Great Sand Beach

Great Sand (also known as Golden Sand) is a beach located on the island of Evia, Greece, near the village of Marmari in its southwest part. The beach is accessible via ferry from Rafina Port north of Athens or by car, with the drive taking about 3.5 hours from Athens to Chalkida before heading south towards the coast.

The beach is unique due to its natural features: a large circular lagoon surrounded by rocks and trees, and its ability to change shape annually based on wave and wind conditions, creating small lagoons. The coastline stretches almost 250 meters long and up to 60 meters wide, with a smaller west-facing beach that offers better protection from weather conditions.

A natural phenomenon called Venturi occurs near Marmari due to the island's geography, causing calm seas only when south winds blow or no wind at all. North winds can create rough waves, making swimming dangerous for children.

Great Sand is globally recognized as a prime destination for water sports enthusiasts, including surfing, kiteboarding, and windsurfing. It also attracts visitors for calmer weather activities like beach soccer and volleyball. The beach's popularity stems from its strong winds and waves, which make it ideal for extreme water sports.