Located about 40 kilometers from the center of Athens, the beaches of the Gulf of Petalion are unknown to tourists. However, they offer an interesting alternative to the beaches of southern Athens.
Unlike Glyfada or Vouliagmeni, the beaches of Nea Makri and Marathon are simple and family oriented. They are mostly frequented by Greeks, who love to go there on weekends and holidays. They are also very diversified. Depending on your tastes and your desire of the day, you can choose: private or public beaches, fine sand or pebble beaches. There are also many options for recreation: walking, running, diving, sailing or relaxing.
How to get to Nea Makri and Marathon?
The beaches of Nea Makri and Marathon are served by the Leoforos Marathonos (Marathon Avenue), the historical road of Marathon, which connects this city to Athens. To find the beaches and the places of life, it is necessary to leave this great artery, noisy and not very pleasant then to fork in the East. The signs will show you the way.
Nea makri
Nea Makri is the first of the municipalities on the road from Athens. It is the most urban center of this coast. If architecturally the city has little interest, it is in the atmosphere that emerges that we find a real joy of life. As soon as the first rays of sunshine appear, Greeks come here to have lunch or dinner in the taverns or simply to enjoy a coffee by the sea.
Along the Leoforos PosidonosThere are many restaurants in the area. The children’s playgrounds, the small marina and the ice cream vendors will delight the youngest.
On the beach side, access is not always easy. There are often large rocky patches, but it’s a nice playground for diving and rock climbing. Be careful with sea urchins. The access to the sea is progressive and we appreciate the very transparent waters of a beautiful blue.
Stroll along the seaside
A very nice pedestrian walkway starts from the port of Nea Makri and goes to Marathon (about 3 km). First lined with palm trees, it then passes by the chapel of Agia Kyriaki, to then follow a sandy beach. It is an ideal place for runners and pedestrians because there are no cars. On the other hand, in the middle of summer, the promenade lacks a bit of shade and coolness, even if you can still enjoy the sea air.
Marathon
The pedestrian walk stops and it will be necessary to make a detour to find the square of Marathon where the statue of the marathoner is enthroned. And the center of the village is not by the sea, it is located higher inland.
The place is less animated than the center of Nea makri but also contains good addresses. The terraces of the restaurants overlook the sand and are precious places for family Sundays. On weekends, music groups come to liven up the restaurants.
The sandy beach offers a beautiful view of the mountainous island of Evia. Bonus :the somewhat aged playground brings an old-fashioned charm.
The road stops going along the coast, and the accesses to the beach become more difficult to find, we enter the wilder beaches of Schinias.
Good addresses
Where to eat?
- Auras: Tavern along the promenade, checkered tablecloth and sea view. The service is very fast but not always very smiling. The seafood is well cooked in frying or grilled.
- Beach Bar Zoumperi “Stelios”: Cocktail and traditional tavern by the sea, ask for Christos
- To Akrogiali (Zoumberi Beach, Nea Makri, Marathon): a great Greek taverna that serves excellent fish and seafood and has a perfect location. We literally eat at the water’s edge.
- Spanish Cafe: We love the canvas armchairs under the palm trees, always enjoying a light breeze. The children play in the sand while we sip coffee to the sound of Latino music. On the other hand, for the service it is siga-siga, piano-piano… we take our time.
- O Psaras: a traditional Greek tavern
What activities?
- Diving: Divers Club Marathon Bay
- Sailing: a little further, going to Schinias, the club Moraitis Beach offers windsurfing and optimist.
The sanctuary of the Egyptian gods in Nea Makri
Located in front of the sea, this archeological site is not spectacular but if you are near, a visit is necessary! And on top of that, admission is free.
The visit, by a fitted out course, is pleasant but fast, count 20 minutes.
You will discover a sanctuary dedicated to the Egyptian gods including also baths.
Each entrance was framed by a pair of supernaturally large statues of pharaohs on pedestals. Today, it is still possible to see three pairs of statues. These are copies, the originals being preserved and exposed in the archaeological museum of Marathon.
On the site you will find some information panels (in Greek and English).
Because of its geographical location, this visit can be combined with a walk along the beach and/or a swim depending on the season. Close to many bars and restaurants.
The site is open every day from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm except Tuesday.
Admission is free. A small parking lot is located at the entrance of the site.
You have the possibility to go by bus to Nea Makri (stop ΣΤΑΔΙΟ ΝΕΑΣ ΜΑΚΡΗΣ) and continue on foot to the shrine.
Sophie B.
