Beaches of Chios

We could make a site just for the beaches of Chios – yes there are over 90 beaches on Chios – and they are as diverse as the island itself.

Whatever type of beach you’re looking for , you can be sure to find it on Chios – black pebbles, colorful pebbles, gold sand, white sand, mixed pebbles and sand, isolated, crowded, not crowded, easy access, no car access… There are so many different types of beaches,  but one thing that connects them all for sure –  crystal waters to revive your soul.

Just some of our favorite beaches and some insider tips.

Mavra Volia (Volcano Beach)

Mavra Volia beach is not only one of the best beaches of Chios but even one of the best in Greece. It is located 30 kilometers from the town of Chios, on the southeastern coast of Chios. Mavra Volia consists of three beaches, one next to the other. It consists of large, black, shiny pebbles, which are due to a volcanic eruption of its nearby crater. The dark but crystal clear waters are exactly what makes it stand out among the many beaches of Chios. It is located just after the small fishing port of Emporio and is surrounded by green rocks. On days with good visibility, the islands of Samos and Ikaria can be seen in the distance. If you like exploring nearby, find out that here you will also find a small path that leads to a larger neighboring beach. Mavra Volia is quite exposed to the south winds, but it is protected from the north winds.

Tips:  Can get busy in first three weeks of August, parking can get difficult as you approach the beach so leave your vehicle at Emporio (the small fishing village as your arrive) and enjoy the short walk (5-10 mins) to the beach, can get hot on the black pebble beach so bring plenty of water, hat, and sunscreen, there is a great food truck refreshments and snacks, the first beach stays sunny til late afternoon.

Vroulidia

Just before you arrive at Emborio, there is a signpost to your right towards Vroulidia.

Here a heavenly sandy (tiny white pebble) strip awaits you with a backdrop of imposing white rocks and incredible turquoise waters. Fantastic for snorkeling and exploring the sea bed.

Tips: Easy parking, steps lead down to the fairly small beach (so get there early), snack bar in the parking for refreshments and snacks

Agia Dynami

Another must is the small but ever so picturesque Agia Dynami. Just before the village of Olympoi take the road to the beach. Its about 20 minute drive to get to the beach along the narrow asphalt road.

It got its name from the small church located on its eastern edge, it has emerald green and turquoise waters and a mixture of fine sand and pebbles. There is some natural shade on the first beach, but this is limited and you need to be there early to have any chance of finding it vacant. Following the path off from the right will lead you to a second pebble beach with no shade. The sun stays longer on this small second beach. Agia Dynami has gained in popularity over the past few years and can also get busy during the peak summer months.

Tips. There is easy parking, but no canteen so have snacks and water with you.

Avlonia

You will find this fantastic beach of Chios in a secluded bay. It is located 39 kilometers from the town of Chios below the village of Mesta and is sandy and pebbly – without exaggeration – it is the definition of tranquility and peace. The waters here are cool (as is the case with most of the western beaches of Chios) and at the same time incredibly clean, while Avlonia is next to the equally impressive Salagona beach. Note that another beach with the same name exists below the picturesque village of Pyrgi, which you can reach by hiking, so be careful – don’t mix them up!

Facilities: Beach bar, sunbeds & umbrellas, parking

Access: By road

Apothika

Apothika beach is one of the best beaches of Chios, and it is one of our personal favorites. It is located 46 kilometers from the city of Chios, southwest of Mesta. The beach consists of pebbles and sand, has crystal clear waters and is located in a bay, protected from northerly winds. The vertical rocks and the fact that the road ends before the beach, create a unique atmosphere of isolation and close contact with nature. The beach is ideal for diving and relaxing. Walking along Apothika, you will come across another, much smaller and secluded beach, accessible only on foot. Beautiful to chill at the beach bar with a cold beer and salad and take in the sunset.

Also a great beach stop before visiting the medieval village of Mesta. 

Facilities: Beach bar, sunbeds & umbrellas, water sports (canoes, scuba diving)

Access: By road & steps

Glaroi

There is a beach bar with sunbeds serving drinks and snacks. There are also water sports facilities too. 

Glaroi is a venue for some great late night parties during the summer.

