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. The beach is located on the southern side of Arkasa (Arcesin), just one kilometer south from the town, next to Paleokastro hill. On main road there is a junction, from where a narrow road leads directly to the coast.
This is the southern suburb of Arkasa village with some apartments and hotels, situated near to the Agios Nikolaos beach. 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.
This is the place also where the local restaurant, ‘Glaros Studios And Restaurant’ awaits for guests, and a beach bar operates during summer months.
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.
The area of Agios Nikolaos beach is a well organized place with some parasols and sunbeds for rent, showers, changing rooms, etc.
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.
The views to Agios Nikolaos beach are charming from almost everywhere, even the beach bar and the restaurant offer picturesque panoramas.
Agios Nikolaos is often called as Arkasa beach (Arcesine beach) in Karpathos 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.
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.
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.
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.
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. Click the links for photos and guest reviews, and book your favourite if you like this place. For all the accommodations in Arkasa just click here.
Agios Nikolaos beach (Arkasa) additional info
- Also known as: Arkasa beach, Arcesin beach, Παραλία Άγιος Νικόλαος,
- Coordinates: 35.473096, 27.113505
- Location: 16 kilometers from Pigadia (Karpathos town)
- Sea water color: green, blue
- Sand type: sand, pebbles
- Depth: normal
- Sea surface: usually wavy
- Crowds: normal
- Facilities: parasols and sunbeds for rent, tavern, beach bar, parking lot
- Accessibility: asphalt road
- Wind conditions: can be windy