Don't Miss Out On The Athens Riviera During Your Greece Trip

Why You Should Visit The Athens Riviera - goseekexplore.com

If you have a few days or more in Athens, don’t sleep on the Athens Riviera!

There are a number of beautiful Mediterranean beaches near Athens that are only about a 30-45 drive from the city.

And chances are, if you are like most summer travelers in Greece who only spend a quick night or two in Athens, you’ve never heard of them.

When I had several days in Athens after visiting beautiful Mykonos and Santorini, I was craving a getaway from the hustle and bustle - and a dip in the sea!

So I decided to venture out to the beaches near Athens for a day.

What I love about the Athens Riviera is that you still get the same beautiful blue and turquoise water you see in other parts of Greece, without the need to take a ferry or flight to get there!

Plus, the water was very refreshing, and felt a bit warmer compared to Mykonos and Santorini (though it still has that initial cold ‘bite’)!

A Few Beaches Near Athens, Greece

Asteras Beach (where I went and would also recommend!)
Akti Vouligmenis (the public side of the beach I also visited)
Glyfada Beach
Kavouri Beach
Voula Beach

Getting to the Beaches Near Athens, Greece

You can get there by car, taxi, metro, or tram (or a combination), so it isn’t difficult to turn a hot summer city day into a beach vaycay!

Personally, I took the metro (red line) from the center of the city all the way south to Elliniko, the final stop. From there, instead of dealing with the bus or tram, I opted to use the Uber app to book a taxi for about 12 euros.

A 24-hour metro pass costs 4.10 euros, so getting there and back was about 32 euros roundtrip. You could take a taxi the full way there and back, and it’ll be a little more expensive.

Or, you could opt to figure out the bus and tram system and take public transportation the whole time. Up to you!

Should You Stay At The Public Beach or Beach Club?

In true travel blogger fashion, I chose to visit both the public (free) beach access side, as well as the Astir Beach Club side which requires a minimum 60 euro entry.

Public Beach Experience

The public beach area includes a stretch of sand where you can roll out a towel and take a dip in the water. If you’re there for only a few hours, this is great! It’s free and you can walk right up to the beach.

The public beach area also has a casual beach chair and umbrella setup for 15 euros per chair, plus a snack and drink stand to purchase additional food and beverages.

Private Beach (Beach Club Experience)

After about an hour and a half at the public side of the beach, I walked over to Astir Beach Club and reserved a spot for 60 euros. The 60 euros includes entry to the beach club with a double long-chair and umbrella on the beach.

Note that they don’t provide free towels, so bring one with you! I already had a towel with me so I am not sure if you can rent them for a fee. I assume so, but it would be smart to check ahead of time.

The menu offered signature and traditional cocktails, wines, beers, appetizers, snacks, and meals. I enjoyed a Greek salad, Aperol Spritz, and sparkling water for 28 euros.

Compared to Mykonos beach clubs (where it would have been a minimum of 50 euros for the salad, cocktail, and water), it’s nice to experience some affordable luxury!