1 Filiatro beach
Filiatro is the closest beach to Vathy, the capital of Ithaca. It is one of the most exotic beaches in Ithaca, as well as being one of the most cosmopolitan. It comes with emerald-coloured waters, white pebbles and a background of greenery that merges into the sea.
Filiatro It is located within a verdant, oblong bay, with some olive groves for shade and just enough amenities. Filiatro beach’s modest size and popularity mean you should try to get there early or in the late afternoon.
2 Skinos
Skinos beach is a long, narrow and extremely calm beach 2km from Vathy, the capital of Ithaca. The beach itself is strewn with shiny pebbles, both small and large. To get to Skinos (or Schinos) beach, you have to drive by Mnimata (or Minimata) beach and walk. It is located within a tranquil bay lined by cypress trees, with emerald-green water (have your mask ready). You’ll have to make do with the supplies you’ve brought with you, but the lack of any amenities assures discretion and solitude.
3 Gidaki beach
Gidaki beach is an attractive and isolated beach accessed only by boat from the port of Vathy or hike 30 minutes from Skinos beach to get there. It is lapped by turquoise waters of the clearest kind, with white limestone rocks extending to the edges of the tranquil bay. There’s a snack bar at Gidaki beach and if you feel like exploring, you can even go on a kayak excursion.
4 Sarakiniko
Sarakiniko beach is situated about 3 km from Vathy, the capital of Ithaca. This beach boasts one of the most brilliant natural settings with lush green surroundings and emerald waters. It is very quiet and calm with a dazzling sea and a pebbly beach. Comprised of two separate coves, heart-shaped Sarakiniko bay is favoured by many for incredible green-blue waters and family-orientated facilities.
The whole area is carpeted in rolling pine trees, with the eastern side of the beach being home to fishermen’s boats and even a small dock you can dive from. There are some amenities but if you want seclusion, head to the (nudist-friendly) western side. Both beaches have fine pebbles, making them ideal for snorkelling.
5 Platia Ammos
Platia Ammos is located in the northern part of the island, on the eastern side of the inner bay of Afales. It is widely regarded to be one of the most exotic beaches in Ithaca! The beach is wide and sandy – that’s how it got the name Platia Ammos (wide sand). Its sand is very white and fine, like powder and the water is so blue and clear that the landscape reminds you of the exotic places! Access to Platia Ammos is possible only by sea, with any of the boats that organize cruises around Ithaca – you will find them on the main square of Vathi. In the summer, especially in August, Platia Ammos is filled with vessels of any kind. Boats, sailboats, yachts and arrive from Frikes, Kioni, Vathi, Fiskardo and various other places.
6 Kourvoulia
Kourvoulia is the hidden paradise of Ithaca, which is actually three separate beaches located inside their own calm bays near Frikes harbour. Clean, crystal clear waters, pebbles and green scenery around. An unorganized beach with the natural beauty of the hidden coasts of our country which enchants you.
7 Polis
The ancient city that once stood here may have submerged in an earthquake in 967 BC, but there’s nothing shaky about Polis. It’s one of the most famous beaches in Ithaca, not to mention one of the most fun, as you can rent canoes, boats or SUPs here and Cousteau it around the hidden coves. Polis is home to a fishermen’s harbour, while the rest of the beach is covered in pebbles. The water is turquoise and clear, ideal for snorkelling. If you feel like exploring, the village of Stavros is nearby.
8 Aspros Gialos
On the west side of the island, near the village of Agios Ioannis you will find the beautiful beach of Aspros Gialos. The place is unique as it combines the green of Mount Nirito with the blue sea. Holidaymakers always choose this beach to enjoy the blue waters and tranquility. There is a road (about 3km long) from Vitiligo which leads to Agios Ioannis village and Aspros Gialos Beach. At Vitiligo you will also find footpaths leading to several small beaches like Militera and Koutoupi.There are some amenities but you should come fully prepared, and note that you’ll have to walk for 5-10mins down a cobbled path to get there.
9 Marmakas
Marmakas is a romantic little spot with views towards an islet housing the chapel of Agios Nikolaos within the bay. Situated in the northern side of Ithaca, Marmaka beach is filled with white shiny pebbles that one of the best characteristics, among them you will find small pieces of fine marble shimmering under the sun. There are eucalyptus trees along the white-pebble beach and clear, blue water. In fact, if you venture to continue a little further you will be rewarded with a second beach. The road here ends at the more accessible first beach, but there’s a dirt road that continues to another section of the beach with a small lake behind it.
10 Dexa beach
Dexa (or Drexia) beach is 2 km far from Vathy and is one of the most chilled beaches in Ithaca. It’s great for families with kids as it has shallow water and (aside from some umbrellas) has natural shade provided by olives trees. It’s a small beach and is located within a cosy windless cove that rarely gets crowded, is pretty unique for its blue and transparent waters ideal for both swimming and diving.