Glyfada Beach
3 Diadochou Pavlou, Athens, Greece, 16675
Set along the coastline south of Athens, Glyfada Beach is one of the top seaside destinations from the city. This long stretch of sand and pebbles is lapped by the clear waters of the Saronic Gulf—ideal for swimming and sunbathing—and direct tram connections from Syntagma Square take you from the heart of Athens to the beach in under an hour.
The basics
This is the main beach in the popular Athenian Riviera town of Glyfada, and is free to enter. There’s a clutch of sun umbrellas available on a first-come, first-served basis, or you can nab a spot to spread your towel for the day. The water is shallow along the beach, but the sea floor drops off quickly, which makes it a premier destination for swimmers and snorkelers, as well as families with older kids.
Things to know before you go
Bring your own food and drinks, or plan to have lunch at one of the restaurants or snack bars lining the beach.
Services on Glyfada Beach include changing rooms and showers, sunbed rental, and a lifeguard.
Arrive early to claim a free sun umbrella, as there’s no other shade on the beach.
The Glyfada town center is an easy walk from the beach. There you can find additional shops and restaurants.
Glyfada Beach is not accessible to wheelchairs, but the city’s second beach just to the south has a Seatrac device for access to the water.
How to get there
Take tram line 7 from Syntagma Square all the way to Glyfada, getting off at the Kentro Istioploias or Platia Vergoti stop. Each is about a 5-minute walk from Glyfada Beach, though Platia Vergoti is closer to the center of Glyfada if you’d like to take a stroll through town.
When to get there
This free public beach can get crowded on the weekends, especially in the summer when Athenians head to the seaside to escape the city heat. Visit on a weekday, and go early for a sun umbrella, or head to the beach in the spring or fall when the weather is mild but the coast is quieter.
Beaches on the Athens Riviera
The Athens Riviera—stretching from from Piraeus to Cape Sounion—is a popular summer weekend destination for Athenians, and most head to the easily accessible beaches near Glyfada and Voula. For a less crowded atmosphere, consider heading farther south to Vouliagmeni, Varkiza, or Astir, where the turquoise waters and sandy beaches resemble the idyllic Greek isles. Another option is pairing your beach time with a cultural stop at Sounion Beach, just a few minutes from the spectacular ancient ruins of the Temple of Poseidon.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!