An insider coastal guide to volcanic shores, emerald coves, family-friendly sandy beaches and the best swimming spots around Chios Island.
LiveToday, Sun 18 Oct: Wind south-west ~2 Bft. Calmest beaches: Agia Fotia, Komi, Mavra Volia.Waves at all 26 beaches ↓This guide covers 11 Chios beaches. The best known are Mavra Volia, Agia Dynami, Karfas, Komi, Agia Fotia and Lithi. Choose Mavra Volia for black volcanic pebbles, Karfas for shallow sand minutes from Kambos, Komi and Agia Fotia for an easy organized beach day, Agia Dynami or Salagona for turquoise water, Lithi for families, and Elinta, Avlonia, Nagos or Lefkathia for quieter swims.
For a first visit, plan one day for south Chios beaches and another for quieter northern or western coastal routes. Karfas and Agia Fotia are the easy choices for a short swim from Kambos.
Sea conditions at 26 Chios beaches for beach hours, ranked from calmest to roughest. We combine the wave and wind forecast with the direction each beach faces, because with the same wind one coast can be flat calm while the opposite one has waves.
Today, Sun 18 Oct: Wind south-west ~2 Bft. Calmest beaches: Agia Fotia, Komi, Mavra Volia.
South Chios
Offshore waves 0.1 m · Wind SW 2 Bft
View beach →South Chios
Offshore waves 0.1 m · Wind SW 2 Bft
View beach →South Chios
Offshore waves 0.1 m · Wind SW 2 Bft
View beach →Today, Sun 18 Oct · 10:00–18:00
South Chios
South Chios
South Chios
North-east Chios
North-east Chios
Near Chios Town
Near Chios Town
Near Chios Town
Near Chios Town
Near Chios Town
Near Chios Town
South Chios
South Chios
South Chios
West Chios
West Chios
South Chios
South Chios
South Chios
North-west Chios
South Chios
North-west Chios
North-west Chios
West Chios
West Chios
North-west Chios
In summer Chios often gets a north wind (the meltemi). On those days beaches facing south and south-west usually have the calmest water, while the east and north coasts get waves. With a south or west wind it is the other way round.
An estimate for beach hours, based on the wave and wind forecast and the orientation of each beach. It is not a measurement at the beach and not a safety guarantee — always judge conditions on site. Wave height is the open-sea forecast near the beach; the status (calm/wavy) accounts for how sheltered the cove is.
Updated 18 Oct, 11:46 (Chios time) · Wave and wind forecast: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0)
Choose by beach style, distance from Voulamandis House or the kind of sea day you want.
Chios has a coastline full of contrasts: volcanic black pebbles in the south, sandy family beaches in the west, lively beach bars, quiet coves and deep blue waters in the north. The best beach often depends on your mood, route and the wind direction of the day.
From volcanic black pebbles to golden sand and hidden emerald coves, these are the Chios beaches worth planning your days around.
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Exotic coveSouth ChiosOne of the most exotic and photogenic coves of Chios, with emerald waters and a quiet, remote atmosphere.
Family friendlyWest ChiosShallow sandy waters and fresh seafood taverns on the shore make Lithi one of the best family-friendly beach choices in Chios.
Organized and family friendlyCentral ChiosOne of the easiest and best-known beaches in Chios, with a long sandy shore, shallow water and organized facilities close to Chios Town and Kambos.
Quiet and naturalWestern ChiosA large, enclosed and peaceful bay in western Chios, with cool green-blue water, bright white pebbles and pine-covered mountains descending toward the sea.
Volcanic landscapeSouth ChiosThe most imposing beach in Chios. Deep, crystal-clear waters contrast with dramatic black volcanic pebbles, creating one of the island’s most memorable landscapes.
CosmopolitanSouth ChiosThe heart of Chios summer life, with golden sand, beach bars and an easygoing cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Popular swimEast ChiosA popular beach with deep crystal waters, located close to the historic Kambos area and ideal for an easy swimming day from Voulamandis House.
Hidden gemSouth ChiosA secluded turquoise bay, perfect for snorkeling and quieter beach days away from the busiest parts of the island.
NatureNorth ChiosA unique northern beach where running spring waters, ancient trees and colorful pebbles meet the Aegean Sea.
SerenitySouth ChiosA sheltered bay with calm waters, ideal for a slower beach day and relaxed swimming.
Youth vibeNorth ChiosA northern beach with deep blue waters and a youthful summer vibe, close to Volissos.
The coastline is varied, so the best beach choice depends on your route, the wind and whether you want restaurants, shallow water, quiet coves or dramatic scenery.
Some beaches are better on windy days than others. Ask locally before driving far.
The best beaches in Chios are spread across the island, so a car makes beach-hopping much easier.
Choose Lithi for families, Komi for beach life, Mavra Volia for scenery and Agia Dynami for exotic waters.
Karfas and Agia Fotia are the nearest swimming options to Kambos, along with Glari Beach and Daskalopetra. They work well for half days and arrival or departure days, when you do not want a long drive.
Lithi, Karfas and Komi are the easiest family choices: sandy shores, shallow water near the edge and tavernas or beach bars close by. Karfas is also the shortest drive from Kambos.
Wind can change the best beach of the day. Sheltered bays such as Salagona, Agia Dynami and Elinta are usually the calmer choices. Ask us in the morning and we will suggest the best option for that day’s wind.
Salagona and Agia Dynami in south Chios have clear turquoise water and rocky edges that make them the most rewarding for snorkeling.
Both. Karfas, Komi and Lithi are sandy, while Mavra Volia has black volcanic pebbles, Elinta white pebbles and Agia Fotia mostly pebbles. Water shoes are useful for the pebbly beaches.
For most of them, yes. The beaches are spread across the island, so a car or taxi makes beach days from Kambos much easier, especially for south Chios and the northern beaches.
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