The condition of Attica’s beaches has worsened sharply, with repeat water-quality tests conducted by the Panhellenic Center for Ecological Research (PAKOE) on June 15, 2026, raising concerns for swimmers. Based on EU Directive 2006/7/EC standards for microbiological contamination (E. coli and enterococci), 60% of the sites tested in Eastern Attica were deemed unsuitable for swimming.
Compared with May, the picture has reversed, with unsafe beaches now outnumbering safe ones. The highest contamination levels were recorded in enclosed bays, ports, and densely populated coastal areas.
Porto Rafti records the worst results
The most alarming findings came from the enclosed bay of Porto Rafti, where widespread contamination was detected. Of six sampling points, only Akti Avlakiou met safety standards, while all other beaches showed serious exceedances, particularly for E. coli.
Unsafe beaches from Sounio to Keratea
While both Thymari sites and Harakas beach remained exceptionally clean, several nearby locations were added to the unsafe list, including Palaia Fokaia (Ormos Katafygi), Legrena, Sounio beach, and the Asimakis, Pountazeza, and Mavri Petra beaches in Lavrio. The only exception in Lavrio was Oxygono beach, which passed the tests.
Keratea (Daskaleio) also remained problematic. Of four sampling points, only 2nd Limanaki was considered safe; 1st Limanaki, 3rd Limanaki, and the central Daskaleio beach were classified as unsuitable due to elevated microbial loads.
High contamination in Vravrona, Artemida and Rafina
Further north, PAKOE recorded high microbiological contamination in three popular destinations—Vravrona, Artemida (Loutsa), and Rafina—all of which produced unsuitable results.
Red alert for Piraeus, Faliro and Anavyssos
The problem extends beyond Eastern Attica. Tests along the coastline from Piraeus to Anavyssos found the most severe contamination levels in Piraeus and Palaio Faliro. Significant pollution was also detected again in the wider Anavyssos and Palaia Fokaia areas.
Beaches that remain safe
Despite the overall deterioration, several beaches continue to offer safe swimming conditions, largely due to their exposure to open waters. According to PAKOE, the safest options include Mati, Zoumperi, two of the three sampling sites in Nea Makri, Marathon beach, Schinias, Thymari, Harakas, and Oxygono beach in Lavrio.
