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Athenian Riviera – Beaches
E-MAGAZINO

You don’t need to get on a ferry to escape the bustle of the Greek capital: take a short bus ride and you’ll find superb beaches along the sheltered Saronic Gulf stretching from the southern suburbs of Athens to Cape Sounio.  Just 10 miles south of the city –typically a 30-40 minute drive– you will find a place where urban sprawl gives way to an idyllic palm fringed setting.

Take the opportunity to swim, relax at a waterfront café, walk along the picture-perfect pedestrian streets and the marinas, exercise your favorite water sport, shop in one of the area’s modern shopping centers, dine by the sea or entertain yourself in one of the coastal avenue’s buzzing clubs –the young people’s favorite choice. Summer in the city doesn’t sound that bad after all, does it?!

• Faliro, Flisvos Marina

Located very close to Athens, yet away from the hustle and the bustle of the city, a wide range of activities on offer and an amazing view to the Saronic Gulf are the reasons why Faliro is the ultimate summer hot spot for the Athenians! Its trademark is of course its marina, a mega-yacht destination that infuses a cosmopolitan flair to the area. Flisvos Park on the other hand is ideal for leisurely strolls and carefree bike rides. Beautiful coasts, recreation parks, playgrounds, shopping centers and stylish restaurants are there to keep up your summer carefree mood!

Extra Tip: Every Wednesday to Saturday evening you can ride a bike at no cost for 1.5 hours borrowing it from a specially created kiosk located between the tram stations “Flisvos Park” and “Flisvos”. Free bicycles are available from 5:30 to 8:30 PM from Wednesday to Saturday every week until September 30th. All you need to do to get yours is to go to the kiosk and present them your ID and tram ticket up to 1.5 hours in advance. Happy riding!

• Glyfada

One of the most elegant districts of Athens, Glyfada stands out for its sandy palm-fringed beaches, its cosmopolitan clubs (where the pulse of the Athens nightlife beats), its polished hotels, boutiques and restaurants as well as its marinas, a much preferred yacht-mooring place for a getaway! Swim in crystal clear waters or enjoy a frappé, a favorite immensely refreshing coffee drink!

Extra tip: if you are a golf enthusiast you will be thrilled with the Glyfada Golf Club, the city’s modern 18-hole course!

• Voula

Just two miles south of Glyfada lays Voúla, home to two amazing organized beaches and the Riviera’s biggest beach clubs. Enjoy during the day a colorful summer setting that brings to mind a real amusement park with modern beach bars, jet ski equipment, beach volleyball courts, a vibrant dance deck and exciting waterslides, whereas at night you can enjoy a cocktail in one of the district’s elegant clubs!

Extra tip: Voúla A’ beach has been awarded a blue flag this year, which makes it ideal (and safe!) for families as well.

On Voula B’ beach disabled people can also enjoy a swim thanks to the special infrastructure that has been installed on the beach.

• Vouliagmeni

 To the east lies Vouliagmeni bay, its beach nestling in a beautiful location, before Mount Hymettus. A marina and a brace of private beaches are its trademarks whereas the picturesque harbor offers stunning views of the distant Saronic Gulf islands. Astir beach on Apóllonos Street with its shallow, delicately turquoise water, smooth sand, excellent facilities and blue flag certification for cleanliness is one of Attica’s most luxurious and most popular beaches. Opposite Astir beach lays the public beach, which has no facilities and therefore no entry fee. If we add the bustling nightlife, the elegant cafes and restaurants and the luxurious hotels, Vouliagmeni is definitely a summer hotspot that you cannot afford to miss!

Extra Tip: Vouliagmeni Lake, only a five-minute walk from the little square in the centre of the town, lies “sunk” (Vouliagméni meaning sunk) in the remains of a huge limestone cave fed by lukewarm springs welling from underground. The lake’s mineral and brackish waters feel absolutely silky while swimming whereas it is reportedly healing for rheumatism and arthritis!

• Varkiza

 Beyond Vouliagméni lies the bustling little resort of Várkiza, where an outstanding seascape unfolds with impressive coves below the coastal road. You will have the chance to swim in free or organized beaches with azure waters, to exercise your favorite water sports or enjoy a delicious meal in a picturesque tavern by the sea while sipping a glass of ouzo which perfectly complements fresh seafood!

The coastal road continues through marvelous tourist resorts such as Lagonissi (see more) and Saronida and ends at Cape Sounio (see more), Attica’s southeastern tip. There you will find the impressive Temple of Poseidon – the last piece of the ancient Athenians’ homeland every time they sailed into the Aegean. Watching the sunset filling the sky with every shade of mauve and pink and making the sea glowing like a sapphire is an unforgettable experience that will weave a powerful spell over you.

See list of Attica Prefecture Beaches awarded with “Blue Flag” for 2019

How to get there:

• By tram: Choose T1 line from Syntagma towards “Néo Fáliro” (Peace and Friendship Stadium station) or T2 line towards Voúla (Asklipiío Voúlas station). You can also board T3 line departing from Voúla to Néo Fáliro.

• By bus: You can take the B3 route (Akadimia-Glyfada, through Vouliagmenis avenue) or the express bus number E22 (Akadimia-Saronida).

By: www.visitgreece.gr