Ithaca, Greece, is famous for its crystal-clear waters, secluded coves, and stunning beaches that blend natural beauty with tranquility. Known for its pebbly shores and emerald waters, Ithaca’s beaches are ideal for relaxation, swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of this mythical island.
Here are the top 15 beaches on Ithaca, each with its unique charm!
Gidaki Beach
Description: Often regarded as the most beautiful beach on Ithaca, Gidaki Beach is known for its stunning turquoise waters and white pebbles, creating a breathtaking setting.
Accessibility: Gidaki can be reached by boat from Vathy or by hiking from the nearby Filiatro Beach. The hike is challenging but offers scenic views along the way.
Highlights: With its remote and unspoiled atmosphere, Gidaki Beach is perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape. It’s also ideal for swimming and snorkeling due to its clear, shallow waters.
Filiatro Beach
Description: Located close to Vathy, Filiatro is one of Ithaca’s most popular beaches, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and calm, blue-green waters.
Accessibility: Filiatro is easily accessible by car and has a small parking area. It’s a short drive from Vathy, making it convenient for visitors staying in the capital.
Highlights: Filiatro has amenities such as sunbeds and umbrellas, making it a comfortable beach for families. Its shallow waters are ideal for children, and it offers great snorkeling opportunities.
Dexa Beach
Description: Dexa Beach, located just north of Vathy, is historically significant, as it is believed to be the spot where Odysseus first set foot upon his return to Ithaca.
Accessibility: The beach is accessible by road and has a small parking area nearby.
Highlights: The beach is lined with olive trees that provide natural shade, adding to its relaxed and serene ambiance. The calm, clear waters make it perfect for swimming and lounging.
Sarakiniko Beach
Description: Sarakiniko is a secluded and tranquil beach on Ithaca’s west coast, known for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere.
Accessibility: The beach is accessible by boat from Vathy or by a challenging hike. Due to its remote location, it’s often less crowded.
Highlights: Sarakiniko’s pebbly shore and crystal-clear waters make it ideal for snorkeling and swimming. The beach’s secluded feel is perfect for those looking for a quiet escape.
Aspros Gialos Beach
Description: Aspros Gialos is a hidden gem near the village of Lefki, with deep blue waters and a serene atmosphere.
Accessibility: The beach is accessible by car, and there is parking nearby.
Highlights: Known for its peaceful environment and clear waters, Aspros Gialos is ideal for snorkeling. The views across the water to Kefalonia add to its scenic beauty.
Piso Aetos Beach
Description: Piso Aetos Beach is a small, pebbly beach near the ferry port, surrounded by rocky hills and greenery.
Accessibility: Easily accessible by car, as it is close to the port area.
Highlights: Despite its proximity to the port, Piso Aetos is quiet and offers clear waters for swimming. Its secluded feel and surrounding cliffs create a cozy setting.
Loutsa Beach
Description: Located close to Vathy, Loutsa Beach is a small, picturesque beach with clear waters and a pebbly shore.
Accessibility: Loutsa is easily accessible by foot or car from Vathy, making it a convenient spot for a quick swim.
Highlights: The beach has a natural, relaxed feel, and its calm waters are ideal for swimming. Loutsa’s proximity to Vathy makes it a popular choice for locals and visitors alike.
Aetos Beach
Description: Aetos Beach, located on the western side of Ithaca, is known for its wild and untouched beauty.
Accessibility: Accessible by car, with parking available nearby.
Highlights: The beach is surrounded by lush greenery and hills, giving it a rugged, natural feel. Aetos Beach is quiet and ideal for those looking to enjoy a peaceful day by the sea.
Skinos Beach
Description: Skinos Beach is a small, secluded beach surrounded by olive trees, creating a tranquil, shaded atmosphere.
Accessibility: Accessible by car and a short walk, Skinos is located close to Vathy.
Highlights: The beach’s natural shade from olive trees and clear waters make it ideal for relaxing and cooling off. Skinos is popular for those looking to enjoy Ithaca’s natural beauty.
Agios Ioannis Beach
Description: Agios Ioannis is a beautiful beach with fine pebbles and transparent waters, located on the west coast.
Accessibility: Accessible by car, with parking nearby.
Highlights: This beach offers magnificent views of Kefalonia, and its calm, deep waters are ideal for snorkeling and swimming. The beach’s serene setting makes it perfect for a relaxing day.
Kaminia Beach
Description: Kaminia is a peaceful beach near Frikes, known for its beautiful waters and tranquil atmosphere.
Accessibility: Accessible by car or on foot from Frikes.
Highlights: Kaminia Beach is quiet and uncrowded, offering an excellent spot for swimming and relaxing. The lush vegetation around the beach enhances its natural appeal.
Mnimata Beach
Description: A small, tranquil beach surrounded by rocky hills, Mnimata is ideal for those seeking solitude.
Accessibility: Accessible by car or boat.
Highlights: Known for its clear, calm waters, Mnimata is great for swimming and snorkeling. The beach’s secluded feel makes it a hidden gem for those looking to escape the crowds.
Polis Beach
Description: Polis Beach, located near the village of Stavros, is a scenic beach with beautiful views and a relaxing atmosphere.
Accessibility: Accessible by car with nearby parking.
Highlights: The beach has a mix of pebbles and sand, and its calm waters are great for swimming. Nearby tavernas make it easy to enjoy a meal by the sea.
Frikes Beach
Description: Frikes Beach is located near the village of Frikes and offers a beautiful, tranquil setting with pebbly shores.
Accessibility: Accessible by car or on foot from Frikes village.
Highlights: Frikes Beach is a small, family-friendly beach with shallow waters. It’s a good spot for a quiet swim and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills.
Limenia Beach
Description: Limenia is a hidden beach that can only be reached by boat, known for its crystal-clear waters and natural beauty.
Accessibility: Only accessible by boat, which makes it a true hidden gem.
Highlights: The seclusion and pristine waters make Limenia a perfect choice for those seeking privacy. The untouched landscape and clear waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Summary
Ithaca’s beaches are known for their unspoiled beauty, tranquility, and variety. From the remote, stunning Gidaki to the convenient and family-friendly Filiatro, there’s a beach for every type of traveler. Many beaches require a bit of exploration to reach, often accessible only by foot or boat, making them feel like hidden paradises. The island’s clear, emerald waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, and the natural beauty of the beaches is complemented by the surrounding olive groves, rocky cliffs, and forested hillsides.
For those looking to combine relaxation with scenic exploration, Ithaca’s beaches provide an idyllic setting, offering the perfect mix of serenity, adventure, and breathtaking Ionian views.