Athens beaches: a guide to the Athens Riviera, how to get there and what it costs
Athens has dozens of beaches south of the city, some a tram ride away. Which beaches there are, how to get there and what they cost.
- The closest beaches, Edem and Glyfada, are 25–45 minutes by tram from Syntagma.
- Vouliagmeni beach and Lake Vouliagmeni: about €10–15 entry; the lake is pleasant even in autumn.
- Varkiza, Legrena, Sounion and Schinias are easiest by car.
If you have a free summer day in Athens, take the tram to the beach. With a car, Sounion at sunset and Schinias for families are worth the drive.
Does Athens have beaches?
Yes. Athens has a long coastline south of the city called the Athens Riviera, running from Palaio Faliro to Sounion. Some beaches are reached by tram from Syntagma, some by bus and the farther ones by car. There are free beaches, organised beaches with paid sunbeds, and luxury beach clubs.
The closest beaches: by tram from the city
| Beach | Distance from centre | How to get there | Free or paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edem (Palaio Faliro) | About 8 km | Tram, about 25 minutes from Syntagma | Free |
| Glyfada | About 14 km | Tram, about 40–45 minutes | Free sections, beach clubs about €8–15 |
| Voula (beaches A and B) | About 18 km | Tram to Voula, about 50 minutes | Organised municipal beach, about €8 |
Prices are from Greek Trip Planner (March 2026) and vary by season and day. On summer weekends the closest beaches are very crowded.
Vouliagmeni and the lake
- Vouliagmeni beach: organised, about 20 km from the centre. Tram to Glyfada, then bus 122. About €10 on weekdays and €15 at weekends (summer 2026).
- Lake Vouliagmeni: a brackish lake in a collapsed cave, with mineral water at a pleasant temperature most of the year. Entry about €15. Good in autumn and spring, when the sea is cold.
- Astir Beach: a luxury beach club on the Vouliagmeni peninsula, about €25 on weekdays and more at weekends. Reach it by taxi or car.
- Kavouri: just before Vouliagmeni, with a free section shaded by tamarisk trees.
Farther out: by car
- Varkiza: about 30 km, with an organised section and a free section at the northern end.
- Legrena: about 65 km, free, about 55 minutes' drive or about 1.5 hours by KTEL bus.
- Sounion: about 70 km, a free beach below the Temple of Poseidon. Temple entry is about €10. The sunset here is famous.
- Schinias (Marathon): about 77 km north-east of Athens, a long pine-backed beach, good for families. Car only.
Which beach suits you?
- No car, a few hours: Edem or Glyfada by tram.
- With children: the organised beach at Voula, or Schinias if you have a car.
- Luxury and quiet: Astir Beach or the Riviera around Vouliagmeni.
- Autumn and winter: Lake Vouliagmeni.
- Sunset: Sounion.
Tips
- The tram runs from Syntagma along the coast. Check the line number before you go, as names have changed in recent years.
- At weekends arrive early, before 10am, especially in July and August.
- Water and water shoes: some beaches are pebbly.
- Shabbat: there is no reasonable walking route from Chabad in Psiri to the beaches. Shabbat observers may prefer a Sunday trip or staying on the Riviera. See where to stay in Athens near Chabad.
More about the city in our Athens guide and how many days in Athens.
FAQ
Does Athens have beaches? Yes. Along the Athens Riviera, from Palaio Faliro to Sounion, there are dozens of beaches. The closest, such as Edem and Glyfada, are a tram ride from the centre.
What is the closest beach to central Athens? Edem beach in Palaio Faliro, about 8 km and about 25 minutes by tram from Syntagma. Entry is free.
How much is entry to Lake Vouliagmeni? About €15 according to 2026 sources. Check the official website before you go, as the price changes by season.
Can you reach the beaches without a car? Yes. Edem, Glyfada and Voula are on the tram, and Vouliagmeni is a tram plus bus. Sounion has a KTEL bus of about two hours.
