When you think of Athens, Greece, ancient temples, archaeological sites and the Acropolis might be the first things that come to mind. However, the Greek capital is also a great place to enjoy a beach holiday. Just a short distance from the city centre, you’ll find sandy shores, clear blue water, seaside restaurants and coastal neighbourhoods that offer a different perspective on the city.
The beaches in Athens, Greece, range from lively beach clubs with sunbeds and water sports to quiet coves where you can enjoy a refreshing swim. Many are located along the Athens Riviera, also known as the Athenian Riviera, a stretch of coastline that follows the Saronic Gulf south of the city.
Whether you want to squeeze in a quick dip between sightseeing stops, spend a full day beside the sea or take a day trip to a more secluded beach, there are plenty of options to consider. Here are some of the best Athens beaches to add to your Greece itinerary, along with tips on when to visit, how to get around and what else to do during your stay!
When Is the Best Time to Visit the Beaches in Athens?
The best time to visit the beaches in Athens is generally from late May through September, when the weather is warm and conditions are usually suitable for swimming. However, the ideal month depends on whether you prefer warm water, fewer crowds or a lively summer atmosphere.
May and early June are good options for travellers who want to enjoy the coastline before peak season. Temperatures are warming up, outdoor sightseeing is comfortable, and many beaches begin operating their summer facilities. Sea temperatures can still be cool, particularly in May, and some seasonal beach bars and services may not yet be fully open.
June through August is the main beach season. Expect hot, sunny weather, warmer water and a lively atmosphere at popular beaches and beach clubs. July and August are also the busiest months, especially on summer weekends, when locals and visitors head to the coast.
Arriving early can help you find a good spot, particularly at beach clubs with limited sunbeds and umbrellas.
September is another excellent time for a beach visit. The sea retains much of its summer warmth, while the crowds often begin to thin out. It’s a good month to combine swimming with exploring Athens’ historic sites without dealing with the busiest summer conditions.
October can still bring pleasant beach days, although the weather and water temperatures become less predictable. Some organized beaches and seasonal facilities may reduce their hours or close for the season.
If swimming is a priority, June through September is generally your best bet. If you prefer sightseeing with a beach visit or two, late spring and early autumn can offer a more comfortable balance.
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The Best Beaches in Athens, Greece
From accessible city beaches to upscale seaside escapes, these are some of the best beaches to explore during your stay.
1. Glyfada Beach
Glyfada is one of the most popular destinations along the Athens Riviera, combining a coastal setting with shopping streets, cafés, restaurants and nightlife. It’s a great option if you want to spend time by the sea without venturing too far from central Athens.
Rather than one continuous beach, Glyfada has several stretches of coastline, including public swimming areas and organized beaches. Depending on where you go, you can find sandy shores, beach bars, sunbeds and facilities for a comfortable day outdoors.
The surrounding neighbourhood makes Glyfada particularly convenient. After swimming, you can browse local shops, stop for a coffee or enjoy fresh fish and other Greek dishes at a seaside restaurant. The area also attracts young people looking for a lively summer atmosphere, especially in the evening.
Best for: Travellers who want a beach day with easy access to restaurants, shopping and nightlife.
How to get there: Glyfada is connected to Athens by tram and bus. From the city centre, allow roughly 45–60 minutes or more, depending on your starting point, route and waiting time.
2. Astir Beach
If you’re looking for a more luxurious beach day, Astir Beach in Vouliagmeni is one of the best-known options on the Athens Riviera.
This organized beach offers a polished seaside setting with sunbeds, umbrellas, dining options and premium services. It’s a place to spend several hours relaxing beside the water, enjoying a meal and taking advantage of the facilities rather than simply stopping for a quick swim.
Astir Beach is a private, managed beach, so visitors should expect an entrance fee. Prices and booking requirements can vary depending on the date, season and type of access, so check the official website before visiting. Booking ahead is particularly sensible during peak season.
The surrounding Vouliagmeni area is also worth exploring, with a marina, waterfront dining and other coastal swimming spots nearby!
