Athens also has beaches – some very good and with a Blue Flag – and the coastal area to the south en route to Sounion is known as the Athenian Riviera. Development is constant as far as Vouliagmeni some 20kms out, and these resort areas are understandably busy throughout the summer months.

Vouliagmeni is the most upmarket of these suburbs and has some delightful coves dotted around its peninsula, as well as longer stretches of sand and some excellent restaurants. Access to Athens centre is easy by frequent bus, taxi (15-20 euros) or perhaps via the tram which runs from Glyfada just up the coast.

After Vouliagmeni things quieten down. Some 50 kms from Athens the small resort of Anavyssos has a long sandy beach and a line of authentic fish tavernas. Cape Sounion, 16 kms further on, attracts a lot of day-trippers to its impressive ruined Temple of Poseidon, but actually is a quietly atmospheric and rather rural spot in which to stay, and possesses a couple of good tavernas and a reasonable beach.