The 7 Best Beaches in Athens, Greece

As the most popular beach on the Athenian Riviera, Akti Vouliagmenis Beach lies roughly 20km away from the city center of Athens. It’s a blue flag beach boasting crystal clear waters and a green coastline, perfectly balancing the convenience of modern-day amenities with unparalleled natural beauty. 

The beach is easily accessible by public transport, with a tram available from Syntagma Square in the city, just across from the Parliament Building. This is one of the most convenient ways to access Athens’ coastline without a car. However, if you do have a rental car for the duration of your stay, you can make your way to the beach within 30 minutes of the center of the city, with parking available onsite. 

Nestled roughly 45 minutes away from Athens city center by car lies Vouliagmenis Lake. This beach is home to many natural wonders to marvel at and a tranquil ambiance that offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of the capital. Vouliagmenis Lake is one of the best beaches in Athens for travelers looking for a moment of peace only a short journey away from Greece’s thriving cityscapes. 

Different from the other beaches in Athens that we’ll address in this article, Vouliagmenis is a lake formed from saltwater and underground springs, with its own beachfront set beneath towering clifftops where visitors can relax, swim, and soak up the sunshine. 

Over time, Lagonisi Beach has become a popular seaside outing for travelers in search of some sun, sea, and sand nearby to Athens city center. It is only an hour away from the city by car or bus, making it a reachable destination on your own accord or with the assistance of public transport. 

We note this as one of the best beaches in Athens due to its silky sands and crystal turquoise waters that are enclosed in a rocky inlet, making it ideal for those hoping to swim and snorkel in its confines whilst also relaxing on its comfortable shoreline to dry off. 

Just South of Athens lies Varkiza Beach, a family-friendly seafront destination that is ideal for families of all ages to relax in picturesque surroundings. The beach has all of the amenities and facilities families could need for a complete beach day out, making it a more than convenient option, especially if you have young children. It makes our list of the best beaches in Athens for these reasons, catering well to families with young children and older adults. 

Varkiza Beach is only a 30-minute drive away from Athens city center, with buses also running from here to reach the shore should you not have a hire car at your disposal. Much like many of the beaches near Athens, you’ll find sun beds and parasols set up for visitors to use throughout the day, which is ideal for family members to base themselves beside the sea.