The best beaches in Athens are mostly along the Athens Riviera, the coastline that runs south from the city toward Glyfada, Voula, Vouliagmeni, Saronida and Sounion.
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For most visitors, Vouliagmeni Beach is the best all-around choice because it has calm water, organized facilities, sand, shade, changing areas and easy access from central Athens.
If you want a faster beach day, choose Kalamaki, Glyfada, Voula or Kavouri; if you want clearer water and a more scenic day trip, head farther south to Althea, Kape, Legrena or Sounion.
Quick answer: the best beaches near Athens
If you only have time for one beach, choose Vouliagmeni Beach. If you want a free or very easy beach from Athens, choose Kalamaki / Edem, Glyfada or Kavouri. If you are planning a full coastal day trip, choose Saronida, Legrena or Sounion.
| Best for | Beach to choose | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Vouliagmeni Beach | Organized, sandy, family-friendly and easy to reach compared with farther Attica beaches. |
| Closest practical beach | Kalamaki / Edem | Good for a quick swim from the city center by tram. |
| Easy without a car | Glyfada, Voula, Kavouri | Good public transport links, cafés and restaurants nearby. |
| Families with kids | Vouliagmeni, Saronida, Mavro Lithari | Better facilities, calmer water and more space. |
| Clear water and coves | Althea, Kape, Legrena | More natural swimming spots farther down the Attica coast. |
| Beach club atmosphere | Varkiza or Lagonissi | Sunbeds, umbrellas, food, drinks and organized amenities. |
| Views and history | Sounion Beach | Swim near Cape Sounion and combine it with the Temple of Poseidon. |
| Airport-area beach | Porto Rafti or Loutsa | Useful before or after a flight, especially if you are staying east of Athens. |
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Athens beaches map: where are the best beaches?
Most beaches in this guide are south of Athens on the Athenian Riviera, especially around Glyfada, Voula, Vouliagmeni, Varkiza, Saronida, Lagonissi, Anavissos and Sounion.
A few beaches, such as Porto Rafti, Loutsa and Schinias, are on the eastern side of Attica and make more sense if you are staying near the airport, Rafina or Marathon.
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How to get to Athens beaches without a car
You can reach several Athens beaches by public transportation, but the experience depends on which beach you choose. The tram is useful for the nearest coastal suburbs, while buses from the southern metro stations continue toward Vouliagmeni, Varkiza and Saronida. For beaches near Sounion, Lavrio, Porto Rafti, Loutsa and Schinias, a car or taxi makes the day much easier.
- Best no-car beaches: Kalamaki / Edem, Glyfada, Voula, Kavouri, Vouliagmeni and Varkiza.
- Possible but slower by public transport: Saronida, Lagonissi, Anavissos and Palea Fokea.
- Best by car: Althea, Kape, Legrena, Sounion, Porto Rafti, Loutsa, Pountazeza and Schinias.
- Important: routes, prices and beach-entry rules change. Check Google Maps, OASA, or your hotel before leaving, especially on weekends and public holidays.
Best beaches in Athens at a glance
| Beach | Best for | Best way there | Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kalamaki Beach (Edem) | Quick swim from Athens | Tram toward the coast, then a short walk | Organized |
| Glyfada Beach | Easy public transport | Tram, bus, or metro to Elliniko plus a short taxi/bus connection | Organized |
| Voula Beach | Families | Tram to Voula or bus/taxi from Glyfada or Elliniko | Organized |
| Kavouri Beach | Couples | Bus or taxi from Vouliagmeni/Glyfada | Organized |
| Vouliagmeni Beach | Best overall | Bus from central Athens or metro/bus connection via the southern suburbs | Organized |
| Vouliagmeni Lake | Warm water | Bus or taxi from Vouliagmeni | Organized |
| Varkiza Beach | Beach clubs | Bus from the southern suburbs or taxi/car | Organized |
| Lomvarda Beach (Mojito Bay) | Clear water | Car or taxi is easiest | Organized |
| Althea Beach | Clear waters | Car or taxi | Mostly natural |
| Eden Beach | Quick stop | Car, taxi, or bus along the coast | Organized |
| Saronida Beach | Families | Bus toward Saronida or car | Organized |
| Lagonissi Beach | Beach clubs | Car or taxi recommended | Organized |
| Anavissos Beach | Families | Car is easiest | Organized |
| Mavro Lithari Beach | Families | Car recommended | Organized |
| Palea Fokea Beach | Seafood tavernas | Car recommended | Mostly natural |
| Thimari Beach | Quiet swim | Car recommended | Mostly natural |
| Charakas Beach | Sand | Car recommended | Mostly natural |
| Kape Beach | Clear water | Car recommended | Mostly natural |
| Legrena Beach | Quiet sand | Car recommended | Mostly natural |
| Sounion Beach | Scenery | Car, taxi or organized tour | Mostly natural |
| Porto Rafti Beach | Airport-area stays | Car or taxi recommended, especially from the airport area | Organized |
| Loutsa Beach (Artemida) | Airport-area stays | Car or taxi from the airport/east Attica | Mostly natural |
| Pountazeza Beach | Families | Car recommended | Organized |
| Schinias Beach | Long sandy beach | Car recommended | Organized |
The 24 best beaches in Athens and near Athens
1. Kalamaki Beach (Edem)
Kalamaki, often called Edem Beach, is the easiest choice if you want sea and sand without turning the day into a full excursion. It is close to the city, simple to reach by tram, and good for a quick swim after sightseeing.
