Swimming Ban in 13 Coastal Areas of Athens, Greece

a Following a recent directive issued by Deputy Minister of Health Irini Agapidaki, swimming is now prohibited in 13 specific areas across Attica. These locations do not meet the required water quality standards set by current swimming water legislation, posing health risks to swimmers.

Where Is Swimming Banned?

The swimming ban covers the following zones in Attica:

• All ports, permanent anchorages, shipyards, and ship-breaking sites.
• The entire area from the port of Piraeus to Perama.
• The region from Skaramagas to the beach of Aspropyrgos.
• The ports of Skafaki, Stavros at Themistokleous Coast, the small port of the Naval Academy, and 100 meters on either side of the MIRAMARE Center.
• From the northern edge of Mikrolimano to the shore of Xirotagaro (marina boundary).
• The left side of the “EDEM” beach near the “EDEM” restaurant, including 100 meters on both sides of the Pikrodafni stream outlet.
• The left side of the “Sounio” beach in front of the “Akroyiali” restaurant.
• A 50-meter zone on both sides of all stormwater drainage outlets.
• A 200-meter zone on both sides of wastewater treatment plant outlets and similar discharge points, where local authorities have placed warning signs or recommended them.
• The area from the shipyards and the bay of Lavrio port up to the Public Power Corporation (DEH), except for the section from Helm coast to Thorikos (Theatro Coast).
• The entire outer side of the protective mole in Rafina port.
• A 200-meter zone from wastewater treatment outlets located in Nea Makri and Marathon, including near the THALA and Air Force (THAA) camps. The swimming beach at KEDA/Z is excluded from this ban.
• The area around the Asopos River, 200 meters on both sides of its outlet.

What This Means for Travelers

Visitors planning to swim or visit beaches in Attica should avoid these areas due to water quality concerns. Swimming in these prohibited zones could pose health risks and result in fines or penalties. Always look out for official signage and local guidance when at the coast.