Karavostásis: Beaches, Boat Trips and Island Culture

Karavostásis combines days at the beach on land with boat trips departing from Karavostasis for various beaches. There are also cultural events tied to specific times of year. When looking for a holiday apartment, it helps to first decide what kind of holiday rhythm you want: Would you like to visit several swimming spots by boat, discover different beaches on land, or plan your travel dates around a festival? The differences below give you concrete pointers for planning your days, without requiring every day to follow the same pattern.

Beaches and routes in the surrounding area

Chochlidia is the main beach in the Karavostasis area and a family beach; there are also several small, secluded beaches in the area. Vardia is on the eastern side of Karavostasi. This family beach also has sand and shaded spots, and is suitable for beach games and relaxing.

Latinaki is a small sandy beach overlooking the settlement of Karavostasis and its port. From Karavostasis, you can reach it on foot in ten minutes via the coastal and main road to Livadi; walking time may vary depending on the route or pace. Vitsentzou lies between Latinaki and Pountaki, about one kilometre from Karavostasis on the route to Livadi. Access is via a path beside the main road. Livadi beach is in the agricultural settlement of the same name, 1.2 km from Karavostasis and the port.

The beach options differ in specific ways: Vardia offers sand and shaded spots, while Latinaki pairs a small sandy beach with views of the settlement and port. Vitsentzou lies between two named beaches, while Livadi is part of an agricultural settlement. If you are travelling with children, both Chochlidia and Vardia are described as family beaches.

By boat to the beaches or around the island

Excursion boats depart daily from Karavostasis for various beaches where you can swim. Schedules may vary, so check the latest departures before making plans. On certain days of the week, the same excursion boats also go around the island. The two types of trips have different focuses: the beach trips centre on swimming spots, while the other trip is about circumnavigating the island. Ask locally about current island tours before planning for a specific day of the week. This lets you organise boat days and time on land around your interests.

Festival and Easter tradition

Every July, the Folegandros Feasts (Giortes Folegandrou), the island’s summer festival, bring the streets of Kastro, the port of Karavostassis and Ano Meria to life with theatre performances, films, and concerts of classical and Greek music. Check that year’s programme before travelling.

As part of an Easter tradition, the icon procession goes to Petoussis and Livadi on Easter Tuesday and ends at the port of Karavostassis. There, the moored kaïkes, boats and yachts, as well as all the houses, are blessed. Beaches, boat trips and cultural events offer different ways to shape your trip.

Consider experiences when looking for a holiday apartment

If departures for the beaches or the island tour will shape your daily rhythm, take the trips into account when planning. For beach days on land, you can compare the different features of the nearby beaches. A festival visit means planning your travel dates more closely around the July programme. These preferences give your search for a holiday apartment in Karavostásis a clear direction, without assuming a particular accommodation location.

Discover more destinations: Oía, Mylopotas, Anafi, Pyrgos, Vothonas, Karterados, Vourvoulos, Mesariá.

For the main travel overview: Santorini.