Agios Nikolaos beach (Arkasa) Karpathos

Agios Nikolaos beach near Arkasa, Karpathos (Παραλία Άγιος Νικόλαος in Greek) is the main beach of the area, which offers soft golden sand, usually big waves, and well organized area. This beach is considered as one of the best sandy beaches in Karpathos Island, because the local coastline is primarily characterized by coarse sand and pebbles.

Where is Agios Nikolaos beach in Arkasa, Karpathos Island

Agios Nikolaos beach is located on the southern side of Arkasa (Arcesin), just one kilometer south from the town, directly next to Paleokastro hill. On main road there is a junction, from where a narrow road leads directly to the coast.

Agios Nikolaos beach Karpathos (Arkasa beach, Arcesine beach)

This is the southern suburb of Arkasa village with some apartments and hotels, situated near to the Agios Nikolaos beach. The road which leads here is quite narrow at some places, so you have to pay attention and drive slowly.

At the end of the road there is a small public parking lot and a few tamarisk trees, offering some shade to the visitors of the beach. The parking lot of Agios Nikolaos beach is free directly behind the sea.

Agios Nikolaos beach parking lot in Arkasa (Arcesine)

This is the place also where the local restaurant and coffee bar, ‘Glaros Studios And Restaurant’ awaits for guests, and a beach bar operates during summer months. The restaurant serves both refreshments and meals, so you don’t have to drive to Arkasa to have some lunch.

Agios Nikolaos beach tavern Glaros restaurant

Agion Nikolaos beach guide with photos

Agios Nikolaos beach (Παραλία Άγιος Νικόλαος) is a middle-sized bay in Karpathos island, located on the southern side of Paleokastro hill. Its best feature is the golden sand, which are not so common in Karpathos, and also keep in mind that this area has also picturesque sunsets due its unique location.

Agios Nikolaos beach Arkasa Arcesine beach

The area of Agios Nikolaos beach is a well organized place with some parasols and sunbeds for rent, showers, changing rooms, etc. The coast is not as long and spacious as other beaches of Karpathos Island, but is well enough for travellers who arrive here.

The sandy Arcesine beach (Arkasa) Agios Nikolaos beach

As you can see on the photos, Agios Nikolaos is famous for its fine golden sand, shallow waters and its waves. This coast of Karpathos island usually has significant waves, so if you want some wave riding, just take a visit to this beach. The west coastline is much wavier overall due geographical reasons, even if the sea is calm on the east.

View to Arcesin beach (Arkasa) Agios Nikolaos in Karpathos island

The views to Agios Nikolaos beach are charming from almost everywhere, even the beach bar and the restaurant offer picturesque panoramas. Sea temperatures are not as cold here as some people think – due to waves maybe not the warmest beach of Karpathos Island, but usually not cold at all with a temperatures of 23 – 26 Celsius during summer months.

Agios Nikolaos is often called as Arkasa beach (Arcesine beach) in Karpathos Island by tourists, because this is the best place for a swim near the town, while the other beaches are further away. On some maps the rocky coastline in the north is signed as Arkasa beach or Marmara beach, but that part is a narrow, unorganized area with pebbles and rocks.

Agios Nikolaos beach and parking in Karpathos

Other mentionable beaches near Arkasa are Finiki beach about 3 kilometers away in the north, and Agios Theodoros beach about 5 kilometers away in the south.

Sights and attractions near Agios Nikolaos beach in Arkasa

One of the most famous archeological sights in Arkasa can be found on Paleokastro hill, next to the beach. This is the place where one of the ancient cities of Karpathos island, Arkesia was founded. A small hiking trail leads up to the hill, and on the heights there can be seen some walls and columns of the ancient Arkesia.

Agios Nikolaos beach in Arkasa with Paleokastro hill and ancient Arkesia

The other interesting sight of the area is the Church of Agia Sophia (Εκκλησία Αγία Σοφία), with Roman mosaics in its small garden. The hiking trail up to the ancient Arkesia starts from the Church of Agia Sophia.

From the parking lot of the beach there is a footpath to Agia Sofia, so you can connect a visit of this attraction with swimming and sunbathe.

Where to stay near Agios Nikolaos beach in Karpathos

Near to Agios Nikolaos beach there can be find some great apartments and hotels, just take a look to the list below. Arkasa is slightly less popular as a travel destination, than the area of Pigadia or Amoopi, but due to this fact a holiday is unique here. We have to mention the magical sunsets, the nearness of Finiki or other great places in the area.

Click the links below for photos and guest reviews, and book your favourite if you like this place.

For all the accommodations in Arkasa just click here!