Perama Beaches

Overview

Visitors looking for a beach holiday in Perama will quickly discover the area is a major industrial port, not a typical seaside resort. For swimming and sunbathing, you’ll need to travel a short distance. The two main choices offer distinct experiences: the nearby island of Salamis, a quick ferry ride away, provides a local Greek island feel, while the famous Athens Riviera presents a more cosmopolitan and organized beach scene.

The Athens Riviera, stretching down the coast from Athens, is home to some of the region's most celebrated beaches. For a luxurious day by the sea, the renowned Astir Beach is a top destination offering high-end services. Families often prefer the shallow waters and ample amenities of Paralia Varkiza, making for a relaxed day out. For those seeking a more dramatic landscape, the stunning, clear waters of Kape Beach offer a Greek island-like escape that is well worth the drive.

For an experience favored by locals, the short ferry to Salamis island is the most popular option, offering a variety of more rustic beaches. Back on the mainland, Votsalakia Beach in Piraeus is where area residents go for a convenient swim with an authentic urban vibe. Whether you prefer an organized resort or a simple pebbled cove, you can find more details on these and many other coastal spots in our complete beach guide.

Top Beaches

Perama Beach

As the only beach directly in the town, this is the most convenient and authentic choice for anyone staying in Perama. This small local spot offers a genuine slice of life in a working port town, a world away from the polished resorts of the riviera. Instead of tourist crowds, you will find a simple waterfront where residents come for a quiet moment by the sea. The beach's character is uniquely defined by its direct view across the busy strait to the island of Salamis. It’s a place to watch the fascinating, constant parade of local ferries and ships navigating the historic waterway. This provides a refreshingly honest look at a community whose identity is deeply intertwined with its maritime and shipbuilding traditions.

FAQ

Are there any swimming beaches in Perama itself?

Perama is primarily a major port and industrial shipyard area, so it does not have designated swimming beaches directly within the town. The coastline is dominated by port facilities, and swimming in the main harbor area is not recommended due to heavy boat traffic and industrial activity.

Is the water clean for swimming around Perama?

Due to its nature as one of Greece's largest and busiest ports with extensive shipyard operations, the water quality immediately around Perama is generally not considered suitable for recreational swimming. In fact, Greek Health Ministry directives have previously prohibited swimming in the entire area from the port of Piraeus to Perama due to pollution.

Where is the closest place to go for a swim from Perama?

The closest and most popular option for swimming is the island of Salamis (also known as Salamina), which is just a 15-minute ferry ride from Perama. The ferry runs very frequently, 24/7. Beaches like Psili Ammos, Selinia, and Kanakia on Salamis are popular choices for a beach day.

Paralia Psili Ammos

Kanakia Beach

Is Perama a good destination for a beach holiday?

Perama is not a typical beach holiday destination. It's an industrial and residential suburb of Piraeus. While it can be a budget-friendly base, travelers whose main goal is a beach vacation would be better suited to stay in areas along the Athens Riviera, such as Glyfada, Voula, or Vouliagmeni, or on a more traditional Greek island.

Glyfada Beach

Voula Beach

Vouliagmeni

I found cheap accommodation in Perama. Is it a good base for exploring Athens?

Perama can serve as a very budget-friendly base, but it comes with trade-offs. It is not a tourist area and lacks the amenities and atmosphere found in central Athens. While connected by public transport, travel to the main archaeological sites in Athens can be time-consuming (often over an hour). It's more suited for budget-conscious travelers who don't mind the commute and the industrial surroundings.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

How do I get to the Athens Riviera beaches from Perama?

To get to the Athens Riviera beaches like Glyfada or Vouliagmeni from Perama, you would typically need to take a bus or taxi towards Piraeus or Athens city center first, and then connect to the coastal tram or a bus line that runs along the riviera. The journey can take over an hour depending on traffic and connections.

Is it better to go to Salamis island or the Athens Riviera for beaches if I'm staying in Perama?

Going to Salamis is much quicker and easier from Perama, with a short and frequent ferry ride. The beaches on Salamis offer a more local, rustic Greek island feel. The Athens Riviera has more organized, cosmopolitan beaches with many bars and restaurants, but it is significantly further and more time-consuming to reach from Perama. The choice depends on whether you prefer convenience and a local vibe (Salamis) or a more polished, lively beach scene (Athens Riviera).

What are the beaches on Salamis island like?

The beaches on Salamis island range from small, pebbly coves to more organized sandy stretches. Popular spots like Psili Ammos are sandy and have shallow waters, making them family-friendly. Others, like those around the village of Selinia, are a mix of sand and pebbles and are lined with tavernas. The vibe is generally relaxed and popular with locals from the wider Piraeus area.