Beaches of Ithaca

The beaches of Ithaca

the gems of the Ionian Sea

Vathi, the charming capital of Ithaca, offers a variety of beaches to suit every taste. From the organized and family-friendly Filiatro Beach to the secluded and picturesque Kaminia Beach, there is an ideal spot to relax, swim, and soak up the sun. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful escape or an adventure-filled day, the beaches of Vathi have something to offer.

In Ithaca, beyond the beaches listed below that are accessible by car, there are also dozens of other beaches that can only be reached by boat.

Select village

Vathy
Platrithias
Perahori
Lefki
Kioni
Frikes
Stavros

Vathy & Perahori

Gidaki beach (5 km from Vathy or 30 minutes by sea)

Gidaki Beach is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. Located on the eastern side of Ithaca, it is a secluded paradise known for:

  • Amenities: Snack bar, sunbeds/umbrellas

  • Terrain: The beach features white pebbles, offering a unique and natural experience.

  • Accessibility: Reachable by car up to Mnimata Beach & a hike of about 4 km, or by boat

  • Activities: Swimming and snorkeling

  • Crystal-clear waters: The sea here has a stunning turquoise hue, inviting you for a refreshing swim.

  • Natural beauty: Surrounded by lush vegetation and dramatic cliffs, the landscape is simply enchanting.

  • Reachable by boat or hike: You can get to the beach by boat from Vathi or via a scenic hiking trail.

  • Good to know: Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or simply breathtaking views, Gidaki Beach is a must-visit destination in Ithaca.

Filiatro beach (4km from Vathy)

Filiatro Beach is one of the most popular beaches on Ithaca.

Key features:

  • Amenities: Taverna, snack bar, sunbeds/umbrellas

  • Terrain: White pebbles

  • Accessibility: Accessible by car

  • Activities: The waters are incredibly clear, ideal for swimming and snorkeling

  • Calm waters: The sheltered bay creates calm conditions, perfect for families with young children

  • Natural shade: Olive trees provide natural shade along the beach, offering relief from the sun

Sarakiniko beach (2.1km from Vathy)

Sarakiniko Beach in Ithaca is a hidden gem known for its stunning natural beauty.

Key features:

  • Amenities: Snack bar, sunbeds/umbrellas

  • Terrain: Features two pebble beaches connected by a short path

  • Accessibility: By car & a short walk (to reach the second beach)

  • Activities: Sarakiniko is a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing

  • Surroundings: Offers breathtaking natural beauty with lush green surroundings

  • Good to know: While it was once a nudist beach, it now attracts people of all ages and preferences

Dexa beach (2km from Vathy)

Dexa Beach is a beautiful and tranquil beach located a short distance from Vathi, the capital of Ithaca. It is known for its crystal-clear waters, calm conditions, and stunning natural surroundings.

Key features:

  • Amenities: Snack bar, sunbeds/umbrellas

  • Terrain: Small white pebbles

  • Accessibility: Accessible by car

  • Activities: The waters at Dexa Beach are exceptionally clear, making it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing by the shore

  • Calm conditions: The sheltered bay creates calm waters, making it perfect for families with young children

  • Natural beauty: Surrounded by lush vegetation and olive trees around the bay

  • Nearby attractions: Dexa Beach is conveniently located near other points of interest, such as the ancient ruins of Aetos, the Cave of Eumaeus, and the small island of Skartsoubonisi

Aetos beach (4km from Vathy)

Aetos Beach is a beautiful beach located in the middle of Ithaca, along the road that connects the northern and southern parts of the island.

Key features:

  • Amenities: Nearby snack bar

  • Terrain: White pebbles

  • Accessibility: The beach is easily accessible by car and offers ample parking space

  • Peaceful environment: It offers a tranquil atmosphere, away from the crowds of more popular beaches

  • Calm waters: The sheltered bay provides calm and clear waters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling

  • Family-friendly: The shallow waters make it suitable for children and families

Piso Aetos beach (5km από το Βαθύ)

Piso Aetos Beach is a charming pebble beach located near the port of the same name in Ithaca, Greece.

Key features:

  • Amenities: Although there are no organized facilities, the nearby port offers a snack bar for refreshments

  • Terrain: White pebbles

  • Accessibility: By car and a short walk

  • Peaceful environment: The beach offers a tranquil setting surrounded by olive trees and lush vegetation

  • Activities: The waters are pristine and inviting—ideal for swimming and snorkeling

  • Relaxing atmosphere: Piso Aetos is perfect for those seeking a quiet escape from the crowds

    Minimata beach (or Mnimata-2km from Vathy)

    Minimata Beach is a hidden gem, offering a peaceful escape from the crowds. Its blend of natural beauty and easy accessibility makes it a popular choice for visitors to Ithaca.

