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Staying Near Athens by the Beach?

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dimi_pat

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I'm planning a trip to Greece and will be spending some time in Athens, but I'm also looking to stay somewhere outside of the city that’s near the beach. I’m hoping to find a place that offers a more relaxed atmosphere, where I can unwind by the sea while still having access to some local culture and attractions.

Does anyone have recommendations for coastal towns or beach resorts within a reasonable distance from Athens? Ideally, I’m looking for somewhere that’s not too crowded but still has good restaurants, maybe some historical sites, and, of course, beautiful beaches.

I've heard about places like Sounio, Porto Rafti, and Glyfada—are these good options? Any specific areas or hotels you would suggest? Also, how easy is it to travel back to Athens for day trips if I decide to stay outside the city? Any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated!
 
Nea Makri
 
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Laura said:
Nea Makri
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Yasou apo mena Laura!!.... long time!?... Olla Kalla Mazi sas?...we used to hangout at Varkiza in the middle 90s, camping in the VW Campervan, friends had water sports business.. he writes.... never made any money!??...Blew it all on fast boats, jetskis and nonstop beach parties all summer long!??... Friends had a Taverna there.... heaven on earth in Winter months just chilling out at seafront!
 
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For a relaxing beach getaway near Athens, you’ve got some great options! Sounio, Porto Rafti, and Glyfada are all excellent choices, each offering something unique.

Sounio is famous for the Temple of Poseidon, perched on a cliff with stunning sea views. It’s a quieter spot, perfect for unwinding by the beach while soaking up some history. Plus, the sunsets here are incredible!

Porto Rafti is another good option, known for its relaxed vibe and excellent seafood restaurants. The beaches are beautiful and not overly crowded, making it ideal for a peaceful retreat.

Glyfada is a bit closer to Athens and has a more cosmopolitan feel, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and lively beach clubs. It’s well-connected to the city, making day trips easy.

So, I guess it depends what you want to do. If you want to stay in the city and visit these places, that would be good. There are also hotels around.
 
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Islands near athens i can visit in a day

There are several fantastic options for islands near Athens that are perfect for a day trip. They are mostly located in the Saronic Gulf and are easily accessible by the high-speed ferry catamaran from the port of Piraeus, or by powerboats.

Here are the top recommendations, with estimated travel times:

Top Day Trip Islands from Piraeus (Athens' Port)

Aegina: Closest and most popular. Known for the Temple of Aphaia, beautiful port town, and its famous pistachios.40 minutes
Agistri: Small, quiet, and very green, with beautiful beaches and clear waters. Great for relaxing or cycling.50 - 55 minutes
Moni: Small non inhabited island, full of wildlife, deers, peacocks, squirrel. Very close to Aegina, accessible by small boats from Perdika village.
Hydra: Famous aristocratic, car-free island. Beautiful stone mansions, elegant harbor, and you get around by foot or donkey/water taxi.1 hour 20 minutes
Poros: Green island with a picturesque town built amphitheatrically around the port. Separated from the Peloponnese by a narrow strait.1 hour 5 minutes.

Other Options

Kea (Tzia): Closer to the mainland, but you depart from the port of Lavrio (about an hour's drive from Athens). It's a quieter Cycladic island with a rich history and hiking trails. About 1 hour (from Lavrio).
Kythnos (also sometimes called Thermia) is a beautiful Greek island in the Cyclades archipelago, known for its authentic, laid-back atmosphere, thermal springs, and unique beaches. About 1 and a half hour from Lavrio.

Day Cruises: You can also book a popular 3-Island Cruise that typically visits Aegina, Moni, Agkistri or Hydra, Poros, and Aegina in one long day. This allows you to get a taste of all three, though you'll have limited time on each.

Important Tip: Always check the latest ferry schedules and book your tickets in advance, especially if you plan to travel on a weekend or during the peak summer season, as travel times and frequency can vary. If you have the budget, also consider a private boat tour on a powerboat.

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