Athenian Riviera: Beyond the Branding to the Beaches of Athens
The best beaches around Athens showing that it is much more than a city break or transport hub
Long viewed simply as a starting point for seafaring Greek odysseys to lesser-known islands, Athens has recently reinvented itself to craft an international brand as a world-class city break destination in its own right. This image has resulted in dramatic increases in the number of international tourist arrivals, prompting Athens to become the most popular destination for international tourists in Greece for the first time in 2024.
Whilst the historic centre of Athens becomes increasingly trendy on social media, city authorities are grappling to avoid the negative social, economic and environmental consequences of over tourism that have dogged other European cities such as Venice or Barcelona.
An effort to encourage visitors to go beyond the historic centre of Athens has manifested itself in the recent branding of the Attica coastline as the ‘Athenian Riviera’. This moniker conjures up an elite and exclusive image of private beach clubs backed by turquoise crystalline waters and glamorous speedboats. The exclusivity and glamour of the ‘Athenian Riviera’ is, of course, based on some truth. The coastal neighbourhoods of Glyfada, Voula and Vouliagmeni are some of the most sought after addresses in Athens.
However, for many Athenians, the beaches surrounding Athens are a feature of summer life in the city. For them, these beaches offer a welcome reprieve from the heat of the downtown with island-like tavernas, sparkling waters and beautiful sunsets.
In this blog, I will write about some of my favourite beaches surrounding Athens – many of which are free to access – and how to get there with public transport.
Vouliagmeni Beach, Ακτή Βουλιαγμένης
Vouliagmeni Beach is without a doubt my favourite spot on the Athens coastline. The beach is private and there is a cost for entry (higher on weekends, discounts available for concessions). However, this ticket price includes a sunbed, umbrellas, changing rooms, showers, toilets and even free Wi-Fi. There are a choice of beach bars available for snacks and kafedakia to sip on whilst you relax just metres from the sea. The setting itself is beautiful, as the sheltered Vouliagmeni Bay offers blue-flag rated waters perfect for swimmers of all abilities. On weekends and public holidays, the beach fills up with Athens residents seeking a taste of an island vacation. However, despite being a private beach, Vouliagmeni retains a sense of authenticity and relaxation.
How to get there?
Take the Athens public bus 122 or 122Θ from either Argyroupoli or Elliniko metro stations to the centre of Vouliagmeni, before crossing the road to enter the beach. The bus can get very busy at the weekends, so I recommend boarding at Argyroupoli. Buses operate around every twenty minutes. You can hop-on and hop-off the 122 to visit most of the beaches on this stretch of coast throughout the day.
Varkiza, Βάρκιζα
Varkiza is located around the headland from Vouliagmeni and offers a small town with bakeries, bars and tavernas. The town is situated in yet another expansive bay replete the sailing boats and yachts. The water here is beautiful and excellent for snorkelling. For those searching for an organised beach, Varkiza provides a sandy sweep of sunbeds. However, there is more charm in the chain of coves cascading down the northern side of the bay. Here, you can access the sea for free with a more local vibe and enjoy a coffee or lunch at one of the bars overlooking the water.
How to get there:
Take the public buses 122 or 122Θ from either Argyroupoli or Elliniko metro stations. You can also catch the public bus 171 from Argyroupoli metro station to go directly to Varkiza. Once you have arrived, you can either disembark in the town or at the designated beach stop.
Agia Marina, Αγία Μαρίνα
Agia Marina is a smaller public beach with pristine waters and good snorkelling. There is a smattering of tavernas and beach bars framing the sandy beach, including the swanky Calypso Beach Bar. The beach offers a peaceful, family atmosphere more akin to an island than a suburb of Athens. After swimming, you can enjoy fresh seafood or a Greek salad at the beach taverna, Kekrops, with beautiful tables right next to the water’s edge.
How to get there:
Take the Athens public bus 122 or 122Θ from either Argyroupoli or Elliniko metro stations to Agia Marina bus stop, before crossing the road to enter the beach from behind the tavernas. The journey takes around 30 minutes. You could also take the public bus 330 from Koropi metro station.
