There are beaches you visit because they’re beautiful and convenient. And then there are beaches you visit because they are beautiful and getting there is half the adventure. Vitali Beach definitely belongs in the second category.
Tucked away on the northeastern coast of Andros, Vitali Beach is one of the best beaches of Andros. Not only because of the crystal clear blue Aegean water and its location in a natural cove surrounded by rocky cliffs, but also because of the adventurous and stunning drive that takes you there.
On our way to Vitali, we saw the road getting narrower, the landscape becoming increasingly wild, and eventually the deep-blue sea appeared in front of us with majestic views over the beach. Coming here was for sure one of our favorite things to do in Andros.
Vitali Beach is, in our opinion, a must-visit and hidden gem of Andros Island, with a lovely white chapel and a beach bar during the summer months. And because of the drive, it’s considerably quieter than some of Andros’ better-known beaches, which is precisely why we loved it.
If you’re planning to visit Vitali Beach, here’s everything you need to know before you go.
Where is Vitali Beach located?
Vitali Beach is located on the northeastern coast of Andros (right next to Gides Beach), roughly 15 kilometres from Gavrio, 22 kilometres from Batsi, and around 46 kilometres from Chora. It’s tucked into a small bay and surrounded by rugged countryside, with very little development around it.
And that remote location is part of the appeal. You’re not going to accidentally stumble across Vitali while walking around town. You have to make a conscious decision to visit Vitali Beach. And we’re very glad we did.
How to get to Vitali Beach
As mentioned before, getting to Vitali Beach is where things get really interesting. It is one of the most beautiful drives on Andros (both scenic and sometimes challenging). You get stunning views while crossing the mountain, and the last 3 kilometers of the drive are on an unpaved road. An unforgettable experience!
The easiest way to reach Vitali is by rental car or ATV, although you could also go by boat or hiking (more about that later). If you come by car or ATV, make sure to check your insurance policy, as a lot of companies don’t allow you to drive on dirt roads.
Read more: How to get to Andros
We went with our rental car, coming from Gavrio, and the total drive took us about 45 minutes, but for you, this will depend on the road conditions and how often you stop to admire the views. The final section of the road becomes narrower and a bit less comfortable, with bends and potholes in the unpaved section leading down towards the beach.
Read more: A complete guide to renting a car and driving in Andros
TIP: This isn’t a road where you want to race to your destination. Take it slowly and use a low gear, especially if you’re not used to Greek mountain roads. And whatever you do, don’t let Google Maps convince you that you can make up time by driving faster. You can’t. Simply enjoy the drive, stop at the viewpoints, take your time, and remember that you’re on holiday.
What to expect when you arrive at Vitali Beach?
After the winding drive down towards the coast, arriving at Vitali feels like a little reward. The stunning, relatively small beach is located in a natural bay, with a mixture of sand and small pebbles (perfect for windy conditions), backed by rocky hills and cliffs that provide a bit of welcome shade.
The water is incredibly clear, with small fish, so you can snorkel, especially around the small cave. And, on a calm day, it has that impossible shade of blue that makes you wonder if it’s real.
It gets deep rather quickly, so locals like to jump and dive from the cliffs on the side into the water, which is surprisingly not as cold as some of the other beaches on Andros. On the sides of the beach, it’s a bit more shallow, perfect for smaller children.
There are no huge resorts, no rows of massive hotels, and no busy promenade. Instead, you’ve got the sea, the mountains, a beach bar (in high season), and plenty of space to simply enjoy the scenery.
To add to the picturesque scene, Vitali Beach also has its own small Cycladic chapel at the edge of the beach, from where you have a beautiful view over the entire beach. All of this makes Vitali Beach one of the most beautiful beaches in Andros.
Is Vitali Beach organised?
Even though Vitali Beach is isolated, it has some great organised facilities during the summer season, mainly provided by one of the best beach bars of Andros, Kampos Vitali Beach Bar, including sunbeds, umbrellas, and showers.
But it remains much less developed than the island’s busier beaches. You can also simply put down your own towel, and there usually is some natural shade, provided by a rock on the side of the beach.
If you’re visiting in the shoulder season, don’t assume anything will be open. Bring your own water, snacks, and anything else you might need for the day. And to be honest, we always prefer to arrive at remote beaches prepared (even in high season) rather than discovering that the one taverna is closed after driving 40 minutes to get there.
Can you hike to Vitali Beach?
Yes, you can hike to Vitali Beach, but it’s not a simple stroll down to the sea. Vitali is quite remote, and reaching it on foot involves following one of the island’s hiking trails through the rugged landscape of northern Andros.
To get there by foot, you have to follow the challenging Alba Circular Trail (big altitude difference), leaving from Ammolochos (800m high), passing through Livadeza village, and going all the way down to Vitali Beach. On the way back, you can follow a different path (it’s a loop), but unfortunately you have to hike all the way up again (read more about this trail here).
Even though it’s challenging, it’s also an absolutely stunning hike, with amazing views, lush landscapes, and a great chance to see more of the rural side of Andros. However, if you’re not an experienced hiker, we’d recommend driving to Vitali instead and saving your energy for exploring the beautiful surroundings once you get there.
TIP: It’s important to check the trail conditions before setting off and come prepared with plenty of water, good walking shoes, and sun protection.
When is the best time to visit Vitali Beach?
The best time to visit Vitali is from late May through September. June and September are our favourite months for exploring beaches like this. The weather is warm, the sea is inviting, and there are considerably fewer people around than in July and August.
