Playa de Livadi

Introduction

If there is a place in the Aegean that captures the essence of tranquility and Cycladic beauty, it is Playa de Livadi on the charming island of Astipalea. We have had the pleasure of visiting this paradise corner and, honestly, it stole our hearts. It is not just a beach; it is an experience that combines the serenity of a natural landscape with the comfort of well-thought-out services, all bathed by the unmistakable turquoise waters of the Aegean.

Located in a fertile valley that gently slopes down to the sea, Playa de Livadi is an oasis of palm trees and tamarisks that offer much-appreciated natural shade during the hot summer days. Its reputation as one of the best Astipalea beaches is no coincidence; every detail, from the quality of its sand to the clarity of its waters, contributes to creating an atmosphere of pure well-being. It is the ideal destination for those seeking to disconnect, enjoy the sun and sea, and immerse themselves in authentic Greek hospitality. From the moment we set foot on its fine sand, we knew we were in a special place, a true treasure among the beaches of Greece.

How to Get to Playa de Livadi

Getting to Playa de Livadi is part of the adventure of exploring Astipalea. The island, with its characteristic butterfly shape, is well-connected, yet maintains an air of exclusivity that makes it even more attractive. We always recommend planning the trip in advance, especially if visiting during the high season.

Travel to Astipalea

To get to Astipalea, the main options are ferry or plane. From Athens, you can take a direct flight to Astipalea Airport (JTY) with Aegean Airlines or Olympic Air. The flights are relatively short and offer a spectacular aerial view of the Aegean islands. If you prefer the sea route, ferries depart regularly from the port of Piraeus in Athens, as well as from other islands in the Dodecanese and the Cyclades. The ferry journeys are longer but allow you to enjoy the vast blue of the sea and the sea breeze, an experience in itself. It's important to consider that the crossings can be long, sometimes up to 8-10 hours, depending on intermediate stops.

From Astipalea's Chora

Once in Astipalea, Playa de Livadi is located very close to Chora, the island's capital, and Pera Gialos, the main port. It is one of the most accessible Astipalea beaches. We found several ways to get there:

• By rental car or scooter: This is, without a doubt, the most comfortable option and the one that gives us the most freedom to explore not only Livadi but also other coves and points of interest on the island. There are several rental agencies in Chora and Pera Gialos. The journey from Chora is just 10-15 minutes on a paved and well-signposted road. Furthermore, the beach has a parking area where we can leave our vehicle without any problems.
• By local bus: During the summer months, Astipalea has a regular bus service connecting Chora and Pera Gialos with the most popular beaches, including Livadi. The schedules are usually frequent, and it is an economical and practical option, especially if you don't want to worry about parking. The bus stop is conveniently located near the beach.
• On foot: For the more adventurous or those staying very close to Chora, it is possible to walk. The walk is downhill and offers spectacular panoramic views of the castle and the sea. However, you must consider the return trip, which will be uphill, and the summer heat. We recommend this option for sunset or early morning hours.

The Sand and the Water

When we talk about Playa de Livadi, it's impossible not to start with its two most distinctive elements: its sand and its waters. They are, in our opinion, the characteristics that elevate it to the status of a jewel among the beaches of Greece.

The Fine, Golden Sand

The sand of Livadi is predominantly fine, of a golden hue that shines under the Aegean sun. Walking barefoot, we notice its softness, a very pleasant sensation that invites you to lay out a towel and simply let go. Although in some areas we can find small stones or pebbles near the shore, most of the beach is pure sand, ideal for building sandcastles with children or simply for reclining comfortably. The width of the beach means that, even on the busiest days, there is always enough space to feel like we have our own corner of peace. It's the kind of sand that doesn't stick excessively and warms up just enough to be comfortable.

The Crystal-Clear Waters of the Aegean

But if the sand is a delight, the water is a true wonder. The waters of Playa de Livadi are famous for their transparency and their turquoise, almost unreal, hue. As we wade in, we realize how incredibly clean and clear they are, allowing us to see the seabed with total clarity even several meters deep. This clarity is a constant invitation to dive in and explore.

The beach has a very gradual and shallow entry into the sea, which makes it exceptionally safe for young children and for those who are not expert swimmers. We can walk several meters into the water before it completely covers us, which adds an extra layer of tranquility. Furthermore, being protected within a bay, the waters are usually very calm, with barely any waves, which reinforces its relaxing atmosphere. The water temperature, especially from June onwards, is delightful and re