The villa beach (300 m)
The closest beach is the one you can walk to in five minutes from the front door. Sand and small pebbles, calm water on most days because of the bay's shape, a couple of fish tavernas a short walk along the front. Good for: morning coffee swims, lazy days, kids learning to swim.
Avlaki (10 min south)
The local favourite. A long curving cove tucked behind a low headland, with crystal-clear water that goes turquoise in summer. There's a small beach bar in season, and a few tavernas back from the sand. Avlaki gets the breeze when the rest of the bay is still, which makes it perfect for an afternoon swim when the sun's at its hardest. Good for: clear water, lunch on the beach, a windier afternoon.
Erotospilia (15 min south)
"Cave of love" — the name comes from a small sea cave at the south end. Pebbles and rocky entries rather than sand, but the water is deep and clean which makes it the best snorkelling spot in the area. Bring shoes. Quieter than Avlaki even in August. Good for: snorkelling, swimmers, a quieter day.
Agia Marina (12 min north)
The longest sandy beach in the area, with shallow water that stays kid-friendly for a long way out. There's a small chapel on the headland (Agia Marina herself) and a parking area right behind the beach. Busy on weekends in July and August. Good for: families with small kids, long walks, sunset.
Brauron beach (15 min north)
Sandy and shallow, with the bonus that the archaeological site at Brauron is right next door — a good way to combine an early swim with culture before lunch. Beach umbrellas can be rented in summer. Good for: combining swim + history.
Kavouri (across the bay, by boat)
Not driveable from Porto Rafti — you'd have to go all the way around the headland. But the small islands across the bay have hidden coves you can reach by rented motorboat. If you want a swim that genuinely no-one else has, this is how. Ask us about renting a boat from the harbour for a day. Good for: adventurers, couples, a memorable day.
What time to go
In July and August, mornings (before 11) and late afternoons (after 5) are dramatically better than midday. Greeks understand this — locals swim at 8 am and 6 pm, and use midday for lunch and a nap. Adopt the rhythm; you'll have a much better time.
Practical bits
- Blue Flag beaches are clearly signed and have lifeguards in summer (Avlaki and Agia Marina usually qualify).
- Greek law requires a free strip of beach access — you don't have to rent an umbrella anywhere.
- Sea urchins are common around rocks. Water shoes are a good idea at Erotospilia.
- Jellyfish are rare here. Last summer we saw maybe two days total.
- Beach bars mostly take cards now but bring a little cash for the smaller ones.