Where to go in Athens
When planning a trip to Athens, most people concentrate on the ancient sites and don’t even think about it as a place to go to enjoy the sun and the sand, but the city stretches all the way to the sea. In fact, the Athenian Riviera offers the longest coastline of any peninsula in Europe.
If you visit during the summer, you’ll definitely want to spend some time swimming and sunbathing on its many pristine beaches. They’re spread along the southern and northeastern side of the Attica peninsula, with the entire coastline from Cape Sounio to Glyfada hosting picturesque, organized stretches as well as secluded coves with a romantic feel. They’re easy to access from the city center and boast crystal-clear clear, clean water. There are also beach clubs, beach bars, sports centers, and other facilities to enjoy.
Eden Beach
As you make your way from the Greek capital to Sounio, you’ll find one of the best places to swim near the city, Eden Beach, a sandy stretch with clear, calm turquoise water, picturesque surroundings and lots of facilities. Located at Ever Eden Beach Resort, here you can take advantage of a wide range of water sports, including kayaking, jet skiing, banana rides, water skiing, and much more, along with the usual swimming.
There’s a safe area for tiny tots to swim and play along with beach volleyball, a cocktail bar, and a restaurant that serves Mediterranean and Greek cuisine. It’s just 45 minutes from the city center of Athens, and 45 minutes from the airport, making it convenient for most.
Astir Beach
One of the country’s most exclusive beach clubs, Astir is a stretch of nearly 1,000 feet of coastline. It’s open to the public for a fee, but it’s worth it for the outstanding facilities and exceptional service. Everything you could ever want is right here – looking to soothe sore muscles?
You can get a massage with professional therapists available to take care of those knots. You’ll find designer boutiques, water sports, activities like yoga on the beach, and bungalows that can be reserved in advance. Just a few steps away are some excellent full dining restaurants, and even several ancient ruins. It’s a beach where some of the most attractive and well-heeled go, a place to see and be seen.
Aegeon Beach
Aegeon is located at the Aegeon Hotel but it’s open to the public with facilities that include sunbeds, umbrellas, a beach bar, and showers. It boasts a breathtaking view at Sounio, which includes the Temple of Poseidon that sits atop a bluff overlooking the Aegean, one of the most beautiful spots near Athens.
With the stunning natural environment, translucent turquoise waters ideal for swimming from May through mid-October, it’s a favorite. A swim beneath the shadow of the ancient temple is a true bucket list experience that you’ll probably never forget. What more could you want? An ancient temple, a beach, and tavernas! If you can, avoid visiting on a Sunday as it gets quite busy, or arrive early to find that perfect spot on the sand.
Voula Beach
One of the most popular stretches of sand in the suburbs of Athens for many years, Voula is just over 11 miles south of the city in a beautiful location along the coast. It’s become increasingly popular among tourists, although it’s long been a favorite among Athenians, especially those who live nearby. It’s also a Blue Flag beach, which means it’s been rewarded for its high quality, clean waters.
In order to cater to the many visitors it tends to attract, a recent addition includes cafes, umbrellas and sunbeds, along with sports facilities like volleyball, basketball, tennis, and mini golf. There’s even a camping area that blends luxury facilities with traditional camping for more of a “glamping” experience if you want to stick around awhile. Plus, this beach is easily reached from the center of Athens by bus and tram.
Yabanaki Beach
Located at Varkiza Resort, Yabanaki is a favorite summer hangout. Rewarded with a Blue Flag, it includes a gorgeous sandy beach with shallow, clear cobalt water. A variety of water sports are available, with SHARK Water Sports here, offering all sorts of thrills like wakeboarding, water skiing, windsurfing, SUP, tubing, kayaking, and more.
There are comfy wooden deckchairs with cushions at VIP Sundara where you can sunbathe in between swimming and sipping cocktails. Moana beach house offers sunbeds on the sand as well as pavilions and torches that create an enchanting atmosphere. You’ll find plenty of tavernas when hunger pangs hit including fresh fish at Isalos, which can be washed down with the Greek classic, ouzo. Or, non-fish lovers can enjoy kebabs, burgers, chicken, and steaks at Trelos Gaidaros. There are even cocktail bars for enjoying the views and good tunes while sipping.
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