Lithi beach
Located on the west coast of Chios, adjacent to the quaint fishing village of Lithi, is a serene haven once known as Alithis limin, which translates to "true refuge" in Greek. The village is superbly situated in a sheltered crescent bay, encircled by hills blanketed with lush greenery. This natural barrier provides protection from the storms and strong winds that are typical of the west coast. As a result, the local residents have thrived on fishing since ancient times, making it their primary source of income and sustaining their community through the ages.
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Beach description
The beach is nestled in a spacious bay, curved into the shape of a crescent. Its southern part boasts a quaint fishing harbor, while the northern extremity is shielded by a cape that juts far into the sea. The shoreline is sufficiently long, yet not overly broad, adorned with golden sand peppered with small pebbles. The sea is pristine, transparent, and so placid that it resembles a vast lake. Owing to these serene conditions, Lithi is an idyllic haven for families, where children can spend hours frolicking in the shallow waters and crafting whimsical figures from the sand.
The entry into the water is smooth and inviting, with a sandy and secure bottom. Occasional crabs and small fish are the only sea creatures you might encounter, making snorkeling more suitable at other beaches.
The central stretch of the beach is outfitted with umbrellas and sun loungers, while at the fringes, visitors often recline on their towels. Amenities include restrooms, changing cabins, and showers with fresh water. Dotting the coastline are several taverns renowned for their exquisite fish cuisine, considered the finest on the island. Prices are more affordable than at other, more commercialized resorts, yet the quality of the food is simply exceptional. Here, you can savor dishes featuring lobster, red mullet, and the elusive black fish, as well as enjoy the local wine and beer. All establishments offer complimentary internet access, and guests can make use of the free sun loungers and have drinks delivered straight to the beach.
Reaching Lithi is a breeze from the capital city, with a journey of no more than half an hour by car or bus. The final segment of the route meanders past four stunning bays, each taking your breath away with its beauty.
When is the best time to go?
The best time to visit Chios for a beach vacation is during the summer months, when the island's climate is most favorable for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the beautiful coastlines. Here are a few reasons why:
- Late June to Early September: This period offers the warmest weather, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), ideal for beach activities.
- July and August are the peak tourist months, providing a vibrant atmosphere with bustling beaches and numerous cultural events.
- June and September: These months are perfect for visitors seeking a quieter experience. The weather is still warm enough for beach activities, but the island is less crowded.
- For those interested in water sports, August is the best time, as the sea conditions are optimal.
Regardless of the specific month, Chios offers a unique blend of beautiful beaches, cultural experiences, and delicious local cuisine, making it a great destination for a summer beach vacation.
Video: Beach Lithi
Infrastructure
Near the beach, there is a highway lined with hotels, shops, and restaurants. Additionally, there is ample parking, a tour desk, and a bike and sports equipment rental service. The most popular accommodation option for tourists is the three-star Almiriki Hotel, which is conveniently located on the front line near the beach.
The bright and spacious rooms are decorated in natural beige tones, featuring Wi-Fi and LCD cable TVs. Each apartment boasts a balcony with sea views, as well as fully equipped kitchenettes and bathrooms. The price includes a breakfast buffet with homemade cakes and freshly squeezed juices. Guests can also visit the Almiriki Cafe-Bar on the beach to bask in the rays of the setting sun.
Guests enjoy complimentary parking, parasols, sun loungers, and beach towels. Within walking distance of the hotel, there is a charming tavern, a coffee shop offering amazing frappes and fresh pastries, a mini-market, and a vegetable market.
Lithi Beach is known for its lack of developed tourist infrastructure, upscale hotels, and noisy entertainment. However, tourists can savor the most delicious fish dishes on the island, partake in sea fishing, and witness the fantastic sunsets, acclaimed as the best on Chios.
Weather in Lithi
Best hotels of Lithi
All hotels of LithiUseful information
Lithi is one of the few western villages where residents are engaged in the production of mastic. Therefore, you should definitely buy local alcohol, sweets, cosmetics and toilet soap with the addition of this fragrant resin. It is important to note that the production pf mastic is included in the list of intangible cultural heritage of UNESCO and is found only on Chios.
The main entertainment in Lithi is sea fishing. In the harbor, you can rent a yacht or a motor boat, hire the necessary gear and devote the whole day to this activity. There you can book a fascinating tour along the beach and to the neighboring islands.