Best beach tips for athens

Best beach tips for Athens

Imagine us as your best friend who has moved to Athens to work and live there, and that enlightens you with his/her best beach tips for Athens, so you two are ready to have fun when you come visit in a month’s time. Athens isn’t just marble temples and café‑lined squares. When the temperature climbs, locals head to the coast to cool off in the Aegean. You don’t need a big budget to join them. Here are some of the best beaches in Athens and practical tips for spending a cheap day by the sea while keeping that “Home in Athens” feeling alive.

Make the most of Edem Beach

If you want a quick escape from the city, Edem Beach is hard to beat. It is one of the greatest beach tips for Athens we have. Edem Beach sits just 7 km from the centre in the suburb of Palaio Faliro and is the first stop on the Athenian Riviera. Getting there is simple and inexpensive: hop on the coastal tram line from Syntagma Square and ride to the stop named “Edem”; you can be on the sand in just 25 minutes.

Entry is free and there are showers and a small café nearby if you need a drink. Arrive early on summer weekends to secure a spot, bring a towel and your own umbrella, and you’ve got a beach day in Athens on a shoestring.

Relax at Kalamaki’s public beach

Two tram stops south of Edem lies Kalamaki Beach, another budget‑friendly favourite. This long strip of sand offers clear water and a relaxed atmosphere; there’s no entrance fee. Take the same tram (Line T6) from Syntagma and get off at the Kalamaki stop. Kalamaki has fewer amenities than the organised clubs nearby, so pack your own water, snacks and sunscreen. Stretch out on a towel, swim at your leisure and soak up the summer in Athens without spending a penny..

Seek shade at Kavouri

Kavouri, in the upmarket district of Vouliagmeni, proves that you don’t always have to pay for a prime spot. This pine‑shaded bay has both organised and free zones, so budget travellers can roll out a towel under the trees for free. The beach actually consists of two stretches: Mikro Kavouri and Megalo Kavouri. This means there’s space for families and those seeking a quieter cove. Take metro Line 2 to Elliniko and bus 122 from there, or join friends by car and split fuel costs. Remember to bring water shoes if you plan to explore the rocky edges and to avoid the pricier beachfront restaurants; pack a picnic and enjoy a cheap Athens day out instead.

Embrace the wild at Limanakia

More of a thrill seeker? Limanakia Vouliagmenis is a series of rocky coves just south of Vouliagmeni. There’s no sand and no organised facilities, but the deep turquoise water and craggy cliffs make it a spectacular (and free) swim spot. It’s popular with young Athenians, snorkellers and cliff‑divers. Bring sturdy shoes for the path down and your own umbrella and water. There are no bars here, so prepare a picnic, leave your valuables at home and enjoy one of the best beach experiences near Athens without opening your wallet.

Spend the day at Schinias

If you have a little more time, head to Schinias on the northern coast. This three‑kilometre sweep of sand sits beside the pine forest of the Schinias–Marathon National Park. Most of the beach is undeveloped and free, with clear waters and plenty of space even on busy days. It’s popular with families and windsurfers, and some locals camp there in summer. You can reach it by KTEL bus from Pedion Areiou (near Victoria metro station) or by car; splitting the ride with friends cuts costs. Bring a beach umbrella, water and lunch and settle in for a full day; just remember this is a protected area, so take your rubbish with you (like you always should!).

Venture further: Kape and other free gems

We gave you a couple of beach tips for Athens already. But there are way more options. For a day trip, consider Kape Beach near Cape Sounion. Set below the Temple of Poseidon, this pebble beach is often described as one of the most beautiful near Athens. It’s free to access, but you’ll need to drive (about an hour from central Athens) and negotiate a steep set of steps.

Another option is Kokkino Limanaki north of Rafina, a sandy cove with shallow water and lifeguards. Marikes, just south of Rafina, is a large beach sheltered from winds and popular with locals. All offer free entry, but limited facilities, so load up your car with snacks, umbrellas and friends for a cheap adventure.

Beach tips for Athens: Budget

  • Use public transport. The coastal tram connects central Athens to many city beaches. Buses run to further spots like Kavouri and Vouliagmeni, and intercity KTEL buses serve beaches such as Schinias. Fares are low, especially compared with taxi or car hire.
  • Bring your own gear. Free beaches rarely provide sunbeds or umbrellas, so pack shade, towels and plenty of water. A reusable picnic kit can save you the cost of beach bars.
  • Arrive early. Locals know the best beaches; to secure a free spot at popular places like Edem or Kape, get there in the morning and pick your spot for the day.
  • Respect the environment. Beaches like Schinias are part of protected areas; take your rubbish with you and avoid disturbing wildlife. Keeping the coastline clean means everyone can continue to enjoy budget Athens days out.

With a little planning and these beach tips for Athens, it’s easy to enjoy sea life in Athens without blowing your summer budget. Whether you’re living and working in the city or just passing through, these sandy and rocky escapes offer a refreshing way to feel at home in Athens. If you want to know more about working and living in Athens, read our page about this thrilling city.