The nearest stop for the beach area is “Agios Nikolaos”, followed by a short walk.   

9. Saronida

Saronida is a simple, free beach at the southern end of the urban bus line, just below the residential part of the area. The shore is mostly sandy with a few pebbly patches, the bay is open, and the whole place works well when all you want is a few quiet hours by the sea.

The water quality is very good. The monitored Saronida stretches have held an excellent rating for years, which makes this one of the more reassuring swim spots further down the coast.

Entry, sunbeds, and what you will pay: There is no entrance fee. In season, you may find a few umbrellas on the sand.

Beach bar and food: There is no beach bar. The easier plan is to swim first and then sort out coffee, snacks, or something cold to drink in Saronida afterwards, since the beach is very close to the residential area and the main road.

Facilities: No

Accessibility: No

How to get there by public transport: Metro Line 2 to Argyroupoli or Elliniko, then continue with bus 122 to Saronida. The 122 runs all the way down the coast and ends at the Terminal 122 / Start 123 stop in Saronida. From there, the beach is a short walk downhill, about three minutes.

10. Anavyssos

Anavyssos is a long sandy beach in a wide natural bay, around 50 km from central Athens. There is plenty of room along the shore and the water stays shallow for quite a while.

The water quality is excellent, and the sea is usually calmer than in more exposed parts of the coast because the bay is protected from most winds. The sandy seabed and gradual entry make swimming very easy, while windier days tend to bring windsurfers further out.

Entry, sunbeds, and what you will pay: There is no entrance fee. Some parts are organized through the beach bars, with parasols and sunbeds available in season, while other sections stay much simpler and more open.

Beach bars and food: Along the waterfront, there are beach bars, cafés, restaurants, and tavernas within walking distance, which makes lunch or a drink after swimming very easy to sort out.

Facilities: The beach has showers, changing cabins, toilets, water-sports points, beach bars, and free parking along the coast.

Accessibility: Anavyssos has independent sea access for visitors with mobility issues, along with parking, a beach track, WC, changing room, shade, and shower facilities.

How to get there by public transport: Metro Line 2 to Argyroupoli or Elliniko, then bus 122 to Saronida and change to bus 123 toward Anavyssos / Palaia Fokaia. For the main beach area, the most useful stop is “Kava”, which is a short walk from the shore.

The best beaches near Athens with a car

11. Harakas

Harakas is a long sandy beach on the southern side of the Athens-Sounio coast, near Palaia Fokaia. The shoreline opens out nicely and the water stays shallow for quite a while.

The water is clear and clean, and the gradual entry makes swimming easy. This beach works well when you want space, calm conditions, and nothing too complicated.

Entry, sunbeds, and what you will pay: There is no entrance fee. In summer, there may be a small organized section with loungers.

Beach bar and food: There is no beach bar, so I would bring water and anything else you might want for a few hours there.

Facilities: No

Accessibility: No

12. KAPE

KAPE is a small cove near Legrena, just before Sounio. It has fantastic turquoise water, a pebbly shore, and is more secluded than the larger beaches along this part of the coast.

The water is exceptionally clear, and the colour stands out straight away. Because the bay is small and more sheltered, swimming here has a quieter, more protected character.

Entry, sunbeds, and what you will pay: There is no entrance fee. There are no organized sunbeds on the beach, so I would come with your own umbrella, towel, and anything else you want for the day.

Beach bar and food: There is no proper beach bar on the sand. In season, there may be a small kiosk near the start of the path, but I would not rely on it. It is better to bring water, snacks, and anything else you might want from the start.

Facilities: Facilities are very limited. There are no showers, changing rooms, or managed beach services.

Accessibility: No

13. Legrena

Legrena is a free beach just before Cape Sounion. It is not one single strip, but a main beach with smaller coves and inlets around it, which gives the area a slightly wilder and less arranged character than many of the beaches closer to the city.

The water is very clear, with the deep blue colour this part of the coast is known for.

Entry, sunbeds, and what you will pay: There is no entrance fee. I would treat Legrena as a towel-and-umbrella kind of beach and come prepared from the start.

Beach bar and food: There are tavernas and cafés nearby with sea views, so food is easy enough to sort out without the beach itself being organised.

Facilities: Facilities are minimal.

Accessibility: No

14. Sounio Beach

Sounio Beach lies right below the Temple of Poseidon, in front of the Aegeon Beach Hotel. It has sand and one of the best backdrops on this whole side of the coast.

The water is clean and calm – but the real draw is the location. There are very few places near Athens where you can swim with an ancient temple rising above the coast.

