You’re exploring Athens. You’ve already got the selfie at the Acropolis, lunch with a Parthenon view, and more steps on your fitness app than you planned. Then that moment hits: you just want to breathe. To feel the wind, dip your feet in the sea, walk on warm sand. But planning a ferry to an island? That sounds like work.

Here’s your solution: Artemida.

A small seaside town so close to Athens, you can reach it on a city bus in under an hour. But once you’re there, just a few steps down the beach and it feels like you’re worlds away from the chaos of the capital.

It’s an ideal choice if you’re looking for a beach near Athens, a spot to reset between sightseeing and dinner reservations, or simply a break from 40-degree asphalt. Artemida isn’t a typical tourist attraction-it’s where Greeks actually have their summer homes.

1. A Beach Where You Can Actually Chill

This isn’t Santorini. People in Artemida don’t lay out their beach towels just for an Instagram shot. They come to swim, lie back, and most of all-to do nothing and truly relax.

There are parts of the beach that are fully organized: wooden loungers, thick cushions, mellow music playing. It all runs smoothly, no chaos. But walk just a few steps away and you’ll find a completely off-grid kind of vibe - shade from nearby trees, old-school speakers from the ’90s, and creaky beach beds that sound like they’ve seen decades of summers. And honestly? That’s the charm.

But the best part? Artemida is fantastic for families with kids. The beach is wide, the water is shallow, and waves rarely get rowdy - perfect for safe play. You don’t even need toys. Sand and a plastic cup can entertain a child for hours.

And if you forgot something? Don’t worry. The beachside kiosks and nearby supermarkets have you covered - from buckets and spades to sunblock. And yes, many of these shops are open on Sundays, so even last-minute needs won’t ruin your day.

2. Great Greek Food - No Fuss, Just Flavor

In Artemida, you don’t have to choose between a quick bite and a proper sit-down meal. Start with the classic: souvlaki - that perfect Greek street food, wrapped in warm pita with crispy fries, just steps from the beach. Or take your time in a seaside taverna with grilled octopus, fresh fish, stuffed tomatoes, and local wine in a carafe.

There’s also a more modern side to the food scene here - beach bars offering fusion meze, fresh salads, and perfectly mixed mojitos. Most of them stay open late, so you can drop in for lunch, stay for a drink, and... just hang out.

And don’t worry about tourist traps: prices are fair, portions are generous, and service is surprisingly fast - even in high season.

3. More Things to Do Than You’d Expect - Without the Pressure

If you’re the kind of person who gets twitchy after 20 minutes of lying in the sun - good news. Artemida isn’t just about “beach and chill.” Right next door in Spata (just 15 minutes away), there’s a mini-world of activities waiting:

• Smart Park - an open-air shopping center with cafés, play areas, ice cream stands, and a totally relaxed family vibe.

• Designer Outlet Athens - big brand names like Nike, Levi’s, and Ralph Lauren at outlet prices.

• Attica Zoological Park - flamingos, giraffes, and sea lion shows. It’s actually a pretty large zoo and trust us—kids (and grown-ups) will love it.

• Aquapolis  - a big waterpark with slides and pools. Yes, it’s a little retro, but still a blast for kids.

This is the perfect add-on if you’ve got kids, or if you just want to mix up your beach day with something more active.

4. Easy Logistics: Public Transport & Stress-Free Parking

One of the best things about Artemida? Getting there is simple.
You don’t need a rental car. Buses from Athens-like from the Nomismatokopio metro stop - will get you there in about an hour. The beach stop is close, and you’ll pay the same price as any city bus ride.

You can also get there easily from the Athens International Airport - it’s only about 15 minutes away by suburban bus. If you do have a car, that’s fine too. Parking right next to the beach can get crowded on Sunday afternoons, but just head into one of the side streets and you’ll almost always find a spot - free, no meters, no tickets.

5. A Little Bit of History, Tucked Among the Olive Trees

Artemida isn’t your classic tourist town with guidebooks and ticket lines - and that’s exactly why its cultural side is worth seeing. If you want more than sun and seafood, there’s a quiet, historical spot nearby that offers a peek into ancient Greece.

Just a short ride from the beach is the Temple of Artemis in Brauron. It’s one of the oldest sanctuaries in Attica, dedicated to the goddess Artemis (yes, the namesake of the area). It may not be as famous as the Parthenon, but it’s a peaceful, uncrowded place full of character.

What to expect:

• Temple ruins with well-preserved columns

• A sacred spring

• A small but lovely museum with local artifacts - figurines, jewelry, and items connected to women and children in ancient Greek society

It’s a great morning stop before the sun gets too hot, especially if you’re into mythology or enjoy exploring lesser-known historic sites. Grab a taxi from the beach - it’s only 10 minutes away.

And Honestly? You Don’t Even Have to Plan It

One of the best things about Artemida is that you don’t need to make it “part of your itinerary.” You can wake up, throw a towel and swimsuit in your bag, and just go.

This place doesn’t pretend to be a "destination." It’s not going to appear on your list of “Top 10 Things to See in Greece.” And yet, you’ll probably enjoy it more than a few of the spots that are. Because you’ll actually relax. Really relax.

Or Flip the Script: Stay Here, Day-Trip to Athens

More and more people are choosing the opposite route: instead of staying in downtown Athens and taking trips to the sea, they’re booking vacation rentals in Artemida and using it as a home base to explore the city.

And it makes perfect sense. You wake up to the sound of the waves, have full beach access all day, and when you want to see the Acropolis or hit up a museum - you’re just an hour away by bus. No city noise, no traffic, no summer heat bouncing off concrete.

Artemida has plenty of places to stay - from simple studios to full apartments, beach houses, or even small hotels. Prices tend to be lower than in central Athens, and the sea view at breakfast? Priceless.