The best sun-drenched beaches near Athens

Are there beaches close to Athens?

Athens is an excellent beach holiday destination. Combine your city sightseeing with all the best beach resorts for the ideal chilled-out version of sightseeing. The fact that there are so many great beaches, bars, clubs and watersport spots near to the city, means you can truly soak up the best of both.

Take a picnic lunch to Anavyssos and nap on the sand
Join the younger crowd at Schinias living La Dolce Vita
Explore Agios Nikolaos Beaches and the Thermal Springs of Edipsos
Pack the sunscreen and spend the afternoon at Asteras Glyfadas
Go scuba diving and snorkelling at Alimos Beach
Escape to nudist beaches near Athens Greece

Beaches are plentiful in the humming, sunny city of Athens, making this one of the best places in Greece for a chilled-out holiday.

1. Take a picnic lunch to Anavyssos and nap on the sand

The great thing about Athens is that resorts range from luxury haunts to free beaches. The Anavyssos Beach Resort area is well-known and loved by Athenians, and visitors soon understand why.

The beach has shallow, clean seas for children to enjoy and lots of pine trees for shade. The green space around it sets a serene and calm mood, surrounded by clear waters.

You can rent sunbeds and umbrellas and enjoy a drink at the bar. It's a great windsurfing spot, too, and at just 52km from Athens, it's a great choice for weekend stays.

Best for: Windsurfing, safe swimming, fun

While you're there: Take a buggy tour around the ancient ruins or go deep diving

2. Join the younger crowd at Schinias living La Dolce Vita

You can find fun-free beaches in Athens, Greece, from Glyfada to Cape Sounion.

Schinias Beach Resort is a well-loved retreat that offers top-notch amenities, a sheltered beach for safe swimming and plenty of trees for shade. This organised resort has some nice coves where you can relax for the day before enjoying some cocktails at the Schinias Tavern.

There are even a few spots that remain deserted at peak season, allowing you the chance to steal away for a few hours in complete solitude.

Best for: Safe swimming, relaxing, walks

While you're there: Take a Greek bird tour, see the Sanctuary of Athena at Delphi

3. Explore Agios Nikolaos Beaches and the Thermal Springs of Edipsos

Agios Nikolaos is a lovely fishing town in the Athens Attica area. This buzzing beach area has good beaches, lively bars and nightlife, and lots of shops and restaurants. Historic sites and museums are also part of the activity in this area.

The beach can be found at the bottom of a hillside close to a chapel. Take a swim out to the famous wreck, which is only a few metres deep, or rent a bike and tour the village. The nearby springs of Edipsos are a great way to end off a beach day.

Best for: Hot springs, relaxation, strolling.

While you're there: Lake Voulismeni, Panagia Kera, Spa wellness treatments.

4. Pack the sunscreen and spend the afternoon at Asteras Glyfadas

The sands are golden, the water clear, and the reasons to visit are endless. Just thirty minutes from Athens, you will find the family-friendly Asteras Glyfadas resort. A small entrance fee will grant you access to calm waters and a shallow, sandy beach.

A Water Park, Fun Park and child-minding services are all great enticements to stay for the day. Inflatable toys and a water trampoline are fun or kids of all ages and older kids can enjoy soccer and volleyball in the water. Three beach bars round off the festivities!

Best for: Family, kid-friendly sporty fun

While you're there: Take a boat tour across the Sardonic Gulf, Planetarium tours

5. Go scuba diving and snorkelling at Alimos Beach

There are numerous diving clubs and activities at Alimos Beach offering diving lessons and dive tours. More experienced divers can dive the wrecks and see the sea life in the area.

You will find bars, clubs, restaurants and cafes to sample some Greek Bougatsa after the day on the beach.

You will find it just eleven kilometres from the CBD making it a great day trip that keeps you close to the city sightseeing while being able to get in some jet-ski or windsurfing action.

Best for: City proximity, swimming, surfing fun

While you're there: Visit the Stavros Niarchos Park and Averof Museum Ship

6. Escape to nudist beaches near Athens Greece

Porto Germeno is a secluded beach that you reach after walking a short trail and it's generally a couples beach.

Kinetta, Limanakia and Althea are other famous nudist beaches in Athens that cater to couples, men and women.

Many of the best beaches in Athens - and this includes the nudist beaches - are frequented by people who know each other, and are a kind of community meeting place. A few beaches near Athens have been declared official naturist beaches.

Best for: Naturist beaches, couples beaches

While you're there: Mykonos Island, Naxos and Skiathos Islands (Banana Beach).

Athens Holidays

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