Best beaches for families and kids in the southern suburbs of Athens
Sand, easy access and shallow sea are all a family needs to go swimming in Attica. We found which beaches in the southern suburbs have these and more.
- 03/07/2023
Many times we hear parents complaining that all beaches are unsuitable for families, full of young people who make noise and ‘racists’ who don’t care about young children. From Varkiza to Sounion, there are beaches that are organised and free, which have all the infrastructure and meet all the criteria for every parent to go with their children.
All you need is a good mood and proper preparation. But we are not here to tell you what you should think about taking before you go family swimming. We’re here to tell you which beaches are perfect for parents with kids. Our choices are based on easy access, shallow sea with no rocks, sand, and a beach bar nearby for the necessary supplies. Let’s go check them out.
Varkiza Resort, Varkiza
Varkiza Resort is the #1 destination for families because it has all the amenities and options a family needs when going swimming. The sea is shallow and has sand for the kids to play in. The beach bars are both close and far away so as not to disturb, and the food options available make it a top choice for the kids themselves. Burgers, pizza, souvlaki are just a few of them, while the ice creams they’ll definitely love the ice cream they’ll find. There are restaurants such as TGI Friday’s among others there and you as a parent won’t want to go anywhere else. Another ideal family friendly lunch option is Goody’s, where of course the kids will order the junior lunch. Meanwhile, parents can enjoy cocktails from the resort’s beach bars and be carefree while the kids are having fun playing in the sea. It is no coincidence that the most accurate description for Varkiza Resort is “the Beach Mall of Athens”.
Copamar, Αgia Marina
It is located in Agia Marina and, as many times as we have been there, apart from a crystal clear sea, we have met many families. It’s probably the soft sand that drives the kids crazy, the natural shade from the tamarisks that cover it, but also the beach bar that is discreetly around the corner and you know it can offer you whatever you ask for. You sit in its comfortable chairs, enjoy your coffee or snack and watch your kids while relaxing by the sea.
Aegeon Beach, Sounion
In a wonderful location, just below the Temple of Poseidon in Sounion, is the Aegeon Beach Hotel and its organized beach is reminiscent of an island beach, to such an extent that it makes you forget that you are a few kilometers away from the center of Athens. It even has a large enough area for children to play comfortably, while you relax on the sunbeds and crystal clear waters for endless dives, with the Temple as a background, of course. There are even two beach bars and a restaurant on the beach to stock up on essentials or sit down with the family for a post-swim meal.
Saronida beach
The first unorganised beach on the list is that of Saronida. At the junction of the settlement, you walk down the steps and you’re almost certain to encounter one of the rich natural shadows offered by the trees. The sea is calm and shallow, ideal for children, and the sand is perfect for endless games. If you want a coffee or something to eat, then just above is the famous Sifakis Bakery.
Agios Nikolaos of Anavyssos
For many years, Agios Nikolaos was the well-kept secret of Attica. But the years have passed and many have discovered this small chapel that stands proudly at the point where a rock joined the land. That spot, full of sand, divides the sea in two. On the left side you can see boats, while on the right a vast beach ready for games and enjoyment. Don’t go to the left side because it has some rocks, ideally it’s in front of the Nuevo Loca beach bar, which has huge spaces and everything else you can imagine.
Nossa – Alykes of Anavyssos
We know Anavyssos Alykes better because of the Kouros Club with its fanatical surfers and the Castus with its wonderful scenery. At the end of the beach, however, there is Nossa. A quiet beach bar which has everything a family needs to enjoy a swim. The highlight of this option is the playground by the sea just above it.
Thymari beach
The beach bars The Island and Thymari Con Gusto in Thymari have captured only a small part of a wonderful beach. The water is crystal clear and the sand is like powder. Also the parking is right outside and that is another advantage. The two beach bars also offer everything you need for the beach.
Harakas beach, Sounion
Harakas is the last big beach before Sounion. You will see it from the road, since it has a small uphill before the boat parking. The beach of Harakas is endless and has sand but also clear and shallow waters. It is so big that, you can imagine, it has two beach bars, FreezBe and Harakas. Whichever one you choose will offer you everything generously. What’s even more interesting is that afterwards you can go to the historic Marida or Stamatis Tavern for lunch and lick your fingers.
Mikro Kavouri, Vouliagmeni
Kavouri beach is actually a small peninsula just before Vouliagmeni and offers several smaller, individual beaches for diving in the sea. Mikro Kavouri is located in front of the Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso Hotel and is an ideal choice for families with children, as it has sandy beaches and shallow waters for endless and safe play. You can enjoy your swim either on the sunbeds of the Apollon Beach of the Divani Hotel (see here for prices), or just next to it, on the free beach. The beach even has plenty of greenery, which can provide shade. Alternatively, of course, there is also Megalo Kavouri, with sandy and pebbled spots.
Asimakis beach, Sounion
The Asimaki Beach in Sounion also attracts a lot of parents. I know, it’s a bit far away but, trust me, it has everything you need to have a great time with your family. The sea is clean, with sand for the kids to play in, it doesn’t have a beach bar so it’s not noisy, but it has enough convenience stores within walking distance so you can stock up on anything you need at any time.