This is not the wildest or clearest beach near Athens, but that is not the point. Go for convenience, a casual beach bar, and a realistic half-day break from the city center.
- Best for: Quick swim from Athens, public transport, low-effort beach day.
- How to get there: Tram toward the coast, then a short walk; taxi is also easy.
- Facilities: Free beach areas, nearby cafés, some umbrellas and beach bars in season.
- Links:Google Maps | Instagram
2. Glyfada Beach
Glyfada Beach is one of the best beaches in Athens for travelers who want a straightforward route, sand, and plenty to do nearby. The suburb has restaurants, shops, beach bars, and regular transport connections, so it works well even without a rental car.
The beach itself is more urban than remote. Choose Glyfada when you want convenience and a full Athens Riviera afternoon, not a hidden island-style cove.
- Best for: Easy public transport, restaurants, shopping, first-time visitors.
- How to get there: Tram, bus, or metro to Elliniko plus a short taxi/bus connection.
- Facilities: Free sections, organized areas nearby, cafés and restaurants.
- Links:Google Maps | Instagram
3. Voula Beach
Voula Beach is a good upgrade from the most basic urban beaches because it has organized facilities and a more resort-style feel. It is especially useful for families who want sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, and food nearby.
Expect to pay for some organized sections during the summer season. If you want a more polished beach day without going as far as Saronida or Sounion, Voula is a strong choice.
- Best for: Families, organized beach facilities, easy Athens Riviera access.
- How to get there: Tram to Voula or bus/taxi from Glyfada or Elliniko.
- Facilities: Usually organized in season, with sunbeds, umbrellas, showers and cafés.
- Links:Google Maps | Instagram
4. Kavouri Beach
Kavouri Beach sits near Vouliagmeni and feels calmer than the busier parts of Glyfada and Voula. The water is usually shallow near the shore, which makes it a good option for families and relaxed swimming.
There are free stretches where you can bring a towel, plus cafés and organized spots in the wider area. Kavouri is one of the best beaches near Athens if you want a local-feeling swim without going too far down the coast.
- Best for: Couples, families, scenic sand, relaxed swimming.
- How to get there: Bus or taxi from Vouliagmeni/Glyfada; car is easiest.
- Facilities: Free sections, cafés, some organized areas nearby.
- Links:Google Maps | Instagram
5. Vouliagmeni Beach
Vouliagmeni Beach is the best beach near Athens for most visitors because it balances water quality, comfort, access, and facilities. It is sandy, organized, family-friendly, and close enough to the city for an easy day trip.
The main downside is cost: the organized beach usually charges entry and prices can change by season, weekday, weekend, and amenities. Still, if you only have time for one Athens Riviera beach, Vouliagmeni is the safest recommendation.
- Best for: Best overall, families, organized facilities, calm water.
- How to get there: Bus from central Athens or metro/bus connection via the southern suburbs.
- Facilities: Ticketed entry in season, sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, changing facilities, food options.
- Links:Google Maps | Instagram
6. Vouliagmeni Lake
Vouliagmeni Lake is a brackish-water lake fed by underground springs, set below dramatic rock walls just inland from the coast. It is not a beach, but it belongs in this guide because it is one of the most distinctive places to swim near Athens.
Choose the lake when you want a calmer, more spa-like experience than a beach bar. It is especially good in spring and autumn, when sea water may feel cooler but the lake remains inviting.
