This post is all about the best beaches in Salamina Island. I’m Greek and I’ve spent a lot of time exploring Salamina—also known as Salamis (Σαλαμίνα, Σαλαμίς)—one of the most underrated Greek spots, offering a more local, laid-back experience.
This isn’t a list pulled off the internet—I’ve actually been to all the beaches mentioned here.
There are more beaches on the island, but these six stood out to me for different reasons—vibes, views, ease of access, or simply because I had a great swim there.
If you’re looking to experience Greece a little differently, without the crowds but still with all the beauty, this guide to the top beaches in Salamina is for you. I have also included a video and a Google Map so that you can find the beaches easily.
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Watch: My Beach Day in Salamina Island
Want a feel for the vibe before you go? Here’s a video I made from my visits around the island’s NW best beaches.
The Best Beaches in Salamina Island
Four of the beaches on this list are in the northwest part of Salamina and can easily be visited in one day (Psili Ammos, Vasilika, Faneromeni).
One lies on the eastern side of the island, not too far from the port (Selinia), and the last one, Kanakia, is down in the southwest—more remote, but worth the trip through a dense pine forest.
1. Mple Limanaki – Blue Harbor
What to expect: Mple Limanaki has four small bays in the northern part of Salamina, beautiful and peaceful, with minimal facilities, just a couple of restaurants offering delicious fresh seafood.
The settlement is mostly made up of Athenians with summer houses, along with a few locals who live there year-round.
Why Go: Mple Limanaki is an authentic Greek, low-key summer vacation style. No music, no beach bar, just you and the sea.
The waters are clear, shallow near the shore, sandy, with a gentle seabed slope (at about 90 meters from the shore, the depth reaches around 5 meters), so it is great for kids too.
How to Get There:
- By private car or taxi from the port. It’s just 5.8 km (3.6 mi) from the port of Salamina and can be reached via Faneromeni Avenue and Vasilika Avenue, or alternatively via the ring road and Prophet Elias Avenue (6.5 km – 4 mi). There are plenty of free parking spaces near the beach.
Local’s Tips:
- Choose between two fantastic fish taverns in the bay—Eprepe or Maistrali.
- There are a few municipal umbrellas and kiosks, but not much natural shade, so come prepared. You can grab water or drinks from the taverns.
2. Vasilika Beach: Calm Waters and Local Flavor + 5th Stop beach
Why Go: Vasilika is a large NW coastal area of Salamina with a main beach that’s organized and often busy, plus a series of smaller, beautiful bays nearby. These quieter spots aren’t organized, making them perfect if you’re after a more local, laid-back swim.
The main beach of Vasilika is 450 meters long, with fine pebbles, and a sandy seabed.
What to Expect:
- The water is shallow for the first few meters and then gradually deepens, perfect for children.
- Along the beach, there are tamarisk trees and an organized section with umbrellas, sunbeds, and showers.
- Nearby, you’ll find tavernas for lunch and cafés for coffee breaks.
Alternatively, if you are looking for a good mix with locals only, you can go to the smaller bays of Vasilika. These small beaches are not organized at all, but there are trees to find shade and a couple of taverns nearby for lunch.
How to get there:
- By bus from Paloukia, Salamina’s port. Buses are leaving every hour.
- By private car, which is 6.3 km (4 miles) from Paloukia, a 15-minute easy drive. There are plenty of free parking spaces near the beach.
- By taxi from the port, which shouldn’t cost more than €10 to €15 ($11 to $16).
Local Tip: One of the best Salamis Island beaches if you’re after a local feeling.
3. Psili Ammos Beach: For Soft Sand and Sunset Views
Why Go: Psili Ammos literally means “fine sand” in Greek. The beachfront has a mix of sand, small pebbles, and tiny shells, but once you step into the water, the seabed is smooth, fine sand, perfect for swimming.
It’s one of the most popular beaches on the island, and for good reason. With clear shallow waters, free entrance, not organized, and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s ideal if you are with your family, a couple, or a solo traveler like me.
What to expect:
- I didn’t see anyone offering sunbeds and umbrellas, so instead, you can put your towel on the sand or under the line of trees that are parallel to the road.
