The Riviera runs from Palaio Faliro in the north to Cape Sounion in the south, passing through Glyfada, Voula, Vouliagmeni, Varkiza, and beyond. It's where Athenians go on summer weekends, and it's a legitimate alternative to the islands if you want a beach day without ferries and timetables.

The Best Beaches

Glyfada

The busiest and most accessible stretch. Four successive beaches with a mix of sand and small pebbles. Glyfada itself is a lively suburb with shops, restaurants, and nightlife -- think seaside town with a cosmopolitan edge.

  • Glyfada A, B, and C -- Municipal beaches with sunbeds and umbrellas for hire. Entry around 5-8 EUR.
  • Asteras Beach Club -- The upscale option with cocktails, dining, and loungers. Private beach complex. Entry from 15+ EUR.

Glyfada is the easiest beach to reach by public transport -- tram from Syntagma goes direct.

Voula

Two beaches just south of Glyfada. Voula A is the larger, well-organised municipal beach with water sports, playgrounds, and cafes. Voula B is smaller and quieter. Both have sand, clear water, and a modest entry fee (around 5 EUR).

Good for families -- shallow water, facilities, lifeguards on duty in summer.

Kavouri

Two stretches of sand -- Mikro Kavouri and Megalo Kavouri. Mikro is a calm, shallow bay perfect for young children. Megalo is longer, backed by pine trees and impressive villas. Both are free public beaches with a laid-back feel. No entry fee, though sunbed rental is available from nearby operators.

Vouliagmeni Beach (Akti Vouliagmenis)

One of the most popular beaches on the Riviera. A well-organised crescent of sand with calm, clear water. Sunbeds, umbrellas, water sports, and a beach bar. Entry around 6-10 EUR depending on the day.

Vouliagmeni as a suburb is quieter and more upmarket than Glyfada. Good restaurants nearby.

Astir Beach

The Riviera's most exclusive beach, set on a private peninsula in Vouliagmeni. Part of the Four Seasons resort. Pristine sand, immaculate service, crystal-clear water. Expect to pay 50-100+ EUR for a sunbed set in high season. Reservations recommended.

Worth it for a special occasion. Not your casual weekday beach.

Lake Vouliagmeni

Not a beach, but right next to one. A natural thermal lake in a collapsed cave, fed by underground mineral springs. The water stays between 22-29C year-round, making it swimable even in winter. Small Garra Rufa fish nibble at your skin -- a free fish spa.

Entry 15-18 EUR. There's a cafe and restaurant on site. Combine with a beach stop for a varied day.

Limanakia (The Secret Coves)

Just past Vouliagmeni, a series of rocky coves with deep blue water. You reach them by scrambling down short paths from the road. No facilities, no entry fee, no sunbeds. Just rocks, sea, and cliffs. The closest thing to island swimming you'll find near Athens.

Popular with locals who know the coast. Not suitable for young children due to the rocks and lack of amenities.

Varkiza Beach

A large organised beach about 30 minutes south of central Athens. Sandy, with water sports, a playground, and beach bars. Entry around 5-7 EUR. Good all-rounder for families and groups. More space than the Glyfada beaches, less crowded on weekdays.

Lagonissi

Further south (about 40 minutes from Athens), Lagonissi has a mix of hotel beaches and public coves. The Grand Resort Lagonissi has a famous (and expensive) private beach. The public beaches nearby are quieter and less developed than the northern Riviera.

How to Get There

By Tram

The T5 tram line runs from Syntagma Square along the coast to Voula. It's the cheapest and most scenic option for the northern Riviera beaches (Palaio Faliro, Glyfada, Voula). Takes about 40-60 minutes. Ticket: 1.20 EUR.

By Metro + Bus

Take Metro Line 2 (Red) to Elliniko station, then: - Bus 122 to Vouliagmeni - Bus A3 to Glyfada

Journey time from Syntagma: about 45-60 minutes total.

By Car

The coast road (Poseidonos Avenue) runs the entire length of the Riviera. 20-45 minutes from central Athens depending on how far south you go. Parking can be difficult at popular beaches on summer weekends -- arrive early.

By Taxi

20-30 EUR from central Athens to the main Riviera beaches. 20 minutes with light traffic, up to an hour in rush hour or summer weekends.

What to Expect

Organised beaches (those with sunbeds and facilities) typically charge 5-15 EUR entry. This usually includes a sunbed and umbrella. Premium beach clubs charge significantly more.

Free beaches exist along the entire coast. They have no facilities but are genuinely public -- you just lay your towel on the sand or rocks.

Water quality is generally good. Multiple beaches along the Riviera hold Blue Flag certification.

Beach season runs from late May to early October. July and August are the warmest (sea temperatures around 25-26C) but also the most crowded, especially on weekends.

Practical Tips

  • Weekdays are dramatically less crowded than weekends. Saturday and Sunday, Athenians flood the beaches -- especially Glyfada and Vouliagmeni.
  • Arrive before 10:00 on summer weekends if you want a good spot at a popular beach.
  • Bring cash for smaller beach operations. Most organised beaches accept cards, but some parking and snack vendors don't.
  • The tram is reliable but slow. It's scenic and cheap, but allow extra time.
  • Combine with Cape Sounion. If you're driving the coast road south, keep going past Varkiza and Lagonissi all the way to the Temple of Poseidon for a sunset finish.

Eating on the Riviera

Every beach area has restaurants. Highlights:

  • Glyfada -- The most options. Everything from fast souvlaki to upmarket seafood. The shopping district just behind the beach has dozens of restaurants.
  • Vouliagmeni -- More refined. Several excellent fish tavernas overlooking the water.
  • Varkiza -- Casual beachside tavernas with good fresh fish.

A seafood lunch by the water is part of the Athens Riviera experience. Expect to pay 15-25 EUR per person at a mid-range taverna.

The Athens Riviera stretches 50 km south from central Athens. The closest beaches (Glyfada) are reachable in 30 minutes by tram. The furthest (Sounion) are about 1.5 hours by car.