Karfas (Καρφάς) is the main tourist beach of Chios, located 7 km south of Chios Town along a well-signposted road. It is the most organised and accessible beach on the island, making it popular with families and those who want facilities close at hand. The beach stretches for about 800 metres of fine golden-grey sand and pebbles. The sea is calm and shallow for a long distance from shore — ideal for children. The water is very clean (Blue Flag certified in recent years) with good visibility. Karfas has the widest range of facilities of any Chios beach: multiple beach bars, tavernas and restaurants right on the sand, sun lounger rentals, pedalos, water sports (jet skis, parasailing, banana boats), and a children's playground. A small supermarket and ATM are within a two-minute walk. The village of Karfas itself, behind the beach, has grown considerably since the 1980s and now has numerous hotels, apartments, and restaurants catering to the main tourist trade on Chios. Buses from Chios Town stop here regularly in summer (approximately every 30 minutes peak hours).
Local Tips
The bus from Chios Town is cheap and frequent — no need to rent a car just for Karfas. For a quieter alternative, walk 10 minutes north along the coast to Agia Fotini, a smaller pebble beach with fewer facilities but more atmosphere. Best visited on a weekday if possible.
Reviews (2)
Karfas güzel ve Chios kasabasına yakın. Su çok temiz ve sakin. Yaz ortasında kalabalık oluyor ama sabah erken gittiğinizde harika. Plaj barları da iyi.
Good organised beach, convenient from town by bus. Not the most dramatic beach on the island (go to Mavra Volia for that) but very pleasant, clean water, great for a family day out.