Psarou
Ioanian Islands, Greece — Excellent water quality
Psarou sits 3.01 km from Alykanas along the Greece coastline. It holds a Blue Flag award, verified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education. The beach is open throughout its designated season, with drinking water available. Swimmers should exercise appropriate caution. April, May, and June…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Psarou
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Psarou?
Psarou sits 3.01 km from Alykanas along the Greece coastline. It holds a Blue Flag award, verified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education. The beach is open throughout its designated season, with drinking water available. Swimmers should exercise appropriate caution. April, May, and June offer the best conditions, while July and August see the heaviest crowds.
It sits alongside other certified beaches in Ioanian Islands, part of a broader network of other Blue Flag beaches in Greece certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Psarou faces E toward Ionian Sea. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in April, May, June. The beach's orientation determines when it catches direct sun — plan your visit around this to make the most of your time there.
Planning
When to Go — Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 12°C | 9°C | Low |
| Feb | 13°C | 10°C | Low |
| Mar | 13°C | 10°C | Low |
| Apr | 16°C | 13°C | Med |
| May | 20°C | 17°C | Med |
| Jun | 25°C | 22°C | Med |
| Jul | 28°C | 25°C | High |
| Aug | 28°C | 25°C | High |
| Sep | 25°C | 22°C | Med |
| Oct | 21°C | 18°C | Low |
| Nov | 17°C | 14°C | Low |
| Dec | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
The best time to visit Psarou is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 27.6°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 24.6°C in July.
How crowded does Psarou get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Greece, Psarou sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Psarou open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (typically July–September). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Psarou
Is Psarou safe to swim?Psarou is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated <span class="inline-stat">Excellent</span>. The beach does not have lifeguards stationed on the beach — swim with appropriate caution.
What is the water temperature at Psarou?Peak water temperature at Psarou reaches around <span class="inline-stat">24.6°C</span> in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 11.6°C.
What is the beach like at Psarou?Psarou on the Ioanian Islands coast of Greece. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Psarou have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Psarou meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Parking is available nearby.
Psarou sits on the Ionian Sea — explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Ionian.
Planning a trip to Greece? How Greece earns the most Blue Flags — our editorial guide to certified beaches across the country.
Transport
Getting to Psarou
How do I get to Psarou by car?Psarou is approximately 3.01 km from Alykanas. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Psarou?The nearest airport is Athens International Airport "El. Venizelos" (ATH), approximately 274.8 km away.
Can I get to Psarou by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Alykanas.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free — no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Disabled Access | Contact local authority for details |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 37.8385°N, 20.8151°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) — Greece |
Frequently Asked Questions
Psarou FAQ
Is Psarou suitable for children?
Psarou is a Blue Flag certified beach in Ioanian Islands, Greece. The EU Excellent water quality rating means the water is safe and clean for all swimmers, including children. Blue Flag certification itself requires meeting strict environmental and safety standards that benefit all beach users.
Is Psarou free to access?
Yes, access to Psarou is free — there are no entry fees or charges to use the beach. Parking is available nearby; check local signs for any parking charges. Facilities including beach amenities are typically available during the official season at no charge. The beach is managed by local authorities under the Blue Flag programme.
When is the best time to visit Psarou?
The best time to visit Psarou is April, May, June. Water temperature peaks at around 24.6°C in July, which is ideal for swimming. Air temperatures reach 27.6°C in summer. If you prefer quieter conditions, visiting in June or September gives you warm weather with fewer crowds than the July–August peak. The Blue Flag is displayed during the certified season, confirming the beach meets all water quality and safety standards.
What is the water quality at Psarou?
Psarou is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict annual water quality standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is currently rated Excellent. Blue Flag certification is awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and requires independent water quality monitoring throughout the season. The results are publicly available from the European Environment Agency.
How do I get to Psarou?
Psarou is located in Ioanian Islands, Greece. It is approximately 3.01 km from Alykanas. The nearest airport is Athens International Airport "El. Venizelos" (ATH), 274.8 km away. Parking is available at or near the beach. Check local transport authority websites for current public transport schedules. A car is the most flexible option for reaching the beach, particularly outside peak season.
Explore More
More Blue Flag Beaches in Greece
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status — from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in Greece — rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
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