Nea Makri Beaches

Overview

Nea Makri offers a relaxed, family-friendly beach holiday just a short drive from Athens. Visitors are often pleasantly surprised to find that, unlike much of Greece's rocky coastline, the area is known for its long stretches of fine yellow sand and clean, calm waters perfect for swimming. The town has a welcoming, island-like feel, making it an ideal escape for those looking to enjoy the sea without the bustle of a major city or port.

The coastline features a variety of beaches to suit any preference. Editor's picks include the convenient Nea Makri Beach, with its lively seaside promenade, and the famous Schinias Beach, a vast sandy shore uniquely backed by a protected pine forest. For families, the clear, shallow waters of Paralia Mprexiza make it a top choice, while Paralia Kokkino Limanaki offers a stunningly scenic alternative with its distinctive red cliffs.

Beyond the main highlights, the area boasts other beautiful sandy spots like the popular Marathon Beach. Whether you seek an organized beach with cafes and sunbeds or a quiet, undeveloped cove for a peaceful day by the sea, you will find it here. For a complete look at all the options, from the most popular destinations to more hidden gems, be sure to explore our full guide to the beaches of Nea Makri.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Nea Makri a good destination for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Nea Makri is considered an excellent destination for families. The beaches often feature fine sand and a gentle, shallow entry into the sea, which is ideal for children. The town has a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with amenities like playgrounds. Many local beaches, such as Marathon Beach and the beach in front of Mati, are particularly suitable for families and those who are not strong swimmers due to their calm, clear waters.

Marathon Beach

What are the beaches in Nea Makri like, sandy or pebbly?

Most beaches in and around Nea Makri are known for their fine yellow sand, which is a key attraction as much of Greece's coastline is rocky or pebbly. Beaches like Nea Makri Beach, Marathon Beach, and the renowned Schinias Beach all boast sandy shorelines. While some smaller coves might have pebbles or rocks, the main and most popular beaches are predominantly sandy.

Marathon Beach

Schinias Beach

Can you swim in Nea Makri and what is the water like?

The sea in Nea Makri is very clean and clear, with many beaches awarded the Blue Flag for quality. The water is generally calm with very few waves, making it excellent for swimming. Water temperatures are comfortable for swimming from June through September, and can sometimes extend into November. In early summer, like June, the water can be a bit cool but is still refreshing for most people.

When is the best time to visit Nea Makri for a beach holiday?

The best time for a beach holiday in Nea Makri is from June to September. During these months, the weather is warm and sunny, and the sea temperature is ideal for swimming, often ranging from 22°C to 26°C (72°F to 79°F). July and August are the peak months with the warmest water but also the most visitors. For pleasant weather without the peak season crowds, consider visiting in June or September.

What are the best beachfront hotels or apartments in Nea Makri?

There are several highly-rated beachfront accommodation options in Nea Makri. For hotels, the Marathon Beach Resort is a well-known establishment situated right on the beach. For a more independent stay, TIKI BEACH STUDIOS are frequently praised in reviews for being modern, clean, and located directly on the sand with excellent sea views. Other options with direct sea access or very close proximity include the NLH Mati Seafront hotel.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

How do you get to Nea Makri's beaches from Athens?

Nea Makri is about 32 kilometers from Athens. The easiest way to get there is by car or taxi, which takes around 40-50 minutes. Alternatively, you can use the public KTEL buses. Buses to Nea Makri and the surrounding beaches depart from the Nomismatokopio metro station in Athens. The journey by bus takes longer, approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, but is a more budget-friendly option.

Are the beaches in Nea Makri organized with sunbeds and beach bars?

Nea Makri offers a mix of organized and unorganized beaches. Many popular spots like parts of Nea Makri Beach, Zouberi, and the southern end of Schinias Beach are fully organized with sunbeds, umbrellas, and beach bars. However, there are also many quieter, unorganized sections and smaller coves where you can lay your own towel, especially along the vast Schinias beach, which offers a more natural setting.

Schinias Beach

Which is better for beaches, Nea Makri or Rafina?

Both Nea Makri and Rafina are popular coastal towns near Athens. Nea Makri is generally preferred for a dedicated beach holiday due to its long, sandy, and well-organized beaches like Marathon and Schinias, which are known for being family-friendly and having very clean water. Rafina is a major port town, and while it has some beaches, they can be affected by the port's activity. Nea Makri is often described as having more of a relaxed, island-like feel compared to the bustling port of Rafina.

Marathon Beach

Schinias Beach

Nea Makri Beach

People Also Ask

Are there any quiet or hidden beaches near Nea Makri?

Yes, while Nea Makri has popular and busy beaches, you can find quieter spots. The northern part of Schinias Beach, near the pine forest, is much more serene than the organized southern end. Additionally, small coves like Paralia Kokkino Limanaki, known for its reddish cliffs, and Argira Akti offer a more secluded and peaceful beach experience away from the main crowds.

Schinias Beach

Paralia Kokkino Limanaki

Argira Akti

Is Nea Makri more for families or for nightlife and parties?

Nea Makri is primarily known as a destination for relaxing and family-oriented holidays. The vibe is generally laid-back, with life centered around the beaches, seaside tavernas, and cafes. While there are some music bars and a pleasant evening atmosphere around the harbor, it is not a party destination with large clubs like other Greek islands. Younger crowds looking for more cosmopolitan and lively nightlife often head to the beaches at Zouberi or Schinias.

Schinias Beach

Is it windy at the beaches in Nea Makri?

During the summer, especially from mid-July to the end of August, the Meltemi wind can be present in Nea Makri, which can create some waves. However, the area offers sheltered alternatives. Schinias Beach, due to its location and long bay, is often much calmer and protected from the wind, making it a reliable option for swimming even on windy days.

Schinias Beach

What's the difference between Nea Makri Beach and Schinias Beach?

Nea Makri Beach is the main beach of the town, a long stretch of sand and pebbles with a pedestrian promenade, many cafes, and tavernas right behind it. It's very accessible and convenient. Schinias Beach, located a few kilometers north, is part of a national park. It's a very long, sandy beach backed by a unique pine forest. Its southern part is organized with popular beach bars, while the northern part is wild and undeveloped, offering a more natural experience.

Nea Makri Beach

Schinias Beach