At the far end of Divari Beach, below Palaiokastro and directly opposite Sphacteria, there is a narrow sea passage known locally as Sykia Passage.
To reach it, turn off the Marathopoli–Gialova road towards Divari – Golden Beach and continue along the coast. Pass Erodios Camping and follow the road with the sea beside you. When the paved section ends, continue along the easily passable dirt road until it reaches its end. There is a small open area there with space for a limited number of cars.
The beach is essentially the continuation of Divari’s long, straight sandy shore, ending directly opposite Sphacteria. The sea lies on one side and Gialova Lagoon on the other, while Palaiokastro rises immediately above. The hiking trail leading up to the castle also starts from this area.
The beach itself is a good place for swimming. What makes the spot particularly interesting, however, is the possibility of crossing the shallow water to Sphacteria.
Crossing to Sphacteria
When the sea is calm, the distance to the opposite shore can be covered by swimming or, for much of the way, by walking through the water.
The shallowest route does not follow a straight line between the two shores. Facing Sphacteria, you need to move slightly to the left and follow a gentle curved route in order to stay over the shallower part of the passage.
The depth is not always the same and can vary depending on wind, waves and sea conditions. It is therefore better not to attempt the crossing without knowing the route. If local swimmers who know the area are nearby, ask them to point out the correct path through the shallows.
A simple inflatable beach mattress can be quite useful, especially where you need to swim for a short distance or want to rest. It should not, however, be considered a safety device, and the crossing is best avoided when there are strong winds, waves or noticeable currents.
On the Sphacteria side there is a small beach, while during the summer months sailing boats and yachts are a common sight around the bay.
What else is nearby
Sykia Passage lies in one of the most interesting parts of the Gialova area. From here you can combine a swim with a hike up to Palaiokastro and Nestor’s Cave, continue towards Voidokilia Beach, or explore the area around Gialova Lagoon by bicycle or, depending on the season, for birdwatching.
