10 Reasons to Visit Artemida, Greece (And Why It’s More Than an Airport Town)
When most travelers think of the Athens region, their minds go straight to the Acropolis, ancient ruins, and busy city streets. Just a short drive from the capital, however, lies Artemida, a coastal town that often flies under the radar. Located near Athens International Airport and right on the shores of the Aegean Sea, Artemida combines the ease of access with the relaxed rhythm of seaside life. It’s a place where quiet morning swims, steady summer winds, and family-run tavernas coexist with ancient history and modern attractions.
Whether you’re looking for an active beach vacation, a convenient base for exploring Athens and Attica, or simply a more authentic alternative to overcrowded tourist hubs, Artemida has plenty to offer. From water sports and underwater adventures to archaeological sites, shopping centers, and island ferry connections, this unassuming town surprises visitors with its variety. Below are ten things worth doing in Artemida that show why it’s much more than just a stop near the airport.
1. A Morning Walk and a Swim at the Beach
If there’s one thing you should absolutely do in Artemida, it’s wake up early and head to the beach. In the morning hours, the shoreline is almost completely empty, and the Aegean Sea looks like a perfectly smooth sheet of glass. During the summer season, the water temperature stays around 22-25°C (72-77°F), and the calm conditions make an early swim especially enjoyable. Walking along the shore as the sun rises and reflects off the pale sand is one of the best ways to experience the authentic coastal atmosphere of Greece. Many travelers say these quiet mornings leave a stronger impression than even the most famous and crowded attractions in Athens.
2. Windsurfing and Water Sports
Artemida has long been known as a great spot for water sports, and for good reason. In summer, a steady northeastern wind blows almost daily, reaching 4 -7 on the Beaufort scale. These conditions are ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing, especially for beginners and intermediate riders. Along the coastline, several water sports schools offer lessons in windsurfing, kitesurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Certified instructors guide students step by step, focusing on safety and technique, while the inevitable falls into the water quickly become part of the fun. It’s an excellent place to try something new or get back into a sport after a long break.
3. Snorkeling and Diving
The waters of the Aegean Sea around Artemida can be surprisingly clear, with visibility often reaching several meters. Paralia Artemidos Beach is known for its fine, light-colored sand and vibrant turquoise water. At depths of just 2–3 meters (6–10 feet), you can already see rocky formations, underwater meadows, and schools of small fish, making this area perfect for snorkeling. For those who want to explore a bit deeper, local dive centers offer introductory dives (often called “try dives”) for people without certification. These dives are conducted under direct instructor supervision and allow participants to safely learn basic diving skills while experiencing the region’s underwater life from a completely different perspective.
4. Greek Cuisine by the Sea
Food is an essential part of the Artemida experience. Along the beachfront, you’ll find many small, family-run tavernas serving fresh fish, seafood, and classic Greek dishes such as souvlaki, moussaka, and grilled calamari. Ingredients are typically local, and fish often goes from the sea to your plate on the same day. Even something as simple as a Greek salad, made with ripe tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese, tastes noticeably better here. It’s also worth remembering that Greeks take their meals seriously, dinner usually starts after 8:00 PM and is a social ritual rather than a quick stop. Meals last a long time, and the check is brought only when you ask for it.
5. Attica Zoological Park
Just about a 15-minute drive from Artemida, in the town of Spata, you’ll find Attica Zoological Park, the largest zoo in Greece. The park covers approximately 20 hectares (about 50 acres) and is home to more than 1,500 animals representing around 220 species from around the world. To fully enjoy the visit, it’s best to set aside at least half a day. In addition to traditional animal enclosures, the park offers educational shows, themed walking paths, playgrounds, and relaxation areas. It’s especially well suited for families and successfully combines entertainment with environmental and wildlife education.
6. Water Park
During the summer months, when temperatures in the Athens region frequently exceed 30°C (86°F), a visit to the Aquapolis water park can be a great alternative to the beach. Located near Spata and the airport, just a short drive from Artemida, Aquapolis is the largest water park in the Athens area. It features a wide range of water slides with varying difficulty levels, wave pools, a lazy river, and designated children’s zones. Modern facilities, including parking, restaurants, and restrooms - make it easy to spend several comfortable hours there and cool off during the hottest part of the day.
7. Shopping at Smart Park and Designer Outlet
If you’re in the mood for shopping, Artemida’s surroundings offer excellent options. Smart Park is the largest open-air shopping center in Greece, covering approximately 53,000 square meters and housing more than 60 well-known retail brands. In addition to shopping, you’ll find restaurants, cafés, and open spaces for relaxing. Right next door is the Designer Outlet Athens (McArthurGlen) , where you can find designer clothing, shoes, and accessories at discounted prices. Both complexes are modern, spacious, and family-friendly, making them an easy and enjoyable stop.
8. Vravrona
About 6–7 kilometers (4 miles) south of Artemida lies Vravrona, also known as Brauron. This is where the ruins of one of the most important sanctuaries dedicated to the goddess Artemis in all of Attica are located. Visitors can see the foundations of the ancient temple, fragments of columns, and remains of sacred buildings. Adjacent to the site is a small archaeological museum displaying artifacts found during excavations, including figurines of young girls connected to ancient religious rituals. Surrounded by greenery, the site has a calm, almost meditative atmosphere that feels far removed from the busy streets of Athens.
9. A Day Trip to Athens
Artemida is located about 25 - 30 kilometers (15-18 miles) from the center of Athens, which usually means around a 30-minute drive outside of rush hour. This makes it an excellent base for exploring the Greek capital. Must-see sights include the Acropolis with the Parthenon, the Ancient Agora, the atmospheric Plaka neighborhood, and the modern Acropolis Museum. Starting early in the morning helps avoid the worst heat and crowds. After a full day of sightseeing, returning to Artemida and the seaside offers a welcome sense of calm and relaxation.
10. Rafina Port
Just about 5 kilometers (3 miles) north of Artemida is the port of Rafina, one of the main ferry ports serving the Athens region. From here, regular ferries depart to Euboea and several Cycladic islands, including Mykonos, Andros, Tinos, and Ikaria. Even if you’re not planning to take a ferry, Rafina is still worth a visit. A walk along the harbor, dinner at one of the seafood tavernas, and watching the ferries come and go create a distinctly laid-back, vacation-like atmosphere.
As you can see, Artemida isn’t just a seaside town next to the airport. At first glance it may seem low-key and easy to overlook, but once you spend a little time here, it quickly proves how much it has to offer. With its beaches, local food, access to history, and easy connections to Athens and the rest of Attica, Artemida works surprisingly well both as a relaxed coastal getaway and as a practical base for exploring the region. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t shout for attention, but ends up being a great place to stay, slow down, and experience a more "normal" side of Greece.
