Kaminakia is one of the best beaches in Astypalaia, although there will be a difference of opinion on the topic. I prefer Vatses Beach, but… 

Both beaches are rather difficult to access, as you can see from the photo below. This is the view of the beginning of the dirt track that descends to Kaminakia Beach.

A car or a motor bike is required to drive up into the island’s scenic but rugged back country. The driver must be able to traverse very steep narrow dirt roads, some with hairpin turns, all the while avoiding meandering sheep and goats.

It suddenly dawned on me that I never show you Astypalaia’s wild back country. These photos were taken on the way to Kaminakia. I am driving a car about the size of a VW GTI with two passengers. Some of the sights along the way -goats, sheep, tiny churches, ruins, bee boxes and the sea.

The road is a single track, but has two way traffic, so you may find yourself backing up or trying to squeeze by another car on the edge of a cliff. Oh I forgot to mention that all of the rental cars are manual transmission, so stopping and starting on a steep dirt road is challenging. It is probably a less hair raising journey to be dropped off in the bay by boat.

Luckily we made it to the beach and back without incident. Well in a few places there was a little excitement and yelling as we fishtailed around on the dirt road.

More soon.