The best beaches near Athens: Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, Varkiza, Legrena and the Sounion coast. Organised vs free beaches, how to get there and when to go.
By Yana, a local in Athens · Updated October 2026
The best beaches near Athens – no island required
Many visitors don't realise that Athens is a seaside city. Around half an hour from the centre, the Athens Riviera begins: a long stretch of coastline running south along the Saronic Gulf from Glyfada all the way to Cape Sounion. The beaches near Athens cover every mood – rocky coves with turquoise water, organised sandy beaches with loungers and a bar, and quiet corners used mostly by locals. The water is clear, the sea is usually fairly calm, and you can pair a morning at the museums with an afternoon swim, without a ferry or a full day lost to travel.
Glyfada and Voula – the beaches closest to the city
Glyfada is the best-known neighbourhood on the Riviera, with a seafront promenade, a marina, shops and cafés, plus urban beaches that work especially well for families with young children. The water is shallow in many spots and access is easy, though summer weekends make it the busiest stretch of coast. Continue south to Voula and the beaches get wider and the mood more relaxed. If you're staying in central Athens and want a few hours by the sea with minimal planning, this is the simplest choice – and the tram goes there.
Vouliagmeni and Kavouri – turquoise coves
At Vouliagmeni the sea starts to look like a postcard. There are small bays, a wooded peninsula with walking paths, and beaches where the water shifts from turquoise to deep blue. Kavouri has free beaches shaded by pine trees, and along the coast road towards Varkiza you'll find rocky coves reached by steps or short trails – ideal for snorkelling. Pack water shoes, as some entries into the sea are rocky. Lake Vouliagmeni is right nearby, so it's easy to fit both into the same day.
Varkiza, Lagonisi and Saronida – a calmer pace
The further south you go, the less urban the beaches feel. Varkiza is a broad bay with a long sandy beach, fairly shallow water and an easy-going atmosphere, with both free and organised sections. Further along, around Lagonisi and Saronida, the bays are smaller, lined with Athenians' holiday homes, and the feeling is closer to a village holiday. This is the stretch for anyone who wants to escape the crowds, linger over a seaside taverna lunch and then carry on towards Sounion.
Legrena and the Sounion coast – the wildest sea
The final stretch of the Riviera, from the Legrena area to Cape Sounion, is the wildest and most beautiful. Beaches here are small, some with no facilities at all, with exceptionally clear water and open views over the Aegean. Several coves are reached by dirt paths, so bring comfortable shoes, water and your own shade. The big reward: swim in the afternoon, then head up to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion for sunset – one of the finest combinations around Athens. As it's far from the city, a car or a private driver makes all the difference.
Organised or free beach?
Greece has two kinds of beaches. An organised beach is run by a private operator offering loungers, umbrellas, showers, a bar and sometimes a lifeguard; some charge an entry fee or ask for a booking or minimum spend, and terms change from season to season. A free beach is open to everyone – you bring your own towel and umbrella. Most areas have a mix of both, sometimes within the same bay. Tip: on July and August weekends, arrive early, before Athenians leave the city, and enjoy the late afternoon, which is the most pleasant time of day.
How to get to the beaches near Athens
Glyfada and Voula are easy to reach by tram from the centre, and bus lines continue along the coast, including an intercity bus that runs all the way to Sounion. Public transport is inexpensive but slow, and summer buses can be crowded. A taxi works well for the nearer beaches. If you want to hop between several coves in one day, reach the hidden spots and finish at Sounion, a car is by far the easiest. Yana can arrange a Riviera day with a private English-speaking driver, or a sunset cruise along the coast, so all you need to think about is the sea.
Questions & answers
Which beach is closest to central Athens?
The beaches around Palaio Faliro and Glyfada are the closest, reachable by tram or a short taxi ride. For clearer water, continue south to Vouliagmeni.
Can I reach the beaches by public transport?
Yes. The tram serves Glyfada and Voula, and buses run along the coast as far as Sounion. For hidden coves or several stops in one day, a car or driver is far more convenient.
When is swimming season in Athens?
Usually from late May to October. June and September are the sweet spot – warm sea and fewer crowds than July and August.
What's the difference between an organised and a free beach?
Organised beaches have loungers, umbrellas and facilities run by a private operator, sometimes for a fee. Free beaches are open to all and you bring your own gear.
