Kaminakia Beach
This is one of the most beautiful beaches of the island and accessible by a dirt road (not in the best condition). It has grey sand mixed with small pebbles. The beach doesn’t get windy, so it is ideal for tranquillity. There are some sunbeds and umbrellas available for hire and also a restaurant. There are also trees at the west side of the beach if you want to sit in the shade.
Vatses Beach
Vatses Beach is another beautiful beach located on the southern coast of Astypalea, accessible through a dirt road and via a small gorge (20min drive from Chora). It has grey sand mixed with small pebbles and a beautiful rocky setting, very similar to Kaminakia Beach. There are some sunbeds and umbrellas available for hire and a small beach bar. There are also trees at the west side of the beach.
Steno Beach
This is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches on the island. Located in a very narrow strip in the middle of the island. It is a sandy beach with turquoise waters and ideal for families as it is quite shallow. There are sunbeds and umbrellas and also a bar/restaurant that serves food.
Livadi Beach
This is the most organised and popular beach on the island, by the coastal village of Livadi, and 1km from Chora. It has a mix of sand and small pebbles and clear blue waters overlooking Chora. The beach has all the tourist facilities: sunbeds & umbrellas, watersports and various bars and restaurants that serve food. There also trees if you after shade and it’s ideal for families with kids.
Agios Konstantinos
The beach of Agios Konstantinos is located 6km from Chora and and 5km from Livadi. The beach is sandy with clear blue waters overlooking the beautiful Chora. The road is good (tarmac) but becomes a dirt road for the last 1km, but it’s still easily accessible. The beach has some sunbeds and umbrellas and there is also a beach bar that serves food. There also trees if you after shade. Unfortunately, it can get quite windy very often when the northern wind blows.
Schinontas Beach
This a beautiful sandy beach with clear blue waters just to the west of Maltezana beach. It is one of the most popular beaches with tourist facilities, like sunbeds and umbrellas and also some good restaurants and rooms for rent nearby. The water is shallow so it is ideal for families with kids.
Tzanakia
Tzanakia is a small pebble beach with crystal clear waters, accessible through a 5min hike (250m) from the main road (you can park your car on the main road and walk down some steps and via a dirt path to the beach on foot). It is 1km from Livadi beach and it is also regarded as a nudist beach. The bay is protected by the winds.
Maltezana Beach
A long but narrow sandy beach, quite shallow so good for families with kids by the coastal village of Analipsi. There are sunbeds and umbrellas but also trees for shade. The beach takes its name from the Maltese pirates, who used to have their base at this side of the island.
Agios Ioannis Richtis
Wonderful beach but only accessible by boat or on foot after the church of Agios Ioannis Richtis and with a descent that lasts about 30 minutes.
Pera Gialos
Pera Gialos is a nice pebble beach by the port within walking distance from Chora with plenty of cafes and tavernas in the vicinity.
Boat tours run from here to nearby islands and other beaches on the island.
Blue Harbour
Blue Harbour (Ble Limanaki) is a tiny rocky cove with beautiful turquoise waters. It can get very crowded as the space is very limited. It can be accessed through a dirt path.
Maramari Beach
Marmari Beach is a sandy and pebble beach located 5km east of Chora.
Panormos Beach
Sandy beach with trees but with rocky seabed and not ideal for swimming, but the landscape and the isolation is quite unique. It is quite difficult to get to via dirt road and at a distance of about 45 minutes from Chora so a 4×4 vehicle is recommended. The journey itself to get there is rewarding as it provides the best views through the wild scenery of the island.
Chrysi Ammos
Chrysi Ammos is a small beach located northeast of Analipsi, accessible by a dirt road. The beach is quite secluded and is surrounded by a rocky, arid landscape. It can get very windy when the northern winds blow.
Plakes
Similar to Blue Harbour, Plakes is small rocky cove with beautiful rock formations and crystal clear waters. It’s accessible by a dirt path from the main road.
Koutsomitis
A beautiful beach with turquoise waters in the tiny island of Koutsomitis. It is accessible only by boat as part of a daily cruise from Pera Gialos.
Kounoupa
Another beautiful beach with turquoise waters in the tiny island of Kounoupes. It is accessible only by boat from Pera Gialos as part of a daily cruise.
Tourist Map
I have created a map that shows all the best beast beaches on the island and other useful information.
Travel Resources
- Flights: I always use Skyscanner as my first choice as it’s so easy to use and you can search best deals by month. Momondo is another very good search engine as well as Google Flights.
- Accommodation: I always use Booking.com as my first choice, as it offers great choice of accommodation in affordable prices and it’s so easy to use. TripAdvisor is one of the best search engines to check deals from different websites; however not as good for checking the actual properties & rooms. Airbnb is a great alternative to find out homes and apartments to rent by real homeowners.
- Ferries: Ferryhopper is one of the best websites to check ferry schedules and buy the cheapest ferry tickets while in Greece.
- Car Rental: I always check Skyscanner for the cheapest car rental options.
- Public Transport: There is no booking site to check bus timetables and book buses online in Astypalea.
- Day Trips & Tours: TripAdvisor provides the most comprehensive list of day trips and you can book directly with them.
- Travel Insurance: SafetyWing is a great choice for long-term travellers and digital nomads. Alternatively, you can use one of the price comparison websites for cheaper quotes.