Camping Near Athens: 4 Campsites Within an Hour of the City

Athens is hot, loud and amazing. A night or two by the sea, under the pines, is the perfect break from it. The good news: you don't need to go far. Here are four organised campsites around the capital, from one you can reach by city bus to beach spots near Marathon and Sounio.

Note: camping near Athens is only allowed at licensed campsites. Always check each campsite's official website for current opening dates and prices, and book ahead in July and August.

1. Camping Athens: the city campsite

Where: On the Athens-Corinth highway, about 7 km from Omonia Square.

Why go: It is the easiest way to combine camping with sightseeing. Buses run regularly to the city centre and the port of Piraeus, and the campsite is green and shaded.

Best for: Travellers who want the Acropolis by day and a tent at night, or who are catching a ferry from Piraeus.

2. Camping Nea Makri: close to the airport and the east coast

Where: Nea Makri, about 38 km from Athens and 22 km from Athens International Airport.

Why go: It is a practical first or last night of a trip, near the beaches of the east coast and the historic area of Marathon.

Best for: Arrival and departure days, families, beach time without a long drive.

3. Camping Ramnous: by the sea, next to Schinias

Where: On the northeast coast of Attica, about 10 metres from the sea and a few minutes from Schinias National Park and the Olympic Rowing Centre.

Why go: Schinias is one of the most important coastal ecosystems in Attica, with a long beach and a pine forest behind it.

Best for: Nature lovers, swimmers, and anyone who wants a quieter green spot.

4. Camping Bacchus: Sounio and the Temple of Poseidon

Where: In the Sounio area, about 31 km from Athens and 4 km from the port of Lavrio.

Why go: Watch the sunset at the Temple of Poseidon and sleep by the Aegean. From Lavrio you can also take a ferry to nearby islands like Kea.

Best for: Sunset chasers and island hoppers who want to skip the Piraeus crowds.

Tips for camping around Athens in summer

• Look for shade. Summer afternoons are very hot; a pitch under trees makes a big difference.
• Choose a tent with good ventilation and a light sleeping bag or liner.
• Stake your tent well. Strong summer winds are common on the Aegean coast.
• Bring a headlamp, and check whether the campsite has a taverna or mini market before you pack a stove.

Don't have your own gear?

Most visitors don't. Airlines don't allow camping gas, and a tent eats half your luggage. On ShareYourPack you will be able to rent a tent, a sleeping bag or a complete pack from people in Athens, and pick it up before you head out.

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Live in Athens and own camping gear? Lend your gear on ShareYourPack and earn from it.

Heading north? See our guide to camping near Thessaloniki.