Greek Travel Community

Staying Near Athens by the Beach?

1 - 4 of 4 Posts
D

dimi_pat

Active member
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
 
  • Like
Reactions: k_tsoukalas and Hash
Laura said:
Nea Makri
Click to expand...
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!
 
  • Like
Reactions: k_tsoukalas
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.
 
1 - 4 of 4 Posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION AND READ OTHER GREEK INFO:

Favorite small towns in Greece?

I realized recently that some of my favorite places in Greece haven’t actually been the major destinations everyone talks about, but smaller towns that just had a completely different atmosphere to them.

Sometimes it’s a mountain village with one main square and old stone houses, other times it’s a tiny coastal town where everyone seems to know each other and life moves slower. A few of the places I still think about most weren’t even places I had originally planned to visit.

I’m curious what small towns or villages have really stayed with people after traveling in Greece. Could be because of the scenery, the food, the people, the history, or just the overall feeling of the place.

Would love to hear everyone’s favorites, especially places that don’t always make the typical travel lists.

Best food towns to visit in Greece?

I’ve started realizing that some of my favorite memories from Greece are connected to food more than anything else. Little tavernas, bakeries, seafood by the water, village meals that seemed simple but tasted incredible. It’s making me think that next time I go to Greece, I’d love to plan at least part of the trip around food.

I’m not fully sure yet if I’ll be going this summer, but I’ve been daydreaming about possible places to visit. What towns or regions in Greece do you think are especially great for food lovers?

I’d love recommendations for places known for traditional cooking, local specialties, seafood, baked goods, or just amazing tavernas in general. Islands, mainland towns, mountain villages — all recommendations are welcome.

Would especially love hearing about places that felt authentic and memorable rather than overly touristy.

Ferry vs flying between islands, what’s better?

I’ve always been a ferry guy when it comes to Greece, something about pulling into a port and seeing the island come into view just feels right. But this trip is a little different because I’m traveling with someone who gets pretty motion sick, so now I’m seriously considering flying between islands instead.

Curious what you guys think, ferry vs flying, what’s actually better?

I know ferries are part of the whole island-hopping experience, and they’re usually more flexible, but I’ve also had a couple rough rides when the water wasn’t calm. On the flip side, flights seem quicker and smoother, but maybe more hassle overall.

If you’ve done both, what would you recommend, especially in a situation like this? Is flying the smarter move, or are ferries still worth it if you plan carefully?

Is Greece easy to travel around without renting a car?

I’m trying to figure out whether it’s realistic to travel around Greece without renting a car. I’d prefer not to drive if I can avoid it, especially since I’m not familiar with the roads, parking, or driving customs there.

For those who have traveled around Greece using public transportation, how easy was it? I know there are buses, ferries, taxis, and domestic flights, but I’m wondering how practical they are once you get outside the main tourist areas. Did you ever feel limited by not having a car?

I’m also curious whether it makes sense to rely on public transportation for most of the trip and just rent a car for a day or two when needed. Are there certain types of places that are especially difficult to reach without one?

I’d love to hear from anyone who has done a Greece trip mostly or entirely without driving.

Is Island Hopping Worth the Effort?

I've been thinking about trying an island-hopping trip the next time I visit Greece, but I'm wondering if it's actually worth the extra planning and travel time. In the past I've usually picked one island and stayed there for the duration of my vacation, which has been relaxing and let me really get to know the area.

Part of me loves the idea of experiencing several islands in one trip since they each seem to have their own personality, food, scenery, and traditions. On the other hand, I wonder if constantly packing, catching ferries, and checking into new accommodations takes away from the experience.

For those of you who have island-hopped, did you feel it was worth it? How many islands did you visit, and did you wish you had spent more time in fewer places? I'd love to hear your itineraries, tips, and whether you'd do it the same way again.
Sign up for a free account and share your thoughts, photos, questions about Greek food, travel and culture!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top