Around Ithaka Island
Aetos
Near the main town of Ithaki lies the vast stretch of shingle beach known as the bay of Aetos. The main road runs along the edge of this beach for some distance and is not ideal when you are looking for peace and quite. Some of the scenery can be very picturesque but the beach is not one of the better beaches on the island.
Dexia
As you approach Ithaki from the sea you will notice the narrow strip of beach called Dexia. Dexia is located just east of Ithaki and is protected by hills, unfortunately this does block out the sun later in the day. The area does seem to be developing with building starting to spring up in the area. The beach is mainly shingle and the facilities not great so you may need to go prepared. It is possible to find smaller coves in this area if you are prepared to investigate.
Skinos
One little beach near Dexia is Skinos, this beach consists of stones and pebbles, very quiet and ideal for snorkeling so make sure you go prepared. Just like Dexia the sun dips behind the hills later in the day.
Filiatro
On the east coast of the island you will find Filiatro, a beautiful shingle and pebble beach that is ideal for bathing, snorkeling and sunbathing. The facilities are not great and you may not get a sun bed this does not seem to deter tourists from using this beach and it can get quite crowded at times.
Sarakiniko
Driving eastward from Ithaki before reaching Filatro you can visit the bay of Sarakiniko. There are two shingle beaches here and the spot is ideal for snorkeling. Like many of the beaches on the island the facilities are poor so you will need to go prepared with water, food and drinks.
Agios Iannis
A very precarious decent to the beach makes this beach difficult to get too. The reward is that not many tourists take the trouble to visit this beach so it can be very quiet. There really is not too much beach to get excited about but the views are worth the visit.
Polis
The beach has some facilities and a taverna that does get crowded in the high season. You can park right on the shingle beach so access is not a problem. The harbour at Polis is used mainly as a link with Kefalonia or for local boat trips.
Marmakes
This is the beach for an away from it all day. The approach to the beach is not for the faint hearted and is not recommended to go over land. The best way to get to this beach is by boat. There are no facilities on this stoney beach so you need to go prepared. Those who do make the effort are rewarded with one of the quietest and prettiest beaches on the island.
Frikes
Frikas is quite a busy little resort but I suppose if it were any where else and it would be called "a low key" resort. There has been some holiday development in the area but it is not that bad. The little harbour area and old town still retains some of it's old greek charm and well worth a walk around. The resort plays host to other tourists from near by islands so it can get quite crowded at certain time of the day. If you are looking for a beach you will need to venture outside the main resort and investigate some of the little stony coves that can be found along this stretch of coast line. The other main resort in this area is Kioni, this is an attractive little port like Frikas.
Kioni
Kioni is a little bit more up market than Frikes with it's villas and apartments but it really is worth a visit. This is the Greece we all dream about ever since the film "Shirley Valentine". You need to visit this village to soak up the atmosphere and you can't help but envy the locals as you slow down and unwind to the Greek pace of life. This is probably one of most important villages and ports on the island.
