SurfinGR, Ios, Psathi

Activities: Windsurf, SUP
Popularity:
Style: Freeride, Freestyle
Level: Intermediate, Good, Specialist

Driving to Agia Theodoti you will meet two small exotic beaches that belong to Psathi. They lay 17 Km east of Chora. The place is known for its blue water, golden sand and rocky landscape, it combines beautiful scenery and a perfect place for sunbathing. Despite its close proximity to the port, Psathi offers moments of relaxation and tranquility. Also it is particularly popular to windsurfers, because blow there winds, suitable for windsurfing, while it becomes safe anchorage for yachts.

At the end of the peninsula, there is a small islet called Psathonisi.

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The two small exotic beaches are very popular amongst windsurfers due to the strong winds on this part of the island.

Type: Chop, Small Wave (< 1m), Medium Wave (1-3m)
Quality: Clean
Depth: Average (deepens gently and incrementally)
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Here the crystal clear water is generally rough. The winding conditions and the waves here may set it inappropriate for families with young children but on the other hand, wind surfers will love it. The waves are high enough providing an excellent camas for practice. The turquoise color of its waves is the result of the special morphology of its seabed.

Type: Sand, Rocks
Size: Small
Bathers Period: June, July, August
Bathers: Average
Shade: Sparse
Kid Friendly: Yes
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Psathi consists of two beaches with golden sand and rocky formations. They stretch along an idyllic location that is covered in rich vegetation and is almost untouched. It is an amazing, virgin beach, quiet and peaceful. There are turtle nests. Nudists can be found on the left part of Psathi.

GPS Google Maps: 36.736185, 25.365864

Access to Psathi:

Psathi lays 17 km east of Chora. It is on the way to Agia Theodoti and access is feasible by car.

Access to Ios:

Arrival by Airplane: There is no airport on Ios, but it is served by the airport on Santorini, from which you can continue your journey by conventional ferry (about 1,5 hours) or by high-speed ferry (about 40 minutes).

Arrival by Ferry/Boat: Ios can be accessed by high speed, semi high speed and conventional boats. During the summer months there are daily itineraries between the ports of Piraeus and Rafina (about an hour drive from Athens) and the main port of Ios.
The high speed boat ride takes about 4,5 hours to reach Ios Island; the semi high speed boat takes about 6 and the conventional boat can take up to 7-8 hours, depending on the layovers. Ios is also connected to all the other islands of Cyclades, during the summer months (Santorini, Amorgos, Anafi, Koufonisia, Serifos, Kythnos, Mykonos, Paros, Tinos, Syros, Folegandros etc.) or from Crete, in which case journey times depend on the ferry schedules.

Local Transportation: When you arrive in Ios, you can either use the public transportation (local bus) or taxis or, even better, rent a car (or a motorbike in the summer) at the car rental agencies that surround the port.

Arrival by Car: There are many car rental agencies on the island, mainly located around the port, but also in Chora and in Mylopota. Make sure you book well ahead, especially if you are planning on visiting the island during the months of July and August (peak season). If the agency does not have an office in the port, they will gladly bring the car to you upon your arrival.

You should always remember that the streets on all the islands are small, sometimes dangerous, on steep cliffs and with abrupt turns. You also need to remember that you cannot park anywhere. Buses are bulky, the streets are narrow and if you are on the way, a tow truck might move your car and you will most definitely get a ticket. Remember not to violate the speed limits. Except from dangerous, some streets are often crossed by animals and/or pedestrians in the middle of nowhere.

Arrival by Bus: Ios has a very good road network and an excellent public transportation system with new buses, which depart regularly from the port to various destinations (villages and beaches), but more often to Chora and Mylopota, where most of the hotels are located. There are bus stops every 500 meters or so, however if you kindly ask the driver, he will drop you anywhere you want, as long as it’s on the way.

Arrival by Taxi: Few taxis can be found in the island. The main taxi stand is just outside Chora. You are advised to ask beforehand about the fare, in order to avoid unpleasant surprises. You can hail them, while on the street, but if the driver has been called already, he might not give you a ride. You can always ask, but don’t be surprised if they don’t stop.