10 of the best beaches in Athens

22.07.2024 - 15:27 / lonelyplanet.com

Jul 22, 2024 • 6 min read

Chances are most travelers aren’t coming to Athens for its beaches. As capital of a country with world-famous islands, Athens is better known for its resplendent ancient ruins and busy cultural life than for its sandy glories. But this is Greece after all! And the coast as well as several major ferry ports are just minutes away.

If you are looking for a quick swim or a bit of rest and relaxation, there are plenty of beaches to choose from on the Athens Riviera, aka the Apollo Coast – the coastline running south of Athens from Piraeus to Cape Sounion. Do you have a whole day to spare? Then consider hopping a boat to an island in the morning and returning in the twilight glow. Either way, despair not, the water awaits you.

Best for relaxation

One of the southernmost beaches on the Athens Riviera, Varkiza is a favorite for its relative peace and quiet. Small sandy sweeps alternate with rock formations where you can hang out independently. The beach is free to visit and is surrounded by restaurants and cafes. If you want a daybed, you can pay for a chaise at the popular resort Varkiza Resort – Yabanaki Beach and join the fray of seaside umbrellas and restaurants.

Local tip: After a day of seaside fun, satisfy your hunger with a visit to Aperanto Galazio, an excellent seafood taverna offering fresh fish directly on the beach.

Best for glamour

Silky sands and softly lapping seas are only the start of what makes Astir Beach great. It feels more like Mykonos than Athens, and it’s one of the most beloved of the see-and-be-seen organized beaches on the Athens Riviera. Entrance fees vary by season and the location of your sunbed. Astir is a land of high fashion, seafront chaises and cabanas, and luxury like Nobu Matsuhisa’sAthens outpost and the Four Seasons Astir Palace.

Planning tip: If you want to go all out bougie, daybeds can be rented at Astir Beach Club, but they don't come cheap, with parasol rentals starting from €160 per two people per day.

Best for swimming

Repeatedly recognized for its crystal-clear waters with Blue Flag ratings, Schinias Beach, 45km (about 28 miles) northeast of Athens, offers a grand stretch of pristine white sand backed by pine trees. Shinias is free to access but you can also rent sunloungers for the day. The shimmering waters near the town of Marathon are a favorite for swimming and windsurfing followed by lunch at one of the nearby seafood tavernas.

Planning tip: There are sunloungers and a taverna, but no other major developments around. It gets busy at the weekend with locals so arrive early to secure a spot.

Best for nudists

Care to get (wonderfully) lost on the coast near Athens? Explore the coves and inlets along the Legrena area, about 3km (2 miles)