Vivari beach - vilavivari.com

Vivari is a traditional Greek village retaining its character and not being changed by tourism, boutiques nor fashion. Only few tavernas place their tables on the beach. Do not expect rental sunbeds, beach bars or loud music. Instead prepare for a beach with free umbrellas, showers and mesmerizing view that will bring You back to the childhood.

Azure crystal clear waters of Vivari bay are just 5 minutes from Vila Vivari and there is no need for You to drive. Just walk and You find a beach permanently protected from winds and swells opening in front of You. Only seldom, when the wind blows in a certain direction, the waves hit the shore.

Sea food tavernas supplied every morning by local fishermen are located at the seafront, thus making Vivari a dining paradise. You will spend full day here and never want to leave.

Although Vivari is a small village with around 360 permanent inhabitants, the beach is big. It follows the main road and for those coming by a car, parking is not a hassle. However, not many people come here. Mostly locals and few tourist accomodated in the village. Do not expect crowd of people, not even on Sunday in July.

Beach is organized, regularly cleaned and equipped with public showers. There are wooden umbrellas provided by the Vivari as well.

It is covered with either a sand or a mix of sand & small stones. Seashore is naturally divided into sections. Main sea waterfront with shallow waters is great for families and children.

Couples and groups of friends will benefit more from numerous secluded series of "lagoons" on the side with the feeling of privacy :)

Walking into the water at the main beach there is a sand up to 5 or 10 meters. At depths of app. 1,6m it is replaced by rocks. The slope gradient is small here and you can walk 5 to 10 meters until you cannot reach the sea bottom. The slope on the "lagoons" side is more rapid and the sea bed is covered with small stones instead of sand.

The water is crystal clear. Vivari bay is famous for having clean water without chemical pollution. Prove of this is the number of sea organisms You can find here.

If you dive, close to the shore You will find small fish and if You are lucky a crab. Further down there are bigger ones.

Because the water is so clean there are sea urchins. Be careful when stepping in and into the sea. Stepping on one is not dangerous, but unpleasant when the spines break in the skin.

Please do NOT remove sea urchins from the sea. Besides the fact that they are protected by law and their fishing is prohibited, they have the same right to be there as You do. If they disturb You, throw them deeper into the sea instead.

Sea urchins are holding on rocks, they do not float nor stay on sand. Main seafront with sand is therefore more suitable for children.

Vivari is a fishermans` village and one can often see boats fishing in the bay. The traditional Greek fishing boat is called "kaiki" and it is exciting to sail on it.

Vivari bay is also a favorite stop for sailors with both yachts and sailing boats.

For more photographs, see the gallery.

Notice at the end, please do not throw cigarettes, plastic cups and other waste into the sea nor on the beach. There are trash bins. We are proud of our village and Vila Vivari participates in the program of a sustainable tourism.

Protect the beauty around you, so that Your children may one day see it as well.

written by Michal Kohlmann