Discover the beaches of Chios
Buses from Chios Town run to and from all the most popular beaches but if you hire a car or scooter you’ll be able to uncover many lovely, unspoilt spots around the island’s coastline.
The busiest and most tourist-orientated beach resort is Karfas, seven kilometres south of the town. The 500-metre sandy beach is lined with hotels, bars and tavernas and there are plenty of watersports to occupy the locals and visitors who flock here in July and August.
This is where you’ll find the majority of the island’s large package holiday hotels and the beach tends to get over-crowded in high season so steer clear if you’re seeking a quiet, tranquil corner.
Megas Limnionas, a short distance south of Karfas, has a smaller but more picturesque beach which attracts less foreign visitors but is popular with the locals. Neighbouring Agia Fotini is one of the island’s most beautiful beaches – a 700-metre stretch of white pebbles lapped by extraordinarily clear water. The beach is well served by bars, restaurants and holiday accommodation, much of which is block-booked by Scandinavian tour groups.
One of the island’s most unusual beaches is Mavra Volia, near Emborios six kilometres south east of the mastic village of Pyrgi. The beach consists of glittering black volcanic pebbles backed by cliffs and shelving into water darkened by the black-pebbled seabed.
Perhaps here lay the inspiration for the “wine dark sea” referred to by the blind poet Homer who was born on Chios. An even more dramatic beach of purple-grey volcanic stones lies over the headland from Mavra Volia.
A small road leading south west from Pyrgi takes you to unspoilt Kato Fana beach where there’s a natural spring but no tourist facilities. The remains of a temple dedicated to Apollo surround a medieval chapel 400 metres above the small, sheltered beach.
The west coast is peppered with many sand and pebble beaches which are generally less crowded and developed than the more popular east coast resorts. Windswept Lithi beach tends to get crowded with weekenders from Chios Town in the summer months.
Some of the best west coast beaches are clustered near Volissos including lovely Limnos with its combination of sand and shiny black pebbles. Just north of Limnos lies Ayia Markella which is a stunning beach featured on many island postcards.
At the northern end of the island you’ll find beautiful Nagos where the lush greenery is fed by springs flowing from an oasis above the beach. It’s a delightful beach of tiny coloured pebbles and crystal clear waters overlooked by a pretty hill top chapel.
In the north west corner of the island you can take the curative waters of Ayiasmata where the hot healing springs are rich in iron and sulphur.
Excursion boats run regularly from Chios Town to the islet of Inousses, off the north east corner of the island, where you’ll find several unspoilt beaches along the southern coastline. Don’t expect any tourist facilities but the water is calm and exceptionally clear.
The beach of Agiasmata located in the north side of the island, the beach has pebles and is usually windy during the meltemi winds. The village of Agiasmata is popular for its cure springs, therefore you can enjoy swimming, diving and fishing with a visit to the springs of the area.
The beach of Limnia located near to the village of Volissos. A nice beach ideal for families with a nice promenade. You will find there accommodations, restaurants and cafes. In the same are you will find the beaches of Lampsas, Managros and Gonia.
Vrontados has some very nice beaches, the beach of Daskalopetra is one of the most popular ones with small pebbles and palm trees along the water front that makes a idyllic setting. Other beache of the are of Vrondados is the beach of Afanis Naftis ideal for families with children.
Karfas beach is probably the most touristy beach of Chios. The sandy beach beach of Karfas is well organised with sun beds and umbrellas. the area has a lush vegetation and the water is crystal and clear. Near to Karfas are the beaches of of Kontari and Megas Limionas
The beach of Komi located in the south of Chios town and is near to the mastic village of Kalamoti. The beach in very large with sand and pebbles and is very well organised, you will find eateries, bars and cafes.
In Kardamyla you will find the beach of Giosona, here according to mythology stop for a while Jason and his Argonauts. Near by are the beaches of Vlyhada and Nagos.
In the south of Chios a few kilometres from Pyrgi you will find the beaches of Emporios, Fanos and Karinta.
In Mesta you will find the near by beach of Limenas Meston, the beach has pebbles and there are trees along the sea front. There are accommodations and taverns.
Ageli beach
Ageli beach is located in southwest Chios at a distance of 41 km from the city and 6 km from the medieval village of Mesta. It is a small and quiet beach with turquoise waters. Its main feature is the wild natural beauty of the landscape. It consists of pebbles and coarse sand, while its waters are clear and crystal clear. Access to the beach is through a 1.5 km dirt road.
Agios Georgios Krasas
The beach of Agios Georgios Krasas is located in the north-west of Chios at a distance of 68 km from the city and 4.5 km from the village of Nenitouria. It is a secluded beach with few visitors. It has pebbles and its waters are cold and clear. It got its name from the homonymous church located there.
