14 miles south of Athens is the very scenic Vouliagmeni Beach, with picture postcard views of the sea. This is a very well equipped beach (one of the best beaches near Athens), with volleyball and tennis facilities, kids playground, water slide, café and even your own changing hut if you like! The peninsula itself is renowned for its mineral water lake, whose effects are best felt at the nearby health spa. Here, the weather is exceptionally agreeable whatever the season, so visitors can feel the benefits of the mineral waters throughout the year.
Just under 17 miles south of Athens is the sandy Varkiza Beach. Its distance from the city centre of Athens means less people come here – hence you will not be jostling for space in the surf and on the sand. The adjoining hotel offers a host of facilities to beach patrons such as tennis, green spaces, parkland, café, pub, etc. On the beach itself you can also rent out a volleyball or tennis court by the hour. Kids also have their own section where they can play safely.
28 miles north east of Athens is Schinias Beach, which appears to go on forever. Located on Marathon’s southeast side, Schinias is considered to be Attica’s finest beach. Fringed by pine trees, this is a very beautiful and popular beach – sometimes too popular, in particular at weekends. It is also a great spot for windsurfing, due to the consistent prevailing winds and its sheer length. The adjacent windsurfing club is quite reputable. Schinias is an easy bus journey from Athens city centre.
40 miles south east of Athens and just under two miles west of Sounion is Legrena Beach, situated in a sheltered cove. This is one of several rocky coves in the surrounding area, making it a favourite haunt of divers. The water may be quite cold and the beach itself has no organisation, but the water is very clean, which is a big plus. There is a good choice of eateries and pubs nearby, and it is quite straightforward to get to by either car or bus. At the turn after Legrena Beach, you can view the Temple of Poseidon. The beach is busiest during summer weekends.
7 miles south of Athens is Alimos beach, which is noted for its very attractive long strand. Due its location near the centre, a number of buses go here. This means that during summer, Alimos beach becomes far less pleasant as local sun worshippers, and tourists from around the world who are in the know, flock here. This is one of the beaches near Athens which is very organised, with showers, umbrellas and a host of water sports such as windsurfing and jet skiing available for adults. Kids in particular love this beach, due to the space and tonnes of fine sand that is perfect for making sandcastles. For them, there is a play area and waterslide. There are many other facilities in the surrounding area, including a choice of cafes and the Alimos yachting marina.
