One of the things that makes Greece stand out in the summer is its endless coastlines, beaches, and islands—both well-known and hidden gems. Some of these islands are unique for their special features, the fact that you can only reach them by boat, or their rich history. Many are found in the Aegean Sea, while others are in the Ionian, making them ideal choices for enjoying crystal-clear waters on unorganized beaches, often in complete solitude. Among these is one Greek island with just one beach: Sapientza! Is it worth discovering? Definitely!
Sapientza, which you may have heard of before, is located off the southwestern coast of Messinia. It’s a small but verdant island with unique exotic beauty and rare flora that invites you to explore it. If you’ve considered visiting places by boat with your friends, Sapientza is one of those you should add to your itinerary this summer—you won’t regret it. Even if a boat trip isn’t in your plans, you can still visit. During the summer, tourist boats depart from Methoni, making the island accessible.

Sapientza is a Greek island with only one beach. It may be the island’s only beach, but it’s enough to captivate you from the first moment you lay eyes on it and swim in its waters. The beach is located on the northern part of the island, essentially facing Methoni, and is called Ammos. A little piece of the Caribbean unfolds before you, ready for you to enjoy!
A few more interesting facts about Sapientza
The image of the island’s singular beach with crystal-clear waters may have already won you over, but Sapientza has other fascinating and unique features! Did you know, for example, that very close to the island, specifically to its southwest, lies the deepest point in the Mediterranean? It’s known as the Oinousses Trench or Abyss, and it reaches a depth of 5,121 meters.

Also, where did Sapientza get its name? The name was given by the Venetians and means “wisdom.” It was bestowed on the island due to the strong maritime tradition of the time, ensuring safe journeys in the waters off Methoni. Finally, Sapientza has another rare feature. It is home to the only broad-leaved evergreen forest in the Mediterranean, with trees that exceed 10 meters in height. There are also Mediterranean shrubs such as strawberry trees and mastic. It’s no surprise that the island has been declared a preserved natural monument!
Have we convinced you to add it to your list for exploration?
With information from exploringgreece.tv