Chances are high most vacationers aren’t coming to Athens for its seashores. As capital of a rustic with world-famous islands, Athens is best identified for its resplendent historic ruins and busy cultural life than for its sandy glories. However that is Greece in any case! And the coast in addition to a number of main ferry ports are simply minutes away.
In case you are searching for a fast swim or a little bit of relaxation and rest, there are many seashores to select from on the Athens Riviera, aka the Apollo Coast – the shoreline operating south of Athens from Piraeus to Cape Sounion. Do you could have a complete day to spare? Then take into account hopping a ship to an island within the morning and returning within the twilight glow. Both approach, despair not, the water awaits you.
1. Varkiza Seaside
Greatest for rest
Commercial
One of many southernmost seashores on the Athens Riviera, Varkiza is a favourite for its relative peace and quiet. Small sandy sweeps alternate with rock formations the place you’ll be able to hang around independently. The seashore is free to go to and is surrounded by eating places and cafes. In order for you a daybed, you’ll be able to pay for a chaise on the standard resort Varkiza Resort – Yabanaki Seaside and be a part of the fray of seaside umbrellas and eating places.
Native tip: After a day of seaside enjoyable, fulfill your starvation with a go to to Aperanto Galazio, a superb seafood taverna providing contemporary fish instantly on the seashore.
2. Astir Seaside
Greatest for glamour
Silky sands and softly lapping seas are solely the beginning of what makes Astir Seaside nice. It feels extra like Mykonos than Athens, and it’s probably the most beloved of the see-and-be-seen organized seashores on the Athens Riviera. Entrance charges differ by season and the placement of your sunbed. Astir is a land of excessive trend, seafront chaises and cabanas, and luxurious like Nobu Matsuhisa’s Athens outpost and the 4 Seasons Astir Palace.
Planning tip: If you wish to go all out bougie, daybeds might be rented at Astir Seaside Membership, however they do not come low-cost, with parasol leases ranging from €160 per two folks per day.
3. Schinias Seaside
Greatest for swimming
Repeatedly acknowledged for its crystal-clear waters with Blue Flag scores, Schinias Seaside, 45km (about 28 miles) northeast of Athens, gives a grand stretch of pristine white sand backed by pine bushes. Shinias is free to entry however it’s also possible to lease sunloungers for the day. The shimmering waters close to the city of Marathon are a favourite for swimming and windsurfing adopted by lunch at one of many close by seafood tavernas.
Planning tip: There are sunloungers and a taverna, however no different main developments round. It will get busy on the weekend with locals so arrive early to safe a spot.
4. Legrena Seaside
Greatest for nudists
Commercial
Care to get (splendidly) misplaced on the coast close to Athens? Discover the coves and inlets alongside the Legrena space, about 3km (2 miles) west of the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion. Devoid of the organized umbrellas and thumping sounds of the grand resorts of the remainder of this shoreline and with no cowl cost, this place is for the explorers. The currents maintain these waters crisp and clear, and close by tavernas dot the coast. It’s additionally the place to go in case you care to sunbathe within the buff.
5. Sounion Seaside
Greatest for sightseeing
Undoubtedly the declare to fame of this small seashore on the farthest reaches of the Athens Riviera is the Temple of Poseidon on the cape overlooking the seashore. The gleaming marble columns 65m (about 213 toes) above the ocean are one of many nation’s most inspiring coastal sights, and the sundown right here can be eye-catching. On a transparent day, you’ll be able to get pleasure from views of Kea, Kythnos and Serifos to the southeast, in addition to Aegina and the Peloponnese to the west.
Planning tip: The seashore is well-serviced with seashore bars, tavernas and bathe services. There is a small entry payment at weekends.
6. Aegina and Angistri Islands
Greatest for island-hopping
One of many beauties of Athens is that it’s surrounded by ports. When you have a complete day, it’s quick work to go to Piraeus and catch a ferry to one of many Saronic Gulf islands. Aegina and Angistri are the closest, a mere half-hour away, and each offers you an prompt sense of island life, replete with seashores. Aegina is the bigger, with historic ruins and nightlife as well, whereas Angistri is extra distant and peaceable.
Planning tip: There are day by day ferry providers from Athens to Aegina and Angistri throughout peak season. The route might be standard with overheated Athenians, particularly at weekends so ebook tickets upfront.
7. Vouliagmeni Lake and Seaside
Greatest for households
Vouliagmeni, 23km (about 14 miles) southwest of Athens, is an evergreen favourite of Athenians. Folks go to year-round for the saltwater pure lake simply inland, backed by cliffs. It stays hotter (at 21°C or about 71°F) than the open sea and is served by an understated restaurant complicated. Or you’ll be able to courageous the weekend crowds on the busy seafront, which arcs round a deep bay and is lined with lounge chairs and umbrellas.
Planning tip: Vouliagmeni gives a variety of services appropriate for all ages, together with facilities corresponding to racquetball, tennis, volleyball and altering rooms. Like most seashores on the Athenian Riviera, Vouliagmeni is privately-owned and prices an entry payment.
8. Vravrona Seaside
Greatest for a fast dip
A mere 11km (about 7 miles) east of Athens Worldwide Airport, this small, pebbled seashore rewards you if in case you have just a few hours to kill between flights. Higher but, pair a swim with a go to to the close by 420 BC Temple of Artemis (goddess of the hunt) to mix rest and tradition. There is a small entry payment that will increase at weekends.
9. Marathon Seaside
Greatest for historical past buffs
Stone and sand mix to type the skinny scrim of Marathon Seaside, close to the city of Marathon, made well-known by the 490 BCE battle and its 42km (26 mile) runner. This seashore is finest for a fast dip after visiting the native websites, from the battlefield and tomb and the city’s archaeological museum to the famed 435 BCE Doric sanctuary of Nemesis at Ramnous. You can too raft up for an extended, lazy afternoon on the organized seashore Galazia Akti.
Native tip: Feeling peckish? Head to Isidora, proper on the seashore, a restaurant serving seasonal contemporary fish and seafood.
10. Glyfada Seaside
Greatest for funds vacationers
Packed throughout the summer season, Glyfada Seaside is ideal for individuals who need to keep away from the excessive worth tags of the non-public resort chaises. Convey a towel, stake out a sq. of sand on this seashore alongside the busy Athenian beachfront suburb of Glyfada, and wade proper in.
Planning tip: Glyfada is on the Apollo Coast and is well accessible from the middle of Athens by bus. It is standard with Athenians throughout the summer season months and famend for its nightlife and seafront golf equipment.