- Best for: Warm water, spa-style swimming, shoulder season, couples.
- How to get there: Bus or taxi from Vouliagmeni; car is easiest.
- Facilities: Ticketed entry, loungers, changing areas, restaurant/café.
- Links:Google Maps | Instagram
7. Varkiza Beach
Varkiza Beach is a lively organized beach with more of a beach-club atmosphere. It works well for groups, families with older kids, and anyone who wants lunch, drinks, loungers, and activities in one place.
It can be busy and prices vary by season, so check entry and sunbed policies before committing. If comfort matters more than finding the quietest sand, Varkiza is one of the most practical beaches near Athens.
- Best for: Beach clubs, families, groups, restaurants, water sports.
- How to get there: Bus from the southern suburbs or taxi/car.
- Facilities: Organized beach club areas, restaurants, water sports in season.
- Links:Google Maps | Instagram
8. Lomvarda Beach (Mojito Bay)
Lomvarda Beach, often associated with Mojito Bay, is smaller and more tucked away than the main organized beaches. The water can be beautiful here, and the beach-bar setup makes it easy to spend a slow afternoon.
This is a better choice by car or taxi than by public transportation. Go early in summer if you want a good spot, because compact beaches fill quickly.
- Best for: Clear water, beach bar, relaxed couples’ beach day.
- How to get there: Car or taxi is easiest; public transport can require extra walking.
- Facilities: Beach bar, umbrellas and loungers in season.
- Links:Google Maps | Instagram
9. Althea Beach
Althea Beach is one of the prettiest small beaches near Athens, especially if you care about clear water more than facilities. It has a cove-like feel, pebbly sections, and a more natural atmosphere than the organized beaches closer to the city.
Bring water, snacks, and your own shade, especially in July and August. Althea is not the best choice for strollers or anyone who needs full facilities, but it is excellent for a swim-focused stop.
- Best for: Clear waters, snorkeling, quieter coves, couples.
- How to get there: Car or taxi; limited convenience by public transport.
- Facilities: Mostly natural; bring water, snacks and shade.
- Links:Google Maps | Instagram
10. Eden Beach
Eden Beach is small and simple, best treated as a casual stop rather than the main event of your trip. It is useful if you are already moving down the Athens Riviera and want a quick swim or coffee by the sea.
Do not choose Eden if you want a dramatic beach day or lots of space. Choose it for convenience, a low-pressure atmosphere, and a short break from the road.
- Best for: Quick stop, casual swim, beach bar break.
- How to get there: Car, taxi, or bus along the coast.
- Facilities: Small beach bar and simple amenities in season.
- Links:Google Maps | Instagram
11. Saronida Beach
Saronida Beach is one of the best beaches near Athens if you want a proper sandy beach town instead of a quick urban swim. It has a family-friendly feel, places to eat, and enough space to make the longer trip worthwhile.
Public transport can get you toward Saronida, but a car makes the day easier. If you are choosing between one organized beach close to Athens and one farther sandy option, make it Vouliagmeni or Saronida.
- Best for: Families, sand, cafés, longer Athens Riviera day trip.
- How to get there: Bus toward Saronida or car; car is faster and easier.
- Facilities: Free areas, cafés, tavernas and organized sections nearby.
- Links:Google Maps | Instagram
12. Lagonissi Beach
Lagonissi is a good choice if you want a more polished Athens Riviera experience, with organized beach bars and resort energy. The area is known for its seaside hotels, including Grand Resort Lagonissi.
This is not the cheapest beach day near Athens, but it works well for couples or travelers who want comfort, sunbeds, drinks, and sea views without overthinking logistics.
- Best for: Beach clubs, resort atmosphere, couples, polished facilities.
- How to get there: Car or taxi recommended.
- Facilities: Organized beach bars, sunbeds, umbrellas and hotels nearby.
- Links:Google Maps | Instagram
13. Anavissos Beach
Anavissos Beach gives you more room than the smaller coves closer to Athens. It is a solid family beach, with sand, organized sections, and tavernas nearby.
The area can be windy, which is great for some water sports but less ideal for perfectly calm swimming. If you are driving toward Sounion, Anavissos is an easy beach stop along the way.
- Best for: Families, sandy beach, wind sports, longer day trip.
- How to get there: Car is easiest; bus possible via Saronida/Palea Fokea routes.
- Facilities: Organized sections, cafés, tavernas and space for towels.