Facilities: Beach bar, sunbeds & umbrellas, water sports

Access: By road

Trachili

While you are on vacation in Chios, you must pay a visit to the pebble beach Trachili. It is located 25 kilometers from the city of Chios on the western coast of the island. This secluded gem should be at the top of your list of calm, uncrowded beaches, while it will win you over with its clear waters and stunning views from the pirate lookout (Vigla). Trachili is located on one side of a tiny peninsula and we suggest you take the time to explore the surrounding area, as well as the beaches of Gyali and Elinda. Trachili lies between the seaside fishing village of Lithi and the the beautiful and picturesque village of Avgonima.

Lithi for fish or Augonyma for sunset and traditional Chian food. Always difficult de3cisions to be made. 

It is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque beaches of Chios and has relativel;y warmer waters that other beaches on the island.

Facilities: Not organized so bring shade and refreshments.

Access: By road

Iosonas

A wild and beautiful pebble beach, the beach of Iosona is located on the northeastern coast of Chios, 7 kilometers north of Kardamyla and 32 kilometers north of Chios town and is a large stretch of pebbles. Legend has it that Jason once passed through here on his way to fetch the Golden Fleece, hence its name. 

Even in summer this place attracts relatively few people, so you will enjoy this Chios exploration experience in peace.

Check out the surrounding areas which host the largest gorge of Chios as well as a stream that ends in the sea. 

The nearby picturesque beach of Nagos can get crowded, but is host to a number of seaside taverns.  Facilities: Sunbeds & umbrellas, beach bar

Access: By road, parking, beach bar and umbrellas until recently

Lithi

If you want to combine relaxation with all the comforts of an organized beach, then we suggest you visit the picturesque fishing village of Lithi. Lithi beach is located on the western coast of Chios, 26 kilometers from the town of Chios. Here the beach has all the amenities, while the shallow, turquoise waters and sand make it ideal for families with children. Lithi is a fully organized beach of Chios, while it is famous for the fresh fish that you can enjoy in its picturesque tavern on the sand. Oh, don’t miss the amazing sunset over there, at the little church of Agios Nikolaos.

Facilities: Sunbeds & umbrellas, taverns, beach bar

Access: By road

Agia Fotini or Agia Fotia

Agia Fotia is a small tourist settlement on the eastern coast of the island, about 13 kilometers south of the center of Chios town. The beach is deep with pebbles, organized with sunbeds, umbrellas and limited water sports such as pedal boats and canoes. In recent years the beach can get really busy especially during the peak months of August.

Above the beach there are many beach bars and taverns that serve fresh seafood and local dishes and a limited number of rooms for rent. 

Agia Fotia is a suitable place for relaxing holidays overlooking one of the most beautiful beaches of Chios. There is fairly easy access to Chios town with a bus service too.

Facilities: Sunbeds & umbrellas, beach bar, taverns, water sports

Access: By road

Karinda

Karinda beach on the southern coast of Chios, is at a distance of 38 kilometers from the city of Chios. It is isolated with pebbles and clear cold waters. It is difficult to access even with a conventional car. The last few years there has been a food truck and a few sunbeds. Very near the historical and picturesque Pyrgi village with its unique house designs.

Agia Irene

The beach of Agia Irini is located on the southwest coast of the island at a distance of 35 kilometers from the city of Chios. With crystal clear waters, white pebbles and still untouched nature behind it, it is a pole of attraction for locals and visitors. The beach is located in a bay, between Mesto and Elata, it is not organized and you will not find facilities in the area, so we recommend you visit it with basic supplies (water, snacks).

The taverna at Agia Irene has become very popular in recent years.

Daskalopetra

On the outskirts of  Vrontados and on the road leaving town Daskalopetra beach is located 7 kilometers north of the city of Chios. The beach got its name from the mythical stone on which Homer sat when he was teaching his students. The beach consists of pebbles, crystal clear waters and in the area there are hotels, rooms for rent, taverns, restaurants and cafes. Across from Daskalopetra there is a small port which hosts the traditional boats. 

Nagos

Nagos beach is located in the north-eastern part of the island, 29 kilometers from the town of Chios, 5 kilometers north from the village of Ano Kardamyla. It consists of colored pebbles and crystal clear waters. The scenery in the Nago area is fantastic, with the green mountains of Chios surrounding the beach and natural fresh water springs adding to its beauty. On the beach there are restaurants and taverns where you can enjoy fresh fish and seafood. On your way back we suggest you visit Marmaro (Kato Kardamyla).

