Spathi Beach — Remote White Sand in the South

Spathi is tucked into the southern coast of Kea, roughly 14 km from Ioulida along a road that passes through the island’s dramatic interior. The drive alone — through terraced hillsides and oak woodland — is worth the trip. The beach rewards the journey with notably bright sand and clear water.

The Beach

Spathi’s sand is fine and bright, giving the water an intense blue-green hue in good light. The beach is partly organised — sunbeds and umbrellas are available for hire — and a beach bar and small taverna operate in season. Despite its remote feel, Spathi is one of the better-equipped of the island’s wilder beaches.

The surrounding landscape is rugged: scrubby hillsides tumble to the shore, and on clear days there are views south across the Aegean. Snorkellers find the rocky outcrops at either end of the bay productive, sheltering varied marine life in clean, undisturbed water.

Getting There

The road to Spathi from Ioulida is paved for most of its length but narrow and winding in places. Allow 25–35 minutes from the capital. A car is recommended; there is no regular public bus service to Spathi. The nearby monastery of Panagia Kastriani (8 km further north) makes a natural combined stop.

Practical Tips

• Bring supplies as backup — the taverna is seasonal and may not always be open outside peak months
• Snorkelling is excellent around the rocky outcrops at either end of the bay
• Combine with a visit to Panagia Kastriani Monastery nearby
• Best visited on weekdays — gets notably busier on summer weekends
• The road narrows on the final approach; take it slowly