There are two main beaches in Stoupa and a couple of smaller ones:
Stoupa’s Main Beach
This sandy beach is down the hill past Kalogria beach. It is well served by bars, tavernas and shops and there are plenty of sunbeds which you can rent or possibly use for free if you are buying food or drink from the taverna that owns them. In peak season you can hire pedaloes and boats from the southern end of the beach near the harbour arm. The northern end of the beach has a small rocky island that you can swim around and it is an ideal place for snorkeling if you like to look at the fishes.
Halikoura Beach [and the one beyond]
If you want a really quiet beach, continue south [with the main beach on your right] and you will find some steps near Afros Restaurant that leads to the small Halikoura Beach.
There is one other little beach near the basketball court just south of Halikoura which does not seem to have a name. I rarely see anyone there.
Kalogria Beach.
Kalogria Beach is in a bay on the right as you enter by the long road into Stoupa. Watch out for the mountain springs that bubble up at this beach which can make the sea freezing cold in patches. The sea is gently shelving and shallow so it is ideal for families. In peak season this beach is very crowded and full of sunbeds and umbrellas. It’s like a Spartan army horde, ten deep, that you have to battle through to get to the sea!
However all is not lost – if you follow the path that leads to the left [southern end] of the bay it will take you to some hidden little coves where it is more tranquil and Leashia and I prefer it there. [sshh don’t tell anybody!] You can actually see the springs bubbling up in the shallows here. Another way to these coves is via the steps to a path which you can find off the road that is just opposite Perasma Taverna. The tavernas lining one side of the Kalogria are all very good.
The original and real Zorba [the Greek] used to live on the beach and he liked to plonk himself every morning in the bollock freezing freshwater rock pool [known as Pritzipas] which is on the right [northern] side of the bay near Pritzipas taverna. Dunking ones head in seemed to be what was expected so I gave it a go. My brain hurt!
Cave of Kazantzakis
In peak season you can hire pedaloes on the left side of the beach and scoot around to the cave which is on the headland on the left as you head out to sea. You can also go on a pedalo to the cave from Stoupa’s main beach but it will requires a bit more leggy effort. [Don’t go in the cave if you are scared of bats as they flit and squeek around in the cave].
There are also a couple of excellent beaches, [which are often quieter than the Stoupa big two] just outside of town to the north so you may need some sort of transport to get there.
Delfinia Beach
A five minute drive north of Stoupa towards Kardamyli is Delfinia Beach. It’s a bit hidden from the road but you know you are there when you see the gravel parking area and recycling bins on the side of the road, [and there’s a sign!]. You can head down the small road to park but it is often easier to park in the car park by the main road and walk down from there.
There are steep steps down to the beach so you need to be good on your pins. The beach, which is in an attractive bay, is pebbly with some grey sand. At the bottom of the steps is a taverna which plays groovy music – be it 60’s psychedelia, soul or reggae. The beach has a cave on its northern side which is worth swimming or paddling to on a lilo.
If the main entrance via the taverna is closed you can continue along the road for another 150 metres or so and there is another steep [and slightly crumbly] path to the beach on the right. Ignore the paid parking, there are more free parking opportunities on the road and if you continue a wee bit further there are lovely views over to Kalogria and Stoupa.
Foneas Beach
A little further North of Delfinia Beach is Foneas Beach which is on the left of a sharp bend. It is mostly pebbly – but of the smooth variety, not the sharp hurty stuff.
There is a large rock in the bay with a short tunnel that you can swim through, as well as rocks where the young and foolhardy leap from a great height. The sea does get deep rather quickly so it’s not so suited for toddlers. There is a taverna here next to the car park.
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