By on 20-01-2016
Most tourists to Greece prefer to take the ferry to the islands in order to enjoy a swim in the sea. However, there are also many clean and organized Athens beaches to take a swim, a large number of which are found in close distance to the city center. Here are some of the cleanest and most convenient Athens beaches that you can visit during your short stay in the Greek capital.
# Vouliagmeni beach
Vouliagmeni beach, or Aktis Vouliagmenis, is the most popular organized beach close to the centre of Athens. This is a very large sandy bay lined up with umbrellas, sunbeds and beach bars. It also has lifeguards and water sports on one side of the beach. Vouliagmeni beach gets very busy in July and August, especially in the weekends. Ideally, you go there in the other summer months or in the mornings. This is a very safe beach for kids. There is a small entrance fee to enter to this organized beach, payable on the spot. Visitors can go there by bus from Glyfada Square (Bus 114 and 115). This is one of the most convenient and easy to access beaches close to the centre of Athens.
# Varkiza beach
The region of Varkiza is located on the southern side of the Attica peninsula, on the way to Cape Sounion. This is actually a town with full facilities and a few beaches in a walking distance from the town centre. Some beaches are large and organized, while others are smaller bays with a short coast to swim. The largest beach in Varkiza is Yabanaki, a sandy bay with umbrellas, sun beds, beach bars and snack bars. Visitors can go there by bus from Glyfada Square (Bus 149 and 170) in about 40 min ride.
# Beaches at Cape Sounion
Cape Sounion is the southernmost spot of the Attica peninsula. Most visitors go there to see the magnificent Temple of Poseidon on the top of the rocky promontory, however this can easily be a nice day trip for both sightseeing and swimming. People go there by bus (from Pedion Areos in Athens) or car (about 1 hour drive) and they find in the region many small beaches to swim. Some of these beaches are organized, while others are totally secluded.
# Loutsa beach
Just like Varkiza, Loutsa (or Artemida) is also a seaside town with many independent facilities of its own. This town is constructed along a large sandy beach that gets frequently windy in summer. This is why this is a popular windsurfing spot in the peninsula of Athens. Loutsa is among the shallowest Athens beaches and is partly organized with sun beds and umbrellas. It can be reached by bus from Pedion Areos bus station or Ethnikis Aminas metro station (40-70 min bus ride).
