The beaches of Amaliada
Amaliada has an unusual advantage: five sandy beaches within 6–8 kilometres, all on the same stretch of Ionian coast. Fine golden sand, shallow water that slopes in gently, and sunsets facing Zakynthos. Below is what each one is like, and which suits you.
Which beach to choose.
With small children
Savalia or Kourouta. Both have shallow, calm water that deepens very gradually — children can play safely several metres out.
For quiet and shade
Marathia. The pine forest reaches almost to the water, so you get natural shade without renting an umbrella — rare on a sandy beach.
For sunset & beach bars
Kourouta. The most developed beach here, with sunbeds and beach bars, and the sun setting into the Ionian opposite Zakynthos.
For fishing boats & a harbour
Palouki. A picturesque little harbour with fishing boats beside the sand, with both organised and free sections, away from the crowds.
The five beaches in detail.
Kourouta — 6 km
The best-known beach in Amaliada, and the only one here awarded a Blue Flag every year. An enormous strip of fine golden sand with crystal-clear shallow water. It is fully organised — sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bars — but because it is so long you can always find quieter stretches if you walk a little. It fills up in the late afternoon for the sunset; some people call it "the Mykonos of mainland Greece". About a 10-minute drive from the town centre.
See our accommodation near Kourouta →
Marathia — up to 8 km
Effectively the continuation of Kourouta to the north, but with a completely different character. An endless golden beach with crystalline water, backed by a pine forest that reaches almost to the waterline. That natural shade is its great advantage: you can lay a towel under the pines during the hottest hours, which is not possible on most beaches around here. Noticeably quieter than Kourouta.
Savalia (Kasidiaris) — up to 8 km
Also known as Kasidiaris, with blue-green, spotless water and a broad sandy shore. The sea stays shallow and calm for a good many metres, which is why families with small children favour it. If you are travelling with children who are just learning to swim, start here.
Palouki — 8 km
Golden sand with clean shallow water and, at one end, a picturesque little harbour with fishing boats — the most village-like scene of the five. It has both organised and free sections, and generally stays clear of the crowds even in August. A good choice if you want a beach and fresh fish on the same day.
Skafidia — towards Pyrgos
A little further south, on the road towards Pyrgos, with a wild, almost exotic beauty. The water is warm and shallow, ideal for children, and there are organised facilities and water sports. Beside it sit a picturesque small harbour and the historic Monastery of the Dormition of the Theotokos — worth combining a swim with a short visit.
Why it pays to stay in town.
All five beaches are a 10–15 minute drive from the centre of Amaliada, so you never have to pick one and commit: you can switch beach each day depending on the wind, your mood and how busy they are. That is precisely what you cannot do if you stay in a room on a single beach.
Staying in town also puts a supermarket 100 m away and the central market a minute on foot — shop fresh in the morning, make your own beach lunch and skip the pricey beach bar. In the evening, as the beaches empty, the town comes alive with tavernas and cafés. See our food recommendations or exactly where we are.
Your base for the beaches of Ilia.
A bright two-bedroom apartment in the centre of Amaliada, sleeping up to 5. Rated 8.6/10 on Booking.com and 4.91/5 on Airbnb (Guest Favourite). From €50/night.
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