It only takes 30 minutes to get to a blue-flag beach on the famous Athens Riviera. Whether you want to go for a simple swim,  take up your favourite water sports like diving and water-skiing, or simply stare at the sea, there is plenty to choose from. 

The Riviera is open for business year-round. You can swim in the waters and lay back on the sandy beaches for at least six months out of the year,  or enjoy a coffee, drinks and a great meal along the many coastal restaurants and clubs. But the biggest prize is taking a dip in the Aegean Sea to cool off in beautiful surroundings.

Faliro & Flisvos

Faliro is the first of the suburbs that envelope the glistening coastline. It has an impressive marina as well as a seaside park which is ideal for strolls and carefree bike rides along the beautiful coast.

Glyfada

An upmarket district, Glyfada stands out for its sandy palm-fringed beaches, its cosmopolitan clubs restaurants and fashion boutiques.  It also features an 18-hole golf course.

Voula

Just two miles south of Glyfada is Voula, with two impressive organized beaches that draw crowds throughout the day.

Vouliagmeni

With sandy and pebble beaches lodged between rocky shores, luxury hotels, restaurants, sea sports clubs and a palm tree lined boulevard, this seasoned resort oozes a genteel, old-world charm. If you want something off the beaten track head to the Limanakia Vouliagmenis:small, natural, rocky coves that will entice you with crystal blue waters. Or refresh yourself in the mineral waters of Lake Vouliagmeni, a sunken cavern fed by underground currents at a constant 24C.

Varkiza

Beyond Vouliagméni lies the bustling little resort of Varkiza, where an outstanding seascape unfolds with impressive coves below the coastal road.

Anavyssos

Situated close to Cape Sounio, the beach in Anavyssos is well-known for its crystal clear and shallow waters, ideal for children. It offers all kinds of facilities like sun loungers and umbrellas, beach bars and canteens. You can try jet skiing and windsurfing.

Legrena

West of Sounio, along the coastal road in front of Legrena village, stretches a beautiful and quiet beach, very clean and unspoilt. It’s almost private, especially on weekdays. Head further south on the amazing coastal road and you will come across more residential hubs, like Lagonissi and Saronida. At the end of Attica’s southeastern tip you will reach Cape Sounio, with the famous Temple of Poseidon, the best half day trip you can go on when in  Athens.

Schinias Beach

While the Athenian Riviera runs southwest from Flisvos all the way to Sounio, there is also an eastern coastline that runs from Lavrio port to Marathon. Schinias is one of the most popular coasts, located near Marathon. It is an impressive long and pine curved beach with facilities, beach bars and three beach volleyball courts. Often affected by strong winds, it is a paradise for windsurfing lovers and could work well for history buffs, as well as you can easily combine it with a visit to the archaeological sites of Marathon and Ramnounta.

Blue Flags flying high in Attica

In order to receive a Blue Flag eco-label, a beach must not only be found to have an excellent quality of bathing water, it must also comply with a further 32 criteria concerning cleanliness, environmental management and organization, environmental education and information, visitor safety and services, as well as protection of nature, the coast and the coastal area. Sixteen beaches in the Athens coastline received a Blue Flag in 2018.