If you want to swim in turquoise water onone of the most unique beaches in the world then you must visit Fakistra. The beach is in eastern Pelion, about 5 kilometers away from Tsagkarada village. It is a small natural gulf with sand and small pebbles surrounded by stiff rocks and dense vegetation. The green-blue water combined with its wild beauty have made it known worldwide, occupying the 7^th position amongst the 50 best beaches in the world, according to a list published by The Guardian.

Fakistra is a relatively isolated beach. Outside the high touristic season (July-August) it is possible that you have the whole beach to yourself! It is an ideal place both for those who want to enjoy moments of relaxation with the sound of waves, and for adventurers as well due to its full-of-things-to-explore sea bottom.

To get there from the main road that passes through Tsagkarada you have to follow the signs to Milopotamos and then to Fakistra. Park your car where the asphalt ends, and continue on foot. Don’t be discouraged by the sign pointing the trail informing you that the beach is 20 minutes away. The necessary time is less and the trail, though rugged for the first few meters, has a lot of shady places. Maybe it sounds tiring; however the route through the marvelous scenery and the enchanting beach at the end of it are definitely rewarding!

Fakistra is not an organized beach: there are no loungers and no facilities nearby. Also, its small size makes it difficult to lay many umbrellas. Luckily enough, the rocks offer natural shade throughout the day. If you decide to visit it you need to be properly prepared. You need to have supplies, like water and snacks, and start relatively early in the morning. The return might be a little harder, especially for the less trained because of the sharp gradient of the trail. For the hard-core travelers there are more sights in the area one should visit.

In the northern part of the beach there is the sea cave of Panaghia Megalomata with many stalactites. After that there is a small country church built inside a rock that served as a krifó scholió during the Ottoman period. To go there instead of taking the trail to Fakistra, you follow the dirt road starting at the left of the bench in the parking lot. A little further there is a sign showing the way to the krifó scholió. The route lasts about 15-20 minutes. The steep slope of the trail makes it necessary for you to wear sneakers. However, along the trail there are many benches where you can rest if needed.

If you visit Pelion, the beautiful beach of Fakistra and the krifó scholió are definitely a unique experience that you cannot miss!!!