The Beach! From the heart of the city, it is only a short tram ride to the beach. The cool Aigean Sea was impossible to resist ... the beach is a mixture of sand, pebbles and shells ... the sky is only slightly bluer than the water. If you want to swim, sunbathe or just stroll up and down the beach, this is the perfect place. The islands of Aigina and Salamis are just offshore and the port of Piraeus is a mile or so up the coast. Gigantic cruse ships, sail boats, private luxury yachts, fishing boats, and large commercial craft could be seen making their way to and from the islands and the port. There are more secluded beaches further south but you have to drive to reach them.