Beaches near Athens
Athens, the capital of Greece, is a hub for culture, knowledge, and the arts. It's also known for its architecture, such as the Acropolis, Zappeion, Omonia Square, and Metropolitan Cathedral. As one of the popular tourist destinations, we highly recommend visiting whenever you get the chance.
It’s not just about history and culture—Athens also has some great beaches! They’re perfect for cooling down from the hot Mediterranean weather after a long day of exploring the city. June, July, and August get particularly hot, regularly reaching above 40 degrees Celsius. This is why we recommend heading to nearby beaches, where you can grab a cold drink in the shade and go for a swim in the clear Athenian water. Between the Ionian Sea and the Aegean Sea, there are plenty of great beaches to choose from!
Most Athens beaches are sandy, but you can also find some rocky ones. They come with some great restaurants and activities like football, tennis, waterparks and outdoor theatres. Because of the way the city is set up, there are almost no private beaches—so, nothing is off limits! If you're here with friends or with family, there's always something fun to do. Plus, there are plenty of ways to soak up some Greek culture!
Best beaches near Athens
Planning a trip to Athens and wondering which beach to hit first? Don’t worry, we've got you covered! We've rounded up our top 3 favorite beaches. From calmer beaches for some quality family time to popular beaches with a bit of music to dance your heart away on the fine sand, there’s something for everyone. Here's our list of the best Athens beaches:
- Akti Iliou
- Kalamaki Beach
- Votsalakia Beach
1. Akti Iliou
Want to have a great time? Then make sure to check out Akti Illiou! It’s a large beach that has everything you could want. A beach bar, a disco club, a waterpark, and even boat rentals! The fastest way to get there from the city center is the number 12 tram. You can also get there by bus and car, but that'll take a bit longer. Watch out for peak hours too! That 5 PM rush can be a bummer in large cities like Athens.
Akti Illou has stunning white-gold sand and turquoise-blue water. The sandy shore and view of the ocean lock this beach in our top ranks. The season runs from May to October, and the prices aren't too steep. The general entrance fee is 8 euros per person on workdays, and kids and seniors get a nice discount! No need to bring your umbrella, they have them on the beach! Sunbeds here are just 3 euros a pop! All this gets a touch more pricey during weekends and holidays, but only by a couple of euros.
On the sandy beach, there's a waterpark with inflatable toys, canoes, and paddle boats! A perfect spot for the whole family. The beach facilities include places to change, take a shower, and buy some essentials like sunscreen and snacks. The Bolivar beach bar is where you’ll have the most fun. It's a bar, restaurant, and club all in one, and the quality of each is top-notch. The food is a bit more on the pricey side, but it never disappoints! You’ll find everything from seafood to beef, salads to dessert. And the club is always a banger—the events and DJs really know how to get the party going. Once you start dancing on the soft sand, you won’t be able to stop.
Make the most out of your day at Akti Iliou
Akti Iliou is a beach where you're gonna want to spend your whole day. We know you don't want to worry about your luggage lying around for that long. Well, don't worry! You can check if there are any luggage storage options near you. This way, you can rest easy while spending a day at the beach and beach bars.
2. Kalamaki Beach
Kalamaki Beach is right next to Akti Iliou, but it has a whole different set of perks. You get there the same way you do to Akti Iliou, and there’s room to park your car if you're driving. They have a free concrete parking lot right next to the beach and a little shop for any emergency supplies you might need.
Just so you know the beach is divided into two parts. Let us explain:
There's a paid area and a free one. We recommend you pay the 8 euro fee as the other beach can get crowded. The comfortable sun beds and large beach umbrellas are around 10 euros, depending on the season. They're in front of the Cape Sol cafe which has reasonable prices for generous portions. You’ll find great options like pizza, chicken, and tortillas. Plus, all the drinks you could think of. This beautiful beach is a mix of sand and pebbles. If you're not used to that, we recommend bringing some slippers.
One of the pros of Kalamaki Beach is that it’s right next to Kalamaki Park. It also has some nearby restaurants like a Mexican one (if you're craving some spice). The park has lush scenery and a playground for your children.
If you're looking for some entertainment, there's an outdoor movie theatre. Make sure to check the program for Greek movies and immerse yourself in their culture. You can also do that in the open arts theatre, where local artists gather to practice for their upcoming shows and exams. We love events like these because they're always a blast and a great way to learn about culture.
Make the most out of your day at Kalamaki Beach
Worried about storage options at Kalamaki, but have no way of checking? Check out how you can enjoy your time at the beach and stroll through the park worry-free! Whether you're taking a break on a work trip or vacation, stash anything you don't need but can't afford to lose at one of our many locations worldwide!
3. Votsalakia Beach
If you're looking for something a bit more calm, we recommend Votsalakia Beach. Take the fifteen-minute subway from downtown to Peace and Friendship Stadium. Then it's a nice 5-10 minute stroll along the promenade to the beach.
Votsalakia is a free beach on the Athens Riviera, so don't worry about an entrance fee. Plus, it’s calmer and there aren't many tourists or locals there. Since it's a rocky beach, remember to bring some slippers with you. Oh, and there are no sun beds or umbrellas, so be sure to bring your own with a beach mat to relax on.
But wait, what makes this beach special? The sports! There are football fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, and volleyball courts. Perfect for when you want a break from the beach. There's even a swimming pool! Can you guess our favorite part of the beach? WRONG! It's the cats! There are a whole lot of them and they're all super friendly and love to hang out with the visitors. If you're looking for a quiet and calm experience, this is the beach for you.
Additional perk: If you're feeling adventurous side comes out, you can explore the little island just across the beach!
Make the most out of your day at Votsalakia Beach
If you're planning a trip to a public beach without storage facilities like Votsalakia, we can help you! We know the hassle of worrying about luggage and carrying it around the whole day. That's why we have storage locations all around to help you enjoy your weekend trip or vacation worry-free. Leave your luggage with us and keep your peace of mind! Don’t forget to check out the luggage storage places near your chosen beach!