Agia Irini beach
Agia Irini beach is located in western Chios at a distance of 26.5 km from the town and 4 km from the village of Elata. It is located in a small bay surrounded by a wonderful landscape combining the blue sea with the rich vegetation of the surrounding area. The beach consists of sand and small pebbles. Next to it there is a fishing shelter that hosts the fishermen of the area. It got its name from the homonymous church located there.
Agia Markella beach
Agia Markella beach is located in the north-west of Chios at a distance of 45 km from the city and 6.5 km from the village of Volissos. It consists of coarse sand and a few pebbles. Its waters are clear, crystal clear and deep. It got its name from the homonymous church located there. At the end of the beach begins the path that ends at Agiasma of Agia Markella, who is the patron saint of the island.
Agia Dynami
Agia Dynami beach is located in southwest Chios at a distance of 38 km from the city and 7.3 km from the medieval village of Olympoi, on the road after the cave. It is one of the most beautiful beaches of the island. It consists of white sand, tall trees and clear turquoise waters. It got its name from the homonymous church located there.
Agiasmata beach
Agiasmata are located in the north of Chios, at a distance of 56 km from the city and 4.5 km from the village of Keramos. It is a beach with wild natural beauty. The northern orientation of the coast justifies the large waves of the sea and the large pebbles of the beach. The route to the beach, between high mountains and valleys with water and lush vegetation, is wonderful in all seasons of the year. The name of the area comes from the thermal waters that spring from the earth, at a temperature of 70 degrees Celsius! In the surrounding area there are the villages of Leptopoda and Keramos which are amphitheatrically built in a pine forest.
Agia Fotini
The beach of Agia Fotini, is located in the southeast of Chios at a distance of 11 km from the city and 3 km from the village of Neohori. It is one of the most beautiful and cosmopolitan beaches of the island. It consists of large pebbles and clear water. The area has many apartments, rooms for rent and cafes as well as many restaurants and taverns offering seafood and local delicacies. It got its name from the homonymous church that exists in the settlement.
Agios Giannis beach
Agios Giannis beach is located in the southeast of Chios, 25 km from the town and 6 km from the medieval village of Vounos. It is a quiet beach with clear waters and coarse pebbles. It got its name from the homonymous church located there.
Agios Isidoros
The beach of Agios Isidoros is located in the north-east of Chios at a distance of 14 km from the city, near the village of Sykiada. It consists of coarse sand and small pebbles while inside it has pebbles and sand. It got its name from the picturesque chapel of Agios Isidoros that is located there and is one of the most photographed parts of Chios.
Agios Nikitas
The beach of Agios Nikitas is located in the south of Chios in a beautiful bay with blue-green waters. It can only be accessed from the sea. It consists of pebbles with its main characteristic being clear and crystal clear waters, while its bottom is ideal for snorkelers. Above the beach there is also a half-destroyed vigla (medieval watchtower) that served to defend the island against pirates.
Apothiki beach
Apotheki beach is located in the southwest of Chios at a distance of 41 km from the city and 6.5 km from the medieval village of Mesta. It is one of the most beautiful beaches of the island. It consists of coarse sand and small pebbles. Its waters are clear and crystal clear. On the beach there is a beach-bar as well as a diving school.
Avlonia
Avlonia beach is located in the southwest of Chios, 40 km from the town and 5.7 km from the medieval village of Mesta. It is one of the most beautiful beaches of Chios in a natural bay. It consists of fine pebbles while its waters are clear and crystal clear.
Avlonia Pyrgiou beach
The beach Avlonia Pyrgiou is located in the south of Chios at a distance of 33 km from the city and 9 km from the medieval village of Pyrgi. It is a deserted beach located in a bay on the southern coastline of the island. Access to it is via a path 700m long. It is one of the most beautiful beaches of Chios with blue-green crystal waters and a nice seabed. The beach consists of small pebbles and coarse sand. The wild beauty of the natural landscape enchants even the most demanding visitor.
Didyma beach
Didyma beach is located in western Chios at a distance of 31 km from the town and 6 km from the medieval village of Mesta. As its name indicates, these are two identical small beaches with clear blue-green waters. It consists of pebbles and some sand inside.
Elinda
Elinda beach is located in western Chios at a distance of 25 km from the town and 9.5 km from the medieval village of Avgonima. It is a large and closed bay with a magnificent landscape of rare natural beauty, with very high mountains and pine trees that reach the sea. It consists of large pebbles and turquoise, clear and crystal waters.
Ezousa beach
Ezousa beach is located in the northwest of Chios, 55 km from the city and 3.5 km from the mountain village of Trypes. It is a quiet beach with wild natural beauty.
It consists of pebbles of various sizes and coarse sand, while its interior alternates with pebbles, coarse stones and fine sand.
