Peloponnese, Western Greece and the Ionian, Greece

Xylokastro Beaches

Overview

Xylokastro offers a classic Greek holiday experience on the shores of the Corinthian Gulf, known as a relaxed, family-friendly destination. The beaches here are predominantly pebbly, with calm and remarkably clear waters perfect for swimming. What truly sets Xylokastro apart is the magnificent Pefkias pine forest, a protected nature reserve that runs right alongside the sea. This unique feature provides a stunning green backdrop and fragrant, shaded paths just steps from the water.

Our editor's picks highlight the variety on offer. For ultimate convenience, Xylokastro Beach is the town's main hub, located directly on the promenade with easy access to cafes. If you're seeking a more energetic atmosphere, Melissi Beach is the go-to for its lively beach bar scene. For the adventurous, the secluded cove of Mylokopi rewards a challenging journey with breathtakingly clear, turquoise waters, making it a true hidden gem.

Beyond our top picks, the coastline offers even more choices, detailed in our full beach guide. The neighboring Sykia beach, for instance, provides a quieter, more relaxed alternative to the main town beach and is a local favorite. Whether you prefer an organized spot with a sunbed or a quiet patch of pebbles to lay your towel, you'll find both along this scenic coast, blending natural beauty with traditional Greek hospitality.

FAQ

People Also Ask

Are the beaches in Xylokastro sandy or pebbly?

The beaches in and around Xylokastro are predominantly pebbly. While the shoreline consists of small to medium-sized pebbles, some beaches, like the main Paralia Xilokastrou, have sand on the seabed a few meters into the water, making for a pleasant swimming experience. You will not find wide, purely sandy beaches here.

Paralia Xilokastrou

Is Xylokastro a good destination for a family holiday or for parties?

Xylokastro is widely considered an excellent destination for families. It has a relaxed, traditional Greek holiday atmosphere, especially popular with Athenian families. The long promenade is great for walks, and the beaches are generally calm. While there are lively beach bars and cafes, it is not known as a major party or nightlife destination like other Greek islands.

What is the Pefkias pine forest and how does it relate to the beach?

Pefkias is a unique and protected aesthetic forest with a history of over 300 years that runs for about two kilometers right alongside the main beach. This means you can walk through shaded pine-scented paths just steps from the sea. The forest provides natural shade, a beautiful green backdrop to the blue water, and well-maintained paths for walking and cycling, which is a defining feature of Xylokastro.

Can you swim in the sea at Xylokastro and is the water clear?

Yes, the sea in Xylokastro is excellent for swimming. The waters of the Corinthian Gulf are typically calm, clear, and clean, with several beaches earning a 'Blue Flag' certification for their quality. The water is known to be refreshing and transparent, often with good visibility of the pebbly or sandy sea floor.

Are there hotels located directly on the beach?

Many hotels in Xylokastro are described as 'beachfront' as they are located along the coastal road, offering excellent sea views just meters from the water. However, in most cases, you will need to cross this road to get onto the actual beach. There are very few properties where you can step directly from the hotel grounds onto the sand without a road in between.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

When is the best time to visit Xylokastro for a beach holiday?

The ideal time for a beach holiday in Xylokastro is from June to September. During these months, the weather is consistently warm and sunny, and the sea temperature is perfect for swimming. July and August are the peak months with the warmest water but also the most visitors. For a more relaxed experience with pleasant weather and fewer crowds, consider visiting in June or September.

How does Xylokastro compare to Loutraki for a beach trip?

Xylokastro and Loutraki offer different experiences. Xylokastro is generally seen as a more relaxed, greener, and traditional family-oriented town, famous for its Pefkias pine forest next to the beach. Loutraki is a larger, more cosmopolitan spa town with a casino, more organized nightlife, and a more bustling atmosphere.

Are the beaches organized with sunbeds and umbrellas?

Xylokastro offers a mix of organized and unorganized beach sections. Along the main beaches like Pefkias and Paralia Xilokastrou, you will find numerous beach bars that provide sunbeds and umbrellas, typically for the price of ordering a drink or coffee. There are also plenty of free, open spaces where you can lay your own towel.

Paralia Xilokastrou

What's the difference between Pefkias beach and Sykia beach?

Pefkias beach is the main, long beach of Xylokastro, famous for the pine forest that borders it. It has both organized sections with beach bars and quieter, free areas. Sykia beach is in the next village and is often considered a continuation of Pefkias. It is generally quieter and more relaxed, also with pebbles and clear water, and is a favorite for those looking to escape the main town's crowds.

How do you get to the beaches from the town center?

The main beaches, including Paralia Xilokastrou and Pefkias, run along the entire length of the town's coastal promenade. If you are staying anywhere in the main part of Xylokastro, the beach is easily accessible on foot, often just a short walk away. Beaches in neighboring villages like Sykia or Melissi are a short drive away.

Paralia Xilokastrou

Is the water warm enough to swim in May or October?

Swimming is possible in the shoulder seasons, but it depends on your tolerance for cooler water. In May, the sea is refreshing as it's still warming up, with average temperatures around 18-20°C (64-68°F). By October, the sea retains much of its summer warmth and is often very pleasant for swimming, sometimes warmer than in late spring. The peak swimming months for warm water are July and August.

Are there any quiet or hidden beaches near Xylokastro?

While Xylokastro itself is a popular resort, you can find quieter spots. The beach at Sykia is a well-known calmer alternative. For a more secluded experience, exploring the coastline towards Melissi can reveal less crowded coves. For a true 'hidden gem' experience, the remote Mylokopi beach, though a significant drive towards Loutraki, is considered one of the most beautiful and tranquil in the wider region.

Mylokopi

Melissi Beach