St. Andrews Beach

Nearby Pyrgos offers diverse dining options, though the beach itself features a traditional cafe and restaurant on-site[3]. For broader choices, Akrovatis (4.7★) serves Greek specialties with outdoor seating, while Eparxeion Café (4.4★) provides all-day dining and vegetarian options. Bistro Pyrgos (4.8★) stands out for its women-owned Italian-Greek fusion menu. Plateia (4.4★) offers all-you-can-eat options, and ...στου Λευτέρη (4.9★) specializes in quick bites near the city center.

Most restaurants prioritize local ingredients and accommodate dietary preferences, with several offering late-night service and LGBTQ+-friendly atmospheres[restaurant_data]. Wheelchair accessibility is common, though beachfront dining remains limited to basic amenities[3][5].

Accommodations cluster in Pyrgos, 10-15 minutes from the beach. HOTEL Αναγέννησις (4.5★, $114) provides sauna-equipped rooms and free breakfast, while hotel Pantheon (3.8★, $60) offers budget-friendly lodging. Olympos Ltd (4★, $68) features central positioning and free parking, contrasting with Hotel Marily (3.6★, $62), known for balcony-equipped rooms. For a premium experience, Villa Konstantina (4.8★) outside the city center provides personalized stays but lacks an official website[hotel_data]. Beachfront lodging remains unavailable, necessitating short drives for overnight stays.

Basic amenities include a beachside cafe/restaurant and rental equipment for water activities[3][5]. While the search results don't specify restrooms or showers, the presence of a established dining facility suggests limited infrastructure. No dedicated picnic areas or rental services are explicitly mentioned, though the rocky landscape and pine trees provide natural shade[2][5]. Visitors should plan to bring essentials, as the beach maintains a non-touristy character with minimal commercial development[5].

Swimming in calm, transparent waters remains the primary activity[2][5]. Snorkeling and scuba diving attract enthusiasts to the rocky seabed, while the lack of strong waves makes it ideal for paddleboarding[3][5]. The beach's historical context invites exploration of nearby archaeological remnants, though organized tours aren't detailed in available information[3][4]. Summer months see increased social activity around the beachfront cafe[3].

No specific accessibility features are detailed for the beach itself, though nearby Pyrgos restaurants commonly offer wheelchair-friendly entrances and seating[restaurant_data]. The mix of sandy and rocky terrain without ramps or specialized equipment suggests limited accessibility for mobility-impaired visitors[3][5]. Travelers requiring assistance should contact local providers in advance.

Free street parking is available near the beach, with capacity dependent on arrival time due to the compact area[3][5]. No dedicated parking lots or fee structures are mentioned in sources, suggesting informal arrangements common to non-urban Greek beaches. Visitors report accessible parking behind Katakolon's harbor area, approximately 500m from the shoreline[3][5].

St. Andrews Beach occupies the bay where Athens stationed troops during the 5th-century BCE Peloponnesian War[3]. Geological shifts submerged the ancient harbor of Pheia, leaving underwater ruins now explored by divers[3][4]. The beach's official name (Agios Andreas) reflects Greece's tradition of naming coastal areas after Christian saints[1][5].

The ancient port city of Pheia's submerged ruins lie within the bay, offering snorkeling opportunities above historical artifacts[3][4]. Katakolon Port, 4km east, serves as a gateway to Olympia's archaeological site (30km inland). The beach itself features striking rock formations and pine-tree-lined areas ideal for photography[2][5]. Nearby Pyrgos provides cultural experiences with traditional architecture and local markets[restaurant_data].