Sounion, Σούνιο
Cape Sounion, with its ancient hilltop temple, is one of the most popular day trips from Athens for visitors. Not only is the archaeological site incredibly beautiful but there is a tranquil beach situated in the shadow of the Temple of Poseidon. Swimming in sparkling, shallow waters under the watchful gaze of ancient ruins is a quintessential Greek experience that is hard to match anywhere else across the country. The beach is public access but there are also sunbeds and umbrellas available to hire, along with an attractive beach taverna.
Any visit to the beach can also be accompanied by a visit to the archaeological site to see the Temple of Poseidon up close. The views from this historical site at sunset are truly mesmerising. As you silently soak up the views of the sun dip below the undulating topography of Attica, you can hardly believe that this site is so close to the bustling streets of Athens.
How to get there:
As Cape Sounion is further from Athens, you will not be able to catch the Athens public bus to this beach. You can either get the KTEL coach from the centre of the city (cash only), or hire a car for the day to explore the area at your own pace. The archaeological site is particularly impressive at sunset, so be sure to check the coach schedules or book an organised tour if you want to stay at Sounion until dark.
Avlaki, Αυλάκι
Avalaki beach is a delightful beach in a beautiful horseshoe-shaped bay, ringed by verdant hills reminiscent of an Ionian island. The waters here are sheltered, warm and transparent, making for a refreshing and thoroughly enjoyable swim. The beach is private but costs are low, with a beach bar also available for drinks and snacks. Next to the entrance is a beach taverna and many more facilities are available in the nearby town of Porto Rafti. This side of the Attica coast has yet to be discovered by foreign visitors; it remains frequented by groups of Greek friends and families enjoying their own version of Greek summer without the crowds.
How to get there:
In the summer, you can catch the KTEL coach directly from Nomismatokopeio metro station to the town of Porto Rafti, which is a short walk from Avlaki beach. Alternatively, by car, the journey takes around 30 minutes.
Vravrona, Βραυρώνα
Vravrona is home to yet another archaeological site in a peaceful valley far away from the city of Athens, but it is also home to Mikri Chamolia (Μικρή Χαμολιά). This beach is a small rocky inlet with fantastic snorkelling opportunities. It is very popular with Greeks looking for a true escape from the city and the usual trappings of tourism. There is a great fish taverna on the beach, with excellent views up the coastline towards Porto Rafti.
How to get there:
Take the Athens public bus 304 from Nomismatokopeio metro station towards Artemida.
Althea, Παραλία Αλθέας
Walking southwards from Agia Marina, you can find a selection of increasingly island-like beaches with aquamarine waters. These beaches are all open-access, meaning no charges for access and no sunbed touts. The water here is perfect for bathing, with a small island situated offshore for the more adventurous swimmers to explore. This beach is not very well known, but is increasingly popular on social media for those who wish to enjoy a swim in a tranquil, rural atmosphere.
How to get there:
Take the Athens public bus 122 or 122Θ from either Argyroupoli or Elliniko metro stations. Stay on the bus beyond Agia Marina before disembarking at the stop named “Alkyonidon”. From here, there is a short walk down to the beach.
Schinias, Σχοινιάς
Schinias is one of my favourite beaches, located in a beautiful setting which couldn’t feel further from Athens.
In actual fact, the beach here is more reminiscent of neighbouring Evia than Attica. The gentle incline of the beach makes it a beautiful spot for families, with small waves and shallow waters that warm up quickly when exposed to the summer sun. The beach has a number of private beach bars but feels remote and wild at points, with seemingly endless views of the sea and surrounding islands opening up before you. The downside of this beach is the distance from Athens, close to the town of Marathonas. In windy weather, it can also be more exposed than other beaches sheltered by their natural bays. However, it is truly a gem for those not yet in the know.
How to get there:
In the summer, you can catch the KTEL coach directly from Nomismatokopeio metro station towards Marathonas, from where you can access Schinias beach by taxi. Alternatively, by car, the journey takes around 30 minutes.
I hope this article has inspired you to enjoy some of the beaches beyond Athens. The Greek capital is more than a city break or a transport hub, but instead offers the beautiful waters you would expect from the most paradisiacal of Greek islands.
Καλό μπάνιο! Have a good swim!
When will it ever be warm enough for beach weather again?! 😭 (Soon I'll be moaning about the climate crisis as we all faint in May heat)