Life's A Beach

It's hot. Finally. So hot that I'm complaining about it. This makes me happy. It also makes me want to pack it all in and plant myself on some hot sand somewhere, close enough to jump in the water when the sweat is just too much to bear.. Greek Summer is here!

'Are there beaches in Athens??'  Why, yes, dear tourist. There are plenty. Some of them are even nice! And some others are... less nice.

Close to the city-centre, I've been to Akanthus a couple times. It is an 'all day beach bar' along the Alimos seaside - with a lovely sandy beach, clear waters, and a decidedly cool vibe. There is a restaurant with a nice menu, music all day long, and a nighttime club transformation on most nights.  It gets rather busy, especially on weekends. But if you go early enough, it's one of the nicer spots close to the city.

There are many beaches along the Athenian Rivera (as entire coastal strip has been branded). The further south you go, the more crystal clear the water becomes, as the surroundings become less 'urban'. Or so one would think. There are some obvious places I would never (ever) swim - and plenty of others that would make me pause and think.

How is one to know about the cleanliness of the waters around Attica? There are a couple places to check for water quality. The Greek Centre for Environmental Research (ΠΑΚΟΕ - Πανελληνιο Κεντρο Οικολογικών Ερευνών) recently released its ratings of Attica's beaches, based on its scientific measurements of water quality. Some people have commented on the ratings, saying that they are biased - you can judge for yourselves.

For an alternative version, with interactive map, try the Clean Beaches site - outlined below (also in English).

Whatever you choose to believe, have your wits about you and don't bunk down in the first place with a sandy stretch of beach. Take good care and enjoy the summer!

Until next week,

Jack

(in Greek, but Google translate can help here - and most of the beach names can be easily recognized)

Leof. Poseidonos, Kalamaki, Athens

+30 210 968 0800