Marathón Beaches

Overview

Marathon, a name synonymous with history, also boasts a beautiful and diverse coastline that offers a more relaxed alternative to other seaside areas near Athens. The region provides a classic Greek beach experience, catering to every preference with a mix of long sandy shores and intimate, rocky coves. The overall atmosphere is laid-back and family-friendly, making it a popular escape for Athenians and a welcoming destination for visitors seeking a leisurely day by the sea.

Among the area's many highlights, our editors have selected a few standout spots. The main attraction is undoubtedly Schinias Beach, a vast, sandy expanse famous for the protected pine forest that lines its shores. For those staying in town, Marathon Beach offers the perfect blend of convenience and classic seaside charm, with calm, shallow waters ideal for a quick dip. More adventurous visitors will appreciate the wild, scenic beauty of Dikastika Mini Beach, a secluded cove known for its dramatic rock formations and exceptionally clear waters.

Beyond these picks, the Marathon coast is dotted with other appealing beaches, from the lively beach bars of Zoumberi to more remote, pebbled coves. The water throughout the area is renowned for its clarity, inviting swimmers and snorkelers to explore the calm Aegean Sea. With so many options available, from fully organized shores to untouched natural spots, you are sure to find your perfect beach. For a comprehensive look at all the coastal gems, be sure to explore our longer list of beaches in the guide.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Marathon a good destination for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Marathon is considered a great destination for families. Many of its beaches, such as Marathon Beach and Schinias Beach, have long sandy shores and shallow, calm waters, making them safe and enjoyable for children. Some beaches are located within the Schinias National Park, offering a natural setting. You can find both organized beaches with amenities like sunbeds and umbrellas, as well as more natural, unequipped spots. Several family-friendly hotels and resorts are also located in the area.

Marathon Beach

Schinias Beach

What is the best time of year to visit Marathon for a beach trip?

The ideal time for a beach holiday in Marathon is from May to September when the weather is warm and sunny. For those looking to avoid the largest crowds and the most intense summer heat, June and September are particularly pleasant. The sea remains warm enough for comfortable swimming during these months, and the beaches are generally less crowded than in July and August.

Are the beaches in Marathon sandy or pebbly?

Marathon offers a variety of beaches. The most famous, like Schinias Beach and Marathon Beach, are known for their long stretches of fine, golden sand. However, you can also find beaches with a mix of sand and pebbles, or even small coves with pebbles, like those in the Agia Marina area. Some more remote spots, like Dikastika, are rocky with deep water, offering a different kind of coastal experience.

Schinias Beach

Marathon Beach

How clear is the water for swimming at Marathon's beaches?

The water at most of Marathon's beaches is known for being very clear and clean, making it excellent for swimming. Several beaches in the area, including Brexiza and formerly Schinias/Karavi, have been awarded the Blue Flag, an international symbol of high water quality and environmental standards. Even at beaches without the flag, the water is generally considered impressively clear, especially in less crowded coves.

Paralia Mprexiza

Schinias Beach

Karavi

Are there hotels right on the beach in Marathon?

Yes, there are several hotels and resorts located directly on or just steps from the beach, particularly in the Nea Makri area. Establishments like the Marathon Beach Resort offer beachfront access and pools. You can also find many apartments and smaller studios with sea views and very short walks to the sand, especially around Zoumberi and Marathon Beach itself.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Marathon Beach

Which is better, Schinias Beach or Marathon Beach?

Choosing between Schinias Beach and Marathon Beach depends on your preferences. Schinias Beach is a very long, wild beach located within a national park, backed by a pine forest that provides natural shade. It's known for its shallow, clean water and is popular for windsurfing. Marathon Beach is also sandy with shallow waters, making it very family-friendly, and it's closer to the amenities of Nea Makri, with many beach bars and tavernas readily available.

Schinias Beach

Marathon Beach

Are there organized beaches with sunbeds and umbrellas in Marathon?

