Aegean sea aerial photo portraying a beach on a Greek island

Athens Beach Guide

Athens beaches guide and information.

Explore Athens best beaches with Aegean Taxi.

Escape the city center and discover the Athens Riviera, the capital's glamorous coastline where urban sophistication meets seaside bliss. This stunning stretch of coast offers everything from legendary luxury to unique natural wonders.

We present our guide to the essential stops along this chic shoreline, just a short, comfortable drive away.

Your Athenian seaside experience awaits!

Painting of a scenic beach featuring cliffs and a rocky shore

Astir Beach

Vouliagmeni Lake

Glyfada

Vari (Varkiza)

The impeccably organized, luxurious sunbeds and pristine sand of Astir Beach in Vouliagmeni, Athens.

Astir Beach (Vouliagmeni)

Astir Beach distance from Town:25km
Astir Beach is best for:Ultimate Luxury & Service
Astir Beach restaurants:Four Seasons Astir Palace

Astir Beach Description: The most iconic and exclusive beach in Greece. Astir is a pristine, fully-serviced sanctuary offering five-star amenities, designer boutiques, and world-class dining, all part of the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel. With a history as the playground for the international jet-set, it remains the ultimate destination for luxury and privacy. Arriving in a premium Aegean Taxi is the perfect start to this glamorous experience.

A waiter serving cocktails to a sunbed at Astir Beach.

Astir Beach: A Guide to Athens' Most Luxurious Shoreline

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Vouliagmeni Lake

Vouliagmeni Lake distance from Town:24km
Vouliagmeni Lake is best for:Natural Spa
Vouliagmeni Lake restaurants:Lake Restaurant

Vouliagmeni Lake Description: Not a beach, but a stunning natural treasure. This geological wonder is a brackish lake fed by underground thermal springs, nestled beneath a dramatic limestone cliff. Its mineral-rich waters remain warm year-round, offering a unique, therapeutic swimming experience. It is a tranquil, all-day wellness destination and an essential Athens Riviera experience.

People swimming in the calm, thermal waters of Vouliagmeni Lake.

Vouliagmeni Lake: Swimming in Athens' Natural Spa

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The bustling, cosmopolitan beachfront of Glyfada, with people enjoying the sun near a chic seaside cafe.

Glyfada Beach

Glyfada Beach distance from Town:15km
Glyfada Beach is best for:Lively Atmosphere
Glyfada Beach restaurants:Ark Restaurant

Glyfada Beach Description: The vibrant heart of the Athens Riviera. Glyfada's long coastline features a mix of free sandy beaches and organized clubs. Its true appeal is the connection to the bustling, upscale suburb itself, where a seaside stroll can be combined with designer shopping and a coffee at one of the dozens of trendy cafes. It's the perfect blend of beach life and cosmopolitan energy.

The busy shopping street in the center of Glyfada.

Glyfada: A Guide to the Heart of the Athens Riviera

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The large, organized Varkiza Resort with its water sports park and family-friendly amenities.

Varkiza Beach (Vari)

Varkiza Beach distance from Town:22km
Varkiza Beach is best for:Water Sports & Family Fun
Varkiza Beach restaurants:Yabanaki Beach Resort

Varkiza Beach Description: The Riviera's ultimate all-day activity hub. Located in the suburb of Vari, the large bay of Varkiza hosts the famous 'Yabanaki' resort. This expansive, organized beach offers an incredible array of water sports—from windsurfing to inflatable parks—along with volleyball courts, numerous cafes, and restaurants. It's the perfect destination for an active, fun-filled day for all ages.

A windsurfing lesson taking place at Varkiza beach.

Varkiza: The Ultimate Activity Beach on the Athens Riviera

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Frequently Asked Questions about Athens Beaches

What is the 'Athens Riviera' and how far is it from the city center?

The Athens Riviera is the capital's stunning southern coastline, stretching from the suburbs of Piraeus down to Cape Sounion. The most popular areas like Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, and Vari are typically a 30-60 minute drive from the city center, offering a glamorous seaside escape without having to leave the city.

Which is the most luxurious and exclusive beach on the Riviera?

Astir Beach in Vouliagmeni is the pinnacle of luxury. As part of the Four Seasons Astir Palace, it offers five-star service, pristine facilities, designer boutiques, and an atmosphere of exclusivity. For a truly glamorous day on the Athenian coast, Astir is the ultimate destination. Arriving with a pre-booked Aegean Taxi is the perfect way to begin the experience in style.

I've heard about a thermal lake. Can you swim there?

Yes, that is the magnificent Vouliagmeni Lake, a unique geological wonder. It's not a beach but a natural thermal spa, whose brackish waters are fed by underground springs and stay warm year-round. Nestled beneath a dramatic cliff, it offers a therapeutic and unforgettable swimming experience.

Which area is best for combining a swim with shopping and cafes?

Glyfada is the vibrant heart of the Riviera and perfect for this. Its long coastline has several beaches, and it's directly across the road from a bustling, upscale commercial center filled with designer shops, trendy cafes, and fantastic restaurants. You can easily spend a whole day moving between the beach and the town's lively social scene.