A refreshing swim in the Athenian sunshine

To discover beaches close to Athens, we recommend you visit the Apollo coast, to the east of the capital and south of Piraeus. Although this coast stretches for over 70 kilometres to the town of Lavrio, in this section we'll only cover the first 20 kilometres. The main advantage: accessibility by public transport. Streetcars and buses make frequent stops, giving tourists easy access to the beaches!

Edem beach, in the Palio Faliro harbour district to the west of Athens, is the perfect place to relax without leaving the city. With free access for all, it is very popular and has facilities such as deckchairs and parasols. There's a festive atmosphere here, especially in summer. Located just over 7 km from the city centre, it is easily accessible by public transport. The Edem stop on the T6 and T7 tram lines and the B2 bus line will drop you off with only a 1 minute walk left to the beach. The total journey takes around 35 minutes. Finally, we highly recommend you stroll along the coast or have a meal in one of the many local restaurants after a swim or sunbathing session.

A little further south to the latter is Glyfada, approximately 15 km from Athens. This coastal strip has several free beaches and is packed with celebrities. But beware as you will be on foot for a very long time! As soon as the sun sets, the town becomes alive with music played by the many bars and clubs set up along the beaches. And getting there couldn't be easier: the Dikēgorika stop on the A1 and A2 bus lines provides tourists with easy access to the beaches of Glyfada! It takes around 50 minutes from Athens city centre. So take your time and stroll along the city's many shopping streets - you won't be disappointed!

A few kilometres south of Voula, the town of Vouliagmeni (20 km from Athens), is the ideal place to enjoy a swim away from the city centre. Here, nature reigns.

More of a lake person? A penchant for beaches? Or both? We've got what you need. Let's start with Lake Vouliagmeni, named after the town. It's a natural wonder where you can swim at any time of year. Mainly fed by a thermal spring, the water never falls below 20 degrees. Located at the foot of a cliff, this spectacular lake is exposed to a number of caves, and some of which are yet to be discovered! Don't fret, small fish may come and nibble at your feet. But they'll help remove all your dead skin. A virtuous swim in a dazzling setting.

There is a charge for admission, however. It costs 15 euros on weekdays and 18 euros on the weekend. Private areas may be reserved. More information on their website. Open every day from 8am to 5pm.

There are also a number of beaches to the south of the capital, Akti beach being one of the most interesting. Sun loungers are available for those who prefer to relax, as are several sports fields for the more active. 

However, there is a charge for this private beach: 10 euros during the week and 15 euros during the weekends and public holidays. For more information on reduced tariffs, please visit their website. The beach is open from 1 June to 31 October. And for those who don't want to pay, there are also free beaches a little further north of the city, such as the beach at Kavouri. 

Buses 115, 116 and 117 from Glyfada or bus 122 from Ellenikon metro station will drop you off near Vouliagmeni. 

Title : Akti Beach in Vouliagmeni 

Short Description: Take advantage of this private beach to refresh and relax away from the buzzing centre of Athens. 

Price (from): 5 euros

Redirection URL: https://eakti.etadwebtickets.gr/?lang=en&utm_source=easyvoyage

If you don't mind travelling a bit of distance, we recommend you continue further south and as far as Cape Sounion. Along the way, there are endless beaches and coves, each more exceptional than the last. At the end of your journey, you should visit the temple of Poseidon for a magnificent panoramic view of the sea. 

Unfortunately, Athens city buses cannot take you that far (the Cape is 65 kilometres from the capital). However, some buses do take visitors that far. The KTEL buses offer return tickets for 12.60 euros, which can only be bought on the bus (credit cards are not accepted). Journeys are fairly regular and take an average of 2 hours. More information on their website.  Another alternative is to take a tourist bus.

Just a 10-minute walk from Cape Sounion, a stopover at Kape beach is a must. After parking nearby (free parking is available), take the hundred or so steps up to this small, secluded beach. Once a secret, it has become very popular with tourists today. To avoid a crowded beach, a trip during the week or early at the weekend is best. You can also walk along the small coastal paths that border the beach. Good to know: there are three small nudist beaches close to Kape!

At the tip of Cape Sounion lies an archaeological and historical marvel: the Temple of Poseidon. Dating back 2,500 years, it proudly overlooks the Aegean Sea and was used in ancient Greece as a watchtower to check on ships before they sailed back to Piraeus. Tickets cost €10 in summer and €5 the rest of the year, from November 1 to March 31. A must-see temple, ideally at sunset for a sublime panorama. History lovers will not be disappointed by the remains of the Temple of Athena and a Second World War bunker.

At the foot of the temple, visitors can go for a swim and relax in Sounion Square, enjoying views of the historic remains and the Aegean Sea. Sun umbrellas and deckchairs are available for hire. Undeniably one of the best beaches around Athens!