Attica hides many treasures, especially in summer, that enchant you and make you feel that it is located on an island in the Aegean or Ionian Sea. Such a secret exists in Rafina. The reason for a hidden beach with an unknown prehistoric settlement. It’s the Marikes. A beautiful beach known mainly to the residents of Rafina. What is also worth knowing about this particular beach is that there was a prehistoric settlement next to it.
The hidden and beautiful beach in Rafina
At a distance of 1.5 km from Rafina, Marikes beach spreads its sand to the bay at a length of 700 meters. The rocks that surround it, protect it from the south but expose it to the north wind. It may be a beach that the residents of the area choose a lot, but it is not considered a secret for the other residents of Attica.
Marikes, the beach with the prehistoric settlement
What many do not know even if they have been there for a swim at some point, is that next to the beach is the Ascitario. The reason for an important archaeological site of the first metallurgical attempts during the Proto-Hellenic Era, It was somewhere in 3,000 BC when Mesogeia Attica and more specifically in Rafina had developed a settlement by ascetics in the form of the morphology of the area with the well-known to all of us Mount Athos.
Ascitario is a cape on the west side of Marikes Bay. Cape Ascetario has a hersoid edge towards the sea and an elevated flat top of 5-6 str. The flat top is the shape of an isosceles triangle, the two sides fall sharply towards the sea. The third one is separated from the land On the right side, there is a large pit (cave) on the rock, which a monk of the Monastery of Penteli, turned it into an ascetic, The area was called Kalogeros or Kalogeras.
The images from the Up Drones channel give a very good picture of what you will see if you go to this beach…
Great beaches of Attica to go for a comfortable swim
Frequently Asked Questions
Marikes beach is a hidden beach located in Rafina, Attica, approximately 1.5 kilometers from the town center. It stretches for about 700 meters along the bay and is mainly known to local residents. The beach is surrounded by rocks that provide protection from southern winds but expose it to northern winds.
Ascitario, an important archaeological site, is located next to Marikes beach. This prehistoric settlement dates back to around 3,000 BC during the Proto-Hellenic Era and represents one of the first metallurgical attempts in ancient Greece. The settlement was established in Mesogeia Attica by ascetics who shaped their community according to the local landscape.
Ascitario is a cape on the west side of Marikes Bay featuring a steep rocky edge facing the sea and an elevated flat top shaped like an isosceles triangle. The site also contains a large cave that was converted into an ascetic dwelling by a monk from the Penteli Monastery, earning it the name 'Kalogeros' or 'Kalogeras.' The cape is alternatively called 'aetos' or 'Crocodilos' based on its distinctive shape.
From the top of Ascitario, visitors can enjoy panoramic views including the South Evoikos Gulf to the south, the Marathon Bay to the east, Mount Penteli to the north, and the mountains of Porto-Rafti and Makronisos. The vista from this elevated position is considered amazing and offers one of the highlights of visiting the area.
While Marikes beach is considered a hidden gem, it is not entirely secret among Attica residents. It is mainly known and frequently visited by local residents of Rafina, though it remains relatively unknown to many other people in the Attica region. The beach's proximity to an ancient archaeological site adds to its appeal as a destination combining natural beauty with historical significance.
