Couple or family, alone or with company, seeking for fuss or calmness, Monemvasia’s beaches can cover every taste. Enjoy the journey and choose the best among lonely-couple ideal, child friendly or adventurous-to-find beaches.
Beaches of East Coast – Myrtoo
The eastern coastline of the Municipality of Monemvasia is scattered with mostly pebbly beaches around Zarakas and Monemvasia, protected from southerly and southwesterly winds.
In the north of the municipality are the beaches of Aghia Kyriaki, Megali Ammos and Drymiskos at Kyparissi, and Vlychada near Riechia.
Close to Gerakas is Kochylas, near Aghios Ioannis are Kastraki and the busy Pori.
The beach at Monemvasia’s new town is Kakkavos. Swimming is also possible off the rocks at Portelo in the shadow of the Lower Town walls.
Further south are the beaches of Nomia: Amelakia, Xifias and Aghios Fokas.
Aghia Kyriaki beach
White pebbles cover the shore; the water is warm and clear. Sheltered from most winds, it is the right place to be in August when meltemi winds are blowing.
good choice for…
Ideal for families with young children.
Megali Ammos beach
Kyparissi’s largest beach, with white pebbles and absolutely clear water. Although situated within the village area, between the settlements of Paralia and Mitropoli, there is plenty of space available even on the busiest days.
good choice for…
Ideal for families and for those staying in Kyparissi who don’t want to take their cars to the beach.
winds…
Protection from all but easterly or north-easterly winds.
Drymiskos beach
A small (just 30 meters long) pebbly strand. A paradise for the few, accessible only foot or four-wheel drive along a 2 kilometer unsurfaced road.
good choice for…
Ideal for couples and those seeking peace and quiet.
winds…
To be avoided when northerly or north-easterly winds are blowing.
Vlychada beach
Vlychada, or Glyfada, rewards visitors with its pebbly shore that is perhaps the prettiest in the Zarakas area. The combination of colors – the blue sea, green slopes and red rocks – is certainly striking.
good choice for…
Ideal for families with young children and everyone who wants to enjoy a beach not yet discovered by the crowds.
winds…
Protected from all but easterly winds.
Kochylas beach
A pebbly beach where you can really escape the crowds. A peaceful atmosphere in a lovely landscape facing the rocky islet of Daskaleio.
good choice for…
For all those seeking some peace and quiet.
winds…
To be avoided when easterly or south-easterly winds are blowing
Kastraki beach
The sandy beach of Kastraki lies to the north of Pori beach, on the approach to the Fortress of Epidaurus Limira. The fine sand, clear blue waters and surrounding wood combine to form a magical setting.
good choice for…
Kastraki is particularly suitable for families with children, and for people of all ages looking for natural shade.
winds…
Avoid Kastraki when northerly and north-easterly winds are blowing.
Pori beach
Pori is one of the longest and most impressive beaches in the Peloponnese, with an excellent view of old Monemvasia and its fortress. Almost two kilometers in length, Pori beach is ideal for seaside walks, jogging and beach volley. For the first time in 2013 awarded the ”Blue Flag”.
good choice for…
Pori beach is suitable for all swimmers.
winds…
Provides shelter from all but northerly winds.
Kakkavos beach
Kakkavos is the beach nearest to the new town of Monemvasia, right below the fortress. It is about 1,000 metres long and consists of small pebbles. For the first time in 2013 awarded the ”Blue Flag”.
good choice for…
Ideal for those who prefer to swim close to amenities such as cafe-bars and restaurants and to the town of Monemvasia.
winds…
Provides shelter from all but northerly winds.
Portelo beach
A small opening tucked away on the south side of the walls right at the bottom of the fortress leads to the pretty little cove of Portelo that once served as the fortress’ supply port. It was also the only place Monemvasiots could go swimming. Recently restored, Portelo provides the unique experience of swimming right under the imposing fortress city of Monemvasia.
good choice for…
Suitable for those staying in Monemvasia fortress and who do not want to leave the historic fortress itself in order to swim.
winds…
Provides protection from northerly winds.
Ambelakia beach
Ambelakia is a popular beach for its fine sand, striking geological features and unique view of the Monemvasia fortress.
good choice for…
Ambelakia is perfect for swimmers looking for beaches with creature comforts, without losing sight of Monemvasia itself.
winds…
Provides shelter from southerly and south-westerly winds.
Xifias beach
The long beach of Xifias is protected from northerly and meltemi winds. The salt trees along the shore provide shade; there is plenty of room on the sand for games such as beach volley or for taking leisurely strolls. Some parts of the shore are covered with small pebbles. At the northern end of the beach is the sunken city of Xifoupolis.
good choice for…
Ideal for families with young children.
winds…
Provides shelter from northerly and westerly winds.
Beaches of West Coast – Laconian
The beaches of the western coast, whether sand or pebble, face the mountains of Mani and are usually blessed with calm waters. Beginning with picturesque Elia, the options for swimming are at Kavo, the small beach in the port (Limani), Viandini and the Blue Flag beach of Tigania.
