Family Beach Holiday Near Athens: Why Schinias is the Right Choice

Choosing a beach for a family holiday involves a different set of priorities than a solo or couples trip. You need calm water that is safe for children, enough space that the beach does not feel crowded, accommodation with proper facilities, and somewhere close enough to reach without an exhausting journey. Schinias, on the north-eastern coast of Attica, ticks all of these boxes — and does so without the noise and commercialisation of the more well-known Athenian beaches.

Why Families Choose Schinias

Calm, Shallow Water

The bay at Schinias is naturally sheltered, which keeps the water calm even when there is a breeze. The seabed slopes very gently, so the water stays shallow for a long distance from the shore — children can wade, splash, and swim safely without suddenly finding themselves out of their depth. The water is clear enough to see the bottom throughout the swimming area.

A Long Beach with Space

Schinias Beach stretches for approximately four kilometres. Even at peak summer weekends, it is large enough to find a quieter section away from the busier central area. For families who dislike the feeling of being packed in on a small beach, this matters enormously.

Shade from the Pine Forest

One of Schinias's most distinctive features is the pine forest that runs along the back of the beach. In the heat of a Greek summer afternoon, natural shade is not something you take for granted. The trees provide it here without needing to pay for a sunbed under an umbrella.

No Heavy Traffic or Crowds

Unlike the beach resorts south of Athens (Glyfada, Vouliagmeni), Schinias is not a destination that draws large party crowds or loud beach clubs. The atmosphere is genuinely relaxed and family-friendly — people come here to swim and enjoy the setting, not to party.

What to Do with Children

• Swimming and playing on the beach — the obvious draw, and the water genuinely justifies it
• Walking in the national park — the pine forest paths are flat, shaded, and short enough for younger children
• Cycling — the terrain around Schinias is unusually flat for Greece; family cycling along the coast road is easy and enjoyable
• The Battle of Marathon site — older children who have studied ancient history will find the Soros (burial mound) and the Marathon Archaeological Museum genuinely interesting; it takes about an hour to visit both

Practical Information for Families

Getting there: By car from Athens (approximately 1 hour) or from the airport (approximately 40 minutes). A hire car from the airport is the most practical option for families with luggage and children.

Facilities: Basic facilities are available at the beach during summer. The towns of Nea Makri and Marathon (both within 10 minutes by car) have supermarkets, pharmacies, and restaurants.

Best months for families: June and September offer warm water, full sun, and significantly fewer people than July and August. If school holidays mean you must travel in peak summer, Schinias handles the crowds better than most Athenian beaches due to its size.

Where to Stay

Schinias Soul Habitats has three apartments suited to families of different sizes — from a studio for up to 3 guests, to a two-bedroom apartment (Karma) that comfortably sleeps up to 5. Each apartment has a full kitchen, private parking, and is a 10-minute walk from the beach through the pine forest. Booking is direct — contact us to check availability for your dates.