Tis Grias to Pidima Beach
Tis Grias to Pidima Beach
Tis Grias to Pidima beach is one of Andros' most popular beaches -quite possibly the most renowned one. The distinctive rock standing tall just feet away from the beach, along with the turquoise waves, offers captivating and wild views.
Location & How to get there
Tis Grias to Pidima Beach is located on the southeastern part of Andros island, near Korthi.
It’s 38 km away from Gavrio Port and 23 km from Chora. The beach is considered to be hard to find and reach. Even though the beach is particularly impressive and unique, it cannot be seen while driving because it’s not visible from the road. For visitors to reach Tis Grias to Pidima, they will need to cross Korthi village’s small allies by car, following the signs. For the last kilometer, visitors will need to walk the dirt road to the beach, on a downhill narrow path, a 5’ walk.
Those who love hiking, there is another way to reach the beach: follow the trail starting from Saint Ekaterini, Korthi Bay for about 15 minutes and it will lead you to the downhill path descending to the beach.
The beach
It’s a small, sandy beach with crystal clear emerald waters, ideal for those seeking an all - day escape. The rocks standing tall behind the beach offer natural shade to the visitors throughout the day. Tis Grias to Pidima is not an organized beach and there is no easy access to food or water, so people visiting should be prepared and have their own supplies!
The story behind the famous beach
Many stories and myths have been told as to how Tis Grias to Pidima beach got its name.
There are three predominant versions. First one is that during the Turkish ruling over the island, the Turks tried to conquer the -then very powerful- Castle of Faneromeni of the Kochylos Village. They allegedly sent an old woman with her pregnant daughter to pretend they needed help and on the same night, the old woman opened the gate of the Castle and let the Turks in. They then proceeded to loot the village and slaughtered the villagers. The old woman, as the myth has it, felt so bad for all the bloodshed, climbed the rock and then jumped into the sea. After jumping off, the old woman turned to stone, giving the rock its peculiar shape and the beach its name. If one watches the rock from a specific standpoint, it looks like an old woman wearing a headscarf.
The second version is about the Turks chasing an old woman, who, in despair, climbed the rock and jumped off to get away from them.
The third version speaks of an old woman jumping off the rock because she couldn’t take her husband's death and becoming a widow for the third time.