Its waters are cold, crystal clear and deep blue. The rocky and rugged landscape of the area will fascinate lovers of wild beauty. The sunset is enchanting and is a unique experience for every visitor.
Gyali beach
Gyali beach is located in Western Chios at a distance of 24 km from the town and 8 km from the Medieval village of Avgonima. It is a small and quiet beach with immense natural beauty as the pine trees reach the shore. It consists of pebbles and coarse sand, while its waters are blue-green and crystal clear with a nice bottom. Access to the beach is via a dirt road.
Giosonas beach
The beach of Giosonas is located in the north-east of Chios at a distance of 33 km from the city and 6 km from the village of Kardamyla. It is a long beach with a coast length of 1 km. It has pebbles and crystal clear waters. The natural landscape is unique and adds wild beauty with pine trees reaching all the way to the coast.
Karinda
Karinda beach is located in the southwest of Chios at a distance of 32 km from the city and 6 km from the medieval village of Pyrgi. It consists of pebbles on the coast while it is sandy inside. Its waters are clear and crystal clear.
Karfas beach
Karfas beach is located near the city of Chios at a distance of 7 km. It is the most developed tourist resort of Chios with hotels, rooms for rent, shops, restaurants and cafes-bars. The beach is organized with deckchairs and umbrellas and you can even enjoy water sports. It consists of fine golden sand and its waters are very shallow and warm. It is the most cosmopolitan beach of the island and gathers a lot of tourists as well as locals.
Kleftolimano
Out of fear of pirate raids, Emporios, like the other coastal settlements of Chios, were abandoned and the inhabitants closed in castle villages, the Medieval castle villages of South Chios. The vigles (observatories), at high points along the coasts that were visually connected to each other, joined the fortified defense of the island, which was organized to deal with them.
Lefkathia beach
Lefkathia beach is located in the northwest of Chios at a distance of 40 km from the city and 2 km from the village of Volissos. It is a sandy beach with crystalline, crystal clear and deep waters. The beach is organized with a beach bar that offers sunbeds and umbrellas while in the surrounding area there are fish taverns that offer fresh seafood as well as several rooms for rent for your stay.
Limnos beach
Limnos beach is located in the northwest of Chios at a distance of 40 km from the city and 2.5 km from the village of Volissos. It is a sandy beach with crystalline, crystal clear and deep waters. The beach is organized with a beach bar that offers sunbeds and umbrellas while in the surrounding area there are fish taverns that offer fresh seafood as well as several rooms for rent for your stay.
Lithi beach
Lithi beach is located in western Chios at a distance of 26 km from the city and 2 km from the village of Lithi. It is a natural bay with a long sandy beach. The waters are shallow and warm. The beach is organized with deckchairs and umbrellas. It is worth enjoying fresh fish and seafood in one of the taverns in the area. Next to the beach there is a fishing shelter that hosts the fishermen of the area.
Makria Ammos
Makria Ammos beach is located in northwestern Chios at a distance of 33 km from the town of Chios and 6 km from Sidirounda village. It is one of the largest beaches of the island that attracts very few visitors. It consists of fine pebbles and sand. Its waters are clear and cold.
Managros
Managros beach is located in the northwest of Chios at a distance of 35 km from the city and 4 km from the village of Volissos. It is the longest beach of the island with a length of approximately 2.5 km. It consists of coarse sand and fine pebbles. Its waters are cold, deep and crystal clear. It is worth enjoying the sunset where the scenery is magnificent.
Mavra Volya
Mavra Volia beach or Mavros Gialos for the locals is located in the southeast of Chios at a distance of 30 km from the town and 7 km from the medieval village of Pyrgi. It is a special beach, the most beautiful of the island, the like of which cannot be found anywhere in the world. The feature that makes it stand out is its all-black pebbles, the result of an ancient eruption of the nearby Psaronas volcano. Its waters are crystal clear, deep and usually frozen, while they get their dark color from the color of the pebbles. The beach is divided into two parts, of which the second is also known as Foki.
Merikounda
Merikounta beach is located in the southwest of Chios at a distance of 40 km from the city and 4.5 km from the medieval village of Mesta. It is a quiet beach consisting of coarse sand and fine pebbles. Its waters are clear and crystal clear.
Myrsinidi beach
Myrsinidi beach is located in Vrontado of Chios, at a distance of 9 km from the town. It is a small beach with turquoise waters that enchants every visitor. It consists of small pebbles, while its waters are clear and crystal clear with an amazing bottom. It took its name from the Monastery of Panagia Myrtidiotissa located there.
