Plaka Beach

Plaka Beach, located on the picturesque Symi Island in Greece, offers a unique and often serene beach experience. Classified as a tourist attraction and point of interest, this hidden cove is known for its stunning clear waters and tranquil atmosphere, making it a favorite for those seeking a quiet escape from the busier spots.

🌊 The Beach & Water Experience

Visitors consistently praise Plaka Beach for its exceptionally clear and crystal-like waters, ideal for swimming and enjoying the Aegean Sea. While one recent review mentioned a "sand beach" perfect for families with warm, not-deep waters suitable for learning to swim, other reviews frequently describe Plaka as a collection of small, rocky beaches. It's important to note this potential variation, but the prevailing description points to a more rugged, natural coastline. The water is generally reported as warm and inviting.

For those interested in underwater exploration, the area is considered "OK for snorkeling," though it might not be the most vibrant marine environment you've encountered.

The beach also features a few large, flat rocks that are comfortable for sunbathing, alongside some natural shadowy areas providing respite from the sun.

🚶‍♀️ Access & Getting There

Reaching Plaka Beach is part of the adventure. It's often described as a 15-20 minute walk from the port in Symi. Be prepared for a significant trek: the journey involves walking downhill to the beach and, conversely, a hot uphill climb back to town. There are steps leading down to the beach, which require a bit of clambering but ultimately lead to an idyllic swimming spot.

For those preferring not to walk the entire distance, electric shuttles are available. However, be aware that their service might require negotiation, and they may prioritize larger groups. The cost mentioned in one review was 0.50 cents per person.

✨ Atmosphere & Seclusion

One of Plaka Beach's most appealing characteristics is its secluded and quiet nature. Nestled into a stunning sun-bleached rock face, it's a small cove that many visitors find to be relatively unknown, particularly to tourists, making it a peaceful spot. The limited space, perhaps enough for only 2 or 3 groups, contributes to its intimate feel, ensuring it remains quieter than beaches with more amenities or watersports.

⚠️ Important Considerations & Tips

• Footwear is Key 👟

  Given the predominantly rocky terrain both on the beach and in the water, it is highly recommended to bring and wear good sea shoes or swimming shoes. This will protect your feet from sharp rocks and potential sea urchins, significantly enhancing your enjoyment of the beach.

• Beach Cleanliness

  One recent review unfortunately noted the presence of "dirty sand, with a lot of bottles and cigarettes." While other reviews don't widely report this, it's a concern to be aware of and hope for improvement.

• Limited Space

  Due to its small size, the beach can accommodate only a few groups at a time. This contributes to its quiet charm but means prime spots can fill up quickly.

⭐ Overall Verdict

Plaka Beach is a beautiful, secluded spot on Symi Island, offering pristine waters and a tranquil atmosphere. It's an ideal choice for those seeking a peaceful swim and a break from the crowds. While access requires some effort and swimming shoes are essential, the rewards of this hidden gem are well worth the journey for a refreshing and serene Greek beach experience.

Perfect place for family with sand beach.Warm and not deep waters. Perfect for playing or learning to swim.Prepare for Hot walking down to the beach, and even hotter uphill to the town.There are electric shuttles, but you must negotiate with them. If there is a group of two people, and a group of 3 that come afther the first group, they will pick up the group of three, regardless that you came first. The tax was 0.50 cents per person.Minus point -> dirty sand, with a lot of bottles and cigarettes.

A beautiful spot with two small rocky beaches. Very clear water. There are also a few large flat rocks that are comfy for sunbathing and some shadowy areas to hide from sun. Make sure to take swimming shoes to avoid stepping on a sea urchin. There are steps to the beach but be prepared for a bit of a climb at the end. OK for snorkeling, but not the most exciting area I've seen though.

A beautiful and secluded little cove about 15-20 minutes walk from the port in Symi. There isn't much space, maybe enough for 2 or 3 groups, and it is a very rocky beach that is hard to walk on barefoot. But it was pretty quiet when we were here as it is a longer walk than the beach with the watersports and jet skis at it. Once you've made the walk and clambered down the steps however it is an idyllic little swimming spot with crystal clear water. If walking from Symi there are two sets of steps on the right after you walk up the hill, this is at the bottom of the second set of steps.

Just round a headland, nestled in to the stunning sun bleached rock face. Its a very small beach that few people are aware of appart from locals. Brilliant place if you want to chill out in a quiet spot and look over the crystal water.

Really nice area and scenery very close to the port of Symi. However it is a very rocky beach and you will need to have good sea shoes otherwise you won't be able to enjoy.