Sun, Sea… and a €320 Sunbed: Athens Riviera Beach Prices Raise Eyebrows

A day at the beach along the Athens Riviera is becoming an increasingly luxurious—and costly—affair, with sunbed prices soaring to eye-watering levels that have sparked frustration among both locals and tourists.

Once a casual summer ritual, a swim in the clear waters of the Saronic Gulf is now often reserved for those willing to pay premium prices. The recent upscale development of the coastal zone, stretching from the southern suburbs of Athens to the resort town of Sounio, has turned several beachfront areas into exclusive experiences, with prices that reflect their high-end image.

Sky-High Costs for Basic Comfort

In some of the capital’s most popular seaside neighborhoods, such as Glyfada and Vouliagmeni, the cost of renting a set of two sunbeds and an umbrella can range from steep to staggering.

• Glyfada: €100 for a set on weekdays, rising to €140 on weekends
• Kavouri: Up to €320 per set—one of the highest prices reported
• Vouliagmeni:
  • Weekdays: €175 (front row), €160 (second row), €150 (third row)
  • Weekends: €215 (for all rows except the third, which is €205)

Even in less upscale areas like Alimos, weekend prices range from €17 to €45 per set, while in Anavyssos, aboutr an hour’s way from Athens, beachgoers can expect to pay between €33 and €70.

For many, the costs are simply too high. Some visitors, unwilling or unable to spend €50 or more per swim, opt instead for free public beaches—bringing their own towels, umbrellas, and a DIY attitude.

Beach for the Few or the Many?

As prices climb, debate is growing over the accessibility of Greece’s coastline. The right to access the sea is enshrined in Greek law, but in practice, the rising costs at organized beaches are creating a divide between those who can afford comfort and those who are being priced out.

Critics argue that these beach pricing trends reflect a growing commercialization of public space. While luxury sunbed services are not new to Greek tourism, the sheer scale of the recent hikes—especially in an economically pressured climate—has made even seasoned beachgoers take notice.

Source: Tovima.com