Greece is a real paradise on the Earth, and Athens is its heart. This amazing Greek city offers many attractions, but wonderful beaches are the major reason why Athens is so popular. The beaches are so diverse that everyone can find its favorite one.
Traditionally, the best beaches of Athens are situated on the southern coast. This is the area of Glyfada and Marathon. But it’s also possible to find other good beaches in Rafina – a small port city located slightly east.
Well, let’s check out the best sand beaches of Athens…
Lagonisi Local Beach
Located in a beautiful bay 40km away from Athens, Lagonisi is a very popular beach with clean and clear water. This beach is equipped with sun umbrellas, sun beds, two wooden piers, one of which features an indoor pool, as well as the wooden walkways. On each umbrella you’ll find a menu, so it’s easy to order a meal or drinks relaxing under the gentle sun. In addition, there is a sports center for water sports, several bars and spa.
GPS Coordinates: 37.778216, 23.896882
Working hours: Monday-Sunday 8am-9pm
Admission: Monday-Friday 8€ for adults, kids under 12 free of charge; Sunday-Monday 17€ for adults, 7€ for kids 6-12, kids under 6 free of charge
Attiki Akti Vuliagmenis Beach
Attiki Akti Vuliagmenis Beach is located 23 km away from Athens, but offers an excellent spot to feel relaxation after a busy day. It’s famous for its crystal-clean deep sea and long coastline, which is good for swimming, diving and sunbathing. For leisure, there are water slides, a children’s playground, tennis and volleyball courts, as well as a restaurant and a cozy café.
Attiki Akti Vuliagmenis offers a rental of beach umbrellas and sun loungers. By the way, it even features a special descent into the water for people with disabilities and free parking.
GPS Coordinates: 37.814272, 23.780194
Working hours: Monday-Sunday 8am-8pm
Admission: Monday-Friday 4€ for adults, kids under 12 3€; Sunday-Monday 5€ for adults, 4€ for kids under 12
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Voula Beach
This fascinating public beach is situated in the suburbs of Athens. It’s ideally suited for loving couples and families with kids, because the water is warm and very clear there. The sea is not as deep there as on many other beaches of Athens. Voula Beach impresses by the beauty of the surrounding landscapes. This sandy beach overlooks small but very picturesque islands. Voula is equipped with comfortable changing rooms, showers and sun loungers with parasols (2€/day). In addition, there’s mini-football center, shops, a cozy bar, water slides and a boat station.
GPS Coordinates: 37.835893, 23.767989
Working hours: Monday-Sunday 7am-9pm
Admission: Monday-Friday 4€; Sunday-Monday 5€, kids under 5 free of charge
Alimos Beach
Alimos is a free, but well developed pebble beach located 11 km to the south of Athens.  The beach features showers, changing rooms, a rental of sun loungers and beach umbrellas, a snack bar, a café, 3 beach bars and a mini market. On weekdays sun loungers are free of charge, but on weekends the rental price is 2€.
Those who like outdoor activities can enjoy water skiing and windsurfing. Also, there’s a children’s playground and a waterslide. Of course, Alimos Beach is equipped with a lifeguard point.
GPS Coordinates: 37.909694, 23.712188
Working hours: Monday-Sunday 24/7
Admission: Monday-Friday 5€ for adults, 3€ for kids 5-12; Sunday-Monday 6€ for adults, 3€ for kids 5-12, kids under 5 free of charge
Asteras Beach
Asteras is a large, beautiful and very popular sandy beach situated in Glyfada. Clean sand, crystal coastal waters and floating platform for diving attract huge number of visitors, even despite the entrance fee. The beach is fully equipped with sun beds, umbrellas, showers and toilets. Also, there’s an opportunity to play beach volleyball, enjoy sailing, windsurfing, riding on a ‘banana’ and water skiing. Nearby the Asteras Beach you’ll find bars, cafes, taverns and a spacious parking.
GPS Coordinates: 37.856423, 23.751109
Working hours: Monday-Sunday 8am-8pm
Admission: Monday-Friday 6€ for adults, 3€ for kids; Sunday-Monday 8€ for adults, 4€ for kids, children under 5 free of charge
Varkiza Yabanaki Beach
Varkiza Yabanaki is an amazing spot with very clean sea (for this reason the beach has received Blue Flag award), moderate waves, and sandy beach, which are very suitable conditions for a relaxing weekend. Varkiza is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches of Athens.
Along the coast you’ll find a plenty of culinary establishments and shops. The cozy tavern serves fresh fish, and the local cafe offers true Greek coffee and sweets. On the territory of Varkiza Yabanaki there are volleyball and tennis courts, a few snack bars, a playground and water slides for children. Also, there’s a yacht club offering windsurfing sailing and kayaking.
GPS Coordinates: 37.819843, 23.804043
Working hours: Monday-Sunday 8am-8pm
Admission: 3€ for adults, kids under 5 free of charge
How to reach the beaches of Athens?
All the beaches of Athens are situated on the same coastline, but some of them are quite significantly distanced from the city.  However, it’s very easy to find them by using a vehicle with GPS device. You can rent such car right at Athens Airport.
