The Apollo Coast, the stretch of coastline south of the Piraeus, is the location with the most popular seaside destination in the region of Attica. Sandy beaches, small bays, natural and manmade harbours roll from Paleo Faliro to Lagonissi. From there the coastal road continues to Sounion, the promontory crowned by the temple of Poseidon, from where to enjoy breathtaking views over the bay, the steps of the temple descending to sea at sunset are particularly suggestive. It is obvious that the further you go from the city the nicer and cleaner the beaches. Paleo Faliro, once an elegant seaside location popular amongst Athenians, is today a suburb 8km from the city centre and a rather common seaside location with a small marina; in the bay the anchored Averoff, a Greek warship from 1910 is open to visitors. Today Glyfada is the most famous seaside destination in the Attica region with a good selection of hotels, bars, restaurants and sport activities on the beach. Immediately south, the elegant thermal and seaside resort of Vouliagmeni is set in a deep inlet. Varkiza beach is located at the bottom of a sandy bay in the stretch of coast characterised by numerous little coves where you park your car at the top and walk down to some small pebble beaches and flat rocks, which can be deserted at times except for the hundreds of young people who come on weekends and in the summer because it is free, clean and great for snorkelling. Public beaches such as Paleo Faliro, Alimos, Glyfada, Voula, Varkiza, Alcyoni and Lagonissi are run by the Greece’s National Tourist Organisation (EOT) who charge an admission fee and offer a variety of facilities from changing cabins, tennis courts, basketball and volleyball pitches, to children’s playground, pedalos and canoes hire, restaurants and bars.
Beaches popular with surfers thanks to the favour of the wind are between Saronida and Anavissos. The latter has a long beach with plenty of tavernas selling fish delicacies and is very popular with Athenians.