One Of The Most Dangerous Beaches In Greece Is A Surprisingly Popular Swimming Spot

Beaches are generally considered beautiful and alluring, with their graceful waters flowing and ebbing and their acrobatic waves rising and crashing down. Still, some beaches have been described as dangerous — not necessarily because of security issues but because of certain intrinsic features, like huge waves that pose some serious danger.

Nas Beach, situated on the Greek Island of Ikaria, close to the northern village of Armenistis, is an example of one of the most dangerous beaches for swimming. At first glance, this beach can feel like a dream or paradise you never wish to leave. With its crystal-clear turquoise waters, towering cliffs, and coarse golden sands, the beach is a popular destination known for its breathtaking beauty, especially as it sits at the confluence of the Chalaris River and the Aegean Sea.

Despite its remarkable allure, however, Nas Beach is particularly dangerous because of the strong, unpredictable currents and violent, sudden waves that usually occur when the north winds blow. These currents can pull people out to sea or into the rocks, making swimming highly unsafe. For this reason, a safety rope has been installed to help swimmers get back to shore. 

Regardless of the challenges posed by the conditions at Nas Beach, many visitors — including nudists — have continued to troop down there. You can get to Ikaria Island via daily flights from Athens or Crete, or by ferry from Athens' Port of Piraeus. The journey to the island could take up to seven hours by ferry. After getting to the island, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or join a local bus to reach the beach. The drive to Nas Beach from Armenistis is only about 6 minutes. 

One of the interesting attractions at Nas Beach is the ancient temple of the goddess Artemis, which you can find on the mountain just above the beach. Besides serving as historical ruins reflecting a fascinating part of the island's religious heritage, it also provides a stunning backdrop for sunset views. Another natural attraction not far from the beach is Halari Gorge, perfect for hikers and nature enthusiasts. The gorge starts from the mouth of the Chalaris River, and is made up of a scenic network of tranquil lakes, stone bridges, and waterfalls, featuring lush vegetation and beautiful birds.

There are a variety of accommodation options available near Nas Beach, ranging from seaside hotels to self-catering studios, to family-run inns. If you're specifically looking for some of the closest hotels to Nas beach so you can enjoy sea views, Cavos Bay Hotel and Erofili Beach Hotel could be great accommodation options. The lodging prices start at around $75 per night.

Some of the best times of year to visit Ikaria and Nas Beach is in spring and autumn, when the weather is typically warm and the sea is calmer — although the currents can be fierce any time, so visitors still have to remain cautious when swimming. Travelers are strongly advised to confirm local weather conditions before deciding to swim in Nas Beach, because the unpredictable nature of the currents can suddenly turn things wild.

You might want to bring some essentials with you, such as swim gear, your camera, and importantly, sturdy footwear to navigate the steep, rocky areas. You will have to cross a small, pebbly stream to get to the beach, and walking through this stream can be quite painful if you don't have water shoes or sandals on, so be sure to bring them along. And again, because it cannot be overemphasized, a cautious spirit remains an essential thing to have with you. Always remember that Nas isn't your average beach. Enjoy its beauty, and respect its dangerous side.