Location
Greece
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Adults only
Terrain
Rock
Best season
June to September
About Marikes Beach
Marikes is a small rocky cove just south of Rafina, the ferry port on the east coast of Attica, about 30 km from central Athens. It lies behind the headland at the right-hand (southern) end of Rafina's main sandy beach and is reached by a short climb and path, which keeps it out of sight of the town beach. Greek media guides to nude swimming around Athens (Parapolitika 2014, Lifo 2022) list it as one of the few places in Attica where people swim nude. There is no sand to speak of: you sit on rock ledges and pebbles, so it is awkward for lying down, but the water is clear and deep. There are no facilities, no shade and no lifeguard. The coastal dunes and shore at Marikes are a protected ecosystem, and a campaign to keep the area free of beach-bar concessions has run for years.
Getting there
From Athens, Rafina is reached by KTEL bus from Pedion tou Areos or by city bus 314 from Doukissis Plakentias metro, or about 40 minutes by car. Walk to the southern (right-hand, facing the sea) end of Rafina's main beach, where steps lead up to a path over the headland and down to the cove. The final stretch is rocky and uneven. Parking is in Rafina town and along the beach road; it is busy on summer weekends and on ferry days. Not wheelchair accessible.
What visitors say
Greek guides describe Marikes as a quiet, secluded spot with excellent water and an easy escape from Athens for nude swimming, but awkward for sunbathing because it is all rock. There are no services, so bring water and shade. Local campaigners have opposed plans for a larger beach concession that they say would bring crowds to an area that is still unspoilt.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Marikes is not an officially recognised nude beach. Under the 1983 framework, nudism is permitted only at recognised naturist sites, and nudity elsewhere can be prosecuted under Penal Code article 353 (indecent acts causing public offence) if someone complains; police usually issue a warning first (Lifo, 2022). Nude swimming at Marikes is informal and tolerated. The site falls under protective environmental provisions (Law 1650/1986).
Naturism at Marikes Beach sits under Greece's rules for traditional tolerance — custom more than statute.
Full country law: Greece public nudity guide.
Researched 24 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 38.0093, 24.0211
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in Greece
Frequently asked questions
Is nudity allowed at Marikes?
Not officially. It is one of the few spots in Attica where nude swimming is customary, but technically nudity outside recognised naturist sites can be penalised if someone complains.
How do I find the cove?
Go to the southern (right-hand) end of Rafina's main beach and take the steps up to the path that leads over the headland to the cove.
Can I get there by public transport?
Yes. Take the KTEL bus from Pedion tou Areos or bus 314 from Doukissis Plakentias to Rafina, then walk to the end of the beach.
Are there facilities?
No. There is no sand, shade, food or toilets at the cove; Rafina town has everything nearby.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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