We stayed in Kioni in June and really enjoyed it. The beaches on Ithaca are stone or shingle, not sand and sunbeds were rare. There were some stunning coves with crystal clear water. Looking at my pictures, there was a each near Vathi that did have sunbeds but we only visited it in passing, personally I prefer no sunbeds. Couldn't you get lilos or mats to protect you from the beach?

http://www.worldisround.com/articles/331247/index.html

MariaH
thanks for that. Yes my wife and I are happy with lilos and beach mats but our friends don't. The lack of facilites, including tavernas, would put them off. We may have to go it alone but I'm trying to find a compromise.
thanks again

There is no lack of tavernas - Kioni has 5 and 2 cafe-bars, all of a decent standard and more are to be found at Frikes and Vathi. It caters for the yachting flotillas, so those facilities are fine. There may have been some sunbeds at Polis Bay but they are the exception, rather than the rule. The only thing I can suggest is trying to find some accommodation with a pool and sunbeds for your friends, but pools too seemed to be in short supply. There's just no pleasing some people

How right you are! but you try to do the best by others as well. If not we'll go it alone.
many thanks