Nagos beach
Nagos beach is located in the north-east of Chios at a distance of 28.6 km from the city and 5 km from Kardamyla. It is one of the most beautiful beaches of Chios with crystal clear waters and rich vegetation in the surrounding area due to the abundant crystal waters of the springs that reach the sea. The plane trees, tall trees and small overflowing streams offer generous refreshment to visitors even in the hottest summer months. The beach consists of small pebbles while the interior has coarse sand. It is also worth visiting the small church located at the top of the hill, right above the beach, where you can enjoy the view of the beach from above as well as the extraordinary beauty of the landscape.
Prastia
Prastia beach is located in the northwest of Chios at a distance of 38 km from the city and 3.5 km from the village of Sidirounda. It is an isolated beach with few visitors. It is sandy with shallow clear waters and it is worth noting that it is the only sandy beach in Northwest Chios. Due to the small bay that is created, it is usually windless most days of the year. At its end there is a small jetty for fishing boats. Access to it is via a dirt road from the village of Sidirounda or from the beach of Managros.
Shallagona beach
Salagona beach is located in the southwest of Chios, 36.5 km from the town and 4.5 km from the medieval village of Olympoi. It consists of pebbles while inside it also has sand. Its waters are clear and blue-green with an amazing seabed.
Sfikounda
Sfikounda beach is located in North Chios at a distance of 46 km from the city and 7 km from the village of Viki. It is a quiet beach with coarse sand and pebbles inside. Its waters are cold while it has strong waves when northerly winds blow on the island.
Stenogiali
Stenogiali beach is located in South Chios. It is a beautiful beach with clear, blue-green waters that is formed in a narrow bay. The coast consists of fine pebbles while inside it has stones with some sand. Access to it is by sea by boat or by a 2.5 km path that starts from Karinda beach. Near the beach, along the coastline there is also a small cave.
Tis Grias o Fournos
The beach of Tis Grias o Fournos is located in the south of Chios at a distance of 26 km from the city, next to the cosmopolitan beach of Komi. It is a quiet beach, with clear waters, ideal for families. Due to its location the waters are calm even on days when the winds are strong. The beach is pebbly while inside it there is sand.
Trachili
Trachili beach is located in western Chios at a distance of 25 km from the town and 9.5 km from the medieval village of Avgonima. It is one of the most beautiful beaches of the island with an idyllic landscape where the pine trees reach the coast. It consists of pebbles and coarse sand, while its waters are blue-green and crystal clear with an amazing bottom. It is a quiet beach that attracts few visitors. It is worth visiting Vigla (observatory for pirates) located on the hill next to the beach.
Trachilia beach
Trachilia beach is located in the southwest of Chios at a distance of 40 km from the city and 5.5 km from the medieval village of Mesta. It is a picturesque beach consisting of two smaller bays. The fishermen’s houses are the only human intervention in the area. It has small pebbles and coarse sand while its waters are blue-green and crystal clear. Worth to explore its amazing seabed.
Tigani beach
Tigani beach is located 33 km from the town of Chios and 5 km from the village of Sidirounda. It is one of the most beautiful beaches of western Chios with blue-green waters. It got its name from the characteristic shape of the bay where it is located.
It consists of fine pebbles and sand, while its waters are clear and crystal clear. It is ideal for fishing and seabed observation. A medieval watchtower dominates the beach.
The pine trees and the special vegetation of the area reach all the way to the sea and combine a magnificent landscape. It is worth staying until late afternoon to enjoy a unique sunset overlooking the island of Psara.
Trypiti
Trypiti beach,located at the southern end of the island, in a small bay.It is a beautiful beach with clear blue-green waters. It consists of white pebbles and some sand, while inside it has large stones. Inside the bay the rocks create various formations giving the beach a special beauty.
On the left there is a small cave that has been formed by the erosion of the rocks by the sea while on the right there is a large rock whose formation resembles an Elephant. Access to the beach is only from the sea by boat.
Viri
Viri beach is located in the southeast of Chios at a distance of 24 km from the city, next to the cosmopolitan beach of Komi. It is a beach with large pebbles and crystal clear waters.
Vroulidia
Vroulidia beach is located at the southernmost point of Chios, at a distance of 33 km from the city and 10.5 km from the Medieval village of Pyrgi. It is one of the most picturesque and rare natural beauty beaches of the island, with the main characteristic being the blue waters and the white rocks that give it an exotic character. It consists of coarse sand and very small pebbles.
Zanakounda
Zanakounda beach is located in the northwest of Chios at a distance of 55 km from the city and 5 km from the village of Parparia. It is one of the most beautiful beaches of Northern Chios with wild natural beauty. It is sandy with pebbles while rocky formations appear at its ends. Its waters are blue-green, clear and crystal clear. A landmark of the area is the chapel of Agios Isidoros, located a few meters from the beach. It is worth visiting and enjoying the amazing view towards Psara and the enchanting sunset.
