A series of small limestone coves between Vouliagmeni and Varkiza — no sand, just terraces of rock, deep clean water and a single floating bar in summer.
Limanakia (literally ‘small harbours’) is the strip of limestone coast between the Vouliagmeni cliff and the Varkiza marina — five small sheltered coves cut into rock, with a road running above and a switchback path down to each.
There is no sand and no organisation — just terraces of rock above a deep clean turquoise; a few wooden ladders bolted into the limestone for getting in and out of the water; one floating beach bar (Limanakia 2) in summer; a thousand Athenians on the rocks on a Saturday in July. The coves get progressively wilder as you go south. Limanakia 1 is the closest to Vouliagmeni, has the bar and a small kiosk, and gets the most weekend crowds. Limanakia 2 and 3 are quieter, deeper-water, more local. The path down each cove is short but unmaintained — flip-flops will not work; bring proper sandals or trainers. The water is the cleanest within driving distance of Athens; visibility goes to ten metres on a calm day. Best for confident adult swimmers; the rock entry is real, the depth real, no shallow shelf.
A perfect Limanakia afternoon.
Thirty-five minutes via the coastal road; park at the lay-by above Limanakia 2.
Ten minutes on the unmaintained path; pick a flat-rock terrace facing south-west.
Use the wooden ladder; the water 22°C in summer; visibility ten metres on a calm day; the sea is the cleanest within driving distance of Athens.
The limestone catches all of the warm light; a beer from the kiosk; conversation; the Athenian local rhythm.
The water always feels coldest the second time in; the right kind of cold.
Twenty minutes north to Lambros in Kavouri, or thirty minutes south to Akrogiali in Anavyssos.
Within ten minutes by car.
Five minutes' drive north — the warm float. Detail on the Vouliagmeni page.
Five minutes' drive south — the sandy beach with the marina. Detail on the Varkiza page.
Ten minutes' drive north — the pine peninsula. Detail on the Kavouri page.
Twenty minutes' drive south — the fishing villages. Detail on the Lagonisi page.
Three minutes' drive north — the protected bay; the kayak start point.
Tell us a little about the trip you want — pace, who's coming, how you'd like to spend your mornings. We'll build the days.
