Playa de Zarakes

Introduction

We venture into the heart of Evia, Greece's second-largest island, to unveil one of its best-kept secrets: Playa de Zarakes. Located in the southern part of the island, this beach is a true sanctuary for those yearning to escape the hustle and immerse themselves in the pure essence of the Mediterranean. Far from the crowds of more touristy destinations, Playa de Zarakes offers an authentic and deeply relaxing experience, where time seems to slow down to the rhythm of the gentle waves.

From the moment we set foot on its shore, we are captivated by the transparency of its waters, inviting us to a refreshing and prolonged swim. The landscape surrounding Playa de Zarakes is a symphony of colors: the deep blue of the Aegean Sea, the green of the vegetation bordering the coast, and the light tone of its sand and pebbles. It is a place where nature expresses itself in its fullest splendor, offering us an idyllic backdrop for our vacation. If we are looking for a destination to disconnect, recharge, and enjoy the simple and majestic beauty of Greece beaches, Playa de Zarakes presents itself as an unbeatable choice.

How to Get to Playa de Zarakes

Getting to Playa de Zarakes is part of the adventure and allows us to appreciate the landscape diversity of Evia. Given its somewhat remote location in the south of the island, a car is undoubtedly the most convenient and recommended means of transport. For those arriving from Athens, the journey involves crossing the bridge connecting the mainland to Evia's capital, Chalkida, or taking a ferry from Oropos to Eretria or from Agia Marina to Nea Styra, depending on the route we choose and our preference for road or sea.

From Chalkida, the route to the south of the island takes us through varied landscapes, from urbanized areas to rural and mountainous stretches. The journey to Zarakes, the small village closest to the beach, can take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and any stops we make to admire the views. The roads, although winding in some sections, are generally in good condition and well-signposted, making navigation easy. As we approach the coast, the air becomes fresher and the scent of pine mixes with the sea breeze, announcing our arrival in paradise.

Once in the vicinity of the village of Zarakes, we will find signs for the Playa de Zarakes. The final access to the beach is usually via an unpaved or gravel road, but perfectly passable. Parking is informal, often along the road or in an open space near the beach, which adds to its natural and less organized charm. This trip, although requiring a bit of planning, rewards us with the satisfaction of discovering a truly special place and the freedom to explore the corners of Evia at our own pace.

The Sand and Water

The uniqueness of Playa de Zarakes lies, to a large extent, in the composition of its shore and the quality of its waters. Let's not expect a uniformly fine, golden sandy beach; instead, we find a charming mixture that we have classified as sand type: mixed. This means the shore is composed of a harmonious combination of coarser sand and small pebbles, which alternate and blend, creating a unique texture under our feet. The ground type is, therefore, also mixed, offering us a firm, natural base.

This combination of sand and pebbles has its advantages. On one hand, it helps keep the water incredibly clear, as the sand is not as easily suspended by the wave movement. Furthermore, the pebbles, polished by the constant ebb and flow of the sea, add an aesthetic touch and a rustic feel to the beach. We advise bringing water shoes or sandals, especially for the more sensitive, to fully enjoy walking along the shore and entering the sea, although they are not strictly necessary.

But if something takes our breath away at Playa de Zarakes, it is its waters. They are, without exaggeration, of astonishing clarity, with shades ranging from the palest aquamarine near the shore to a deep blue in the open sea. The absence of strong currents and the natural protection of the cove make the waters exceptionally calm and warm during the summer months, making it an ideal place for swimming and relaxing. The underwater visibility is fantastic, inviting us to dive in and explore the modest but interesting underwater world with a snorkel mask. It is, without a doubt, the crown jewel of this Evia beach.

Services and Facilities

Playa de Zarakes is distinguished by its natural and less commercialized atmosphere, which is reflected in its services and facilities. We will not find large tourist complexes or massive infrastructure here, and precisely in that simplicity lies much of its charm. However, this does not mean we are deprived of essential comforts, but rather that these are presented in a way more integrated with the environment.

Generally, at Playa de Zarakes we usually find some chiringuitos or, more commonly, one or two traditional Greek tavernas conveniently located near the shore. These establishments typically offer refreshing drinks, coffees, ice creams, and, of course, delicious dishes of local cuisine, especially fresh fish and seafood. Often, these tavernas also manage the rental of sunbeds and umbrellas, allowing us to enjoy a day of sun and sea with maximum comfort, without having to carry our own equipment. The availability of Bathrooms/WCs is usually linked to these establishments, being basic but functional.

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