With wonderful waters and unique scenery, these beaches near Athens are ideal for the first swims of the season.
A quick escape for refreshing dips in the crystal-clear waters of a beach is just the thing now that the mercury is rising. You don’t need to venture far from Athens or board a ferry to swim at public and lovelybeacheswith pristine waters until you leave for your holidays. TheTravelgo.grsuggests six wonderful beaches, each no more than an hour to an hour and a half from the center of Athens, that will make you feel as if you’re on an island.
Psatha, Attica
65 km from the center of Athens, ten minutes from Alepochori, lies one of the most beautiful beaches in Attica. It’s worth a day trip to Psatha to enjoy your swim and the views over the Corinthian Gulf. Thick pine forests all around, crystal-clear waters and fine pebbles set the scene on this vast beach that evokes a little Aegean island. Tavernas and ouzeries right on the water complete the picture. Stay until late to savor the sunset.
Prosili, Porto Germeno, Attica
Just over an hour from Athens, on the shores of the Corinthian Gulfand at the foot of Mount Kithairon, Porto Germeno, withits crystalline waters, is perfect for a mini getaway within Attica. The busiest beach is the so-called «middle beach» for obvious reasons; it’s pebbly and offers ample shade from tamarisk trees. We also suggest visiting the lovelyProsili, which has easy access and pristine waters, and is sheltered from the local northerly winds. The area also has charming little tavernas by the water for fresh fish.
Agios Nikolaos Anavyssou, Attica
Agios Nikolaos Anavyssouis one of Attica’s most distinctive beaches. Just before the main beach of Anavyssos and after you see the sign for the School of Tourism Professions, turn right and follow the road to reach the beach. A wide sandbar links Attica with the islet where the chapel of Agios Nikolaos stands. The gorgeous scenery gives you the impression you’re somewhere in Crete. The beach is large and organized in one part of it. If you climb the hill where the namesake chapel stands and follow the right path from the back side, you’ll reach a hidden cove with crystalline waters, ideal for more solitary swims.
KAPE Legrena, Attica
It’s no longer a secret, yet it remains one of Attica’s most distinctive beaches, giving you the sense that you’re on an island. The beach is about 55 km from the center of Athens and lies just before Legrena heading toward Sounio and after Charakas. As soon as you see the sign reading «Property of KAPE» follow the dirt road that leads to a parking area. Leave the car, descend the (about 100) steps and arrive at a gorgeous beach with fine sand and blue-green waters. In recent years it has become extremely popular and especially on weekends it draws big crowds. For quieter dips, there’s the adjacent, equally enchanting cove, favored by those who want to practice nudism.
Beach at the Heraion Archaeological Site of Perachora, Corinthia
TheLoutraki area is a great choice for weekend getaways—and not only—as it lies just 80 km from Athens, while offering many options for swimming in pristine waters. If you’re in the area, we suggest a visit to theHeraion archaeological siteat the tip of the Perachora peninsula, just 20 minutes from Loutraki and 10 minutes from Perachora. Here, near the Heraion Lighthouse at Cape Melagavi, stand the ruins of an ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Hera, reaching almost into the sea. In front of the archaeological site, a small, sandy beach with fine pebbles and wonderful waters awaits for a dip.
Mylokopi, Corinthia
An hour and a half by road from Athens and 20 minutes from Loutraki, lies a wonderful beach that gives you the feeling you’re on some exotic island. We’re talking about Mylokopi, a sandy beach with fine pebbles, set in a stunning pine-covered landscape that blends mountain and sea. The beach is split into two sections due to an earthquake that occurred in ancient times. One side features dark, clean sand, while the other is dominated by impressive fractured slabs. The waters are crystalline, with a distinctive turquoise hue. Behind the beach stretches a lush green pine forest.