Best for: Couples, luxury travellers and anyone who wants a full-service beach club experience.
How to get there: Take public transport towards Vouliagmeni and continue by bus or taxi, or drive along the coastal road. Check the current route and the stop nearest to the beach before setting out.
3. Kavouri Beach
Kavouri Beach is a lovely alternative for travellers who prefer a more relaxed setting. Located in the Vouliagmeni area, this stretch of coastline combines sandy sections with rocky areas and is known for its relatively shallow waters in suitable conditions.
Parts of the beach are freely accessible, making Kavouri a good option if you want to enjoy the sea without paying for an organized beach club. The surrounding greenery and coastal paths also provide opportunities for a walk before or after swimming.
The beach is popular with local families, and the gentle entry into the water in some sections can be appealing to visitors with young children. However, conditions vary, so check the water and shoreline at your chosen spot before swimming.
Facilities are more limited in some areas than at larger organized beaches, so bringing drinking water, snacks and sun protection is a good idea.
Best for: Families, relaxed beach days and travellers looking for free public beaches.
How to get there: You can reach the wider Vouliagmeni area by bus from the metro network, then continue to Kavouri. A taxi or rental car may make reaching specific sections easier.
4. Vouliagmeni Beach
Vouliagmeni Beach, often associated with Akti Vouliagmenis, is another popular choice along the Athenian Riviera. Its sheltered bay, sandy shoreline and clear water make it appealing to visitors who want a comfortable beach day within reach of Athens.
The organized beach has facilities designed to make spending several hours by the sea easy, with amenities that can include sunbeds, umbrellas, changing areas, showers and food options. Depending on the season, you may also find activities for visitors interested in spending more time outdoors.
An entrance fee generally applies to the organized beach, with prices varying by season and visitor category. If you’re travelling on a budget, look into nearby public swimming areas before deciding where to go.
Vouliagmeni is also an attractive area for a leisurely lunch or dinner, with cafés and restaurants around the neighbourhood. You can combine your beach visit with other nearby attractions to make the most of the trip.
Best for: Travellers who want clear water, convenient facilities and an easy day trip from the city.
How to get there: Take the metro towards Elliniko and connect to a bus serving Vouliagmeni, or use a taxi for a more direct journey. Check current public transport routes before travelling.
5. Varkiza Beach
Further south along the Athens Riviera, Varkiza offers a mix of sandy coastline, organized beach facilities and public swimming areas. It’s a good choice if you want a beach destination with more room to spread out and activities beyond sunbathing.
Depending on the section you visit, you may find water sports, beach bars, sunbed rentals and places to grab a meal. The area is particularly appealing to visitors who want to spend most of the day outdoors rather than return to the city after a short swim.
Varkiza also has a selection of restaurants and traditional tavernas where you can enjoy Greek seafood after a day in the sun. For travellers who like to combine swimming with a leisurely meal, this makes it a convenient coastal stop.
The beach can become busy during the high season, so consider arriving early on weekends. If you’re visiting with small children, check the conditions and facilities at your chosen section before settling in.
Best for: Families, water sports enthusiasts and travellers planning a full day at the beach.
How to get there: Buses connect Varkiza with the Athens transport network, including services from the Elliniko metro area. A car or taxi offers greater flexibility if you’re visiting several beaches in one day.
6. Kalamaki Beach
Kalamaki, in the Alimos area, is worth considering if you want one of the closer beach options to central Athens. Its location makes it convenient for a quick swim after a morning of sightseeing or a relaxed afternoon away from the city’s busy streets.
The wider coastal area has organized swimming spots, seaside cafés and restaurants, with facilities varying from one section to another. Some areas offer sunbed rentals and other amenities, while nearby stretches of shoreline provide a more casual beach experience.
Kalamaki is especially practical for travellers who don’t want to devote an entire day to reaching the coast. You can enjoy some time beside the Saronic Gulf and return to Athens for dinner or an evening walk.
