Undeveloped for mass tourism, hidden coves and white shores, emerald sea, lush green vegetation, pebbled beaches and a hilly overview form the scenery of the “Ionian gem”, namely the island of Ithaka. Known for its beautiful crystal waters, the beaches of Ithaca are ranging from deep blue to light turquoise, ideal for diving and exploring the deep sea.
The north-west side coastline is rough and ragged, while the north-east is typified rolling hills and fertile farmland. South Ithaka is mostly barren rock and scrub with the south-west virtually inaccessible. It is also the area identified with references in Homer’s classic Odyssey.
Aetos
In the middle of the island, deep in the bay with the same name that cuts Ithaka in two and directly west of Vathy, there is the preserved beach of Aetos. It ideal for swimming, easy accessible and surrunded by a dramatic setting, with the steep ridge above and towering cliffs behind!
St. John / Aspros Gialos
The beach is also known as “Ai Giannis” (Saint John in greek) as it is situated at the west side of the island, near St. John village. It is one of the best beaches of the island, suitable for underwater exploration. You can get there only by walking via a small, stone trail from the village Lefki. A cute paved path leads to the white beach, from where you can see the island of Kefalonia.
If you are looking for more isolation, the Lefki trail lead to several small sandy beaches, like Militera and Koutoupi.
Afales
A graphic road beginning at Platrithia in north Ithaca may take you to a dreamy beach, surrounded by a wild landscape. For “hidden” treasures, opposite Afales beach you will find the tiny, isolated beach Kathisma, while at the west side of Afales bay, after the isolated beach Perivoli, you will find the small beach Keramargio and the beautiful beach Kouloumi. These beaches have access only by boat from the Town, Frikes, Kioni.
Gidaki
Rewarded as one of the prettiest beaches in Greece, Gidaki beach is famous of its impressive turquoise waters, while from here you may admire the view towards the mainland of Greece and also some uninhabited small islands. You can get there either by boat from Vathi, or choose to follow a 40 minutes-walk path which definitely worth the astonishing view of the sea that offers.
Dexa
Situated 1.5 km north from Vathi, at the other side of the port, on the road to Aetos, this blue flagged beach is ideal for families with children, as it offers organized facilities.
Kaminia
It is situated at the northeast part of the island, north of Vathi (ten-minute drive), near Nisopoulo. A dirt road leads up to a point and then an accessible downhill trail takes you to this small pebbles beach with crystal waters.
Loutsa
The beautiful Loutsa beach -half silt, half pebbles- is located in the bay of Vathi under the Venetian canons, by which you can admire an enchanting view. It is preferred by those who want to go for a quick swim, and families with children as it may have the shallowest waters in the island.
Filiatro
The busiest and most “cosmopolitan” beach of Ithaca is located at the south, about 10 minutes-drive from Vathi and is known for the turquoise sea that looks like a swimming pool. It is an organized beach with pebbles and also offers water sport facilities.
Kourvoulia
The name Kourvoulia refers to three consecutive bays encountered on the road from Frikes to Kioni. Leave your car up above the bays, descend the steps and reach to the peaceful First Kourvoulia with emerald sea. Same applies for the Second or Back and Third Kourvoulia!
Polis
In the bay of Stavros, in north Ithaca, there is the ruins of St. Andrew’s church of the 18th century, the Homeric cave of Louizos which was destroyed by earthquakes, surrounding a beautiful natural-shaded beach. Next to Polis port there is the small Amoudi beach, where you may arrive from Polis by a boat within 10 minutes.
Sarakiniko
East of Vathi is located Sarakiniko bay with two beaches separated by a rock outcrop into the sea. A good paved road leads to the first pebble beach A short climb over the headland path at the right leads to the second very nice pebble, quiet beach which is also comfortable for naturism.
Schinos/ Skinos
The long and narrow beach of Skinos with sand and pebbles is located 3 km from Vathi, ideal for hiding away!
Marmakas/ Rompotis
Over the headland and about 4 kilometres from Afales is a stone beach at Marmakes reached along a narrow, unfenced and crumbling dirt road. Most people arrive by boat or along a goat track from Frikes. The stone beach is very attractive, with an offshore islet sporting a tiny chapel to add romance to the setting. Not to mention an ideal isolated destination.
Frikes
A pebble beach in the village with the same name. It is situated 3 km from Stavros village, at the northeast of Ithaca. From Frikes and Kioni, you may visit by boat other isolated beaches while Markena’s Valley and Limenia beaches worth to visit!
Mavronas
A small dirt road from Rachi area, close to Kioni, in east Ithaca, leads to the uninhabited St. Nicolas’ monastery at its natural port which has a small pebbled beach with clear blue deep waters. The beach is completely secluded and literally out of the passengers’ sight. The area also offers the options of Plakoutses, a steep, small beach while a cement road descends from Rachi and passes through Plakoutses, continues to the adjoining Tsitsimida beach. At about 100 m from Kioni and if you descend some steps, you will also find the beautiful Katsikouli bay.
Mnimata
In Skinos bay, in east Ithaca, near the Town, you will find this typical Ithacan beach, with clean quiet and deep water, a preference for many people.
Platia Ammos
one of the best beaches on Ithaca that combines sand and wonderful pebbles as well as clear water, is accessible only by boat but definitely worth visiting!
