The beach is widely theorized by local archaeologists to be the site of the ancient city of Polis, the capital of Ithaca during the Mycenaean period.
Submerged ruins, including ancient walls, can be seen beneath the water's surface near the shore when snorkeling.
Loizos Cave, located at the edge of the beach, has served as a site for ritual offerings to Artemis, Hera, and Athena for centuries.
Many artifacts recovered from the Loizos Cave site are currently housed in the Archaeological Museum in Stavros.
The beach faces the island of Kefalonia, providing direct sightlines across the Ithaca Channel.
Polis Beach is located on the western coast of Ithaca near the village of Stavros. The beach is characterized by its white pebbles and deep, crystalline waters shielded by steep cliffs. Underwater, the seabed features the remnants of an ancient submerged harbor and submerged ruins often attributed to the city of Polis. A partially submerged cave, known as Loizos Cave, is situated at the northern end of the beach. Archaeological excavations in the area have yielded pottery fragments and votive offerings dating back to the Mycenaean and Roman periods. The beach offers limited natural shade and is accessible via a paved road that descends from Stavros.
From the winding road descending from Stavros, looking down over the bay to capture the entire arc of the beach.
Bring water shoes, as the beach consists of large, rounded white pebbles that are difficult to walk on barefoot.
Bring your own snorkeling gear to view the submerged ancient masonry, which is easily visible in shallow water.
Carry plenty of drinking water and sun protection, as there are no permanent shade structures or facilities on the beach itself.
Avoid visiting when strong westerly winds are forecasted, as the beach faces west and can become very rough.
Practice 'leave no trace' principles; do not remove any stones or potential archaeological artifacts from the water or sand.
