Just before Steno Beach, next to the main road which connects the town of Chora with Maltezana, the visitor will find a nice small beach called Mikro Steno. When you reach the little church, take the downhill road and after c. 30 m. you will get to Mikro Steno Beach.
It is not an organised beach and there is no natural shade.

To reach the beach of Ayios Ioannis Richtis you start your ride from the town of Chora. You go past Livadi and Tzanakia Beach. You should, then, take the road towards Vatses – Kaminakia and at the fork that is found a few metres down the road, you should take a right turn (image/ sign 1). Three hundred metres later, you will reach a second road fork, where you should go left heading towards Vatses (image/ sign 2). Subsequently, about 200 m. down the road, you will drive past a farm yard (still heading towards Vatses) and in the end of the uphill road, you should go left after you enter the door of the farm yard; make sure you close the door behind you. You should keep driving on the dirt road and after 700 m., you will reach the beautiful church of Ayios Ioannis Richtis; the beach down the hill was also named after the saint. From that spot starts a beautiful descending path of a nearly 30-minute walk – for the average hiker – through a ravishing gulch which leads to the coast.

The island of Koutsomitis and another little island, Tigani, which lies in a close distance, are a great destination for a day-trip! The tourist boats depart from Pera Yalos for these islets on a daily basis. This visit can be combined with a stop to the island of Kounoupes, another beautiful neighboring islet.

The area between Koutsomitis and Tigani creates a beautiful water passage with crystal clear water that can only be crossed by small boats. Access to these beaches is only possible by boat. The visitors find it fascinating to dive off the tourist boats into the crystal clear waters for a swim near the beach of Koutsomitis! There, visitors also encounter an interesting wooden construction: a waterer for the goats that are left on this islet by the locals. Crossing this water passage to the opposite land of Tigani is something that you should really try during your stay in Astypalaia! You can relax on the pebbly beach and enjoy the beautiful summer sun!

Tigani, Koutsomitis and Kounoupes constitute the “exotic zone” of Astypalaia! There, the waters and the natural environment differ from those that you will find at the other beaches of the island.

Steno Beach is located right in the middle of the island of Astypalaia, on a narrow strip of land that separates the island into its western and eastern part. It is ideal for small children as it is the shallowest beach on the island. In addition, it is an organized beach. Thus, you can find nice and comfortable sunbeds and a canteen if you need to drink or eat anything. A part of the beach is covered in marram grass leaving visitors enough space to lay their towels and enjoy the sun. There is also a bus stop in case you need to use local public transport.

Vatses Beach can be reached by car (there is a dirt road covering the 3/4 of the route). There is only a beach bar on the spot, where the visitor can find the essentials (drinks and snacks) to cool down and enjoy their time at the beach; there are no taverns or restaurants. Half the size of the beach is covered in marram grass. The visitors can also find a few sun beds and umbrellas. Most part of the beach is speckled with small pebbles mixed with sand as you come closer to the water.

The Negro’s Grotto is located very close to Vatses Beach. On the left side of the beach you will find Small Vatses Beach which is accessible by boat. Alternatively, you can swim to the shore of Small Vatses. It is approximately 100 – 200m. from Vatses.

One of the most renowned beaches on the island with the best reviews from the locals is this of Kaminakia. Visiting this beach is one of the must-do activities in Astypalaia. It is accessible by car. It is a 30-minute drive from Chora on a dirt road. It is also accessible by boat from Pera Yalos. On the way before Vatses you will reach a fork where you should follow the signs in order to reach the beach.

In Kaminakia you will find two traditional taverns, lounge chairs and plenty of trees that create natural shade. The beach is quite long and mostly sandy, and the waters are deep and crystal clear. The beach is protected by the weather conditions – so, plan your excursions accordingly!

Plakes Beach is sited about a kilometre before the town of Maltezana. You will find it easily as there is a relevant sign before the beach. There is also a local bus stop on the main road. To reach the beach, you take an easy downhill pathway. Then, you can choose between the pebbly side of the beach on your right and Plakes Beach on your left. For those who like to dive wearing goggles, Plakes Beach offers a rich underwater eye-experience! It should be noted that it is protected from the – in cases variable – weather conditions, something that makes the beach a “safe swim shelter” during the difficult – in aspect of weather – days of August. It should also be mentioned that Plakes is not an organized beach.