Best for: Short beach visits, travellers staying in Athens and anyone who prefers not to travel far.
How to get there: The coastal tram and buses serve the wider Alimos and Kalamaki area. Check the nearest stop for your chosen beach, as the shoreline includes several separate access points.
7. Schinias Beach
If you’re willing to travel farther from the city, Schinias Beach is worth considering for a change of scenery. Located northeast of Athens near Marathon, this long stretch of sandy coastline is backed by a pine forest and offers a more natural setting than many of the urban beaches along the Riviera.
Its expansive shoreline provides plenty of space to walk, relax and find a place to settle in. Parts of the wider area are associated with Schinias–Marathon National Park, making it appealing to nature lovers who want to combine a beach visit with time outdoors.
Schinias is farther from central Athens than Glyfada or Vouliagmeni, so it’s better suited to a dedicated day trip than a quick swim between sightseeing stops. Facilities vary along the beach, and some sections may have fewer services than organized resort beaches.
Bring water, snacks and sun protection if you’re visiting a less developed stretch, and check local guidance before swimming.
Best for: Nature lovers, long sandy shores and travellers who want to spend a full day outside the city.
How to get there: A rental car or taxi is generally the most convenient option. Public transport to the wider Marathon area may be possible, but the final connection to the beach can be less straightforward. Check local bus schedules before planning your trip.
8. Artemida Beach
Also known as Loutsa, Artemida Beach is a great option for travellers looking for a long stretch of sand away from the busier Athens Riviera. Located on the eastern coast of Attica, approximately 25–30 km from central Athens, this seaside destination combines a relaxed local atmosphere with plenty of options for a day by the water.
Artemida’s coastline features sandy shores, beach bars, cafés and restaurants, with both organized and more casual sections of beach. Visitors can rent sunbeds and umbrellas in certain areas or find a public stretch of sand to enjoy with their own beach essentials. The area is also popular for water sports, including windsurfing, when conditions are suitable.
The beach can appeal to families looking for sandy areas to play and swim, as well as travellers who want to enjoy a beach day without travelling to the Greek islands. However, conditions can vary, and the eastern coastline can be windy, so check the weather before planning your visit.
Best for: Long sandy beaches, water sports, casual beach bars and travellers looking for a coastal day trip.
How to get there: Driving from central Athens generally takes around 30–50 minutes, depending on traffic. Public transport is also an option: take Metro Line 3 to Nomismatokopio station and connect to a local bus serving Artemida. Allow roughly 60–90 minutes for the journey, depending on connections and your final stop. Check current bus schedules before travelling.
How to Get to the Beaches in Athens
One of the advantages of staying in Athens is that you don’t necessarily need to rent a car to enjoy the coastline. Many of the closest beaches are connected to the city by tram and bus, while a car can be useful for visiting more distant beaches or exploring several coastal areas in one day.
By Tram
The tram is one of the easiest ways to reach parts of the Athens Riviera. From central Athens, services from the Syntagma area connect with the coastal tram network, which serves areas including Palaio Faliro, Alimos, Glyfada and Voula.
This is a convenient option if you’re staying near Syntagma Square or another central neighbourhood and want to visit a beach without dealing with city traffic. However, some beaches are still a walk or a short bus or taxi ride from the nearest tram stop.
Allow extra time during summer weekends, when public transport and popular coastal areas can be busier.
By Metro and Bus
The metro doesn’t run directly along the entire coastline, but it connects with bus routes that serve beaches farther south.
For beaches in the Vouliagmeni and Varkiza areas, you can travel towards Elliniko and connect to a local bus. Other routes serve different sections of the coast, so the best combination will depend on your destination.
Use the official Athens public transport journey planner or a reliable navigation app to check routes, service times and connections on the day of your visit.
By Car or Taxi
Driving offers more flexibility if you’re planning to visit beaches beyond the main Riviera suburbs, including Schinias or coastal areas closer to Cape Sounion.