    Key features:

    • Amenities: No organized facilities

    • Terrain: White pebbles

    • Accessibility: Accessible by car

    • Peaceful setting: The beach offers a serene environment surrounded by olive trees and lush vegetation

    • Activities: The waters are pristine and inviting—ideal for swimming and snorkeling

    Sxinos beach (2km from Vathy)

    Schinos Beach is a hidden gem on the island of Ithaca, offering a peaceful escape from the crowds.

    Key features:

    • Amenities: No organized facilities

    • Terrain: White pebbles

    • Accessibility: By car up to Mnimata Beach & a short walk

    • Activities: The waters are pristine and inviting—ideal for swimming and snorkeling

    • Scenic setting: The beach is surrounded by lush vegetation and enchanting views, creating a picturesque atmosphere

    Loutsa beach (1km from Vathy)

    Loutsa Beach is a popular choice for visitors to Ithaca, especially for families with young children.

    Key features:

    • Amenities: No organized facilities

    • Terrain: The beach offers a pleasant sandy shore, ideal for sunbathing

    • Accessibility: Accessible by car

    • Activities: The waters are pristine and welcoming, ideal for swimming and snorkeling

    • Proximity to Vathi: Conveniently located near the capital, Vathi, making it easily accessible

    • Calm waters: The sheltered bay creates calm, clear waters, perfect for swimming and kayaking

    Kaminia beach (4.8 km from Vathy)

    Kaminia Beach is a popular choice for visitors to Ithaca. Nestled in a picturesque bay, it is surrounded by rolling hills and crystal-clear turquoise waters.

    Key features:

    • Amenities: Snack bar, sunbeds/umbrellas

    • Terrain: White pebbles

    • Accessibility: Accessible by car (the last 2 km are a dirt road)

    • Activities: The waters are pristine and inviting—ideal for swimming and snorkeling

    • Calm waters: The sheltered bay creates calm, clear waters, perfect for swimming and kayaking

    Kioni

    Filiatro (Kioni) (2km from Kioni)

    Filiatro Beach in Kioni, Ithaca, is a charming small beach with crystal-clear waters and a pebbled shore.

    Key features:

    • Amenities: Snack bar

    • Terrain: Small white pebbles

    • Accessibility: Accessible by car

    • Activities: Ideal for swimming and snorkeling

    • Calm conditions: The sheltered bay creates calm waters, making it perfect for families with young children

    • Natural beauty: Surrounded by lush vegetation and olive trees around the bay

      Tsitsimida (2.3km from Kioni)

      Tsigimida Beach is a beautiful, secluded beach located in Kioni, Ithaca. To reach Tsigimida, you’ll need to follow a small path after passing Plakoutses Beach.

      Key features:

      • Amenities: No facilities available

      • Terrain: Small white pebbles

      • Accessibility: Accessible by car

      • Activities: Ideal for swimming and snorkeling

      • Calm conditions: The sheltered bay creates calm waters, making it perfect for families with young children

      • Natural beauty: Surrounded by lush vegetation and olive trees around the bay

      • Good to know: Keep in mind that Tsigimida Beach is a more secluded option, so it may be less crowded than some of the island’s more popular beaches. It’s a great choice for those seeking a quiet and peaceful beach experience.

      Plakoutses (2.3km from Kioni)

      Plakoutses Beach is a secluded gem on the island of Ithaca, offering a peaceful escape for those seeking a serene beach experience.

      Key features:

      • Amenities: No facilities available

      • Terrain: Small white pebbles

      • Accessibility: Accessible by car

      • Activities: The waters are clear and welcoming, ideal for swimming and snorkeling

      • Tranquil atmosphere: Plakoutses is a relatively remote beach, providing a quiet and relaxing environment

      • Natural beauty: Surrounded by lush vegetation, cypress trees, and olive trees around the bay

        Mavronas (2.3km from Kioni)

        Mavronas Beach is a small, pebbled beach located near Kioni, Ithaca. It is a quiet and secluded spot, ideal for those seeking a peaceful swimming experience.

        Key features:

        • Amenities: No facilities available

        • Terrain: Small white pebbles

        • Accessibility: Accessible by car

        • Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on the shore

        • Small and secluded: The beach is relatively small, offering a quiet and intimate setting

        • Sheltered bay: The bay provides safe anchorage for small boats and yachts, making it a popular spot for sailors

          Stavros

          Polis beach (1,2 km from Stavros)

          Polis Beach is a beautiful pebble beach located near Stavros in Ithaca.

