Schinias Beach: A Complete Guide

Schinias Beach is one of the finest stretches of coastline in Attica, and one of the best-kept secrets for anyone visiting Athens. Just 45 kilometres from the city centre, it offers something rare: a long, sandy beach backed by a fragrant pine forest, with calm turquoise water and none of the overcrowding that plagues beaches closer to the capital.

Where Is Schinias Beach?

Schinias is located in the municipality of Marathon, in the north-eastern corner of Attica. The beach is part of the Schinias-Marathon National Park, established in 2000 to protect the rare coastal pine forest and its wildlife. The park is one of the few coastal national parks in Greece and is home to migratory birds, rare plant species, and a landscape that feels surprisingly wild for somewhere so close to Athens.

How to Get There

By car, Schinias is approximately 1 hour from central Athens via the Marathonos Avenue (a straight, easy drive). Parking is available near the beach.

By public transport, take the KTEL Attikis bus from Nomismatokopio Metro Station in Athens to Marathon or Kato Souli (the last stop on the route). The bus stops at various points including Nea Makri, Schinias, and Marathon town. Journey time is around 1.5 hours.

What Makes Schinias Special

Most beaches near Athens are either packed with sunbeds and beach bars, or difficult to reach without a car. Schinias is different. The pine trees grow almost to the waterline in places, providing natural shade and a distinctive atmosphere. The beach itself stretches for approximately four kilometres, so even on busy summer weekends there is space to find a quieter spot.

The water is shallow and calm — the bay has some natural shelter — which makes it ideal for families with children, swimmers of all abilities, and those who simply want to float peacefully in clear sea.

Olympic Heritage

Schinias was chosen as the venue for the rowing and canoe/kayak events at the 2004 Athens Olympics. The Marathon Rowing Centre remains at the northern end of the beach, and the surrounding infrastructure — paths, open spaces, and facilities — reflects that legacy. It gives the area a slightly different character to a typical Greek beach resort.

Activities

• Swimming — the calm, clear water is the main draw for most visitors
• Windsurfing and kitesurfing — conditions at Schinias suit wind sports, particularly with southerly winds; equipment rental is available at the beach during summer
• Cycling — the flat terrain along the coast and through the national park is well-suited to leisurely cycling
• Walking — marked paths through the pine forest are peaceful and shaded
• Bird watching — the wetlands at the northern end of the park attract migratory species, particularly in spring and autumn

Best Time to Visit

The beach is at its best from May through October. July and August are the busiest months — the water is warmest but the beach is more crowded. For a quieter experience with still-warm water, late May, June, and September are ideal. Spring (April–May) is beautiful for walking in the national park when the wildflowers are in bloom.

Where to Stay

Schinias Soul Habitats offers three apartments just a 10-minute walk from the beach, set among the pines. Each apartment is designed around calm, comfort, and the natural setting. Get in touch to check availability.