The coastal road links many of the southern seaside neighbourhoods, allowing you to stop at different beaches and viewpoints along the way. However, traffic can be heavy during peak season, particularly on summer weekends, and parking near popular beaches may be limited.
A taxi can be a convenient alternative if you want to reach one particular beach without navigating public transport. For farther destinations, check the expected fare and return transport options before setting off.
Other Things to Do in Athens
A beach day is a great addition to an Athens itinerary, but there’s plenty more to see and do in the Greek capital. The city is known for its ancient history, food scene, neighbourhoods and cultural attractions, so it’s easy to balance time by the sea with sightseeing.
Explore the Acropolis and Ancient Ruins
No first visit to Athens would be complete without exploring the Acropolis, one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites. The hill is home to the Parthenon and other monuments that reflect the city’s significance in ancient Greece.
The nearby Acropolis Museum provides additional context through archaeological finds and exhibits, making it a worthwhile stop for history enthusiasts.
Try to visit major outdoor sites early in the day during the summer months, when temperatures can become very high. You can then head towards the coast in the afternoon for a refreshing swim.
Wander Through Plaka
Plaka is one of Athens’ best-known historic neighbourhoods, with narrow streets, cafés, traditional tavernas and shops. Its location beneath the Acropolis makes it an easy addition to a day of sightseeing.
Spend some time wandering through the streets, stopping for a Greek coffee or enjoying a meal at a local restaurant. It’s also a lovely area to explore in the late afternoon or evening, after the heat of the day has eased.
Visit the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion
For another memorable excursion, consider a trip to Cape Sounion, where the Temple of Poseidon stands above the Aegean Sea.
The archaeological site sits at the southeastern tip of the Attica peninsula, offering sweeping coastal views. It’s particularly popular around sunset, when the changing light illuminates the ancient columns and surrounding sea.
You can combine the temple with a stop at a nearby beach, turning the outing into a full-day coastal excursion. Just remember to check the site’s opening hours and your return transport options before leaving Athens.
Swim at Lake Vouliagmeni
For something different from a traditional beach, Lake Vouliagmeni is a natural lake near the coast south of Athens. Surrounded by rock formations and greenery, it offers a distinctive swimming experience away from the open sea.
The lake is known for its mineral-rich, brackish water and relatively mild temperatures throughout the year. It operates as a managed swimming attraction, with an entrance fee and facilities for visitors.
It’s a particularly good addition to a day exploring Vouliagmeni, especially if you want to experience more of the area’s natural beauty beyond its beaches.
Enjoy Greek Food by the Sea
Athens is an excellent place to sample Greek cuisine, and a coastal meal is an easy way to round out a beach day.
Look for seaside tavernas serving grilled fish, calamari, Greek salad, tzatziki and other local favourites. In neighbourhoods such as Glyfada, Vouliagmeni and Varkiza, you can find everything from casual cafés to more upscale waterfront restaurants.
For a relaxed experience, plan a late lunch after swimming or head to the coast in the early evening when temperatures begin to drop.
Make Time for the Beaches of Athens on Your Greece Trip
Athens offers more than ancient landmarks and busy city streets. Its coastline provides an easy way to enjoy the sea without travelling to the Greek islands, whether you’re looking for an organized beach club, a family-friendly swimming spot or a long stretch of sand surrounded by nature.
For convenience, Glyfada and Kalamaki are worth considering if you’re staying in central Athens. Kavouri offers a more relaxed beach experience, while Astir Beach and Vouliagmeni Beach appeal to travellers looking for additional facilities. If you have a full day to spare, Schinias provides a different setting farther from the city.
The best choice depends on your travel dates, budget and how much time you want to spend getting to the coast. With a little planning, you can enjoy both the historic sights of Athens and the clear waters of the Aegean during the same trip.
If you’re planning a trip to Greece, a Tier One Travel consultant can help you build an itinerary that balances Athens’ cultural highlights with beach time and other experiences across the country.
READY TO RELAX ON THE BEACH IN ATHENS?
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