Avlaki Beach, about 40 kilometers southeast of Athens, seduces by the beauty of its waters and its cleanliness. It has been awarded the Blue Flag, an ecolabel awarded annually to municipalities and ports that pursue a policy of research and sustainable application in favor of a quality environment.
Nestled in a bay and well protected from the wind, Avlaki beach is prized for its crystal clear waters and fine sand.
This beach is located about 20 kilometers from the airport, which makes it an ideal beach stop if you are in transit in Athens for a few hours. It is also a perfect destination for a day out or a family outing.
Be careful though, it is very crowded on weekends and during July and August. To be honest, the large number of visitors on sunny days can sometimes spoil the fun. So, if possible, try to go during the week: the place is perfectly calm and frequented mainly by regular customers. Otherwise, on Saturday and Sunday, it is better to arrive early (before 10 am).
A private beach during the summer
The beach of Avlaki is free during the winter, but from May to October it is equipped with a fee. After parking in the parking lot, you must go through the turnstiles and pay the entrance fee: 5€ on weekdays, 7€ at weekends.
The beach is relatively large. There are about 300 umbrellas and 600 deck chairs.
In addition to the classic umbrellas and sunbeds, the beach of Avlaki offers many facilities:
- An emergency medical center
- A dozen showers
- Changing rooms
- Toilets
- A bar-restaurant
- Water sports
- Access for people with reduced mobility
An ideal beach with children
Avlaki beach is very suitable for families with young children. Indeed, the space is entirely closed, the little ones can neither go out nor get lost, it is reassuring. Then, they can enjoy the water in complete safety: swimming is supervised, the sea is gently sloping and shallow for the first few meters.
Showers and changing rooms are very practical for rinsing and changing children. Finally, the beach bar allows you to buy drinks, snacks and snacks.
To eat
- You’ll find everything you need to eat on site. Era Mensa, the beach bar-restaurant, offers cold drinks and coffee, a wide selection of sandwiches and toasts, salads, pizzas and cakes and pastries.
- There are also two fish taverns outside the beach, at the parking lot (we did not test them).
- Our advice: go for lunch a little further away, in a tavern by the sea. Our three favorite addresses: Panorama, Fiki-Fiki and Ammos.
How to get to Avlaki Beach?
Here on Google Maps.
This beach is not well served by public transportation. The best way to get there is by car or cab. If you need a cab, we recommend Welcome PickUps. If you prefer to rent a car by the day (it is not more expensive than a cab), go to RentalCars to compare offers from local and international agencies.
In short,
- Access by car: follow signs for Porto Rafti via Markopoulo. When you arrive in Porto Rafti, follow the road along the seafront (lined with cafes and tavernas) for about 3 kilometers and you’ll reach a very large parking lot, located just in front of the entrance to Avlaki beach. On Google Maps, type in “Era Mensa Beach Bar” to get to this beach (note that there is another beach called Avlaki nearby in Porto Rafti).
- Access from central Athens by Orange KTEL Attikis intercity bus (departure point on Mavromateon street)
- Cabs available. Rather expensive from downtown Athens. Approx. €39 from the airport
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Spend a night in Porto Rafti
Want to extend the pleasure and stay a little longer at the seaside? In this case, do not hesitate to spend a night in Porto Rafti. It is a real pleasure in the early morning, when the beaches are still deserted.
You will find many accommodations on Booking.
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For more ideas of beaches near Athens, see our article “the closest beaches to the Greek capital“.
Laure M.
