Varkiza Beach Athens
A sprawling sandy beach complex near Athens, offering a full resort experience with restaurants, water sports, and beach bars.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Varkiza Beach Athens
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling sandy beach complex near Athens, offering a full resort experience with restaurants, water sports, and beach bars.
"Enjoy the sandy shores and clear blue waters, a welcome change from Athens' pebble beaches."
🚗 Consider a Car Rental
Public transport can be tricky. Renting a car offers the most flexibility for reaching Varkiza Beach and exploring the area.
💰 Day Pass for Amenities
Access to sunbeds and umbrellas often requires a day pass at Varkiza Resort (Yabanaki). Book in advance during peak season.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Yabanaki Beach Club
Varkiza Resort
A premier beach club experience with sunbeds, umbrellas, and vibrant atmosphere. Perfect for a day of relaxation and fun.
Sandy Shores
Main beach area
Enjoy the soft sand and clear blue waters, a welcome change from some of Athens' pebble beaches. Ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
Water Sports Galore
Beachfront
From jet skiing to paddleboarding, find a variety of water activities to get your adrenaline pumping.
Seaside Dining
Along the promenade
Savor delicious Greek and international cuisine at the numerous restaurants and cafes lining the beach.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds at Varkiza Beach
Getting to Varkiza from Athens
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Best beach near Athens city?
🚗 Consider a Car Rental
Public transport can be tricky. Renting a car offers the most flexibility for reaching Varkiza Beach and exploring the area.
💰 Day Pass for Amenities
Access to sunbeds and umbrellas often requires a day pass at Varkiza Resort (Yabanaki). Book in advance during peak season.
Best sandy beaches near Athens with clear blue water?
Beach Club near Athens
🏖️ Pack Beach Essentials
Bring sunscreen, hats, towels, and swimwear. While amenities are available, having your own ensures comfort. :beachwithumbrella:
📱 Download Offline Maps
Cell service can be spotty. Download offline maps of the area to navigate easily. :iphone:
Good beaches and other quiet spots around Athens?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Consider a Car Rental
Public transport can be tricky. Renting a car offers the most flexibility for reaching Varkiza Beach and exploring the area.
💰 Day Pass for Amenities
Access to sunbeds and umbrellas often requires a day pass at Varkiza Resort (Yabanaki). Book in advance during peak season.
🏖️ Pack Beach Essentials
Bring sunscreen, hats, towels, and swimwear. While amenities are available, having your own ensures comfort. :beachwithumbrella:
📱 Download Offline Maps
Cell service can be spotty. Download offline maps of the area to navigate easily. :iphone:
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking along the promenade and beach. Comfortable shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Varkiza Beach is praised for its sandy shores and clear waters, offering a pleasant escape from Athens. Visitors enjoy the amenities at Varkiza Resort, including water sports and dining options. However, some find the entrance fees and crowds during peak season to be drawbacks.
"We visited this beach twice during our trip and absolutely loved it. We entered through Entrance B and grabbed chairs at the far end of the club, right next to the only working kitchen restaurant. It was easy to find seating, and the chairs were super comfortable. Fare rates too!
The beach itself was stunning—soft sand, shallow water, and clear. The staff was friendly and attentive, adding to the laid-back, welcoming vibe.
On our first day, we played it safe and ordered pizza. It was edible, but not something we’d get again. Day two was a game-changer: the kids had the Smashburger, my husband got the club sandwich, and everyone was thrilled. Huge portions and genuinely delicious food. Definitely legit beach eats—just steer clear of the pizza.
One small suggestion: it would be great if they offered towel clips or bands, as it gets very windy. Just a thought!
Highly recommend this spot for a relaxing beach day with great service and surprisingly good food."
DH
"Great beach near Athens! Huge and clean with plenty of sunbeds so it never feels crowded. Entry €8 and sunbed with umbrella €10 – very reasonable compared to other places. Drinks are affordable and the beach bar has nice music plus simple food (pizza, club sandwich, hotdogs). Toilets and showers available, just bring your own towel. Perfect for a relaxed beach day .I’ll definitely come back anytime to Athens during the summer."
Muhannad Jabi
"Very disappointing service. Communication was poor and the receptionist came across as quite rude to tourists. We asked if she could show us the place before entering, since we were a group of 10, but she refused and didn’t seem to care. Overall, there was little attention to customer service or guest experience."
Hayder Ghazy Salman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Varkiza Beach from Athens is by bus. Several bus lines, such as the 122, 171, and X96, connect Athens to the Varkiza area. The journey can take around 45-60 minutes depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can take the metro to Elliniko station and then catch a bus or taxi to Varkiza. Renting a car or using a taxi offers more direct and convenient travel, especially for families.
No, Varkiza Beach is not directly accessible by metro. The closest metro station is Elliniko on Line 2. From Elliniko, you will need to take a bus or a taxi to reach the beach.
To travel from Varkiza to Athens, you can take the bus back towards the city center. The same bus lines that go to Varkiza also operate in reverse. Taxis are also readily available, offering a quicker but more expensive option.
The travel time from central Athens to Varkiza Beach can vary between 45 minutes to over an hour, depending on the mode of transport and traffic conditions. Buses are generally slower due to multiple stops.
