Athens, the capital of Greece, is mostly famous for its historical landmarks and architectural wonders. Most visitors don’t know that it is also known for its stunning coastline and picturesque beaches.
Spending a day at the beach in Athens is a perfect way to unwind and escape the city’s bustling streets. With plenty of beaches to choose from, each with its own unique charm, visitors can enjoy various activities, from swimming and sunbathing to water sports. Here are five beaches near Athens to help you plan your perfect day trip.
Vouliagmeni Beach
This beach is located in the southern suburbs of Athens and is easily accessible by public transport. Take the metro from Syntagma Square (Red line) to Argiroupoli stop and then change to bus line 122 to B’ Plaz Bouliagmenis. The beach is just 200m from the bus stop. Vouliagmeni Beach requires an entry ticket. Once you arrive, dip in the crystal clear waters, rent a beach umbrella and sunbed, and enjoy a refreshing drink from one of the many beach bars.
Glyfada Beach
Another great option in the southern suburbs is Glyfada Beach, a long stretch of sand that’s perfect for a long walk. To get there, take the tram (Line 6) from Syntagma Square to Eden stop and then change to line 7 to the Paralia Glyfadas stop, and the beach is a short walk away (6min). Relax on the beach or rent a kayak or paddleboard for some fun on the water. Plenty of restaurants and cafes are nearby if you need a break from the sun.
Varkiza Beach
Located just a bit further south of Vouliagmeni Beach, Varkiza Beach is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Take the metro from Syntagma Square (Red line) to the Argyroupoli stop, and then change to the bus line 171 to Varkiza. Varkiza is an amazing choice for families with children because it has a total length of 1 km, is a thick sandy beach and it remains shallow for a great distance into the sea.
Lagonisi Beach
If you’re looking for a quieter, more private beach, Lagonisi Beach is a perfect choice. It’s a bit further south than the other beaches on this list, but it’s worth the trip. Take the Α2 bus from Syntagma Square till Efesou stop and then change to Athens – Sounio bus until the Pefko stop. Lagonisi beach is 200m away. The beach is surrounded by rocky cliffs and turquoise waters, making it a beautiful spot for swimming and sunbathing. Lagonisi beach is 30 km from the city centre and while being there, a visit to Cape Sounio would also be a great idea.
Alimos Beach
Alimos Beach, also known as Akti tou Iliou, is one of the most popular beaches in Athens because it is the one that is closest to the city centre. Get the A2 bus from Syntagma and reach the beach at the 3rd Kalamaki stop. The beach is around 150m from the bus stop. At Alimos beach, visitors can also enjoy a range of water activities, such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and windsurfing, all available for rent. Most importantly visitors can enjoy the sun and the sea and get the optimum relaxation only 30 min away from the city centre.
No matter which you choose, spending the day at the beach in Athens is sure to be a relaxing experience. Grab your beach gear, pack your sunscreen, a towel, and plenty of water to stay hydrated. Summer in Athens is extremely hot, reaching more than 25 degrees celsius. Make the most of your day, enjoy an iced coffee and try some local food in one of all the restaurants that are located at the seaside.
