Monolithi Beach

Monolithi runs north-west from near Preveza for around twenty-two kilometres in a single unbroken strip of grey-gold sand, backed for much of its length by a planted pine forest, and it is regularly described as the longest continuous sandy beach in Greece and among the longest in Europe. The scale means that even in August it is possible to walk ten minutes from a car park and be alone. The sea shelves gently and the exposed western aspect brings surf on windy days, which has made the northern end a base for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Only a few points have organised facilities, sunbeds and canteens; the rest is empty sand with the pines behind and the Ionian in front.

Highlights

• The unbroken sand - twenty-two kilometres in a single strip.
• The pine forest - planted woods running behind the dunes.
• The surf - western exposure bringing waves and wind sports.
• The empty stretches - long sections without any development.

When to go

June to September for swimming; the wind makes even August afternoons bearable. Spring and autumn are good for long walks on empty sand. Winter storms drive debris up the beach.

Practical notes

The sand is coarse and greyish rather than white, and the water can be choppy with undertow on windy days, with no lifeguards on most of the beach. Facilities exist only at a few access points, so bring water and shade. The pine forest has suffered fire damage in places.

Nearby

Nikopolis, the Roman city, lies inland; Preveza town and the Ambracian gulf are south-east.

Key facts