Best Beaches & Swimming Spots on Kythnos

A natural marvel and arguably the most iconic beach on Kythnos, Kolona is a rare geological phenomenon that captures the imagination.

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A slender sandbar stretches gracefully across the sea, connecting the main island to the islet of Agios Loukas, forming a double-sided beach that’s almost otherworldly in appearance. On one side, gentle, shallow waters invite long, leisurely swims. On the other, deeper hues ripple under the open sky, offering a bolder, more exhilarating dip. With the Aegean lapping at both shores, it feels as if you're walking a fine line between two worlds.

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Getting here is part of the experience. You can arrive by boat, an ideal way to admire the beach’s full form from the water, or, for the more adventurous, by 4x4 via a rugged dirt path.

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The islet itself hosts a small white chapel atop a hill, worth a short walk for sweeping views of the coastline. Come early in the day or outside high season to feel its untamed beauty at its quietest.

Just a short drive from Merichas and one of the most accessible beaches on the island, Apokrousi is a favorite among locals for a reason. Framed by rocky hills and kissed by long stretches of golden sand, it’s one of the largest and most inviting beaches in Kythnos. The waters here are calm, shallow, and family-friendly; perfect for a relaxed swim or a long, sun-drenched afternoon.

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Unlike more remote beaches, Apokrousi offers a gentle balance between natural charm and modest convenience. There’s a handful of tamarisk trees offering shade, and two beach bars at either end serve refreshing drinks, simple meals, and a mellow, friendly vibe.Still, the beach retains an unspoiled feel, no loud music, no packed loungers, just enough to settle in without the distraction.

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What makes Apokrousi special is how it captures the laid-back rhythm of island life. Kids play along the shore while locals read newspapers in the shallows. If you linger into the early evening, the light softens, casting a golden shimmer across the bay; a time when the beach takes on an almost cinematic calm.

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It's also a perfect jumping-off point for a hike or drive to nearby Kolona Beach, making it a strategic base for beach lovers who want to explore more than one coastal gem.

Tucked into the southern coast of Kythnos, Gaidouromantra is one of the island’s most remote and rewarding escapes. The name might be a mouthful, but the experience is pure simplicity. Wide, raw, and framed by low-rolling hills, the beach is a stretch of coarse golden sand that fades into crystal-clear water, untouched by commercial development.

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You’ll need to follow a long dirt road, best tackled with a 4x4 or adventurous spirit, but when you arrive, you’re greeted by space, silence, and the slow rhythm of nature.

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There are no umbrellas, no bars, and no facilities, just the occasional fisherman’s boat bobbing offshore and the Aegean stretching endlessly before you.

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Because of its seclusion, Gaidouromantra rarely feels crowded, even in peak season. It’s a favorite among solitude-seekers and those looking for a quiet swim or a full-day retreat with nothing but a towel, a book, and the sound of the wind.

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While there’s no natural shade, the vastness of the beach means you’ll always find a quiet corner. Bring water, snacks, and stay until the late afternoon when the sun dips low and the colors turn honeyed.

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If you’re looking to disconnect fully, this is where Kythnos offers you space to do exactly that.

Set just below the island’s most sacred landmark, Panagia Kanala Beach blends cultural depth with quiet coastal charm. Located beside the revered church of Panagia Kanala, the only official pilgrimage site on Kythnos, this beach invites visitors to pause, reflect, and swim in clear, sheltered waters.

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The calm bay is ideal for a laid-back afternoon, with tamarisk trees offering welcome shade and fishing boats gently swaying offshore. It’s a place where families gather, locals return to again and again, and travelers often discover a more personal side of the island.

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What elevates this beach is the subtle connection between land and spirit. Whether you’re dipping into the sea or walking up to light a candle at the church, Panagia Kanala leaves an impression that lingers, quiet, soulful, and undeniably Greek.