Gridia

The beach is located on the southeastern coast of the island, 22 kilometers from the town of Chios, near the village of Nenita. A calm beach consisting of pebbles and usually calm waters. On the way back we recommend a stop at Nenita or the seaside settlement of Katarraktis for fresh seafood, but also the taverna just above the beach serves awesome locally grown produce as well as the catch of the day.

Komi

Komi beach is one of the best beaches of Chios. Cosmopolitan and long in length, it is a well-known destination for the island’s residents. It is located 26 kilometers from the city of Chios, on the southeast coast. On the beach there are taverns, beach bars as well as hotels and rooms for rent. Access is easy even with the island’s public transport, which runs frequent routes to the beach from the city. During the summer months in Komi, every Sunday, there is the now custom of the firefight at the beach bars.

Viri Carpe Diem

Very close to Komi beach, Viri is a cool, chill vibe lounge beach, with an awesome wooden bar above the beach. Serves great cocktails and refreshing salads and snacks. The afternoon, ws the sun goes down and the wind drops, Viri is a must for chilling till late on the beach.

Agios Isidoros Oz Bay

Grown in popularity on recent years as Oz Bay has beacome one of the highlight wedding venues of the island due to the picturesque church on the water. Oz Bay serves great cocktails, and beach food, as well as Vernada bar for all day snacks and evening dinner too. The sunloungers and deck going into the sea have made swimming at Oz Bay easier that previous years.

Agiasmata

Agiasmata beach is one of the northernmost beaches of Chios. The area is known for its thermal baths and natural beauty. The beach consists of sand and due to its location is particularly sensitive to the north wind.

Lefkanthia

Lefkathia beach is one of the best beaches in northwest Chios. At a distance of 39 kilometers from the town of Chios, it is worth a visit. Its deep and crystal clear waters, the coarse sand and small pebbles, the pine trees, many people from all over the island and mainly from Volissos and other nearby villages. It is organized, with beach bars, rooms for rent and taverns in the area. The well-known village of Volissos with its beautiful castle is located just 2 kilometers from the beach, which you should definitely visit.

Managros

One of the best beaches of Chios, Managros, is located 36 kilometers from Chios town, on the northwest coast of the island, south of Magemena beach. Managros consists of sand and pebbles with crystal clear waters. It is also the longest beach of Chios with a length exceeding 1.5 kilometers. There are no facilities in the area and the beach is not organized, so we recommend that you bring water, snacks and a beach umbrella. The landscape of the area is fantastic and since you will enjoy a fantastic sunset on the beach, we recommend staying late. Even the evening bath will impress you. You can visit the nearby village of Volissos which is 4 kilometers from the beach.

Tigani Beach

Tigani beach is located 32 kilometers from the town of Chios, on the western coast of Chios. It is a secluded beach in a bay, in a quiet place surrounded by the natural beauty of Chios. It has crystal clear, cold waters and white pebbles. We suggest visiting the nearby and picturesque village of Avgonima, with stone-built houses and one of the best taverns in Chios.

Agia Markella

Agia Markella beach, one of the most famous areas of Chios, is located 45 kilometers from the town of Chios, on the northwest coast of the island. It got its name from the Monastery of Agia Markella, built a few meters from the beach, which is visited by thousands of pilgrims from all over the world every year on the feast of the same name, July 22. The beach consists of pebbles and sand, it is deep with icy waters and crystal clear waters. In the northern part of the beach there is a path that leads to the spot where Markella died and warm water emerges from the ground.

Lemnos

Limnos beach is located at a distance of 39 kilometers from the city of Chios, on the northwestern coast of the island, 2 kilometers southwest of Volissos. The beach is not organized, it is quiet although there is a road right behind it, it consists of sand and pebbles, the waters are crystal clear, deep and warm. Near the beach there are taverns that serve fresh seafood that is procured daily from the local fishermen as well as the local Chios drink, sumada. In the summer months, on the beach, lovers of free camping gather, who fill the beach with tents. Volissos, one of the most famous villages of Chios, is located near the beach and is one of the must-visit places.