Hidden Gems: Most Stunning Athens And Santorini Beaches

24 September 2024

Greece is a country where one cannot tire of enjoying the sun. The image of luminous coasts around Greece best defines the stunning vision of island beaches, starting with what has been popular with the masses, the Santorini Beaches, alongside other busy beaches in Athens. The shores of Greece stand out, and beautiful lagoons on all the islands have distinct attractions.

Most of the country’s beaches are located on the coast, which is rich in the country’s attractions. There are huge golden sandy, pebble, and rocky beaches tucked into cliffs and much more. The ever-enchanting beaches give the illusion of true freedom. Visiting different islands and sunbathing on various coastlines is an excellent option for experiencing the different tastes of each Greek island. Athens-Sea offers the perfect remedy for the seedy and bustling atmosphere of the city, as one can mix History with the sea.

The country has much to offer in terms of delicious dishes, history, and unforgettable people. However, the country’s beaches are perhaps the best reason to visit. Beach resorts are excellent places for holidaymakers of every class, affording opulent indulgences to budget adventurers. To get the best of both worlds, Travelodeal Athens to Santorini island vacation packages cover the country’s urban and island beaches.

Whether you are lying on one of the numerous black sand beaches of Santorini or venturing to the remote corners of other islands, the beaches in Greece promise that you will not have a boring holiday in the Mediterranean.

Athens’ Coastal Treasures

Apart from ancient ruins in the historical city of Athens, a beautiful beach stretch often catches people by surprise. The beaches of Athens are remarkable, playing host to both city life and a salty sea breeze. Located less than a thirty-minute drive from the city center, the Athens Riviera, stretching along the Saronic Gulf, is rich in the beautiful, varied sandy beaches of Athens.

While in Athens, one cannot miss one of the most visited attractions, Vouliagmeni Beach, a well-arranged sandy location with clear water and adequate service. For a more classic beach environment, one of the best is Glyfada, which is a lively crowd match with facilities for all kinds of water games. Varkiza Beach is for people who want some golden sand and calm waters.

Head to the Athens beaches not only for sunbathing and swimming but also for the beach bars, seafood taverns, and water sports facilities. Thanks to the abundance of these coastal beauties, it is possible to take one-day trips from Athens and appreciate the city’s main attractions and fascinating coastline in a single day.

If you are looking for just an afternoon getaway from the city noise or ready to spend the whole day having fun in the sun, beaches near Athens will suit you well. Being within a short distance and their variety, the Athens beaches enhance and complete any Athenian adventure.

Hidden Coastal Gems Around Athens

Athens is a city known for its history and archaeological sites, but it also has the friendliest and most ignored coastal attractions. While lazing on and around the famous Athens beaches, several secluded beaches provide an authentic beach experience. Beaches in Athens vary from crowded resorts along the sea to isolated, unspoiled beaches and coves.

One such lesser-known treasure would undoubtedly have to be Sounion Beach, which lies near the famous Temple of Poseidon. This tranquil and picturesque beach is characterized by wonderfully clean water and views of the ruins. There is also Schinias Beach, a beautiful long beach lined with golden sands and a pine forest, which is a less frequented destination ideal for those who love nature and water sports.

For those who want to be far away from the rest of the world, Legrena and Mavro Lithari Beaches are the best-hidden treasures amongst the many beaches in Athens. These beaches remain beautifully untainted, with calm waters and virtually no people, making them the best place for any retreat.

While searching and diving through those loveable coastal gems around the city of Athens, you may want to consider staying a little longer in Greece with Athens to Santorini packages by Travelodeal, combining both the mainland and the island attractions.

Santorini’s Unique Beach Landscape

Like every other aspect of the island, Santorini beaches are unique and offer visitors an exciting coastal experience. Contrary to the standard Greek islands known for sandy shores, Santorini Beaches have stunning and rare volcanic terrain. The crustal processes that took place on the island further contributed to the development of an incredible variety of beaches in Santorini.

Red Beach attracts many visitors because of the red color of its rocks and pebbles. This small yet picturesque cove is a testament to the island’s volcanic origins. On the other hand, the long stretching black sandy beaches of Perissa and Kamari provide a little advanced version of a standard beach setting. These beaches in Santorini serve the purpose of relaxing under the sun and engaging in water sports against the background of dark-colored sand. This beauty becomes even more enhanced by the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea.

For those looking for a quieter vacation, Monolithos Beach offers shallow waters and clean shores, making it perfect for families with children. Every Santorini beach elaborates on a different chapter of the island’s history, which is why beach-hopping is always an important feature of every Santorini travel guide.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Beaches in Santorini

Among its many claims to fame, Santorini beaches are known for their stunning beauty. However, during the peak seasons, many of the island’s hotspots get overcrowded. For some people who want to see a quieter side of the islands, there are several secret places scattered around Santorini that offer relaxing and picturesque scenery. These lesser-known beaches in Santorini perfectly escape the bustling tourist areas.

