By Soren Rivero ✔ Reviewed by travel expert Ben Braude
You may know Athens to be the city of ancient ruins contrasted with urban energy, but that's not to say Athens doesn't have a beautiful coastline!
Like many other hot Greek destinations, Athens is an excellent city for beach goers. Mostly stretching along what is known as the Saronic Gulf (the “Athens Riviera”), there's plenty of fun along Athens' coastline, from hidden coves to pine-backed shores.
What really helps Athens stand out amongst other Greek cities, is how quickly you can go from swimming in crystal-clear water in the morning, to tracing the steps of ancient civilizations in the Acropolis during the evening.
If you're looking to explore this stunning coast, keep reading to learn our picks for the 10 best beaches in Athens. From lively and social to quiet and serene, there's a beach pick for every vacation type – and with packages to Greece from Great Value Vacations featuring flights, hotels, and more, it's never been easier to visit this bucket list destination.
Alimos Beach (Kalamaki)
Best for:
- Easy access
- Short stays
- Travelers without a car
Location: Southern suburbs, close to central Athens.
Starting off with one of the closest beaches to the center of the city, Alimos Beach is a popular choice among locals who want a quick beach swim without removing themselves too far from the city. It's also great for tourists who are limited on modes of transportation as public transport connects conveniently to the beach itself.
The area is rather organized, with cafes, sunbeds, and numerous water sports available, yet it remains casual by still having room for simple and more personal setups. The nearby marina gives the beach a more lively and urban feel, and you can spot people enjoying the sunshine, walking, or simply hanging out.
Voula Beach (A' Voula)
Best for:
- Clean facilities
- Families
- Relaxed swimming
Location: South of Glyfada.
For those wanting a calm alternative to the more eccentric beaches, Voula Beach is your go-to option. With soft white sand and shallow waters that remain rather cool even in warmer seasons, the atmosphere of Voula Beach rings with bliss – that's not even to mention the cleanliness of the facilities.
This beach is particularly famous for local small families and older swimmers, though anyone who enjoys solitude can find happiness here.
Kavouri Beach
Best for:
- Snorkeling sessions
- Scenic walks
- Clear water
Location: Vouliagmeni area.
Looking to get more in touch with nature? Visit Kavouri– it feels more natural than many of the other nearby beaches in Athens, thanks to its pine trees that line the sand and rocky edges. You'll also find a few small coves around the beaches' spots with the most foliage, adding even more of that wild and untamed presence.
One thing you might hear about Kavouri as well, is that the waters are absolutely crystal-clear. And that's right! The water is more clear the closer to the shore that you are, making it great for snorkeling, if that's what you fancy.
Glyfada Beach
Best for:
- Shopping and dining
- Younger crowds
- A city-meets-sea atmosphere
Location: Glyfada suburb, along the Athens Riviera.
Glyfada Beach is right on the edge of one of Athens' most upscale neighborhoods, popular for boutiques, cafes, and nightlife. It's no surprise then, that Glyfada Beach would possess the same appeal as its neighboring town.
The beach itself is organized and busy, with beach clubs, loungers, and music during the summer months. It's a good choice if you want to combine swimming with lunch, shopping, or an evening out.
Limanakia (Vouliagmeni Coves)
Best for:
- Adventurous, eager swimmers
- Cliff jumping
- A raw, natural feel
Location: Coastal road between Vouliagmeni and Varkiza.
Limanakia isn't a single beach but a series of small rocky coves carved into the coastline. There are no facilities here, just clear water, dramatic cliffs, and a more rugged experience.
Strong swimmers love Limanakia for snorkeling and diving straight into deep blue water. It's not suitable for young children, but it's one of the most memorable coastal spots near Athens.
Vouliagmeni Beach
Best for:
- Well-organized swimming
- Sunbeds and lifeguards
- Plenty of nearby restaurants and shops
Location: Vouliagmeni.
