While most people think of Athens as a city break full of history and culture, the Greek capital also doubles as a beach destination – yes, really! You don’t even need to leave the region of Attica to find beautiful seaside spots. From the urban beaches of Piraeus to the luxurious coastlines of the Athenian Riviera and the hidden gems scattered in East and West Attica, there are swimming options everywhere.
On the southern side of Athens lies the stunning Athenian Riviera, a coastal stretch from Piraeus all the way to Sounio and Lavrio. This area is considered one of the most high-end spots near the city, featuring charming seaside towns, elegant restaurants, stylish beach bars, buzzing summer nightclubs, green parks, yacht marinas, and luxury beachfront hotels.
Angel’s tip: The general rule between locals? The farther south you go from Piraeus, the better and cleaner the beaches usually get. Areas closer to Sounio and Lavrio tend to have clearer waters and more serene spots—ideal if you’re looking to escape the city buzz without hopping on a ferry.
Beaches may not be exactly like the dreamy beaches of the Greek islands, but the coastline around Athens is still beautiful and absolutely worth exploring. Whether you’re looking for organized beach bars, quiet hidden coves, or family-friendly shores, Athens has it all. From the luxurious Athenian Riviera to laid-back local favorites and budget-friendly options, here’s my personal guide to the best beaches near Athens.
Well-known & popular beaches:
- Astir Beach Vouliagmeni – Chic, organized, and very elegant
- Akti Vouliagmenis – More affordable, with great facilities
- Yabanaki (Varkiza) – Ideal for groups, activities & families
- Lagonisi Beach – Sandy and upscale
- Sounio (near the Temple of Poseidon) – Combine culture with sea
- Legrena Beach – Just before Sounio, free and beautiful
- Kavouri Beach – Local favorite with free access
Astir beach is a high-end and expensive private beach
Lesser-known beaches that locals go:
- Daskalio Beach (Keratea) – Small, cozy, and peaceful
- Limanaki tis Agapis (Bay of Love) – Tiny, romantic, ideal for couples
- Schinias Beach (Marathonas) – Surrounded by pine trees, long & calm
- Thymari Beach (between Anavyssos & Sounio) – Local secret, great for snorkeling
- Charakas Beach – Quiet, family-friendly, easy parking
- KAPE Beach (Legrena area) – Stunning, wild, with deep blue waters (but steep walk down)
- Asimaki Beach (near Sounio) – Natural, raw, few people
- Alepohori & Psatha Beach (West Attica) – Long coastlines, tavernas & quiet beauty
- Porto Germeno – Scenic mountain backdrop & chill vibes
- Agios Nikolaos Anavyssos (islet access by foot) – Small and unique
- Voula Limanakia (C, D, E) – Rocky coves between Vouliagmeni and Varkiza, great for diving & nudist-friendly spots
- Kochyli Beach (Keratea area) – Very quiet with clear waters
Whether you want a full beach bar experience, a family-friendly shore, or a quiet hidden cove to relax, Athens truly has it all.
Beach bars in the Athenian Riviera:
- Nalu, Bikini, Bolivar beach bars in Alimos (but personally I don’t swim)
- Bungalow 7 in Glyfada. Angel’s tip: With a swimming pool, a great restaurant and a beach entrance is 60 euros per set on weekdays and 90 euros for the weekends.
- Dot beach vibes in Voula Angel’s tip: There is a nice evening party on Sundays during summer here starting at 18:00.
- Bloom Project in Voula
- Krabo in Kavouri Angel’s tip: There you can find the famous restaurant with delicious food and good parties.
- Kavouri beach with the local taverns
- Astir beach. Angel’s tip: Elegant and expensive place to be. You can book online in advance to secure your spot.
- The Royal beach in Vouliagmeni
- Zen beach bar in Vouliagmeni
- Vouliagmeni Lake in Vouliagmeni
- Yabanaki in Varkiza
- Althea beach in Agia Marina
- Tahiti beach bar in Lagonisi
- Grand resort Lagonisi hotel with entrance fee.
- Hawaii Beach Bar in Saronida
- Thymari Con gusto in Thymari beach
- FreezBe Beach Bar in Charakas beach
- Kape beach in Sounio is not organized but beautiful
- Sounio beach Angel’s tip: You can visit Aegeon beach hotel that has sunbeds and a great beach.
Angel’s tip: Cruising along the Athenian Riviera is an incredible way to spend a day, and I recently had the pleasure of experiencing it firsthand with Sailbliss, a premier cruise company based in Alimos. From start to finish, the day was nothing short of perfection – the food, the drinks, the atmosphere, and the attentive staff exceeded all expectations. It was a truly unforgettable experience that I can’t recommend enough for anyone looking to explore the beauty of the Athenian coastline in style. You can have discount through me if you book by clicking here.
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