When people think of Athens, they don’t necessarily realize that there are actually some great nearby beaches to enjoy! The Greek capital is all about history, museums, ruins, and culture, and most people focus all their efforts on that. Well, Athens certainly has all those things, but it also has plenty of gorgeous beaches in the area where you can take a break from the intellectual tourism and soak up some sun. Here are five beaches you’ll want to check out during your time in Athens:

Legrega Beach

Located 60 kilometers from Athens, Legrega Beach is a bustling place that will satisfy any beach goer. You won’t find a long stretch of sandy beach here, but rather you’ll find a series of mini beaches to enjoy. This means that it is fairly easy to find your own alcove! The beaches are interspersed with rock formations and little coves to give you a truly unique experience while here.

The Temple of Poseidon is located just a few kilometers beyond the beach, making this a perfect place to combine a day at the beach with cultural tourism. The nearby taverns and cafes offer plenty of places to grab a bite between hours lying out on the sand.

Schinias Beach

Located near Marathon about 45 kilometers northeast of Athens, this famous resort area features a long, curving beach perfect for long walks and casual bathing. The blue water is calm, cool, and crystal clear, making it ideal for a dip. The beach is renowned for its facilities, meaning you can relax and unwind without worrying about refreshments and bathroom access. Surrounded by pine forests and gently curving dunes, Schinias Beach makes for a picturesque retreat.

Varkiza Beach

Easily accessible by bus from the city center, Varkiza Beach makes for an excellent day by the sea. Despite how simple it is to get there, it is one of the least crowded beaches in the area. The facilities are marvelous, and there’s plenty to keep a family entertained all day, from volleyball courts to play areas.

In the summer months, the town of Varkiza becomes a bit more active as Athenians come down for weekend getaways. There are a number of excellent restaurants and cafes, so there’s no fear of hitting the beach on an empty stomach.

Vouliagmeni Beach

Located just 23 kilometers south of the city center, Vouliagmeni Beach makes for a perfect, easy beach day right in the metropolitan area. It’s so close that you can take a local city bus. The facilities are top notch, making it ideal for families. There are umbrellas to provide shade, while the tennis and volleyball courts will keep kids entertained for hours. There’s also a water slide, which, if you’re a parent, you know can be a child’s best friend.

Cape Sounion Beach

With its rocky promontory and the Temple of Poseidon, this is perhaps the most stereotypically “Greek” of all the Athenian beaches. A true gem of the Aegean, the rocky structure provides excellent views of the surrounding area. The temple, destroyed by the Persians but rebuilt by Pericles in 440 B.C., offers as much history, displays as much beauty, and inspires as much awe as any site in Athens. For a comprehensive look at where history meets the natural world, check out Cape Sounion Beach.

While visiting the historic city of Athens, you might also want to consider visiting some of the nearby beaches!