- A few tavernas and beach bars are within walking distance.
- Great sunset views facing west.
How to get there:
- By bus from Paloukia, Salamina’s port. Buses are leaving every hour.
- By private car, which is 6.6 km (4.1 miles) from Paloukia, a 15-minute easy drive. There are plenty of free parking spaces near the beach.
- By taxi from the port, which shouldn’t cost more than €10 to €15 ($11 to $16).
Local Tip: Visit in the early evening to avoid peak crowds and catch a stunning Aegean sunset. Psili Ammos is a favorite when people ask where to swim in Salamina.
Negative Tip: If you visit early in the season, the beach (not the water) might be dirty with all kinds of rubbish.
Read here my full guide for Salamina island!
4. Faneromeni Beach: Serenity and Spirituality
At the western end of Psili Ammos beach, there is a green peninsula covered in a pine forest with a chain of small and larger, beautiful sandy coves.
I discovered it while driving to the historic Monastery of Faneromeni—you can’t see the water from the road as you pass through the forest, so it caught me by surprise.
You can park on top, under the trees and you’ve got to look around a bit to find hidden little paths that lead you straight to the beach.
In some spots, the water is crystal-clear over soft sand; in others, it gently rolls over grey or blue-grey rocks.
I stayed here for about an hour and had such a beautiful time. It had been a while since I’d been to a beach this pure and quiet.
The shoreline was scattered with clams, scallops, cockles, sea urchins, bubble shells, and more than I could even name. It felt untouched, like a little secret I was lucky to stumble into.
Why Go: If you love nature and more secluded beaches, this one is for you. You can combine the swim with a visit to the Monastery of Faneromeni, and the white and blue house of Sikelianos, a famous Greek poet.
What to Expect:
- A small beach with pebbly sand and shade from pine trees.
- Quiet atmosphere, ideal for reading or meditation.
- No amenities—pack your essentials.
How to get there: Besides the other options mentioned already, you can take the small ferry from Nea Peramos (Megara) in Attica.
5. Kanakia Beach: For Nature Lovers and Explorers
Why Go: Kanakia is on the SW tip of Salamina and feels like a world apart. Surrounded by forested hills, it’s a great beach for those looking to get off the beaten path. The journey there is half the adventure as you cross the greener part of Salamina.
What to Expect:
- Clean, coarse sand and pebbly with lovely blue waters and natural shades from the trees (tamarix).
- It’s pretty long, so it doesn’t get easily crowded. Great for children.
- It has a wonderful seabed with many fish and shells, so bring your mask for snorkelling.
- Basic amenities and one tavern.
How to get there: I suggest you get there by private car, a 16.6 km (10.3 miles) trip from Paloukia.
Local Tips:
- Pack good shoes and explore the nearby forest trails, and visit the Mycenaean Palace of Ajax.
- Stop at the Lemons Monastery.
- Also, make sure your vehicle can handle a few rough patches on the road. Kanakia is definitely on the list of top beaches in Salamina for adventurers.
6. Selinia Beach: Vibrant and Convenient
Why Go: Selinia is one of the most easily accessible areas in Salamina to the south, near the archaeological sites. It is also a good spot to watch the ships leave the port of Piraeus.
What to Expect:
- Sandy, not an organized beach with a lively promenade.
- Plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops are nearby. We had our souvlaki stop here at the main square.
How to Get There: It is 6.2 km(4 mi) from Paloukia to the south. You can use the local buses to get there or get a taxi. This is a central and tourist town, so you will find plenty of taxis to get you back to the port.
Local Tip: Stick around in the evening for drinks at a seaside bar. Selinia comes alive at night with both locals and visitors. Great if you’re wondering where to swim in Salamina with easy access and amenities.
More Beaches in Salamina Worth Checking Out
While the six beaches above are the ones I’ve personally been to and recommend, there are a few more that locals talk about and are on my list for future visits. If you’re digging deeper into Salamis Island beaches, here are a few to explore:
- Aianteio – Long sandy beach with organized sunbeds and several tavernas. Family-friendly and accessible by local bus from Salamina town. Some water-sport activity in the summer months.
