Why you will love Attica’s east coast

Head to the east coast of Attica for well-priced holiday homes and a fast ferry route to the Cyclade Islands. Towns on the east coast of Attica, between Marathon in the north and Porto Rafti in the south, are conveniently located for the city of Athens, Athens Airport and Rafina Port.

The area is not as touristy as the west coast, yet it has some beautiful holiday villages and lovely beaches. For this reason, property prices on the East coast of Attica are lower than on the Athens Riviera. A 100m2 sea view apartment can cost under €260,000 on the East coast.  Whereas, a sea view apartment of this size on the Athens Riviera starts at over €310,000.

According to data gathered by the Spitogatos Property Index (SPI), the average asking price for houses across the Attica region (3rd quarter 2023) had risen by an average of 13.6%. In practical terms, a 100-square-metre apartment that was sold for €196,000 in October 2022 cost €223,000 in October 2023, an increase of €27,000.

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East coast beaches

On the east coast of Attica, one of the most popular beaches is Schinias near Marathon, where you can swim, surf or have a relaxing lunch on the seafront. Alternatively, at Erotospilla beach near Porto Rafti you can relax under the shade of the trees. For something different, try Kokkino Limanaki at Rafina, where the beach is surrounded by red rock.

 

Marathon

Despite Marathon (Marathonas) being a small town, with less than 24,000 inhabitants, its name is well known around the world. Marathon is famous for being the site of the famous battle of Marathon in 490 BC. Plus, it gives its name to the Authentic Athens Marathon Race.

When the Greeks won the incredible battle against the Persian army. Legend tells us that Phidippides, ran non-stop to Athens to bring news of the victory. Once he reached the city, he shouted “We have won” and dropped dead. It was this event that inspired the marathon race of 42,195 km, which is the actual distance from Marathon to Athens.  The route passes through some lovely scenery, where you will see olive groves, vineyards, orchards and wild vegetation.

Pendeli White Marble

The Pendeli mountains, to the west, shelter the Marathon Valley from the wind. And it is from these mountains that Pendeli white marble was taken to build the famous temples of Athens, including the Parthenon. 9km from the town of Marathon is an artificial lake with its dam walls reinforced with white marble. This is the main reservoir that provides drinking water to Athens.

Marathon’s beaches

The main part of the town is about 9 minutes’ drive from the sea. However, holiday homes are well spread out, right down to the sea. The area has a variety of popular beaches. To the north, Shinias beach is located in an area of unique natural beauty that has been declared a National Park. The sea here is also popular with windsurfers and there are numerous relaxed seafront restaurants. Other activities include hiking in the picturesque gorge and enjoying the shallow waters of the Olympic rowing centre.

Although the town itself doesn’t have any outstanding landmarks, it does have all the facilities you might need, such as shops, schools, and restaurants. Also, in the centre of the town is the Marathon Museum, and nearby is an archaeological museum.

Getting to Athens from Marathon

It took Phidippides two days to run from Marathon to Athens. Today it takes less than an hour by car. There are also buses and taxis that cover this route.

Getting from Marathon to Athens airport

By car you can reach Athens airport in around 38 minutes.

4 bedroom house in Marathonas €460,000

 

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Nea Makri

 

Five minutes down the coast from Marathon is Nea Makri with a population of around 15,000. This charming resort has a well-developed infrastructure and is popular with both locals and tourists. There are several hotels as well as numerous villas, holiday homes, and apartments.

Along the wide promenade of Nea Makri, there are numerous fish and meat tavernas, cafés, and bars. There is also a small picturesque harbour with fishing boats and yachts, mostly belonging to local residents. Fishermen sell freshly caught fish every morning and you may even be able to rent a fishing boat to explore the crystal clear coastal waters. For children there is a sailing school and there are playgrounds dotted along the promenade.

There are some big supermarkets chains in the town and a variety of different shops. The area is known for its bio-organic vegetables, fruits, and milk products that can be bought at the market and on local farms. You can find many types of properties in the area, including luxury homes.

Nea Makri’s beaches

The beaches in Nea Makri and along the coast, are sandy, with occasional pebbles. A pleasant place to walk in the shade of date palms and pine trees is the beach of Brexiza. Alternatively, you can take a stroll at the Sanctuary of the Egyptian Gods.

2km south is Zuberi beach, which attracts a younger crowd. Here you will find a beach bar, a taverna, and sports fields. But there are also quieter spots for you to discover too. On the outskirts of Nea Makri is located the Monastery of St. Ephraim. The monastery is one of the oldest in Attica, founded in the 10th century.

Getting to Athens from Nea Makri

The cheapest way to reach Athens is by bus, which takes about 1hr 30mins. However, it takes less than an hour by taxi or car.

Getting to Athens airport from Nea Makri.

