Just because we’re back from vacation doesn’t mean carefree swims at the beach are over. The summer lasts well into September and invites us for swims without the melty weather of July and August. So Travel made five great suggestions close to Athens to enjoy the sea all day.
Mylokopi, Corinth
We stay in Corinthia and head north of Perachora Loutraki to Mylokopi Beach, just an hour and a half from the capital. Here, a very small peninsula creates two wonderful little beaches that are a beauty.
To get there, you must have a car that can handle the dirt road, preferably a 4X4. Although the route has its shakes, it compensates you as it is between a dense pine forest.
You can also approach it by hiking through the forest from the main road; the distance is about 2 kilometres simply because the beach is not organised; keep in mind that you must have all the equipment yourself.
Arriving, you will see a beach with a wild beauty with rocks at its edges but also in the sea and slabs on one of its shores that make entering the water complex. Also, the forest behind her and the isolation gives her a somewhat wilder profile, but she is still very charming.
Karathona, Argolis
Karathona Beach, just outside Nafplio, is one of the most beautiful proposals for a one-day excursion. It’s about two hours from Athens but makes up for it with the gorgeous golden sand, clear waters and plenty of greenery in the background, eucalyptus and palm trees scattered along the beach.
It is organised with beach bars, deckchairs and umbrellas, but it also has enough space to put your own umbrella and spread your mat, while you can also sit under the trees for shade.
One of its most positive features is the corridor for people with mobility problems, the spacious changing rooms and the large chemical toilet that is special for wheelchairs.
Here, you will be energised as you can do various water sports such as diving and kayaking as well as rock climbing, play with the inflatable toys in the water and also go for a walk to the beach of Arvanitia from the path by the sea. It is also a beautiful walk to the church of Agios Nikolaos Krasoktistos.
Karathona is an ideal place for families as the waters are quite shallow, and you can combine swimming at the beach with a visit to the archaeological sites of Nemea or Mycenae.
Alikes Drosia, Chalkida
Alikes Drosia is one of the best beaches you can reach within an hour from Athens. You will find them just outside the village of Drosia, just 8 kilometres from Chalkida. It is also known as Ippokambos in the area, as this was the first bar that opened years ago on the beach.
A long sandy beach of about one kilometre stretches lazily and hosts stylish and classic sunbeds that invite you to relax and enjoy a carefree day at sea. It deepens gradually and has relatively shallow waters initially, making it perfect for families with small children.
It has several beach bars that can supply you with everything you need you can if you want to eat in their restaurant area rather than on the beach.
It also has inflatable toys in the sea and allows you to do water sports and play racquets or beach volleyball in a specially designed area; you can play around. The beach bars also stay open until late at night for those who want to drink outside the city of Chalkida, with the sea breeze cooling them.
It faces west, so wait until the sun dips into the sea. If you want to bring your own gear, you’ll find room to dig in. If you go on a weekend, make sure to go early because it gathers a lot of people, on weekdays, especially at this time of year, it is very relaxed.
Gulf of Heraion, Corinth
Just 100 kilometres and 1.5 hours away is a small beach worth visiting, Heraion beach in Corinth, right below the archaeological site of Heraion, under the ruins of the temple of Hera which dates from the 6th BC. Century, there is a small, particularly charming sandy beach.
Here, don’t expect luxuries, beach bars, sunbeds and umbrellas. You’ll need to make sure you bring everything with you: shade, water, mats and snacks and you’ll need to go early enough to be sure you’ll find a place to set up your umbrella as space is limited.
The waters are crystal clear and the fact that you are swimming with a view or background of the temple ruins makes the experience unique. Remember to take a mask with you as you can also see ancient ruins at the bottom.
If you like walking, walk up to the 1897 Melagavi Lighthouse and enjoy a great view of the sea and the temple. After setting up your umbrella, you will first visit the archaeological site; second, I don’t need to mention that the waters are delicious. On the way back, stop to admire the lagoon of Vouliagmeni.
Korfos, Corinth
Korfos is a picturesque fishing village in the prefecture of Corinth, about 1.5 hours from the centre of Athens. After the Isthmus, you will pass Kechries and Loutra tis Orea Eleni toward Epidaurus.
After Agios Vlassis, you will take the road to the left and climb hills full of pines, skins, thyme, oregano and olives.
Going down, you will see the small fishing village spread around a natural bay with beautiful waters. On one side is the small harbour with taverns and beach bars; on the other, you can find excellent rocks to make your dives more secluded.
This side is also full of sea urchins and pinnae, so if you like to collect sea urchin shells, bring a mask and order whatever size you want. Even if you are not interested in sea urchins, diving with a show and snorkel in the seabed of Corfu, which is full of fish and octopuses.
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