'Παραλία Νότου' or 'Notos Beach' is a small sandy beach in the village of Voula (Βούλα). Depending on the road you take, this beach is, by car, between 16 and 19 km away from the center of Athens (Syntagma square).
The shortest way to get here is by following Vouliagmenis Avenue (Λεωφόρος Βουλιαγμένης) but this is, in my opinion, a boring road with a lot of traffic.
The other option is that you come here over Paleo Faliro (Παλαιό Φάληρο). If you follow Siggrou Avenue (from the center of Athens) and keep driving on the right lane, the interchange to Poseidonos Avenue (the road where this beach is located) happens automatically. This is a much more pleasant excursion as you drive, almost all the time, next to the sea.
Above the beach, about 50 m to the right (facing towards the sea) there is a big FREE parking where you can park your car in a safe way. From the parking, walk towards the sea and then follow the promenade (see the picture below) to the left to find the beach.
The beach has a sandy (small pebbled) texture and the waters are very calm and shallow. Because of this, this place is very suitable for families with smaller children. (The sand is ideal for building sand castles).
Regarding accommodation, this beach is very limited. It has very few umbrellas and a dressing cabin. This is mainly due to the fact that this beach doesn't exist in the winter: the sea reaches up to the cliffs.
If you didn’t make it to conquer an umbrella, be happy, above the beach there is a small park with grass and a lot trees where you will find shelter from the sun. You will notice that a lot people combine this beach with a pick-nick in the park. (Actually there are more people in the park then there are on the beach).
Above the beach, about 50 m to the right (facing towards the sea), there is a small playground so that your kids have something to do in the case they got bored of the sea. The playground is fenced to assure that the children, when they go up in their game, not accidentally run towards the street.
Opposite of the playground you will find a superb cafe-bar-restaurant 'Notos' (website) with view over the Saronic bay. You can have a refreshing drink or a small meal while keeping an eye on your children in the playground. This place is very beautiful and relaxing, especially during sunset.
When the children behaved well, we will treat them with some candy from the local candy stand: Happy Taste.
QUICK DETAILS:
LOCATION : 37°50'31.2"N+23°45'28.4"E (37.8420011 23.7573404).
TYPE : SANDY.
FACILITIES :
PARTLY ORGANISED (FREE umbrellas & dressing cabin).
ACCESSIBLE BY CAR, BUS & BICYCLE.
CHILD FRIENDLY (shallow waters, soft sand, playground & candy stand).
BIG PARKING.
TREES IN THE PARK ABOVE THE BEACH (for shade).
PROMENADE FOR A RELAXING WALK NEXT TO THE SEA.
TAVERN (50 m away from the beach).
Wow.. that's really a small Greek paradise. Would put that in my bucket list..Btw, awesome article :)