- Links:Google Maps | Instagram
14. Mavro Lithari Beach
Mavro Lithari is another good family option on the southern Attica coast. It has organized beach sections, decent sand-and-pebble areas, and enough space for a relaxed beach day.
It is farther from central Athens, so it makes the most sense by car. Combine it with Anavissos, Palea Fokea, or Sounion if you are turning the coast into a full-day trip.
- Best for: Families, organized beach day, longer swim stop.
- How to get there: Car recommended.
- Facilities: Organized areas, sunbeds, umbrellas and nearby food options.
- Links:Google Maps | Instagram
15. Palea Fokea Beach
Palea Fokea is less about a flashy beach club and more about a proper Greek seaside-town day. Swim first, then stay for fish tavernas, cafés, and a slower local rhythm.
The beach is a good choice if you want to escape the denser Athens Riviera suburbs. It is also a smart stop before or after Sounion if you are driving.
- Best for: Seafood tavernas, village feel, quieter family swim.
- How to get there: Car recommended; bus possible but slower.
- Facilities: Beach areas, cafés, tavernas and local amenities.
- Links:Google Maps | Instagram
16. Thimari Beach
Thimari Beach is a small, unfussy option on the way toward Cape Sounion. It is better for travelers who enjoy compact beaches and do not need a full resort setup.
Because facilities can be limited, bring what you need and treat Thimari as part of a coastal drive rather than a standalone destination from central Athens.
- Best for: Quiet swim, simple beach bar, road-trip stop.
- How to get there: Car recommended.
- Facilities: Simple amenities; bring backup water and snacks.
- Links:Google Maps | Instagram
17. Charakas Beach
Charakas Beach is one of the better choices near Sounion if you want sand and space without the full beach-club scene. It feels more natural than many beaches closer to Athens.
The tradeoff is access. Charakas is best by car, and you should bring water, sunscreen, and shade if you plan to stay through the hottest part of the day.
- Best for: Sand, space, less crowded swimming, car day trips.
- How to get there: Car recommended.
- Facilities: Some amenities in season, but bring supplies.
- Links:Google Maps | Instagram
18. Kape Beach
Kape Beach is one of the most beautiful coves near Athens, with clear water and a more dramatic setting than the urban beaches. It is a great choice if you want a wilder-looking swimming spot close to Cape Sounion.
The beach requires a walk down steps and is not ideal for mobility issues, strollers, or travelers carrying too much gear. Go early, pack light, and bring your own supplies.
- Best for: Clear water, photos, adventurous swimmers, Sounion road trip.
- How to get there: Car recommended; expect steps down to the beach.
- Facilities: Limited facilities; bring water and shade.
- Links:Google Maps | Instagram
19. Legrena Beach
Legrena Beach is a good pick if you want something quieter near the end of the Athens Riviera. It has a local feel, sandy stretches, and a more relaxed pace than the organized beaches closer to the city.
This is a strong add-on to a Cape Sounion day trip. Swim at Legrena in the afternoon, then continue to the Temple of Poseidon for sunset.
- Best for: Quiet sand, locals, Sounion combination trip.
- How to get there: Car recommended.
- Facilities: Mostly simple; bring what you need.
- Links:Google Maps | Instagram
20. Sounion Beach
Sounion Beach is not the closest beach to Athens, but it gives you something the others cannot: a swim near one of Greece’s most iconic ancient sites. The view toward the Temple of Poseidon makes it one of the most memorable beaches near Athens.
Make this a full-day plan rather than a quick beach run. Swim, eat nearby, and stay for sunset at Cape Sounion if time allows.
- Best for: Scenery, history, sunset, full-day trip.
- How to get there: Car, taxi or organized tour; public transport is slower.
- Facilities: Beach areas, nearby hotels/tavernas, seasonal amenities.
- Links:Google Maps | Instagram
21. Porto Rafti Beach
Porto Rafti is on the east side of Attica, not the classic Athens Riviera route. It is especially useful if you are staying near Athens Airport, Rafina, or the eastern suburbs.
Erotospilia is the beach many people come for here: a scenic cove with clear water and a more island-like feel. It is best by car or taxi, not as a casual public-transport beach from central Athens.
- Best for: Airport-area stays, east Attica, clear water, scenic coves.
- How to get there: Car or taxi recommended, especially from the airport area.
- Facilities: Beach bars, tavernas and cafés depending on the exact beach.
