The journey along Attiki Odos, Lavriou Avenue, or Spaton Avenue may lack the typical holiday ambiance, but it leads to beaches that rival the finest ones found on the Greek islands. Enjoying leisurely hours by the water is one compelling reason for embarking on this brief excursion to the east of Attica. Another reason is the opportunity to combine swimming with visits to significant archaeological sites like Vravrona or picturesque destinations like Lavrio, where you’ll momentarily forget you’re still in Attica. In Mesogeia, you’ll also discover excellent yet affordable dining options.
Avlaki, Porto Rafti
Avlaki has been known and loved by Athenians and Mediterranean residents for many years, and the fact that it is located less than 40 kilometers from the center of Athens also helps. On the summer weekends of June and July, it becomes inseparable here. To better enjoy its turquoise waters, it would be good to be able to come on a weekday.
It also has an organized beach with an entrance, changing rooms, showers and options for food and drink at affordable prices for those who want all the comforts as well as a beach, where you do not need to pay to swim. In the area, there are basketball and volleyball courts and fans of water sports will also find what they are looking for here. The easy access and the many amenities make Avlaki an excellent choice for the first bathrooms in Attica.
Kaki Thalassa, Keratea
Her name is “misleading”. The sea is not bad, quite the opposite. It is rightfully considered one of the cleanest beaches in Attica. But to enjoy this purity, it would be good to come on a day when there is no northerly wind. The name of the beach and the coastal settlement is also due to the winds. According to the ancient myth, Poseidon caused a sea storm whenever barbarian ships threatened the Athenians. The beach has fine pebbles on the shore and sand in the water while being quite shallow, which makes it popular with families.
The beach is divided in two, in the middle there is a small peninsula with a small church dedicated to Agios Panteleimon. It has sunbeds and umbrellas, but there is also space to spread out your towel. Off the coast, there is a very small island with its own natural pool that creates a Caribbean feeling in Mesogeia. All of these are located approximately 50 kilometers (or one hour’s drive) from the center of Athens.
Hamolia, Vravrona
We admit that we didn’t choose this beach for the long sandy beach or the amenities and sunbeds. Close to Vravrona, however, is perhaps the most beautiful hidden beach in Attica. The entrance to the water is mainly through rocks and the most beautiful landscape.
Artemis – Loutsa
Vast beach with very shallow waters, and you will get “tired” walking until you manage to dive. But this makes it a popular destination for families with small children. As mentioned above, the beach is very long, so you can choose a sunbed, canteen, cafe, or beach bar and alternatively spread your towel on the sand.
Seaplanes in Fthiotida, the five ports undergoing transformation
Erotospelia, Porto Rafti
It was once a secret and ideal place of isolation for couples, hence Erotospelia. But this secret gradually spread by word of mouth (or the Internet) and is now a very popular destination, ideal for young groups. It is 36 kilometers from the center of Athens and about 1 kilometer from the settlement of Porto Rafti. However, reflecting the landscape and swimming in the crystal clear waters you will forget that you are so close to your home.
Daskaleio, Keratea
Daskaleio is one of the coastal settlements of Keratea at a distance of 50 kilometers or one hour by car from the center of Athens. The advantage of the beach is that it is relatively protected from the winds. In two of the three harbors of the settlement there are sunbeds and a beach bar, but there you will also find space if you still want to spread your towel on the sand.
