One of the unique pleasures of living in Athens is its proximity to the sea.

And if you're coming here for your Erasmus studies or new work experience... you should definitely explore Athens's many beaches.

We compiled a list of some of the most popular and not so well-known so you can choose what suits you best.

Palaio Faliro Beach

The Beach of Faliro is south of the city center, and you can get there by tram, metro, or bus.

It has a grand main promenade with many restaurants, cafes, and bars. It also has a few parks and hotels.

There are plenty of things to do:

You can run or walk on the waterfront's many walking paths

Have coffee at the beachside cafes

Go for a swim on one of the beaches

At night, you can drink with friends at one of the local bars or clubs

The beach has pebbles, sand, and gravel. The sea bed has rocks, so it might be challenging to swim.

The average water temperature is between 22 - 26 degrees Celsius (71.6 - 78 Fahrenheit).

Alimos Beach

Alimos is a coastal resort town neighboring Palio Faliro.

The great attraction in Alimos is its sandy beaches which feature palm trees.

The municipality also includes an open space area with good views over Attica Basin.

Alimos hosts a large marina with several restaurants. You can dine while watching boats sail by.

With all these activities, it's no wonder that thousands of visitors flock here.

Glyfada Beach

The third beach on our list is Glyfada beach.

Glyfada is a suburb of Athens located not far from Alimos.

The coastline of Glyfada has two parts:

One with rocky formations and the other filled with sand and palm trees.

There are bars and restaurants along the beach, and you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas for a fee.

The beach has volleyball courts, lifeguards, toilets, showers, and a children's playground.

Glyfada is accessible by car, bus, or tram from Athens city center.

Voula Beach

The beach of Voula is very popular with families and youngsters alike.

Surrounded by pine trees, this beach is popular with tourists and locals.

The atmosphere is lively, and you can find all kinds of water sports facilities there.

Voula beach has a restaurant, a cafe, showers, and toilets and is close to Athens center.

You will find parasols and sun loungers on the organized part of the beach. Make sure you discuss the price before sitting down, as there is an extra charge.

The watersports facilities at Voula Beach are also impressive:

windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling, diving, and canoeing, to name a few.

There are bus stops right at the water's edge, making it easily accessible by public transport.

Parking spaces among pine trees provide shelter from the summer heat if you arrive by car.

Vouliagmeni Beach

Vouliagmeni Beach is ideal if you're looking for a great beach near Athens. This stunning beach offers beautiful scenery.

Vouliagmeni is a suburb of Athens. It's a popular beach with long, wide sandy beaches surrounded by rocks on the outside.

The town itself is home to the Lake Vouliagmenis, located near the sea and surrounded by rocks.

Accessible by taxi or car, the beach offers plenty of entertainment options.

Great activities like swimming, sailing, diving, and snorkeling are available here.

Varkiza Beach

Varkiza is one of the most popular beaches in Athens.

A short drive or bus ride from the city center, it offers beautiful views of Athens from its rocky shoreline.

It is a small paradise for those who love windsurfing or water skiing.

There is something for every taste:

bar and restaurant

water sports and parasailing rentals

hotels, dance clubs, and excursion boats

Plus you can practice water sports activities like banana boat rides, scuba diving... or beach volleyball.

The beach has parasols, sunbeds, and snack bars.

Mavro Lithari Beach

Mavro Lithari Beach is a beautiful beach on the eastern coast of Attica.

Sandy with clean waters, this beach is fantastic for swimming.

Plus, during summer, lifeguards are on duty to watch you and your friends.

The beach is quite popular thanks to its well-maintained facilities, including a shower cubicle and changing rooms.

And the young crowd loves it for its rocky scenery, which offers excellent views over Athens' skyline.

Limanakia Sounio

Limanakia Sounio is a beautiful beach in the Attica region.

This quiet beach is near the Temple of Poseidon at Sounio, one of the most popular tourist destinations.

The beach has white sand and clear water, ideal for swimming and other water sports.

It is also known as one of the best beaches in Greece due to its breathtaking views and atmosphere.

Limanakia Sounio provides its visitors with many options for outdoor activities such as hiking or mountain biking.

There are also plenty of hotels nearby where you can stay during your stay at this beautiful beach!

Aghia Anna, Nea Makri

Aghia Anna is a beautiful beach with a good choice of restaurants and bars.

Nea Makri has a village with a beach and more restaurants and bars than you could count on both hands.

Both beaches are just a short drive from Athens, making them ideal for students looking to catch some rays without traveling too far.

If you feel like exploring further, Evia is an island close to Athens with lots of great beaches in addition to Sani beach (our personal favorite).

And if you're lucky enough to have some free time during the summer months, you'll find plenty of warm water at these beaches!

Conclusion

For your next beach day, go for a swim on any of these beaches in Athens.

You'll have your pick of activities:

swim or take in some sun, windsurf, snorkel, scuba dive; sailboard or kayak; parasail, or waterskiing - all available for you!