Yes, you can find many organized beaches in the Marathon area. Beaches like Schinias, Marathon Beach, and Zoumberi have sections with beach bars that offer sunbeds and umbrellas for rent. However, these beaches are also long enough to have ample free space if you prefer to bring your own equipment. There are also many smaller, unorganized beaches for a more natural experience.

Schinias Beach

Marathon Beach

Paralia Zoumperi

How do you get to Marathon's beaches from Athens?

The easiest way to reach the beaches in Marathon from Athens is by car, with the drive taking approximately 45 minutes to an hour. This gives you the flexibility to explore different beaches. Alternatively, you can take an intercity bus (KTEL) from the Pedion tou Areos station in Athens towards Marathon or Nea Makri. From there, a short taxi ride may be needed to reach specific beaches like Schinias.

Schinias Beach

People Also Ask

Are the beaches in Marathon suitable for water sports?

Yes, several beaches in Marathon are excellent for water sports. Schinias Beach is particularly famous for windsurfing due to the local wind conditions, and you can find rental centers there. Other activities like paddleboarding and kayaking are also popular along the coast. The calmer waters at many of the sandy beaches are also great for casual swimming and snorkeling.

Schinias Beach

Are there quiet, less crowded beaches in the Marathon area?

Yes, while the main beaches can get busy, especially on summer weekends, there are quieter alternatives. You can often find less crowded spots at the far ends of long beaches like Schinias. For more seclusion, you can explore smaller coves like Mikro Sesi or the beaches around Agia Marina. The rocky inlets at Dikastika are also an option for those seeking solitude, though they are not traditional sandy beaches.

Schinias Beach

Dikastika Mini Beach

Agia Marina Beach

What's the vibe like at the beaches? Is it a party destination?

The general atmosphere at Marathon's beaches is relaxed and family-oriented rather than being a major party destination. While you'll find lively beach bars with music, especially at Zoumberi and parts of Marathon Beach, the overall vibe is more about leisurely days by the sea. It's a popular spot for Athenians to escape the city, creating a pleasant local feel.

Paralia Marathona

How does Marathon compare to the Athens Riviera (e.g., Vouliagmeni)?

Marathon offers a more laid-back, natural, and historically rich beach experience compared to the more luxurious and cosmopolitan Athens Riviera. Beaches in Marathon, like Schinias, are part of a national park and feel more untamed. The Athens Riviera, with beaches like Vouliagmeni, is known for high-end beach clubs, premium amenities, and a more polished, urban seaside feel. Marathon is generally more affordable and less crowded.

Schinias Beach

Is it windy at the beaches in Marathon?

Some beaches in the Marathon area can be windy, which is why Schinias is a popular destination for windsurfing. The prevailing winds are often from the north. However, the long coastline means you can often find a more sheltered spot. The large bay and shallow waters at many beaches help keep the waves from getting too large, even on breezy days.

Schinias Beach

Are there nude beaches in or near Marathon?

While there are no officially designated nudist beaches directly in the main Marathon area, some of the more remote coves and the far ends of long beaches like Schinias are sometimes used by naturists seeking privacy. For more established nudist-friendly beaches in the wider Attica region, you would need to travel further from Marathon.

Can you swim in the sea in October?

Yes, it is often possible to swim in the sea in Marathon during October. The water retains much of its summer warmth, with average sea temperatures around 21-23°C (70-73°F). The weather is generally mild, though less predictable than in the summer. For many, the water is still at a comfortable temperature for a refreshing swim, and the beaches are very peaceful.

Beaches for Every Taste

Dog Friendly Beaches in Marathón

Sand Beaches in Marathón

Nudist Beaches in Marathón

Local gems for everyone

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Karavi

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Argira Akti

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Paralia Rafinas

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Paralia Markopoulou

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Oropos Beach

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Paralia Mprexiza

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📍 9.4km - Marathón

Paralia Zoumperi

Paralia Zoumperi is a popular beach located in Attica. It is know...

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Agia Marina Beach

Agia Marina Beach is a popular destination known for its natural ...

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