Yes, there are parking facilities available at Varkiza Beach, particularly within the Varkiza Resort area. However, during peak season and on weekends, parking can be limited and may come with a fee.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Varkiza Beach, especially the Varkiza Resort (Yabanaki) area, typically requires an entrance fee for access to amenities like sunbeds and umbrellas. There might be free sections of the beach, but they may lack facilities.
The entrance fee for Varkiza Resort usually includes access to the beach, sunbeds, umbrellas, and sometimes use of certain facilities. It's advisable to check their official website for the most current inclusions and pricing.
During the peak summer season, it's recommended to book your day pass for Varkiza Resort in advance, especially if you want to secure a specific spot or are visiting on a weekend. This can often be done online through their website or third-party booking platforms.
The opening hours for Varkiza Beach and its facilities, particularly Varkiza Resort, generally align with the summer season, typically from morning until early evening. Hours can vary, so checking their official website is recommended.
Varkiza Resort may offer different ticket options, such as standard day passes, VIP packages, or family deals. It's worth exploring their offerings to find the best fit for your needs and budget.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Varkiza Beach offers a wide range of activities, including swimming, sunbathing, and various water sports like jet skiing, paddleboarding, and windsurfing. The Varkiza Resort also often features sports courts and entertainment.
Yes, Varkiza Beach is generally considered family-friendly. The sandy shores are good for children, and the Varkiza Resort often has dedicated areas or activities for kids. However, it can get crowded, so keeping a close eye on little ones is important.
Varkiza Beach, especially the resort area, provides numerous facilities including sunbeds, umbrellas, changing rooms, showers, restrooms, and often cafes and restaurants.
Yes, you can rent beach equipment such as sunbeds, umbrellas, and sometimes towels at Varkiza Beach, particularly within the Varkiza Resort.
Wi-Fi availability can vary. Some areas within Varkiza Resort might offer Wi-Fi, but it's not guaranteed throughout the entire beach. It's best to rely on your mobile data or download offline maps. :iphone:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Absolutely! Varkiza Beach boasts a variety of restaurants, cafes, and beach bars offering everything from traditional Greek dishes to international cuisine and refreshing drinks.
You can expect a diverse culinary experience, including fresh seafood, grilled meats, salads, and snacks. Many establishments offer stunning sea views to complement your meal.
While some restaurants can be upscale, there are usually more casual cafes and snack bars offering more affordable options like gyros, sandwiches, and pastries.
Policies on bringing outside food and drinks can vary, especially within managed areas like Varkiza Resort. It's generally best to check their specific rules, but often purchasing from onsite vendors is encouraged. :knifeforkplate:
Most restaurants in tourist areas like Varkiza Beach are increasingly offering vegetarian and vegan options. It's always a good idea to ask your server about their plant-based choices. :leafy_green:
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning photos along the sandy shoreline, with the clear blue water as your backdrop. The piers and beach club areas also offer picturesque views, especially during sunrise or sunset. :camerawithflash:
Yes, Varkiza Beach can offer beautiful sunset views, with the sun dipping below the horizon over the Aegean Sea. The colors can be quite dramatic. :sunriseovermountains:
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most flattering light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but good for capturing vibrant blues. :sparkler:
Drone usage is often restricted in public areas and near resorts for privacy and safety reasons. It's crucial to check local regulations before flying a drone at Varkiza Beach. :aerial_tramway:
At Varkiza Resort, you can capture shots of stylish sunbeds, vibrant umbrellas, people enjoying water sports, and the overall lively atmosphere of a modern beach club. :cocktail_glass:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
couples
day-trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Public Transport to Varkiza
For those looking for a slightly more direct route, you can take the Athens Metro Line 2 to its final station, Elliniko. From Elliniko, you'll need to transfer to a bus or a taxi to complete the journey to Varkiza Beach. This option can sometimes be quicker than relying solely on buses from the city center, especially during peak hours. Remember to purchase your bus tickets before boarding, as they are usually not sold on the bus itself.
While public transport is the most budget-friendly option, it can be crowded, particularly during the summer months. If you're traveling with family, lots of gear, or prioritize convenience, consider the cost-effectiveness of a taxi or ride-sharing service, or even renting a car for more freedom to explore the Athenian Riviera at your own pace.
The Varkiza Resort (Yabanaki) Experience
The resort is a hub for activities. Beyond lounging on the sandy shores, visitors can indulge in various water sports, from jet skiing and paddleboarding to windsurfing. There are often designated areas for sports like beach volleyball, and sometimes even organized entertainment or events. The atmosphere is generally lively and geared towards a fun-filled day out.
Dining options within Varkiza Resort are plentiful, ranging from casual snack bars and cafes to more formal restaurants serving a variety of cuisines. This makes it a convenient destination where you can spend the entire day without needing to leave the premises. While it offers a premium experience, be prepared for higher prices compared to free public beaches.
Choosing the Right Beach Spot
For travelers looking for a more budget-conscious or potentially less crowded experience, exploring beyond the main resort area might be beneficial. While Reddit discussions mention free access to some beaches like Edem, Varkiza itself is often associated with paid entry for its prime facilities. If you prefer a simpler beach day with just sand and sea, you might find less developed areas, though these may lack facilities.
When considering your choice, think about what's most important: convenience and amenities, or a more natural and potentially free experience. The sandy nature of Varkiza Beach is a significant draw for many, especially compared to the pebble beaches closer to central Athens.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit