🌊 The Best Public Beaches in Athens (2025): Free & Fabulous Spots to Swim Like a Local

🏖️ 1. Edem Beach (Paleo Faliro) – Closest & Most Convenient

📍 Location: Near Edem Tram Stop, Palaio Faliro🗺️ Google Maps: Click here

💫 Why Go:

• Super close to central Athens (25–30 mins via tram)

• Sandy shoreline + paved boardwalk

• Calm, swimmable water

• Cafés and snack bars nearby

🎒 What to Bring:

• Towel, sunscreen, snacks

• Optional: portable umbrella — shade is limited

🚇 How to Get There:

• Tram Line 6 from Syntagma → Edem Stop

• Walk 3 mins to the beach

✅ Perfect for a spontaneous dip before heading back to the ship.

🏝️ 2. Akti tou Helios / Iliou Beach (Alimos) – Party Vibes, No Entry Fee

📍 Location: Alimos, near Kalamaki🗺️ Google Maps: Click here

💫 Why Go:

• Free section right next to Bolivar Beach Club

• Lively atmosphere, families + groups

• Volleyball courts, walking path, changing rooms

• Bonus: Walk over to Bolivar after sunset if you change your mind

🚇 How to Get There:

• Tram Line 6 → Akti tou Iliou stop

🧾 Tip:

• Bring flip-flops — some parts are pebbly. There's also a paid section, but plenty of space to lay out freely.

🏖️ 3. Voula A Beach (South Coast) – Clear Waters Without the Crowd

📍 Location: Voula, between Glyfada and Vouliagmeni🗺️ Google Maps: Click here

💫 Why Go:

• Super clean, Blue Flag certified

• A mix of locals and savvy visitors

• Flat rocks + sand = perfect sunbathing zone

• Quiet, great for reading or relaxing

🚇 How to Get There:

• Metro Line 2 → Elliniko, then Bus 122 to "Voula A" stop

☀️ Less touristy than central beaches, but just as pretty.

🧿 4. Kavouri Beach (Vouliagmeni) – Calm, Family-Friendly & Chill

📍 Location: Kavouri Peninsula🗺️ Google Maps: Click here

💫 Why Go:

• Shallow waters, ideal for kids or chill floating

• Pine trees offer natural shade

• Nearby cantinas + ice cream stalls

• You can swim for free or walk to nearby beach cafés

🚕 How to Get There:

• Best by taxi/Uber: ~35 mins from Athens center (€20–25)

• Or Metro Line 2 → Elliniko, then Bus 122 to “Kavouri”

🐚 5. Limanakia Vouliagmenis – For Adventurers & Cliff Divers

📍 Location: Along the coastal road toward Vouliagmeni🗺️ Google Maps: Click here

💫 Why Go:

• Rocky coves with clear turquoise water

• Known for cliff jumping and snorkeling

• Popular with younger locals and LGBTQ+ community

• Free and wild — bring sturdy shoes!

⚠️ Good to Know:

• No umbrellas, no sunbeds

• No lifeguards or toilets — go prepared!

🚕 How to Get There:

• Best by taxi/Uber or private transfer (~35–40 mins from central Athens)

🌈 Unofficially LGBTQ+ friendly — especially in secluded spots.

🏊 6. Glyfada Free Beach – Central, Social & Sandy

📍 Location: Glyfada Waterfront🗺️ Google Maps: Click here

💫 Why Go:

• Long stretch of sand close to shops and cafés

• More developed, but still has free-access sections

• Popular with Athenians in their 20s and 30s

• Great for people-watching and tanning

🚇 How to Get There:

• Tram Line 6 → Platia Vergoti or Glyfada Stop

🍉 Grab a smoothie or frappe from the beach kiosks nearby.

📋 Comparison Table

Beach	Distance	Vibe	Shade	How to Get There
Edem	25 mins	Chill, Local	Low	Tram Line 6
Iliou	30 mins	Social, Lively	Medium	Tram Line 6
Voula A	45 mins	Clean, Quiet	Low	Metro + Bus
Kavouri	40 mins	Calm, Pine Trees	High	Bus or Taxi
Limanakia	40 mins	Adventurous	None	Taxi/Uber
Glyfada Free	35 mins	Trendy, Social	Medium	Tram Line 6

🎒 Public Beach Essentials Checklist

• Towel or beach mat

• Portable umbrella or hat

• Flip-flops or water shoes (some pebbly areas)

• Sunscreen

• Water/snacks (some beaches have kiosks, but not all)

• Swimsuit & dry change of clothes

• Power bank for your phone

• Cash (€ coins for beach vendors or taxis)

🗺️ Want a Map with All These Beaches?