In July and August, Vitali can still feel wonderfully peaceful compared with the more popular beaches on Andros, but arriving earlier in the day is a good idea if you want to choose your favourite spot.
You can also visit outside of the summer months (for example, spring is surprisingly green with many wildflowers) but then you won’t have any amenities on the beach.
Is Vitali Beach windy?
Like many beaches on Andros, conditions on Vitali Beach depend heavily on the wind. Before making the drive, it’s worth checking the weather and wind forecast so you don’t run into any surprises.
Andros is exposed to the famous Meltemi winds (northern winds), particularly during summer. And they can be fierce; trust us, we’ve felt it :-)!
Because Vitali faces northeast, the beach is affected by the Meltemi. So if there are northern/eastern winds, be aware that there can be big waves (which some love for surfing). The conditions at Vitali Beach are great when the wind comes from the south or west, as it is not affected at all.
TIP: One of the great advantages of Vitali Beach is that even on windy days (Meltemi), it is still pleasant as it is not affected by sandblasts because of the pebbled beach (unlike some other beaches on the island where this is a common phenomenon).
Where to eat near Vitali Beach?
There are limited dining options around Vitali, especially compared to some of the beaches around Batsi or Chora. However, there are still two (only open during the summer months), which is more than around some of the remote beaches of Syros or some of the other Cycladic islands.
- Kampos Vitali: this place adds to the magic of Vitali Beach, and we loved our visit here. The beach bar is right on the sand, beautifully designed, has great food and drinks, umbrellas and sunbeds, the best atmosphere, and the most welcoming staff. They even have kayaks the clients can use for free.
- Afroditis Gefseis: the local taverna just behind the beach, with great traditional food and friendly staff. If it is open, absolutely take advantage of it. There’s something special about sitting down for a simple Greek lunch after spending the morning swimming.
Alternatively, if both are closed, bring your own picnic. And if you’re driving back towards Gavrio or Batsi, you’ll have a much wider choice of restaurants and tavernas there.
Can you stay near Vitali Beach?
If you don’t want to drive back, you could also choose to stay at Vitali Sea House, right at the beach. From the patio, you have an amazing view of the Aegean Sea. It is one of the only accommodations around Vitali Beach, so don’t expect nightlife or restaurants within walking distance. But if you are looking for peace near a beach, this is your place to be.
A second option is the beautiful Alia Andros by Gides Beach, where you can rent an entire holiday home and relax by the pool or one of the two beaches all day. Imagine waking up with those mountains and the Aegean outside your window. Not exactly a bad way to start the day.
Read more: Where to stay in Andros
Other frequently asked questions about Vitali Beach
Is Vitali Beach worth visiting?
Absolutely. Vitali may require a little more effort to reach than the beaches near Batsi or Gavrio, but that’s precisely what makes it special. It’s wild, beautiful, and peaceful, with crystal-clear water and a dramatic natural setting. And during the summer, you can even enjoy a fresh drink, a sunbed, and an umbrella at the beach bar.
Is the road to Vitali Beach difficult?
The road isn’t particularly dangerous, but the final section requires some care. You’ll encounter winding roads, steep sections, potholes, and an unpaved stretch. Conditions can also vary depending on recent weather. If it has been raining a lot, you should only go by 4×4.
Drive slowly, especially when meeting another vehicle, and use your horn around blind corners if necessary.
Can I use a regular rental car to get to Vitali Beach?
A small rental car is perfectly adequate for the journey in normal conditions (except when it has been raining a lot), but don’t assume every rental car is allowed to drive on unpaved roads. Check the terms of your rental agreement first, as some companies don’t cover damage on dirt roads. If they don’t, you could either go anyway (with the risk of not being insured) or rent an ATV or 4×4 car.
Where can I park by Vitali Beach?
There are parking spots right on the beach, at the end of the dirt road track. So you won’t have to walk far to go to the beach or have a drink.
Can you reach Vitali Beach without a car?
Technically, there are other ways to reach Vitali, including taxis and, depending on the season, boat excursions. However, those aren’t usually practical options for most visitors. If you want to go to Vitali, we’d recommend renting a car. It’s also worth combining Vitali with other beaches and mountain villages in the northern part of Andros, making the drive much more worthwhile.
Is Vitali Beach good for families?
Yes, but with a small caveat. The beach itself can be lovely for families, particularly when the sea is calm. However, getting there involves a winding road and the beach is relatively remote. Depending on what you’re used to, if you’re travelling with very young children, you may find one of the more accessible beaches around Batsi or Gavrio easier. But if you’re adventurous like us, definitely come!
What other beaches are near Vitali?
There are more beautiful, remote beaches on the north and east side of the island, such as Zorkos Beach, but the problem is you can’t easily reach them by car, as you have to drive all the way back to the west, to then go back towards the east. From Vitali to Zorkos, for example, it’s an hour drive. So if you want to beach-hop, the only option is going to Gides Beach, right next to Vitali.
Final thoughts on Vitali Beach
Vitali Beach isn’t the easiest beach to reach on Andros, but that’s exactly why we think it’s worth visiting. It’s wild, remote and wonderfully uncomplicated. But at the same time, it has all you need during the summer months, with a fantastic beach bar and taverna.
It’s the kind of place where you can spend a few hours swimming in crystal-clear water, lying under the sun and looking out across the Aegean without feeling like you’re surrounded by hundreds of other tourists.
We had a fantastic time at Vitali Beach, and it was probably one of our favorite things to do in Andros. So, even though the drive is a bit challenging (but beautiful), we would totally recommend going there!