All
beaches are run by the Greek National Tourist Organization and are open
April-October 8 am-7 pm. Entrance fees range 500 dr-800 dr. There are changing
cabins, snack bars, volleyball pitches at every beach.
Glyfada
is just a 15-minute drive from downtown. This seaside resort area
offers four of the country's best marinas, sandy beaches and a variety
of water sports. The Glyfada beach is great for parents with children.
About 2 mi/3 km farther, on the right side of Posedonos Avenue, is Voula
Beach, frequented by younger crowds. A few kilometers farther still is
Voula B, frequented by a quieter, older set.
Vouliagmeni
is
a 30-minute drive from downtown and only a few kilometers past Glyfada
on Posedonos Avenue, past some of the most expensive villas in Greece.
Eventually the road forks. If you go to the right, you'll find Kavouri
Beach on the right side of the road. Kavouri is the more exclusive beach,
frequented by wealthy Athenians. If you go to the left, you'll find a beach
frequented by athletic types (it has a number of tennis courts). Or drive
farther along the tree-lined road and you'll come to the country's most
exclusive marina.
Varkiza
is another seaside resort, just beyond Vouliagmeni on the same road to
Sounion, 40 minutes southwest of downtown. Posedonos Avenue changes into
Alkyonidon Avenue and will take you to Varkiza without any turnoffs. The
drive affords a panoramic view of a sheer rocky outcrop of the Attica
peninsula. On the return trip, drive by or stop for supper at nearby Vari,
where tavernas, lined up one right after the other, display their specialty,
roast lamb on a spit. At Vari you're an hour from downtown Athens. |