🎉 You’re in luck — I’ve created a public Google My Map and a printable PDF version with:

• 📍 All beaches listed above

• 🚇 Nearest tram or metro stops

• ✨ Travel time estimates from Athens center

• 🧭 Pro tips for each location

🔗 1. View the Interactive Google Map:

📍 Athens Public Beaches Map (2025)

✅ Tested & public. You can save it to your own Google Maps or share it.

📥 2. Download the Printable Beach Guide (PDF)

Includes all the info above, styled and formatted for:

• 🖨️ Printing

• 📱 Mobile access

• 🏖️ Easy sharing with cruise guests, friends, or clients

📄 Click to Download the PDF via Dropbox

🚐 Need Help Planning Your Beach Day?

TraveLab can:

• 🛺 Arrange round-trip transfers

• 🧴 Provide packed beach kits for cruise guests

• 📸 Offer beach photography add-ons

• 🌍 Extend your trip across Athens, Egypt, Türkiye, Morocco & beyond

💌 Reach out today and let’s make your Mediterranean escape unforgettable.

Let me know if you want:

• This in Google Doc format

• A social post version for Instagram or Facebook

• A combined PDF of both beach club + public beach guides

I'm happy to bundle it up and help however I can!

🚕 Tips for Getting Around

• Uber/Bolt: Available in Athens, and easy to use for beach clubs

• Tram: Cheap and scenic along the coast (€1.20 per ride)

• Metro + Bus Combo: Possible, but longer routes

• Rent a Scooter or Car: Great for visiting Lemon Tree or Vouliagmeni

🚇 How to Use the Athens Metro & Tram (for Beach-Hopping or Sightseeing)

Getting around Athens is super easy once you know the basics. Whether you're heading to a beach club or a public beach, you’ll likely use the Metro or Tram — both are clean, safe, and affordable.

🎟️ Ticket Types & Prices

• Single Ticket (90 mins): €1.20✅ Valid on metro, tram, bus, and trolley for 90 minutes

• 24-Hour Unlimited Travel Pass: €4.10✅ Great if you're beach-hopping or making multiple trips

• 5-Day Pass: €8.20✅ Only if you’re staying longer in Athens

❗ Airport routes are priced separately and not included in standard tickets.

🧾 Where to Buy Tickets

1. Use the blue ticket machines at all Metro and Tram stations.

2. Tap the screen → Select English

3. Choose your ticket type (e.g., "Ath.ena Ticket – 90 mins")

4. Pay by card or cash (EUR coins or small bills)

5. Collect your paper ticket from the slot below

✅ How to Use Your Ticket

Metro (Underground):

• Scan your ticket on the blue sensor at the entry gates

• ✅ You MUST scan again when exiting — the gate will not open unless you tap it again

• Gates will beep and open when valid

Tram (Street-level):

• Scan your ticket only ONCE when entering

• No gate system — just validate at the blue sensor near the platform or on the tram itself

⚠️ Don’t forget to validate — random ticket checks happen, and fines are €60+.

🕒 Operating Hours

• Metro: 5:30 AM – 12:30 AM (later on Fri & Sat nights until ~24 hours)

• Tram: 5:30 AM – 1:00 AM

• Frequencies: Every 5–10 mins during the day, every 10–20 mins late night

🧭 Pro Tips

• Save time by buying a 24-hour ticket if you're making more than two rides

• Monastiraki, Syntagma, and Piraeus are key stations for beach access

• Google Maps or the OASA Telematics App can help you track real-time arrivals

🧳 Want it Done-for-You? TraveLab Has You Covered

Beach day with zero stress? Let TraveLab handle all your reservations and transfers.

• ✅ Group bookings & private drivers

• ✅ LGBTQ+ friendly planning

• ✅ Excursions, cruises, and custom getaways in Greece, Türkiye, Egypt, and more

Just say the word — and we’ll make it sunny, smooth, and fabulous.