Entry, sunbeds, and what you will pay: There is no entrance fee to use the beach itself. If you want the organized section, a set of two sunbeds with an umbrella costs €20 (about $22) on weekdays and €40 (about $44) on weekends and public holidays.

A beige cabana for two costs €30 (about $33) on weekdays and €40 (about $44) on weekends and holidays, while a black cabana for four costs €40 (about $44) on weekdays and €60 (about $66) on weekends and holidays. There is also a reserved VIP section available through online booking.  

Beach bar and food: There are two beach bars with direct access from the sand, one taverna on site, and the hotel restaurant in the evening.

Facilities: The beach has umbrellas, sunbeds, showers, W.C., and free parking. It is open daily from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. Outside food and drinks are not allowed.

Accessibility: I would check directly before going if a specific accessibility arrangement matters. I could verify facilities for disabled guests through the hotel side, but not a clearly described independent sea-access system on the public beach information.

How to get there by public transport: The realistic public transport option is the coastal KTEL bus toward Sounion. The route runs from central Athens through the Riviera and stops near the Aegeon Hotel / Cape Sounio area.

FAQ about beaches near Athens

1. Are the beaches near Athens worth it, or should I just wait for the islands?

They are worth it for a day by the sea, a quick swim, or a summer break from the city. I would not compare them with a Greek island beach and expect the same thing. That is the wrong frame.

2. Can I go to the beach near Athens without planning much?

Yes, but the kind of beach matters. Some beach days can stay very simple. Others need more thought from the start, whether that means booking sunbeds, checking transport, or bringing your own shade and water. I would never treat the whole coast as one spontaneous plan.

3. Are beaches near Athens crowded?

Yes, they can get very busy in summer, above all on weekends. The coast is close, the city is huge, and everyone has the same idea once the weather gets hot. I always find beach days much better on weekday mornings or later in the afternoon.

4. Is a half-day beach trip from Athens worth it?

Yes, but only for the right beaches. Some work well as a short sea break. Others need more time and feel wasted in a rushed half-day plan.

5. Can I combine a beach day with sightseeing in Athens?

Yes, though I would keep the plan light.

A morning in the city followed by a late-afternoon swim can work really well in summer, above all on very hot days. I would not try to turn that into a packed sightseeing schedule plus a faraway beach, because that is not realistic.

6. Do I need beach shoes near Athens?

Not always, but they can help.

Some beaches are sandy and easy to enter, while others have pebbles, rocks, or a rougher seabed. I do not think they are essential for every beach near Athens, they are not a bad thing to have in your bag.

7. Is the sea warm enough to swim in spring or autumn?

Yes, for many swimmers it is.

Late spring and early autumn can be great for the coast near Athens, with fewer crowds and gentler light than peak summer. I think September is one of the nicest times for a beach day here, because the sea is still warm and the mood is much calmer.

8. Should I bring food and water, or buy everything there?

That depends on the beach.

On organised beaches, buying food and drinks is easy. On simpler beaches, I like having my own water and a few basics with me even when I plan to eat later.

9. Can I swim near Athens at sunset?

Yes, and some of my favourite beach hours start late in the day.

The light is softer, the heat drops, and the coast can feel much calmer. I think sunset swims work particularly well on the southern side of the Athens Riviera, where the whole outing can stretch naturally into dinner by the sea.

10. Are Athens beaches good for children?

Many of them are, above all the sandy beaches with shallow water and an easy entrance into the sea.

For a family day, I would always look at practical comfort too: shade, toilets, food nearby, and how tiring the journey will be before anyone even gets to swim.

10. Is it worth renting a car just for the beaches?

Sometimes yes.

A car changes the coast a lot. It opens up better beach options, gives you more freedom with timing, and makes it easier to carry what you need for the day. I would not rent a car for one easy city-beach swim, but I would consider it for a few beach days or for the longer south-coast outings.

11. What is the best time of day to go to the beach near Athens?

For me, the best times are early morning and late afternoon.

Midday in summer can be harsh, crowded, and tiring before you even get in the water. A beach day that starts early or shifts toward sunset nearly always feels better.

Final Thoughts

Athens will never beat the islands on beaches alone, and it does not need to. The point of the coast here is that you can leave the city behind for a few hours, get in decent water, eat by the sea, and be back in town the same evening without turning it into a whole separate trip.

That is what makes these beaches useful. Pick the right stretch, go a little further than the obvious first stops, and the Athens Riviera starts to be a lot more worth your time.