Where to swim
around Rafina

Schinias (Greek: Σχοινιάς, sometimes written Schoinias) is a long stretch of soft golden sand backed by a protected umbrella-pine forest, near Marathon and about 15 km north of Rafina. It's widely rated one of the best natural beaches near Athens: the water is shallow, clean and calm in the morning, and the pines come right down to the sand, so there's real shade — rare on an Attica beach.

What it's known for

• Windsurfing & kitesurfing. Reliable afternoon winds and the 2004 Olympic Rowing & Canoeing Centre make Schinias the go-to spot near Athens for windsurf, kitesurf and SUP, with schools and rentals on the beach.
• Family swimming. Long, shallow sandy shelves are ideal for children in the morning, before the wind picks up.
• Nature. The pine forest and wetland are a protected Natura 2000 area, so it stays green and undeveloped. Bring a little shade and you can happily spend the whole day.

Getting to Schinias from Rafina

It's roughly 15 km, about 20–25 minutes by car or taxi from Rafina port. There's no convenient direct bus, so driving, a taxi or a local transfer is the easy way, especially with beach gear. Parking is free along the pine forest and in the lots behind the sand; arrive before midday on summer weekends.

You'll find a mix of free, unorganised stretches and organised beach bars with sunbeds, umbrellas and food. Walk a little past the main entrances for quiet. Pair a morning swim with the nearby Marathon battlefield and tomb for a full day out.

Watersports at Schinias

Schinias is the best-known windsurfing and kitesurfing spot near Athens. The bay catches a steady Aegean wind — strongest at the southern end — and windsurf, kitesurf and SUP schools with rentals operate on the beach. In summer the mornings are usually calm for swimming and paddleboarding, and the wind builds through the afternoon; the most reliable wind for surfers runs from autumn into spring.

Make a day of it: tours near Schinias & Marathon

Schinias sits right beside the historic plain of Marathon, so a beach day pairs naturally with a little history — the ancient battlefield where the Marathon was born, the original Olympic run, and a snorkelling cruise along this coast. A few well-rated options near the beach:

Kokkino Limanaki (Greek: Κόκκινο Λιμανάκι, "little red harbour") is a small, scenic cove about 5 km from Rafina, on the coast toward Nea Makri. It takes its name from the warm red-orange rock and earth around the bay, which set off the clear blue water beautifully — it's one of the prettiest little beaches in the area and a favourite for photos and sunsets.

What to expect

• Scenery over size. The beach is compact, a mix of sand and fine pebble below low red cliffs, with clear, calm water that's good for a quiet swim and a snorkel near the rocks.
• Come early. Because it's small, it fills up on summer afternoons. Mornings are calmer, and the light on the red rock is best early and late.
• Low-key facilities. There's some seasonal service, but bring water and a little shade to be safe. Access is by road and a short walk down to the cove; parking nearby is limited.

Getting to Kokkino Limanaki from Rafina

About 5 km, roughly 10 minutes by car or taxi from the port. As with the other coves it isn't on a handy bus route, so a taxi or a quick transfer is easiest. Ask a local if you'd like to know whether it's calm on the day.

The beaches around Rafina are spread along the East Attica coast, and most aren't on a handy bus route, so the simplest way to reach Schinias (about 15 km), Nea Makri (about 10 km) and the quieter coves is by car. A car also lets you carry beach gear, follow the calm morning sea before the wind builds, and pair a swim with Marathon. If you're not already driving, you can pick one up at Athens Airport (about 25 km) or in Rafina, and compare prices across companies below. Parking is free along the pine forest at Schinias and at most of the beach car parks.