Althea beach: Everything you need to know
Althea beach in the southern suburbs of Athens is a heaven on Earth with clear turquoise water, peace quiet and free access.
- 02/08/2022
On your way to Agia Marina, you will find Althea beach, a hidden gem still maintaining its pristine form. The name “Althea” derives from the words “als” (=water) and “thea” (=view), meaning “view of the sea.” It is as beautiful in the morning as in the afternoon, and since it is not a large beach, it would be better if you went early in the morning to find your spot.
Althea beach: Access
This weekend take your car, motorbike, or public transport and arrive at Althea beach, the hidden secret of Agia Marina, located on the 35th kilometer of the Athens-Sounion coastal road. To get there by bus, you just take the 122, line which takes you down the coast, and you get off at the “Althea” stop.
The beach is as secluded as necessary. It is below the coastal road and just 35 minutes from the centre of Athens. At the weekends, it may take a bit longer -since the traffic towards the south is heavier- so you might need to check your GPS before you set off.
As you go past Agia Marina church, there is a sign on your right-hand side saying “Althea”. Keep right, slow down and go down a narrow little road leading to a free car park. There is enough space for about 30 vehicles. Look out for potholes since the road is uneven. If your car is low, drive slowly, so you don’t damage it on the rough terrain. There are steps on the right and left-hand sides leading to the beach. As you walk downwards, you will also notice the abandoned hotel with the same name as the beach. Exactly opposite the beach, there is a rocky islet named “Dounie”, where you can literally walk to. If you love diving from high rocks, you should go to the other side of the islet, where it is deep enough to dive in the clear blue water. Don’t forget to apply your sunscreen beforehand, since you will be exposed to the sun the whole time.
What to take with you to Althea
Since it is not an organized beach, you will need a beach umbrella for shade. Althea is a pebbly beach in a small sandy bay, so a beach mat would be ideal for lying on. Don’t forget your hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. The relaxing atmosphere of Althea, along with its easy access, makes it the perfect place to chill for hours under the sun and enjoy your swim. A small snack and a bottle of chilled water would also be a good idea. If you enjoy spending lots of time out of the water, why not bring a crossword puzzle or a game of backgammon with you!?
As I previously mentioned, the water is crystal, clear so I recommend adding two more things to your list. The first is a pair of swimming goggles to explore the sea bed, and the second is an underwater camera to capture these beautiful moments.
Your programme after the beach
After you’ve enjoyed your swim in the sea and are probably feeling puckish. You should stop at Zahos Grill in Varkiza for mouth-watering souvlaki with crispy French fries and sauce.