- Kaki Vigla – Clean and sandy with calm waters. Ideal for snorkeling, especially around the rocky edges. There are a couple of tavernas and easy road access.
- Agios Nikolaos Beach – Popular for its golden sand and shallow water. Great for kids. Organized with sunbeds, umbrellas, and nearby food options.
- Perani Beach – A quieter, pebble beach on the southeast coast. Crystal-clear water and peaceful setting. No facilities, so bring your own gear.
- Kolones (Kolones Patitiri) – A mix of pebbles and sand with a pine forest backing. Shaded, serene, and perfect for nature lovers. Unorganized and off the beaten track.
- Saterli Beach – Pebbly, with beautiful blue-green waters.
- Peristeria Beach – Quiet and clean, a nice place to unwind. Limited shade and no nearby services.
- Limanaki Steno – A small cove ideal for quick dips. Calm waters, mostly locals.
Interactive Beach Map of Salamina Island
Here’s a Google Map with all six beaches mentioned.
Where is the Best Place to Stay in Salamina
Selinia village:
Votsalakia Hotel & Luxury Apartments(mid-range) & Blue Hotel (budget).
Aianteio
Aiantio is a seaside settlement 6 kilometers west of the island’s center, named after the legendary King Ajax, the son of Telamon.
Aianteion Bay Luxury Hotel & Suites & Aias Summer House (mid-range).
Kanakia
A fantastic accommodation in Kanakia is Plaza House, a spacious apartment with a nice courtyard, a 3-minute walk from the sea (mid-range).
Salamina Quiz: How Well Do You Know the Island?
Ready for a fun break? Test your knowledge with this quick 6-question quiz about Salamina’s history, geography, and beaches. Choose the correct answer for each one!
- Where is Salamina located?
a) Off the coast of Crete
b) In the Saronic Gulf near Athens
c) North of Thessaloniki - What is the name of the famous cave on Salamina where the playwright Euripides is believed to have written some of his plays?
a) Plato’s Cave
b) Euripides Cave
c) Homer’s Refuge - Was the Battle of Salamis a land battle or a naval battle?
a) Land battle
b) Naval battle
c) Both - Which beach on Salamina is known for its sunset views?
a) Psili Ammos
b) Kanakia
c) Kolones - What’s special about Orsa, the olive tree of Salamina? (You can visit it in Aianteio!)
a) It’s the oldest olive tree on the island
b) It was planted by Aristotle
c) It marks the ancient city center - Where can you combine a beach visit with a hike to a Mycenaean Acropolis?
a) Kanakia
b) Selinia
c) Vasilika
**Answer Key:
- b) In the Saronic Gulf near Athens
- b) Euripides Cave
- b) Naval battle
- a) Psili Ammos
- a) It’s the oldest olive tree on the island
- a) Kanakia.
Travel Tips for Visiting Salamina Beaches
- When to Go: Late May through early October offers the best beach weather.
- What to Pack: Sunscreen, a hat, a reusable water bottle, and water shoes (some beaches have pebbles or urchins).
- Respect the Locals: Salamina is a working island with a year-round population—be courteous, support local businesses, and leave no trash behind.
How to Get to Salamina from Athens
There are 3 ways to get to Salamina:
1. The most common way is to get to Piraeus in Athens. From Piraeus you have to get to Perama, which is half an hour’s drive away. The Salamina ferry ride from Perama to Paloukia port takes just 15 minutes. There is no need to purchase your ticket in advance. Boats leave every 15-20 minutes during the day but every 30 minutes at night. Tickets cost €5,90 per car up to 4.5 meters) and €7.20 for longer cars. Motorbikes pay €1.10-€1.55. The ticket for the driver is €0.60, and €1.20 per passenger.
2. ONLY during summer at weekends: Take the small speedboat from Piraeus to Selinia port in Salamina. The trip lasts 35 minutes. There are 3 routes, at 10.00, 12.00 and 15.30
3. Drive to Megara and take the 10-minute ferry to Salamina from Nea Peramos port. There are at least 5 routes every day but not at night.
Final Thoughts: Why Salamina?
If you want to experience Greece the way locals do—with fresh seafood, warm waters, and real community—then pack your sunscreen and head to Salamina Island.
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