Further south into the area around Asopos are Boza and the busier but again, Blue Flag beach at Plytra. Harahia, famous for its multi-coloured pebbles and Pyla, which offers several amenities, are both close to Daimonia. A little further on is the sandy cove of Archangelos, which also boasts a Blue Flag.
Limani (or Limanaki) beach
This beach is right in the settlement of Elia, opposite the harbour and lighthouse. The seabed is shallow and sandy; the shoreline consists of a narrow (4-5 meters wide) strip of sand. Many swimmers prefer to sit on the mole behind it, where there are sunbeds. Above the beach is also a children’s playground. During summer months the local yacht club offers sailing lessons.
good choice for…
The beach is child-friendly and a good choice for those who don’t want to go out of town for a swim.
winds…
Open to westerly winds, as are all the beaches in Elia.
Tigania beach
The largest beach in the area. Sandy, with some areas of small pebbles. Over the past decade the southern end has become the in place for young people, with sunbeds, umbrellas, a beach bar and beach volley net. Also at this end, there are cold springs in the seabed, lowering the water temperature. To the north, the water is warmer and preferred by families. The beach has been awarded a Blue Flag for its cleanliness and amenities, which include changing sheds, toilets, life guards and showers.
good choice for…
As mentioned above, the southern end attracts a younger crowd drawn by the beach bar and seaside sports, while the northern end is more family-oriented.
winds…
Vulnerable to the westerly winds.
Bozas beach
A wonderful beach ideal for swimming, with a broad sandy shore. Archaeologists believe it to be the site of the ancient town of Asopos.
good choice for…
Ideal for all ages. Suitable for beach sports.
winds…
Avoid the beach when westerly winds are blowing.
Pahia ammos beach
Plytra, with its cosmopolitan atmosphere, is a lovely, Blue Flag beach with golden sand and shallow water, ideal not only for swimming but for all seaside sports.
good choice for…
Ideal for young people wanting to enjoy a cool drink on the beach while listening to good music.
winds…
Provides shelter from all but southerly winds.
Beaches of Cape Maleas and Vatika
The beaches in the municipal department of Vies (or Vatika), to the west and east of Cape Maleas are varied indeed.
The northernmost, facing west, is the relatively unknown but lovely Marathia. In the bay of Vatika, the turquoise waters of Pouda, Magano and Neratziona in fact form one long continuous sandy beach stretching for five kilometers. Even though in the center of town, the beach at Neapoli is clean and well-maintained to a degree that earns it a Blue Flag every year.
Behind the little port of Palaiokastro is the small protected cove of Ammitsa further south is Aspes and Rismari. Set in the striking landscape around Aghia Marina are the beaches of the Petrified Forest.
On the western side facing the Myrtoon Sea is Panayia, perfect for cooling off after a visit to the Cave of Kastania, and futher south are the beaches around Velanidia.
Marathias beach
The clear waters and golden sands of of Marathia beach are relatively hidden treasures, as the beach (whose northern end is known as Panaritis) is not well known.
good choice for…
Perfect for anyone wanting to enjoy the sea and sand away from large crowds.
winds…
Provides shelter from northerly or north-easterly winds.
Pounta beach
One of the area’s most impressive beaches lies right opposite the picturesque island of Elafonissos. Pounta stands out for its rolling sand dunes occupying the full length of the child-friendly sandy beach.
The beach borders to the south with the remnants of Pavlopetri. This prehistoric town now partly lies below sea level and can be easily explored by snorkelers.
good choice for…
This beach is attractive for children, nature lovers, snorkelers and windsurfers.
winds…
Prefer this beach in case of north winds.
Magano beach
Magano is an endless beach with golden sand and shallow turquoise water. It is situated next to Pavlopetri, the most ancient sunken city in the world.
good choice for…
This beach is ideal for families and people of all ages. It’s easy to reach and there is plenty of space for kids to play.
winds…
Avoid Magano beach in case of strong south and east winds.
Neapoli beach
The endless beach of Neapoli is a meeting point for all ages and ideal for those who don’t have a car, as it is situated right within the town of Neapoli. The beach has been awarded the Blue Flag for many years in a row. It is a nesting place for the carretta-carretta turtles hiding their eggs in the sand.
good choice for…
This beach is easily accessible, is attractive for people of all ages and offers bathers several facilities.
winds…
Prefer this beach in case of north winds.
Ammitsa beach
A sandy beach with very shallow water. Natural shade is provided by the trees surrounding the strand. It is very close to the little port of Palaiokastro and the chapel of Aghia Paraskevi, reached by a pleasant short walk over the headland.
good choice for…
Good for family outings, with space for games and shade for picnics.
winds…
Provides protection from northerly or westerly winds.
Rismari beach
Rismari, situated near the picturesque coastal villages of Profitis Elias and Korakas and close to the petrified forest of Korakas, is a sandy beach with shallow water.
good choice for…
Suitable for families with children, as well as for young people.
winds…
Provides protection from all but strong southerly winds.
Beaches of velanidia
Gialos, Kalevolos, Aghios Pavlos
Beaches with sand and pebbles, suitable for all ages
good choice for…
These peaceful beaches are set in a striking, rugged landscape.
winds…
Provide shelter from all but strong northerly winds
