Greece, renowned for its idyllic islands and stunning coastlines, offers a summer experience that truly captivates the senses beckoning locals and tourists for generations. Nestled along the azure Aegean waters, these coastal gems presented an experience that left me yearning for more. I’ve selected beaches that I believe will each provide a unique experience to anyone looking to enjoy the cool waters and warm sun of the Aegean. From beaches only a few minutes from the center of Athens to some lesser known gems to fancy Resorts filled with luxurious amenities, you’re sure to find at least one beach to suit your needs.

Starting off with the closest beach to the Athens Center

Paralia Mpati, Palaio Faliro

Mpati is one of the easiest beaches to get to from Athens, so it is mainly visited by locals. Mpati Beach is a very nice sandy beach with shallow waters that make it suitable for families with smaller children. The beach is only partially organized as it has lifeguards, showers, and dressing cabins, but you cannot rent sunbeds and parasols. At Mpati Beach, you will find a fenced kids’ playground, a tennis court, and a beach volleyball field. There are taverns on the far-left side of the beach where you can enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner. There is no parking available at Mpati Beach, however you can reach the beach by taking the ‘Pikrodafni’ Tram until ‘Stasi Mpatis’ or even the B2 busses that stop at ‘Batis’

Paralia Kalamaki, Alimos

Kalamaki Beach is located in Alimos, only eight kilometers from Athens. It’s a tiny beach with yellow-brown sand visited by different locals and travelers, which is why it gets crowded during the high season. Kalamaki Beach has many more amenities than Mpati: a rental service of loungers and parasols, changing rooms, toilets, a lifeguard service, and beach restaurants. Around the beach, there are also great hotels you can stay in. Kalamaki Beach is easily accessible either by tram or bus and even has a large parking spot located directly on the beach side.

Kavouri Beach

Kavouri is another wonderful beach near Athens. Popular with locals and guests from nearby hotels, Kavouri beach is well-kept and organized. With sunbeds, parasols, changing rooms, toilets, and a lifeguard service. The crystal-clear waters and the soft golden sand make Kavouri beach ideal for families with children. O even groups of travelers who want to relax at the beach or do activities such as paddleboarding. There are lots of traditional restaurants at Kavouri beach, which is also easily accessible and has a parking lot located less than 100 meters away. You can also reach Kavouri by public transport if you take the 122 bus until ‘Diastavrosi Kavouri’ and a short walk to the beach entrance.

Astir Beach

Situated along the Athenian Riviera, 30 minutes from Athens. Astir Beach is an exclusive beach club in Greece open to the public for a significant entry fee. Surrounded by pines, Astir Beach is a 400 meters long sandy beach with incredible high-level facilities. Besides lounges and parasols, there are restaurants and bars, boutiques, spa treatments, and free Wi-Fi.At Astir Beach, you will also find the Astir Ski Club, the Beach Volley Courts, and the Beach Racquets Area. Make sure to book a sunbed online in advance if you would like to stay at Astir Beach. A big plus? Sunbeds come with towels and a bottle of water!

Yabanaki Beach

Yabanaki Beach is famous for its soft sand and shallow waters. The beach is located in a wide bay, protecting it from strong winds and large waves, which makes it perfect for families with kids. In summer this is one of the most popular places for Athenian families to come after work and on weekends. Yabanaki Beach is incredibly well-organized. Sunbeds and parasols are available for rent, and on the beach, you will also find toilets, showers, and changing rooms.

Sunbathing and swimming are only two of the countless activities you can do at Yabanaki Beach. Play beach sports, such as volley, or water sports, like water skiing and windsurfing, to spend some fun time with your friends or family. There is also a kid playground with a train and a bouncy castle. Yabanaki Beach is also full of food options, as you can decide among Greek, Italian, and fish restaurants. Get to Yabanaki Beach by public bus or car (parking is available on-site).

My final two picks while still considered close to Athens are about over an hour away by car, but locals will also suggest public transport if you have the patience. You will be greeted by beautiful blue waters and an experience away from the hustle and bustle of central Athens.

Artemida (loutsa) Beach, Artemida

Artemida is a nice sandy beach near Athens. It’s easily accessible by car and public bus, however it is over an hour from Athens by car and about an hour and a half by bus. The clear and shallow waters make Artemida Beach ideal for families with children. However, it is windy at times, and the sea gets rough. Artemida Beach is organized with showers, toilets, beach cafès and restaurants from which you can rent parasols and sun loungers. There is plenty of parking available.

Schinias Beach, Marathon

Schinias is a wonderful beach located in the bay of Marathon. The long strip of sand lined up by pine trees has a great reputation for crystal clear waters. The beach has a slight slope for safe entry into the water. Which, paired with a few waves, makes it ideal for families with smaller children. Schinias is a public beach, so it’s free to enter. You won’t find any facilities here: no sunbeds, parasols, toilets, or restaurants. Just the pure untouched nature of one of several of the best beaches on the Mainland

Enjoyed this Article ?

For more articles about Greece’s History, local recommendations and news check out our blog page Blog – sea360

If you’re interested in visiting Greece check out our site’s Homepage sea360 – sea360

SEA360 is a travel agency located in Athens, Greece experienced in tailormade itineraries , sailing tours and private Transfers