- Links:Google Maps | Instagram
22. Loutsa Beach (Artemida)
Loutsa, also known as Artemida, is a practical beach town near Athens Airport. It is not usually the first choice for travelers staying in central Athens, but it can be perfect before or after a flight.
The beach is long, casual, and often windy, which makes it popular with water-sports fans. Go for convenience, cafés, and a relaxed local scene rather than polished resort energy.
- Best for: Airport-area stays, windsurfing, casual cafés, long beach walks.
- How to get there: Car or taxi from the airport/east Attica; public transport possible but less convenient.
- Facilities: Cafés, restaurants, casual beach areas.
- Links:Google Maps | Instagram
23. Pountazeza Beach
Pountazeza Beach is a good family option near Lavrio, especially if you are already exploring the southeastern edge of Attica. The water entry is comfortable and the beach has a relaxed feel.
It is too far to be the easiest beach from Athens, but it works well as part of a Lavrio or Sounion day trip. Go by car and build the beach into a wider itinerary.
- Best for: Families, sandy water entry, Lavrio/Sounion road trips.
- How to get there: Car recommended.
- Facilities: Organized sections in season, some nearby food options.
- Links:Google Maps | Instagram
24. Schinias Beach
Schinias Beach sits near Marathon on the northeastern side of Attica, so it is different from the classic Athens Riviera beaches. It is long, sandy, and bordered by a protected natural landscape of pine forest and wetlands.
This is one of the best beaches near Athens if you want more space and a nature-focused day. It is not a mangrove forest; treat it as a sensitive coastal ecosystem and avoid leaving trash or walking through protected areas.
- Best for: Long sandy beach, nature, families, wind sports.
- How to get there: Car recommended.
- Facilities: Beach bars and organized areas in season, plus quieter stretches.
- Links:Google Maps | Instagram
Conclusion: which Athens beach should you choose?
For a first beach day in Athens, choose Vouliagmeni Beach. It is organized, easy enough to reach, and has the best mix of sand, calm water and facilities. For a quicker and cheaper swim from the city, choose Kalamaki / Edem, Glyfada or Kavouri. For a longer day trip with better scenery, drive toward Althea, Kape, Legrena or Sounion.
Athens beaches are absolutely worth visiting if you have extra time in the city. Just keep your expectations fair: the Athens Riviera is excellent for a city beach day, while the best beaches in Greece are still mostly on islands such as Crete, Mykonos, Naxos and Kefalonia.
FAQs about beaches in Athens
Which is the best beach near Athens?
Vouliagmeni Beach is the best overall beach near Athens for most visitors because it has sand, calm water, organized facilities, showers, changing areas, food options and relatively easy access from the city.
Are there beaches near Athens city center?
Yes. The closest practical beaches are Kalamaki / Edem, Glyfada, Voula and Kavouri. They are urban beaches, so they are not as dramatic as Greek island beaches, but they are good for a quick swim from Athens.
Can you get to Athens beaches by public transport?
Yes, especially to Kalamaki, Glyfada, Voula, Vouliagmeni, Varkiza and Saronida. Use the tram for the nearest coastal suburbs or take the metro to the southern stations and continue by bus or taxi. For Kape, Legrena, Sounion, Porto Rafti, Loutsa and Schinias, a car is much easier.
Are there free beaches in Athens?
Yes. Kalamaki, Glyfada, Kavouri, Saronida, Anavissos, Legrena and Charakas usually have free areas where you can bring your own towel. Organized beaches and beach clubs may charge for entry, sunbeds or umbrellas, especially in summer.
Are Athens beaches clean and safe?
Many Athens beaches are suitable for swimming, especially the organized beaches along the Athens Riviera. They are still close to a large city, so do not expect every beach to feel like a remote island cove. Avoid swimming after heavy rain or when the sea looks dirty or rough.
When can you swim at Athens beaches?
The main swimming season is May to October. The warmest and busiest months are June, July, August and September. Weekdays are usually calmer than weekends, when many Athenians head to the coast.
Is the Athens Riviera worth visiting?
Yes, the Athens Riviera is worth visiting if you want a beach day while staying in Athens. It is best for swimming, beach clubs, seaside restaurants and sunset drives. For a full beach holiday, the Greek islands still offer better beaches overall.
Do you need a car for the best beaches near Athens?
You do not need a car for the closest beaches, but a car helps a lot if you want clearer water, quieter coves or beaches near Sounion, Lavrio, Porto Rafti, Loutsa or Schinias.