This is one of the most polished beaches near Athens. Vouliagmeni Beach is well managed, with entry fees that help maintain excellent conditions. Sunbeds are spaced out, lifeguards are present, and the water is consistently calm.
Nearby restaurants and cafés make it easy to spend an entire day here. Though not exactly a free/budget option, if you're looking for a little bit more fanciness with your beach days, Vouliagmeni Beach should be high on your list.
Varkiza Beach
Best for:
- Great mix of crowds
- Water sports
- Full-day beach trips
Location: South of Vouliagmeni.
Sandy, lively, and about as wide as the eye can see, Varkiza is an extensive beach with a plethora of open areas and beach clubs. Varkiza has by far the best mix of crowds than other of the beaches on this list, including families, friend groups, solo beach-goers, and travelers.
Windsurfing, paddleboarding, and beach volleyball are the life of the party here, with the nearby tavernas adding to the experience with their fresh and delicious seafood and drinks.
Marathonas Beach
Best for:
- History enthusiasts
- Local tavernas
- Quiet swimming
Location: Marathon area.
Add some more history to your Athens vacation by visiting the historic site of the Battle of Marathon. Possessing a calm, local feel, Marathon Beach rings with the echoes of long-lost stories, cascaded against shallow and warm waters. Simplistic as it is, this beach is great for quiet swimming days and admiring the natural beauty of Greece's coastlines.
The local tavernas sell fish dishes, some of which are regarded as the best seafood in the region. Marathonas isn't flashy, but it's authentic and peaceful and a great place to slow down and connect with the area's history and everyday life.
Schinias Beach
Best for:
- Nature lovers
- Windsurfing
- Long & uncrowded walks
Location: Near Marathon, northeast of Athens.
Want more than just the beach? Schinias has a very different feel from the rest of the Athens Riviera, as it is backed by a national park and pine forest. Long, open, and far less developed, Schinias is great for soaking in the sun on the beach, yes, but also presents visitors with the ability to hike through the park, windsurf (consistent breezes), and go bird watching.
Schinias feels very different from the Athens Riviera. It's a great option if you want a more natural backdrop to your beach experience, and don't mind being a little away from the city.
Sounio Beach
Best for:
- Iconic views
- Day trips
- Sunset swimming
Location: Near Cape Sounio, south of Athens.
Sounio combines beach time with one of the most famous views in Greece: the Temple of Poseidon perched high above the sea. The beaches below are clean and inviting, with crystal-clear water and dramatic surroundings.
Many visitors come for the sunset, but arriving earlier lets you enjoy a proper swim before the crowds gather.
Beyond the Beach: Making the Most of Coastal Athens
One of the biggest advantages of Athens is how easy it is to fit beach trips into the broader city experience. You can spend the morning taking a dip into one of the many beaches in the Riviera, then head back to the city for museums, food, and nightlife, all without feeling rushed for time.
Food and Coastal Dining
The coast is also one of the best places to eat in Athens. From simple fish tavernas in Marathon to upscale seaside restaurants in Vouliagmeni, seafood is a treasured dining staple by locals and travelers alike. Grilled octopus, fresh sardines, and meze shared over a long lunch are staples of the coastal experience. Don't forget the fresh fruit and mixed drinks if you want something a little more sweet and delectable!
Explore the City After a Swim
After a beach day, neighborhoods like Plaka, Koukaki, and Psyrri are a great option for evening walks and casual dining. History lovers can visit the Acropolis Museum or explore ancient sites that stay open until the late evening hours during summer months. Athens' compact layout makes it easy to combine outdoor relaxation with cultural exploration all into one!
Athens Beach Legacy
Athens isn't a traditional beach resort, and that's exactly its strength. The variety of beaches, from urban, organized, wild, to historic, means there's something for every type of traveler. Whether you have a single afternoon or an entire week, Athens lets you combine culture, food, and the sea in a way few other capital cities can.