A car journey to the airport takes between 30 and 40 minutes.

Large detached house in Nea Makri €650,000

 

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Rafina’s Port Town

Rafina is just 15 minutes’ drive from Nea Makri, and is the second-largest port in Attica. For tourists, it is very conveniently located, as it is the closest port to Athens Airport. In addition, the ferry from Rafina to many of the Cyclade islands, is faster and cheaper than from Piraeus port. You can get more information from the ferryhopper website. 

Ferries from Rafina

From Rafina you can catch ferries all year round to the Cyclade islands of Andros, Tinos, and Mykonos. During the summer months there are numerous ferries from Rafina to the islands of the Cyclades. For example, some of the most popular routes are to Milos and Santorini. There is even a weekly crossing to Crete. In addition, during the summer you can usually get direct ferries from Rafina to Ikaria or Samos in the northeast Aegean. The port of Marmari on the island of Evia can only be reached by ferry from Rafina.

Rafina Town

Rafina has a population of less than 14,000 and is a relaxed resort away from the crowds of central Athens. There are a lot of apartment blocks around the bay, and a promenade famous for its excellent fish tavernas. There are also many shops with fresh fish and seafood. Although Rafina is a modern seaside town, with many holiday homes, it has preserved its authentic atmosphere, attracting many visitors.

Over recent years, Rafina has experienced great growth. Mainly due to more ferry companies choosing to sail from here. As well as supermarkets, shops, a medical centre and schools the town also boasts some big parks and open green spaces.

Rafina’s beaches

Rafina’s most popular beaches are the one by the port which is sand and stones and the “Marikes” beach in Avlaki, south of the town. The rest of the shoreline is quite rocky, but with sea view apartments right on the coast road. A 100m2 apartment in Rafina costs in the region of 105,000- 320,000, depending mainly on its distance from the sea.

Getting to Rafina Port from Athens

A bus (KTEL) runs from Athens to Rafina. Although travelers should be aware that, buses leave from three different points in Athens, depending on their final destination. Therefore if you are travelling from central Athens you may first need to take the metro to the relevant bus station. If you travel by car it will take between 45 minutes to an hour to drive from central Athens.

Getting to Rafina Port from Athens Airport

If you hire a car at the airport, it will take you about 23 minutes to drive to Rafina. Alternatively, you can catch the bus. The bus departs from the arrivals Level, opposite the airport hotel (Sofitel). Tickets can be purchased from the bus driver.

Artemida

15 minutes’ drive down the coast from Rafina is another popular seaside resort called Artemida, also known as Loutsa. It is only 10km from Athens International airport and 30 km from the centre of Athens. It’s a great place to have a holiday home.

The beaches here are beautiful with white sand and shallow waters. Most of them are organized and are backed by some shady trees and parking right behind the beach. The coast road has a selection of restaurants, bars, supermarkets and apartments along it. There is also a port for small boats.

There are many holiday houses as well as apartments in this area. Homes are well spaced with gardens and trees. While the ground is flat near the sea, there are gentle slopes up the small hills as you go inland. Therefore, from some inland properties you can see the sea. 100m2 apartments with a distant sea view can be found for less than €150,000.

Places to visit

Places to visit near Artemida include the Attica Zoological Park,  which is well worth the trip. Then, for those who enjoy visiting historic sites, there is the Sanctuary of the Brauronian Artemis. The most notable monuments on the site are The Big Doric Stoa, built between 425 and 415 B.C., The Temple of Artemis and the stone bridge over the river Erasinos.

Getting from Artemida to Athens

It takes about 50 minutes to drive to Athens from Artemida.

Getting from Athens airport to Artemida

It only takes about 15 minutes to drive from Athens airport to Artemida.

Porto Rafti

Porto Rafti is a popular escape for many Athenians as it has wonderful beaches, a long coastline and natural beauty. While initially it was purely a holiday home resort, it has since attracted around 10,000 people to become permanent residents. After the 2004 Olympics there was a lot of development in the area. The new Athens Airport and other road projects also contributed to this.

The area has also become well known among those who love watersports, fishing and sailing. Porto Rafti also has everything you need for year round living, including schools, a shopping mall, supermarket and shops. For relaxing holidays by the sea there are also cafes, tavernas and restaurants. Particularly along the 2km long promenade.

Getting to Porto Rafti from Athens

A bus (KTEL) connects Athens with Porto Rafti. Alternatively, you can drive from central Athens to Porto Rafti in less than an hour.

Getting to Porto Rafti from Athens Airport

You can get a bus from Athens airport to Porto Rafti, with a change at Markopoulo it can take quite a while. However, it does only cost around €5. Alternatively, you could hire a car at the airport and drive, which takes about 20 minutes.

Sea view property needing renovation in Porto Rafti €220,000 

 

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