Weekends

One day in Limanakia: Plunges in Vouliagmeni
Text: Iro Kounadi 
Photos: George Papadopoulos

 They have perhaps the most beautiful waters of the Attic coast: A deep blue shade that does not exist anywhere else. There is, however, that the main reason for which we love. It is the absolute singularity. Kinda like the Acropolis, the Athens Tower or the bazaar in Abyssinia, Limanakia exist only in Athens. Not exactly beach (though she is one of the most popular destinations for our Sunday bathrooms) or just beach bar -and we often attempt the descent of the rugged path for beers by the sea in the moonlight. It's destination. 

Small anthropogeography about a beach

First, remember to remember-for the old and learn kainourioi- that the term "Harbors" refers to a series of successive creeks between Varkiza and Vouliagmeni. When the company says "go for a swim in Limanakia" usually means one of them -and in most cases, particularly in the second, that the beach bar, playing nice reggae and chill out music.

 By the way, of course, looks nothing from all this. You just park your car and get off the bus (yes, the buses 115, 149, 170 and E22 reaching here) and you start to descend the trail. If you follow the hordes weekend, if you're one of the lucky ones who come daily to just improvise ramifications -all to magically lead eventually to the sea. 

Around the wooden platforms of the beach bar and extensions thereof, upon which basking in an unwritten rule that most fit the beach lie the candidate clothesline towel rocks. Which you choose depends on what time you arrive (the "good" ones that are inclined such that they resemble natural sun, "go" first) and how good you are in balance.

 The latter because, to the close of the creek, while the most conveniently located of rocks, but to get there you need a. Balance onto other steep slope, b. Doing zig-zag between bathers and towels c . To keep your balance while avoiding the punch aspiring diver who felt the need to do the necessary stretching before the big jump. True story. 

Spread a little here? 

Once you finally find the right rocks with the proper slope and artfully spread the towel so as not to trample the coming of MacGyver on the same mission, take a look around. And you see that erstwhile bastion of 20-somethings with bronze tan and white sunglasses came here "to see and be seen" is lying ... democratically.

 Dads were once those twenties with bronze tan now dive together with their kids wearing pink fluorescent armbands. Groups bronze tan without drinking beer from cans. Girls with flippers and masks -which explore the seabed, according to people from the diving schools, one of the most interesting of Athens. Couples dive hand in hand. And some remarkable find magical ways to fix the omprelitses nerofagomata rocks. Absolute Athenian summer.

 Following are and these waters. That have this deep shade of blue, but it is so clear, you can see the bottom. And the bottom is sea urchins (do not be afraid, they will not be pressed, is deep) and surprised the world when you first catch the eye. How long you can see sea urchins in Attica? One of the clearest indications that the waters here are clean -epivevaionei any time and PAKOE with reliable measurements . 

Little practical guide for diving in Limanakia 

- The values ​​of the beach bar is rather steep after sundown: The beer 2,50 € a day, 5 € in the evening. Admission is meant to be forever free. 

- The beach is located 20 kilometers from the center of Athens. If you do not want to drive, the easiest way to get here is by the Greek subway and bus E22 from the entrance to the metro stop Limanakia-your leaves right at the beginning of the trail. 

- Almost next door is the Lake of Vouliagmeni, for a relaxing swim in the clear waters full of legends .