Let's go to the beach: thanks to its location between three mountain ranges and the opening to the Saronic Gulf, Athens scores with a pleasantly mild climate - in summer, however, the temperatures often climb above the 40-degree mark. To cool off a bit, the city's residents and their visitors head for the nearby beaches, down to the Athens Riviera.

From Glyfada to the secluded Kape Beach, gorgeous white beaches on pearly expanses await sun-seekers everywhere. Before heading into the turquoise waters, here are a few important hints and tips.

From the old town to the Riviera: one look is enough to make vacationers' hearts beat faster. © Gian Porsius

Weekend Vibes? Better not! If you can, hit the beaches during the week, as locals gather for beach days on the Riviera on Saturdays and Sundays.

Windy Athens: During the summer months, Athens is strongly blown by winds - this also affects the current, which can be particularly strong during these months. The sun is also easily underestimated due to the cool winds. Therefore, be careful when going into the water and apply sunscreen regularly!

Safety first: If you like to swim a lot, never swim too close to the buoys and avoid the water corridors for boats. Otherwise, it can quickly become dangerous! Good to know: an orange flag on the beach means that a lifeguard is on standby during core hours between half past ten and half past five. The red flag, on the other hand, indicates that the lifeguard is not present.

Getting there: Whether by bus, streetcar or metro, the beaches of Athens are usually quite easy to reach by public transport. During the week you can also arrive by car, on weekends, especially in summer, you have to expect traffic jams and long waits.

Related: Athens Bucket List: These 5 things you must have experienced

The natural one: Kape beach

A little paradise during the week, only on Saturdays and Sundays does Athens' weekend crowd flock to Kape Beach - on those days, it's better to head to nearby Legrena Beach. © Shutterstock

Where? Keratea 195 00, Greece
Travel time? 1 hour from the city centre

A small staircase leads to one of the most beautiful beaches in the region. Kape Beach, about an hour's drive from Athens city center, beckons with its fine, white pebble beach and beautiful turquoise waters. The beach is unspoiled, and seekers will find numerous other bays all around, and in the evening you can treat yourself to a delicious sundowner in the bar above the bay. 

The Relaxed: Voula Beach

Wi-Fi, free parking, plenty of bars and restaurants: Voula Beach is ideal for a relaxing day at the beach. © Shutterstock

Where? Voula 166 73, Greece
Travel time? 30 min from the city centre
Public transport? Streetcar lines 3 and 5, buses 115, 130, 117, 121

Welcome to the Hellenic Hamptons. Voula, just like Glyfada or Vouliagmeni, is one of the most exclusive spots on the Athens Riviera. If you love not only high life, but also a fine, soft sandy beach, you've come to the right place. Voula Beach scores with many amenities such as sunbeds and waiter service, as well as crystal-clear, turquoise water on which fishing boats peacefully drift in the distance. Since the water is very calm and there are hardly any strong waves, the beach is also suitable for families. On weekends, you should get up early to grab one of the coveted sun lounger spots! 

The sporty: Palaio Faliro beach

On the Faliro promenade, sports lovers can jog, bike or skateboard for hours until they reach Glyfada in the south. © Hert Niks

Where. Palaio Faliro district, 175 61, Greece
Travel time? 15 min from the city centre
Public transportation? Metro M2 and streetcar line 6, Metro M1 and bus line 2, 217, A1, B1 or streetcar line 7

Near the former fishing village of Palaio Faliro lies the beach of the same name, a coastal suburb and the beginning of the Athens Riviera. Sun-seekers can stroll here among palm trees and jog or cycle along the promenade, while luxury yachts enter the marina. In addition to numerous restaurants and cafes, Palaio Faliro beach also hosts outdoor cinema evenings.

The luxurious: Astir Beach Club

It is Athens' most beautiful and arguably most expensive beach: the Astir Beach Club in Vouliagmenis. © Shutterstock

Where? 40 Apollonos, Vouliagmeni 166 71, Greece
Travel time? 30 min. driving time from the city centre
Public transportation? Metro line 2 and bus 122 and 117
Web: astir.gr

Even Jackie Onassis tanned on the elegant beach of Vouliagmenis, today celebrities and international jetsetters show up at the chic coastal section. Here, travellers can expect a dream beach, numerous luxurious amenities, and trendy beach club flair. These include waiter service and comfortable sun loungers, which are best booked in advance, sports facilities such as beach volleyball and water sports, wellness treatments and luxury boutiques, as well as great restaurants.

The connoisseur: Kavouri Beach

It's so green off the Athens Riviera: standing on Kavouri Beach © Shutterstock

Where? 10 Iliou St., Vouliagmeni 166 71, Greece
Travel time? 30 min. from the city centre
Public transportation? Metro line 2, then bus 122, A2 and 117

The Kavouri is a place of longing for all those who like to spend the whole day on the beach to finish it off with a fine dinner. The trees on the Riviera rustle in the cool breeze, while the sun burns on the well-kept sandy beach. If you like, you can relax on a lounger under a parasol and protect yourself from the heat. All around there are numerous bays and islands, such as Fleves or Hyroussa, to discover, whether by stand-up paddling or boat trip everyone decides for themselves. In the evenings, the numerous typical Greek taverns around call out to you to indulge yourself, such as Krabo Beach or Malabar. Must-see: the sunset on the Riviera!

The trendy beach: Asteras Beach, Glyfada

Like a thousand diamonds above the crystal-clear, turquoise sea: the beach of Glyfada is located not far from the city center and scores with its breathtaking appearance. © Shutterstock

Where? Leof. Poseidonos 58, Glifada 166 74, Greece
Travel time? 20 min from the city centre
Public transportation? Metro M2 and bus A2, Metro M1 and bus A1
Web? asterascomplex.com

Only about 15 kilometres from Athens city centre is one of the city's most popular beaches: Glyfada. Although there is a public beach section, it is recommended to pay the entrance fee to the well-kept, very beautiful Asteras Beach Club. There, cosy sunbeds and umbrellas with waiter service, valet parking and chic restaurants await. Sports enthusiasts of all ages will also get their money's worth, whether it's water sports or the playground. Not a fan of seawater? No problem: a jump into the Balux Seaside Pool refreshes just as much!

Related: Athens Bucketlist; These 5 Things You Must Experience