Beyond the roads and footpaths of the island, the real way to discover Ithaca is by boat. Some of the best beaches of the Ionian Sea are well hidden and can only be reached from the sea. Ithaca beaches are not sandy but made of smooth pebbles, mostly white. Some look like calm lakes, others are as small as private beaches, and the trees reach almost down to the water, creating a uniquely beautiful landscape where wild nature meets peace and quiet.
Ithaca Beaches near Vathy and in the South
Aetos
In the middle of the island, at the end of the bay, lies the sheltered beach of Aetos, ideal for swimming.
Dexa
Opposite the entrance of the harbour, close to town on the road to Aetos and northern Ithaca, you will find Dexa beach. It is a small beach with crystal-clear water and has been awarded the Blue Flag.
This means that it is well organised and cared for, with respect for people and the environment, and that it meets the 27 strict criteria of the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature. There are toilets, a trained lifeguard, a canteen, an emergency phone, first aid supplies, access for people with disabilities, and information about the beach and the flora and fauna of the coast.
Loutsa
At the entrance of Vathy harbour, on the left, lies the lovely sandy beach of Loutsa, below the Venetian fortress.
Mnimata
In the bay you will find the beaches of Mnimata and Skinos, a short distance from town.
Skinos
Skinos lies at the end of the bay, only 3 km from Vathy. Both beaches are a pleasant discovery, where you can spend the whole day enjoying the crystal-clear water.
Gidaki
North of Filiatro lies the famous Gidaki, whose natural beauty is known around the world and which is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. Enjoy the sun and the sea with a view of the Greek mainland and the uninhabited islets opposite. Gidaki can be reached by boat or on foot along the path from Skinos.
Filiatro
On one side of the bay lies the beautiful beach of Filiatro, popular with locals and visitors, offering water sports, recreation and relaxation.
Sarakiniko
East of Vathy lies the bay of Sarakiniko with its beach, where the clear blue sea is perfect for a relaxing day.
Kaminia
In the south-east of Ithaca, near the small islet, lies the beautiful beach of Kaminia.
Piso Aetos
On the opposite side of Aetos, in the south-west of Ithaca, lies another beautiful beach with clean, calm and quiet water. Here is the small port of Piso Aetos, with ferries to Kefalonia and Patras, and to Kefalonia, Lefkada and Astakos.
Ithaca Beaches in the North
Aspros Gialos
On the west coast, near the village of Agios Ioannis, lies the beautiful, clean sandy beach of Aspros Gialos, where the green of Mount Neritos meets the blue of the sea. Holidaymakers choose it for the sea and the tranquillity.
A 3 km road from Lefki leads to Agios Ioannis and Aspros Gialos beach.
From Lefki, footpaths lead to several small beaches, such as Militera and Koutoupi.
Polis
Below Stavros, in the bay, lies the beach of Polis, with a sheltered harbour where many local boats anchor. At the bottom of the bay are the ruins of an ancient sunken city, and on the north side of the harbour is the Homeric Cave of Loizos, destroyed by earthquakes. Tall poplars offer shade and coolness.
At Polis there is parking, a canteen and toilets.
Amoudi
Next to the harbour lies a small sandy beach hidden from view, offering peace and tranquillity. It can be reached by boat from town in 10 minutes.
Keramargeio
On the west side of the bay of Afales, after Perivolos, lies a very small pebble beach, completely deserted and secluded.
Perivolos
A rather difficult but beautiful route leads to the deserted beach of Perivolos, a small beach with lovely clear water.
Kouloumis
On the west coast of Afales, about 100 m along the steep coastline, you reach Kouloumis beach. It can be reached by boat from Polis, Frikes and Kioni.
Afales
From Platrithias, take the road to Afales.
Through a dreamlike landscape with almost tropical vegetation you reach the beautiful beach of the bay of Afales: a pebble beach with rocky shores that hide two more beaches for those looking for peace and quiet.
The beaches of the bay of Afales can only be reached by boat. They are wonderful, with pebbles and sand, deep blue water and tall cliffs that offer shade in many places. In August they can be very busy.
Ammoudaki
Two very small beaches just after Afales, for complete relaxation.
Platia Ammos
A large and beautiful beach that combines fine sand and pebbles with crystal-clear water. It is considered one of the best beaches of Ithaca and of Greece, and can only be reached by boat. Be careful of possible rockfalls.
In summer, and especially in August, the beach fills with all kinds of boats, sailing boats and yachts arriving from Frikes, Kioni, Vathy, Fiskardo and many other places.
Sykia
A perfect pebble and sand beach for those looking for seclusion, in the shade all day long. Access by boat.
Voukenti
A small pebble beach with crystal-clear water. Access by boat.
Alikes
A pebble beach with clean sea. Ten metres behind the beach there is a small muddy lagoon, which some years ago was popular for mud baths.
Marmakas
Large eucalyptus trees by the sea offer natural shade and coolness along this beautiful beach.
Tria Moudia
Three small, wild pebble beaches side by side in a small bay near Frikes, popular with those who seek solitude and quiet. Access by boat from Frikes, Kioni and Vathy.
Limenia and Pera Limenia
Next to Frikes lies the beautiful beach of Limenia, with an olive grove behind it that offers coolness to swimmers.
Past the harbour is the small beach of Pera Limenia, reached by boat or along the footpath from Frikes. Another small beach near the port of Frikes can also be reached by boat.
Kourvoulia, Piso Kourvoulia, Tsitsimida and Plakoutses
Small beaches one after another along the coastal road from Frikes to Kioni, known for their cool water, much appreciated in the hot summer months.
Mavrona
A small pebble beach. The bay of Mavrona offers shelter to small boats. Access from Piso Kioni.
Kioni
In the bay of Kioni there are small beaches with clear water that attract visitors from the village every summer day.
South of Kioni
Leaving Kioni towards the south, after the cape of Agios Ilias with its chapel, there is a small pebble beach with beautiful blue water, waiting for visitors who want to rest.
Further along the coast between Agios Ilias and Aetos there is another small beach, ideal for peace, solitude and seclusion.
Plan Your Beach Days
Olympia House is a 7-minute walk from Dexa beach and a short drive from Loutsa, Skinos, Filiatro and Sarakiniko, the perfect base for exploring the beaches of Ithaca by car or by boat.
