Things to Do Near Marathon and Schinias

The area around Marathon and Schinias offers far more than a beach holiday. Within a short distance of each other, you will find ancient history, a protected national park, water sports, local food, and a pace of life that feels entirely removed from Athens — despite being less than an hour away.

The Battle of Marathon — Ancient History on Your Doorstep

In 490 BC, a vastly outnumbered Athenian army defeated the Persian forces of Darius I on the plain of Marathon. The victory is one of the defining moments of ancient history, and the site is here — on the same flat coastal plain you will drive through to reach the beach.

The Soros (Burial Mound)

The Tomb of the Marathonomachoi (the Soros) is a burial mound containing the ashes of the 192 Athenians who died in the battle. It still stands on the plain, exactly where it was built 2,500 years ago. The site is open to visitors and is a remarkably moving place — modest in scale but extraordinary in what it represents.

The Archaeological Museum of Marathon

The Marathon Archaeological Museum houses finds from the surrounding area, including artefacts from Egyptian cults that were practised locally, grave goods, and sculptures. It is small, well-curated, and easy to visit in an hour. Entry is inexpensive.

Schinias-Marathon National Park

The national park that covers Schinias beach and the surrounding area is one of the few coastal parks in Greece. The pine forest — schinias (or Pinus halepensis, Aleppo pine) — extends across the dunes and wetlands, and the area is protected for its rare flora and bird life.

Walking and cycling paths run through the park. The wetlands at the northern end attract migratory birds in spring and autumn, making it a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in wildlife.

Lake Marathon (Marathon Dam)

A short drive inland from the coast, Lake Marathon is a reservoir created by one of the oldest dams in Greece, built in the 1920s to supply Athens with drinking water. The dam is faced with Pentelic marble — the same stone used to build the Parthenon — and the lake itself is scenic and peaceful. It is not a swimming lake, but the drive through the hills to reach it is beautiful.

Nea Makri and Local Tavernas

The coastal town of Nea Makri, just south of Schinias, has a seafront promenade with a good selection of fish tavernas and cafés. It is the kind of place where locals eat — relaxed, unpretentious, and good value. Fresh grilled fish, Greek salad, and cold wine overlooking the Aegean is a simple pleasure that is hard to improve upon.

Marathon town itself has several traditional tavernas, particularly around the main square, where you can eat well for a reasonable price.

Water Sports at Schinias

When the wind picks up at Schinias, particularly with southerly winds, the bay becomes a popular spot for windsurfers and kitesurfers. Equipment rental is available at the beach during the summer season. On calmer days, the clear shallow water is better suited to paddleboarding and kayaking.

Cycling the Coast

The terrain around Schinias is unusually flat for Greece, which makes it ideal for cycling. The road that runs along the coast through the national park is quiet (especially outside of summer weekends) and the combination of pine trees, sea views, and historical sites along the route makes for a genuinely enjoyable ride.

Where to Stay

To make the most of the area, staying locally is far better than making day trips from Athens. Schinias Soul Habitats has three apartments — Aura, Gaia, and Karma — each within a 10-minute walk of the beach and bordering the Schinias-Marathon National Park. Contact us to check availability and dates.