The only way to reach White Beach is by boat, a secluded cove between high white cliffs. Vlychada Beach, with its dark sandy and unique moon-like landscape, invites sun loungers for whom ordinary backdrops will hardly be sufficient. Koloumbos Beach has black pebbles and clear water and is suitable for snorkeling. On the other hand, Baxedes Beach is a quiet place with a long stretch of dark sand, while Mesa Pigadia Beach provides a private swimming area.

Pori Beach, located on Thirassia Island, is one of those beaches that doesn’t get all that crowded and is reached by a short boat ride. These off-the-beaten-path Santorini beaches make excellent day trips from Santorini, allowing visitors to experience the island’s diverse coastal beauty.

While preparing for your trip to the Greek islands, check out the Athens to Santorini island packages by Travelodeal, as they might include stops at such places. Discovering these extraordinary sunbathing beaches of Santorini is definitely worth the effort since it will give you a new all-round experience of the island away from the busy sites.

Getting to the Beaches

Reaching the ice-white Santorini Beaches and the breathtaking sandy beaches of Athens is integral to any Greek vacation. While on the quest for Santorini beaches, a curious mind would always wonder about renting a car or All-terrain Vehicle to explore the nuances of the island at your own pace. As an alternative, there are local buses that link the major towns to the most popular beaches. As for the beaches in Athens, every mode of public transport is available. Urban buses, overground metro lines, and trams rush back and forth every hour of the day from the center of Athens towards the seafront.

Think of boat trips to Greek beaches as another fun and effective way of transportation to the destinations. Apart from fulfilling the need for transportation, they offer a unique perspective of the coastline. The accessibility of many beaches has improved over the last few years with the incorporation of ramps and specialized equipment for the physically challenged.

Travelodeal offers Athens to Santorini vacation packages for those wishing to visit both destinations. This can make your arrangements easier and possibly cost less. Try to look up the specific patterns of accessibility for each beach you plan to go to—they might be different. But with some foresight, you can enjoy the rich and scenic coastlines of Athens and Santorini.

Essential Tips for Visiting Greek Beaches

A trip to Greece is not complete without exploring its captivating coast. Whether you’re en route to the picturesque Santorini beaches or the easily accessible beaches in Athens, here are some tips that will enable you to enhance your Greek beach experience.

First and foremost, respect the beach and the beach courtesy. For instance, many Greek beaches are clothing-optional. Therefore, one has to understand and abide by the rules. Do not litter and avoid disturbing the animal habitat.
Being under the sun too long can be damaging in Mediterranean countries. Therefore, high SPF sunscreens and headgear, such as wide sun hats and sunscreens, are necessary. You can also carry a beach umbrella to provide cover during hot hours.
Most of the Aegean coast is influenced by the blue waves. They offer many activities, and beach equipment is available for rent, for example, to go snorkeling or paddleboarding. Look for what kinds of activities are provided on the beach you want to go to.
The provision of amenities on the beach hotels differs sharply. Beach showers and cafes are readily available on well-known Athens beaches, but their remote locations may lack such conveniences. Prepare in advance and carry the needed items.
The best times to visit Greek beaches are typically late spring (May-June) or early fall (September-October) when the weather is pleasant and crowds are thinner.
Direct flights to Greece, especially to Athens, are available from the US. Later, it is also possible to take a domestic flight or a ferry to the Santorini islands.

Keep in mind that Greece has other attractions besides the beaches. While bathing at the seashore, do not forget to visit some other sites, such as ancient sites and beautiful Santorini towns.

No matter if your touristic inclinations go towards popular places with active nightlife or if you wish to run away to secluded beaches – both Athens beaches and beaches in Santorini will amaze you. To make the most of your time and visit multiple locations, contact Travelodeal for Athens to Santorini island packages. Their expertise can help you create a seamless journey between these two stunning locations, ensuring you don’t miss out on any of Greece’s coastal wonders. With good organization and the necessary means and resources, you are bound to have a Greek beach vacation that is a remarkable escapade filled with sun, sea, and a lot of breathtaking activities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many days should I spend in each city?

Allocate a minimum of 3-4 days to the city of Athens and probably about 4-5 days to Santorini island, ideally for visiting the main attractions. This gives time for excursions and rest.

What are the means of transportation between Athens and Santorini?

Of course, the fastest one is a 45-minute flight. A more scenic ferry trip is also possible but takes around 4-8 hours, depending on the type of vessel.

Is it necessary to hire a car?

There is good public transport within the city-state of Athens, and a car is not needed. In Santorini, it is advisable to ride a vehicle or an ATV, but it is not essential if you prefer organized tours.

Is Athens and Santorini cheap to visit?

Compared with Santorini, Athens is usually less expensive than most people anticipate. However, expect to spend quite a lot in Santorini, especially during busy days. Even dining and activities can be costly.

What is Greek cuisine like?

Both places offer yummy Greek food. Try souvlaki, moussaka, and fresh fish in Athens, while in Santorini, celebrate fava, tomato fritters, white eggplant, and other specialties.