The European capital with the longest coastline

Athens is a harmonious combination of rich cultural heritage, unique ancient sights and an extensive, one of the longest, coastline with equipped beaches for swimming.

This makes the Greek capital a popular holiday destination for both tourists and locals who enjoy the sun and warm sea.

The Athenian coastline stretches for about 70 kilometers, from Piraeus in the north to Cape Sounion in the south. It includes a variety of beaches, each with its own unique features and attractions. Lively city beaches are close to the center, while the seaside suburbs offer more secluded spots further along the coast, where everyone will find a place by the sea to suit their taste.

The most famous stretch of coastline is the Athenian Riviera, a number of prestigious areas and suburbs: Glyfada, Voula, Vouliagmeni and Varkiza. The areas are known for their well-maintained beaches, perfectly clean water and comfortable service – cafes and restaurants offer their services, and those who wish can engage in water sports. Vouliagmeni Beachfor example, is marked with the Blue Flag and is evidence of high environmental and quality standards.

An important advantage of the coastal region of Athens is its accessibility. The beaches are quickly and easily accessible by tram, bus, and metro. There is a tram line from Piraeus to Voula, offering not only quick access to many beaches but also a scenic route.

For lovers of a quiet holiday without the “dominance” of beachgoers – Cape Sounion. It can be reached by car or public transport. It offers not only less crowded beaches: Cape Sounion is home to the famous Temple of Poseidon, so you can combine a beach holiday with a visit to the ancient site.

Lake Vouliagmeni – another unique place. Surrounded by rocky hills, it looks a little mysterious and mystical, like evidence of a completely different era. The water in it is warm, although the lake is quite deep, and semi-salty. This is a natural wonder, a meeting with which you can not miss if you find yourself in Athens.

For boat owners and travelers There are marinas in the southern Athenian suburbs of Flisvos (in Paleo Faliro) and Alimosclosest to Athens and Piraeus, which provide high quality services, tells GreekReporter edition. Flisvos Marina is surrounded by cozy cafes, seaside restaurants, playgrounds and an open-air cinema.

Very soon, a new pearl will be added to the beautiful coastline of Athens – Elliniko urban development project called Little Athens. This is Europe's largest urban regeneration project for a residential area located southeast of the Greek capital, which is currently under construction. The ambitious project covers an area of ​​6.2 million square meters and is located on the site of the former Athens International Airport.

The LAMDA Development project includes residential, commercial, retail, restaurant, entertainment, educational and sports offerings. This makes it the most innovative and exciting destination in Europe for locals and international visitors. In the first phase, it will bring approximately 1,115 new residential units to the sales market.

The beaches along the Athenian coast are ready to satisfy the most diverse tastes and preferences. For families with children, there are organized beaches with shallow waters, playgrounds and lifeguard services. For example, Astir Beach in Vouliagmeni is a luxury option with extensive facilities including sun loungers, umbrellas and fine dining.

For adventure lovers, the beaches offer Water sports: windsurfing, water skiing and scuba diving. Clear waters and abundant marine life make the Athenian coast a great place for diving enthusiasts. Many beaches have beach volleyball courts.

However, it is luxurious The Athenian coastline also faces environmental problemsPollution, especially plastic waste, and the impact of climate change are concerns. The local government, in collaboration with environmental organizations, is actively working to address these issues. Initiatives such as regular beach cleanups, awareness campaigns and stricter waste management regulations are part of the effort to preserve the natural beauty of the coastline.

Many beaches have adopted sustainable practices. For example, the use of eco-friendly materials, solar-powered facilities, and efforts to protect local marine life are becoming more common. These measures are crucial to ensuring that beaches remain clean, safe, and attractive for future generations.

The beaches of Athens are not only a natural national treasure, but also an important element of the local economy. The coastal tourism industry provides numerous jobs and supports a wide range of businesses, from hospitality to retail. During peak tourist season, the influx of visitors provides a significant boost to the local economy.

Socially, the coastline represents a vital social and recreational space for the people of Athens. It is a place where people of all ages come together to relax, exercise and enjoy nature. Beaches play an important role in promoting healthy and active lifestyles, contributing to the overall well-being of society.

The development and preservation of the Athens coastline is an ongoing project. Work is underway in several locations as urban planning initiatives aim to improve the coastal areas while preserving their natural charm. Infrastructure improvement projects include those that will provide better accessibility for people with disabilities. Public facilities are also being improved.

Continued efforts to protect the environment and promote sustainable tourism practices will be critical to addressing the challenges facing the coast. Balancing development and preservation, Athens aims to ensure that its beaches remain a cherished and sustainable part of the city's identity.

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