The wealth of information on the internet has had a major impact on travel reporting, bringing to the fore even places considered well-kept secrets for decades and known only to a few.
Psili Ammos Beach of Patmos is one such well-kept that is becoming more well-known thanks to social media and online reporting.
Despite its inaccessible location, it is considered the most emblematic beach of the Dodecanese island, and as a result, it now receives many more visitors during the summer than it did even just a few years ago.
Nevertheless, it has fully preserved its character and quietness, as it still (in general) does not receive large crowds.
Psili Ammos is located in a cove in the southwestern part of Patmos and is considered its most isolated beach. This is because of its difficult location and distance from any other beach on the island.
Due to not being easily accessible, it is recommended not to set out for Psili Ammos on days with strong winds in the area: the beach is exposed to the open sea, so when it is windy, there are large waves which do not allow swimming.
On its good days, however, it is a beach of incomparable picturesqueness. The fine sand gives a strong impression and blends harmoniously with the few tamarisk trees that grow near the sea and the wonderful emerald shades of its waters.
As said above, despite its touristic rise in the last decade, Psili Ammos has preserved its old character. So, it remains an unorganised beach without umbrellas and sunbeds, where you must bring your equipment if you want to enjoy the beautiful waters unhindered.
Of course, if you go early in the morning, you may secure natural shade under the tamarisk trees.
However, you won't need to bring your own supplies as a taverna (known simply as the Psili Ammos Tavern) operates there during the summer, the only sign of "civilisation" on the secluded coast.
It offers cold water, soft drinks, beers, and coffee—Greek and frappe—and it is also worth sitting down to eat after your swim: the menu may not offer much variety, but you will be impressed by the local goat and chicken.
How to get to Psili Ammos
The distance of Psili Ammos from Patmos Town is short: it is only 10 kilometres, towards the southwest. No road reaches this part of the island, which is isolated. So unless you have a boat, the only other way to get to the beach is on foot.
It is easier by sea, although in the tourist peak of the summer, the boats that run the routes may be quite crowded. They depart almost daily, however, from the port of Skala (at 10 in the morning), arriving at Psili Ammos in about 45 minutes.
The second way requires you to arrive with your car as far as it goes after Diakofti Beach.
Park there and continue on foot, following the path you will see going up the hills. In its largest part, it is passable, but in its last part—where it starts to descend—it becomes serpentine and requires increased attention.
However, from its most uphill point, it offers a fantastic view of the beach, making it look like an exotic destination. Depending on your physical condition, the whole route will take you no more than 25 minutes to half an hour.
READ MORE: Five beaches 2 hours from Athens – Ideal for full-day getaways.