PSILI AMOS

Psili Amos is an adventure. It's a sandy beach, which makes it popular, but it's a 20-30 minute walk or 40-60 minute boat ride from Skala. So it's not something you'd do every day. This is a good thing, because it's everyone's favorite beach and otherwise it would be over crowded. It is especially crowded in high season (August) on Sundays, because of locals spending their day - off there and the extra amount of tourists.

The walk is over two hills and a small mountain on a well-trotted donkey track, so the chances of getting lost are unlikely. Avoid walking there around midday because it gets hot and tiring especially for the elderly, children and the unfit.

On windy days people spend their day playing with the waves that get around 0.5 to 1 meter high, the sand does seem to get everywhere so take precautions. On a calm day you'll need a spray for the flies which aren't always there, but when are can be come a little annoying.

The beach is divided in half (unofficially), the furthest from the tavern is the nudist half: although nudism is prohibited on this holy island on some beaches it is tolerated. On the side of the tavern (which is the side you will be entering) you will not see any nudists, even when going for a walk a long the beach these people will get dressed, as a sign of respect, for the island and for people who may be offended by nudity.

There are also stone wind stoppers built by passing campers who camp under tamarisk trees. They have built six of thes e a nd many of them have been coming here for years.

Some of them just come for Psili Amos and don't leave the beach until it's time for them to leave the island. So don't be surprised if you don't get a spot for your tent.

The beach is taken care of by a family that owns the tavern catering for your basic needs. The food is amazingly well cooked with fresh ingredients, especially the goat-stew (you will notice the goats all around the surrounding mountains). If you're planning to spend the night and want dinner you must inform the tavern so they cook enough portions.