Best Beaches in Athens
Renowned for dazzling turquoise waters, low tides and gorgeous Mediterranean weather, the Athenian Riviera and surrounding islands are home to some of Greece’s top beaches, coves and bays.
To help make planning your Athens sailing itinerary as easy as possible, we’ve put together a list of the best beaches in Athens, from secluded coves only accessible by boat to popular hotspots near delicious restaurants and refreshing bars. Whether you’re setting sail with friends, family or as a couple, there are countless beaches in Athens to suit everyone.
Our list of the best beaches in Athens includes:
1. Koutalas Beach
Perfect for: Water Lovers
Located on the southeastern side of Serifos, Koutalas Beach has the perfect blend of sandy and pebbled shores. With inviting azure waters beckoning you to swim and snorkel, you can look forward to spending the whole day splashing around with family or spotting vibrant marine life as a couple.
A true hidden gem of Athens, you can even head to the west of the beach to admire the mesmerizing Cave of Koutalas, a stunning natural wonder with beautiful stalagmites and stalactites.
Practical Information:
- There are tamarisk trees along the beach, which offer natural shade for those wanting to keep out of the sun.
- Koutalas Beach is adjacent to two other beautiful beaches, Ganema Beach and Vagia Beach.
- While this secret beach is quiet compared to other beaches in Athens, there are still some great facilities, including a tavern to enjoy a refreshing drink and a bite to eat.
If you’re setting sail with The Moorings, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Serifos and Koutalas Beach on day three of our Cyclades sailing itinerary.
2. Kleftiko Beach
Perfect for: Explorers
Next on our list of the best beaches in Athens is Kleftiko Beach, just a short sail away on the beautiful island of Milos. Only accessible by boat, Kleftiko Beach offers an exclusive hideaway where you’ll uncover crystal clear waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling and soaking up the golden sun.
Described as ‘perfect’, ‘magical’ and ‘impressive’ on Tripadvisor, Kleftiko Beach is undoubtedly one of the best beaches in Greece.
Practical Information:
- Kleftiko Beach is also home to a system of small, underground caves, just waiting to be explored.
- There are very few facilities on Kleftiko Beach, making it the perfect stop for an off-the-beaten-track adventure. If you’re planning on spending the whole day here, it’s a good idea to pack a cool bag with some provisions before leaving your yacht.
- While the waters around Kleftiko are calm and gentle, there is no lifeguard on duty at this beach so take extra care if you go swimming with younger children.
3. Moni Island
Perfect for: Nature Lovers
If you’re looking for the best beaches near Athens to relax, unwind and feel closer to nature, set sail to the uninhabited Moni Island. This enchanting, rocky islet is one of the best places to sail in the Mediterranean and has several sandy beaches where you can switch off from the world.
With sensational turquoise waters, gentle waves and exceptional visibility, spend your day exploring underwater treasures before admiring the free-roaming wildlife on the island, from peacocks to deer.
Practical Information:
- There’s a bar that serves refreshing drinks and delicious food, and also has restrooms.
- If you don’t want to sunbathe on the sand, you can hire two sunbeds and a parasol for around 20 euros.
- When you visit Moni Island, it’s important to avoid approaching, touching or feeding the wildlife as they can feel frightened or threatened. Learn more about how to travel responsibly and our sustainability policy.
4. Glyfada Beach
Perfect for: Couples
Are you dreaming of escaping the hustle and bustle of city life? After you’ve uncovered the wonders of Athens, explored the best that Syntagma Square has to offer and immersed yourself in authentic Greek culture, there’s no better feeling than to slip away to a secluded beach for some well-deserved privacy and relaxation.
This is exactly what Glyfada Beach offers. Nearby to Agios Kosmas Marina, Glyfada is less populated than other beaches in Athens, offering the same crystal clear waters, calm waves and stunning views, but with the added bonus of peace and quiet.
Practical Information:
- To make your beach experience hassle-free, there are plenty of umbrellas and sunbeds available to rent.
- As well as offering privacy for couples, Glyfada Beach has a lifeguard on duty, which also makes it a great family-friendly beach.
- Take care when planning your trip to Glyfada Beach as there are multiple beaches in Greece with the same name, notably one on the island of Corfu (which we mention in our Best Beaches in Corfu blog).
- Glyfada Beach is near several bars, tavernas and restaurants so you can sit back and watch the sunset from the beach after tasting local seafood delicacies.
5. Kalamaki Beach
Perfect for: Sunbathers
The ideal first or final stop on your Athens sailing vacation, Kalamaki Beach is just a 30-minute drive from our base at Marina Zea. This stunning pebble beach has crystalline water that gets deep quickly, ideal for strong swimmers and those who love exploring the treasures that lie underwater.
Whether you soak up the sun after a morning of exploring Athens city centre, or have a few hours free before casting off with The Moorings on your stylish bareboat, skippered or crewed charter, Kalamaki Beach has unparalleled facilities, views and opportunities to sunbathe.
Practical Information:
- The beach is split into two areas, one where you can enter for free and the other where you pay around 15 euros. The paid area gives you access to sun loungers and umbrellas to keep you comfortable in the sizzling sun.
- It takes around 30 minutes by tram to reach Syntagma Square in central Athens.
- There is no lifeguard on duty at this beach, so take extra care if you go swimming with younger children.
FAQs
Does Athens have good beaches?
Athens has wonderful beaches to suit every type of traveler, from sunbathers to snorkelers, couples and families. From Athens, it’s easy to sail across to the Cyclades, which also have breathtaking beaches and coves to fall in love with.
What is the best beach town near Athens?
The best beach towns near Athens include Glyfada, and Alimos, which is home to Kalamaki Beach, while the best port city is Piraeus, home to The Moorings’ Athens sailing base.
What is the closest beach to Athens City Centre?
The closest beach to Athens City Centre is Edem Beach, a stunning sandy beach with deep waters. It’s just a 16-minute drive from Syntagma Square, the beating heart of the city. Other beaches near Athens City Centre include Kalamaki Beach and Votsalakia Beach.
Discover Athens with The Moorings
With countless towns, nearby islands and hidden coves to explore, everywhere you turn when you visit Athens, you’ll find a stunning beach perfect for sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling. From the quiet, serene Koutalas Beach to picturesque Glyfada Beach, there’s truly a beach to suit everyone in Athens.
Ready to explore the best beaches in Athens by yacht? Start planning your idyllic Sailing charter or Power charter with The Moorings and discover these breathtaking beaches from the best seat in the house – the private deck of one of our state-of-the-art Sailing yachts or Power yachts.
You May Also Like:
- Where to Sail in Greece
- Why Charter a Boat in Athens
- Best Beaches in Greece
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Contributor
ameliamiles
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