          Key features:

          • Amenities: Snack bar, sunbeds/umbrellas

          • Terrain: Small white pebbles

          • Accessibility: Accessible by car

          • Activities: Polis Beach offers a peaceful escape, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, or simply enjoying the serene atmosphere

          • Calm conditions: The sheltered bay creates calm waters, making it perfect for families with young children

          • Natural beauty: Surrounded by lush vegetation and olive trees around the bay

          • Nearby attractions: The nearby Cave of Loizos is believed to have been a place of worship in antiquity

          • Ancient history: Beneath the surface of the bay lie the remains of an ancient sunken city

          Frikes

          Kourvoulia beaches (1,5km from Frikes)

          Kourvoulia actually consists of three separate beaches, each with its own unique charm:

          First Kourvoulia beach:

          • The smallest of the three

          • Well hidden from the road

          • Pebble beach with white stones

          • Offers seclusion and tranquility

          Second Kourvoulia beach:

          • The most popular of the three

          • Often visited by families with young children

          • Offers some shade from the trees, especially in the afternoon

          • Ideal for a relaxing day by the sea

          Third Kourvoulia beach:

          • The largest in width and length

          • Easily visible from the road

          • Offers a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape

          • Ideal for swimming and sunbathing

          All three Kourvoulia beaches share the following features:

          • Amenities: No organized facilities

          • Terrain: Small white pebbles

          • Accessibility: Accessible by car

          • Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on the shore

          • Crystal-clear, refreshing waters

          • Surrounded by lush vegetation

          • Popular with both locals and tourists

            Marmakas (3km from Frikes)

            Marmakas Beach is a hidden gem in Ithaca, known for its stunning natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere.

            Key features:

            • Amenities: No organized facilities

            • Terrain: Small white pebbles

            • Accessibility: Accessible by car (driving may be a bit challenging)

            • Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on the shore

            • Natural beauty: Surrounded by lush vegetation and olive trees around the bay

            • Nearby islet: The small islet of Agios Nikolaos, with its picturesque little chapel, adds to the scenic charm of the area

            Limenia (1km from Frikes)

            Limenia Beach is a hidden gem in Ithaca, known for its stunning natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere.

            Key features:

            • Amenities: No organized facilities

            • Terrain: Small white pebbles

            • Accessibility: Accessible by car and a considerable walk, or by boat

            • Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on the shore

            • Natural beauty: Surrounded by lush vegetation and olive trees around the bay

            Lefki (Agios Ioannis)

            Myrtera (3km from Lefki)

            Myrtera Beach is a secluded gem near the village of Lefki in Ithaca. Below are the key details:

            Key features:

            • Amenities: No organized facilities

            • Terrain: Small white pebbles

            • Accessibility: Accessible by car. Reaching Myrtera requires a bit of effort, but the reward is well worth it

            • Activities: The waters are incredibly clear, ideal for swimming and snorkeling

            • Natural environment: The beach is surrounded by lush vegetation and offers stunning vi

              Aspros Gialos (Agios Ioannis)-(3km from Lefki)

              Aspros Gialos (Agios Ioannis or Ai Giannis) is a secluded gem near the village of Lefki in Ithaca. It is a stunning beach on the island’s western coast, known for its breathtaking landscape and crystal-clear waters.

              Key features:

              Aspros Gialos (White Beach): Here are some of its main characteristics:

              • Amenities: Sunbeds/umbrellas

              • Terrain: As its name suggests, the beach is covered with white pebbles, which give the water a beautiful turquoise hue

              • Accessibility: By car and a short walk

              • Activities: The waters are incredibly clear—ideal for swimming and snorkeling

              • Natural environment: The beach is surrounded by lush vegetation and offers spectacular views of the Ionian Sea and the surrounding mountains

                Koutoupi (3,5km from Lefki)

                Koutoupi Beach is a small, picturesque beach located in the Agios Ioannis area of Ithaca. To reach Koutoupi Beach, you’ll need to follow a short path from the road leading to Agios Ioannis Beach.

                Key features:

                • Amenities: No organized facilities

                • Terrain: Small white pebbles

                • Accessibility: By car and a short walk

                • Activities: The waters at Koutoupi are exceptionally clear, making it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and simply relaxing on the shore

                • Small and secluded: Koutoupi is one of the island’s smallest beaches, offering a quiet and intimate setting

                • Rocky landscape: The beach is marked by large scattered rocks around it, adding to its unique charm

                    Platrithias

                    Αφάλες (1.8km απο Πλατρειθιά)

                    Afales is a stunning bay on the northern coast of Ithaca, known for its breathtaking scenery, clear waters, and unique beaches.

                    Key features:

                    • Amenities: No organized facilities

                    • Terrain: Small white pebbles

                    • Accessibility: By car and a short walk

                    • Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, and diving

                    • Calm conditions: The sheltered bay creates calm waters, making it ideal for families with young children

                    • Natural beauty: The combination of a rugged coastline, turquoise waters, and lush vegetation creates a truly enchanting setting

                    • Variety of beaches: Afales offers a variety of beaches, from the central pebbled beach to smaller, more secluded spots

                    Platis ammos (by boat only)

                    Platis Ammos is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. Here’s why:

                    • Remote Beauty: Located in the northern part of Ithaca, it is accessible only by boat

                    • Stunning Scenery: The beach features crystal-clear turquoise waters, soft white sand, and towering cliffs

                    • Amenities: No organized facilities

                    • Terrain: Blonde sandy beach

                    • Accessibility: Only by boat

                    • Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking

                    • Photographer’s Paradise: The breathtaking landscape offers countless opportunities for stunning photography

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