10 Hidden Beaches of Astypalaia You Need to Visit

Vatses is the beach that defines Astypalaia for anyone who has been there. It sits on the southwestern coast, reachable via a rough dirt road for the last 3-4 km that requires a proper 4WD. A regular car or a small scooter will not make it safely.

The beach itself is pebbly rather than sandy, but the raw beauty makes it one of the most spectacular spots in the Dodecanese. Steep cliffs surround it on three sides. The water is an intense, almost unreal shade of turquoise. There is a small beach bar serving cocktails — but you will want to go early, before 9am, when you can have the entire place to yourself.

Vathy is in the remote eastern part of the island, beyond Maltezana. The drive takes you along rough terrain that requires 4WD all the way. When you arrive, you find a small, isolated bay with water that looks like someone applied a heavy saturation filter — a turquoise lagoon so vivid it barely seems real.

The "Galini" taverna at Vathy is a local legend. It is run by a single person, Mrs. Maria, who prepares everything herself. Fresh fish with local ouzo, in one of the most remote settings on the island. The place has no menu — you eat what was caught that day.

Many islanders and regular visitors place Kaminakia as their favourite beach on the island — and it is easy to see why. Located on the southwestern coast, it requires either a drive down a bumpy dirt road (SUV strongly recommended, though a brave scooter rider can manage it) or a boat trip from Pera Gialos port.

The beach is a mix of pebbles and sand, framed by rugged hills and with extraordinarily clear, deep-blue water. The taverna at Kaminakia is one of the best on the island — organic food, fresh seafood, a few swings for the kids. One travel writer described having a fresh juice at Kaminakia as one of the best moments of the trip.

Kounoupa is a small uninhabited island just off the Astypalaia coast. Most visitors reach it via organized boat tours that depart from Pera Gialos port. The tours typically also stop at Koutsomitis beach and the "Red Rock" — a dramatic red cliff with a small rocky pool accessible through a narrow underwater tunnel.

The water at Kounoupa is among the best in the entire Aegean. Multiple guides and travellers describe it as some of the most spectacular water they have ever seen. The snorkelling here is exceptional — close to the big red cliff, the seabed reveals tiny hidden coves and remarkable marine life.

Agios Konstantinos is a long, sandy cove accessible via a short dirt road from the main island road. It offers something rare on Astypalaia: a mix of fine sand and small pebbles with a sandy seabed, making it perfect for families with children. The water is shallow and calm.

A white chapel dedicated to Saint Constantine sits on the right side of the beach, making the setting look like a postcard. There is a taverna and sunbeds, but the beach is still uncrowded by any Greek standard. On the left side, there are natural underwater springs that create a "jacuzzi" effect — bubbles rising from the seabed, a unique geological phenomenon.

Plakes is not a sandy beach — it is a series of smooth, flat rock platforms that slope directly into crystal-clear water, like a natural infinity pool. There are no sunbeds, no taverna, no facilities of any kind. You sit on the warm rocks and dive or swim at will.

The snorkelling at Plakes is exceptional, with an interesting rocky seabed. It is also a popular naturist spot — ignore or enjoy, depending on your point of view. A short walk at the end of the access path leads you to the platforms. The flat rocks before the beach itself are ideal for sunbathing when the main area fills up.

Tzanakia is officially designated as Astypalaia's nudist beach, though it is used by all. It is a series of three tiny pebbly coves, only reachable on foot. The hike is not difficult, but you need to park at the road and walk down. The reward is stunning views of Chora and the castle, and water so clear the pebbles on the bottom look like they are through glass.

Blue Harbour sits on a narrow peninsula just before Maltezana. It is a collection of very small beaches — some so tiny they fit only one couple or one family, making them the most private spots on the entire island. The water is spectacular, and the nearby village of Maltezana provides everything you need for a full day: supplies, coffee, a taverna.

Note: mobile phone reception here is poor or non-existent. Which is either a problem or the best feature, depending on your perspective.

Panormos is one of the most remote and least-visited beaches on the island. A secluded bay with crystal-clear water and absolutely no facilities — accessible via a rugged dirt road that requires care and patience. The reward is a completely untouched beach where you will almost certainly be alone, even in summer.

Steno (which means "narrow" in Greek) sits at the narrowest point of the island — the isthmus connecting the two halves of the butterfly. You can see both sides of the island simultaneously from the beach. The water is excellent, and the beach canteen Kantina Steno serves traditional Greek food directly on the sand.

It is one of the more accessible beaches on the island, and a logical stop on any route between Chora and Maltezana.