The coast on the city's doorstep
Many visitors think of Athens only as a city of ancient ruins, but it is also a coastal capital. South of the centre, a long stretch of shoreline known as the Athens Riviera runs from Faliro past Glyfada and Vouliagmeni toward Cape Sounion. On a hot day, it offers a chance to cool off without leaving the city behind, and many Athenians head there after work in summer.
The tram runs from Syntagma down to the coast and along it, and buses continue further south. A rental car makes it easier to explore the quieter coves.
Organised beaches and wild coves
Beaches along the Riviera range from organised lidos, where you pay for sunbeds and umbrellas and can order drinks, to free public beaches and small rocky coves. Glyfada, a lively suburb with shopping and cafes, has several beaches and is popular with young Athenians. Further south, the coast becomes more rugged, with clear water and rocky inlets ideal for snorkelling.
Varkiza and the bays near Vouliagmeni are favourite spots, with pine trees and calm, turquoise water. Weekends get very busy in summer, so weekdays are best.
Most beaches along this coast shelve gently, and the sea is generally calm in the mornings, which makes them good for families with young children. Lifeguards are present at many organised beaches in high season, but not at the smaller coves, so take care if swimming off rocks.
Lake Vouliagmeni
One of the Riviera's most unusual sights is Lake Vouliagmeni, a brackish lake fed by underground springs and sheltered by a limestone cliff. Its water stays relatively warm year-round, and it is used for swimming and as a spa, with small fish that nibble at bathers' feet. There is an entrance fee and facilities including sunbeds and a cafe.
It makes a relaxing stop on the way to or from Cape Sounion, and early mornings there are especially peaceful, before the day visitors arrive from the city.
Eating by the sea
The coast is lined with fish tavernas and beach bars. A long late lunch of grilled fish, salads and a glass of white wine, with your feet almost in the water, is one of the great pleasures of an Athenian summer. In the evening, the Riviera's bars and clubs draw crowds until late.
If you are combining the city and the beach, consider booking an AeroVista Flight + Hotel package to ATH that includes a few nights in the centre for sightseeing and a few on the coast for swimming.
Good to know
- Bring water shoes for rocky coves and sea urchins.
- Sunbed prices at organised beaches vary widely; ask before you sit down.
- Start early on summer weekends, when traffic to the coast can be heavy.