The Best Beaches in Kimolos: Sandy Shores, Quiet Coves & Access Tips
The best beaches in Kimolos range from Prassa’s pale sand and turquoise water to smaller coves beside fishermen’s boat houses.
Bonatsa, Aliki and Kalamitsi provide options along the southern coast, while Mavrospilia offers a different setting on the western side. Farther north, Monastiria and Soufi require more preparation.
Choosing a beach involves more than comparing photographs. Wind, the final approach and seasonal facilities can all change the experience. This guide covers eight beaches and coastal areas, with practical advice for planning a comfortable day.
Best Beaches in Kimolos at a Glance
| Beach | Area | Main appeal | Access consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prassa | Eastern coast | Pale sand and turquoise water | Road access; seasonal facilities |
| Bonatsa | Southern coast | A long sandy shoreline | Road access; nearby accommodation and dining |
| Aliki | Southern coast | Sand, pebbles and a coastal wetland | Road access |
| Kalamitsi | Southern coast | Adjoining sandy and pebbly sections | Road access; dining nearby |
| Rema | Near Goupa and Chorio | A small cove beside boat houses | Walking approach; uneven surfaces |
| Klima | Northeastern coast | Pebbles and tamarisk trees | Road access; exposed to northerly winds |
| Ellinika and Mavrospilia | Western coast | Archaeological interest and evening scenery | Final approach includes a dirt road |
| Monastiria and Soufi | Northern coast | Less developed bays | Rough access, walking or a boat outing |
Beach services and transport are seasonal. Check current arrangements before leaving Chorio or Psathi.
1. Prassa Beach
Prassa, also written as Prasa and associated with the name Agios Georgios, is one of Kimolos’s best-known beaches.
Its coarse white sand and turquoise water create a distinctive setting, different from the darker pebbly shores elsewhere on the island.
Seasonal beach services make it worth considering for visitors who prefer some facilities nearby. However, opening dates and available equipment should be checked rather than assumed.
Allow time for the journey and assess conditions before entering the water. The colour of the sea does not establish its depth or suitability for inexperienced swimmers.
Best for: Pale sand and a planned beach outing.
Keep in mind: Stay out of nearby caves and leave wildlife undisturbed.
2. Bonatsa Beach
Bonatsa is a long sandy beach on the southern coast, near Aliki and Kalamitsi.
Its shoreline makes it a useful option for visitors who prefer sand underfoot. Tamarisk trees provide patches of natural shade, although these may already be occupied.
Accommodation and dining options in the surrounding area allow visitors to organise a longer day without returning to Chorio for every meal.
Some water-entry sections are relatively shallow, but families should still check the conditions and supervise children closely.
Best for: A sandy beach day with services in the surrounding area.
Keep in mind: Confirm which facilities are operating, especially outside the summer peak.
3. Aliki Beach
Aliki combines sand and pebbles along the southern coast.
The salt-pan area behind the beach adds interest beyond swimming. It can attract birds during migration periods, while its appearance changes considerably through the year.
Visitors should observe wildlife from a distance and avoid disturbing the wetland or surrounding vegetation.
Aliki is also practical for those who want to combine beach time with a meal nearby. Its mixed shore makes suitable footwear useful when choosing a place to enter the water.
Best for: A beach outing with an interesting natural backdrop.
Keep in mind: The wetland is seasonal; do not expect a permanent lake behind the shore.
4. Kalamitsi Beach
Kalamitsi is beside Bonatsa and includes adjoining sandy and pebbly sections.
This variety makes it worth looking around before deciding where to settle. One part may suit visitors seeking sand, while another provides a different entry and outlook.
The coast faces the channel between Kimolos and Milos. Check the actual wind and sea conditions rather than assume it will remain calm throughout the day.
Nearby dining provides an opportunity to combine swimming with lunch, subject to seasonal opening.
Best for: A relaxed southern-coast outing with a choice of shoreline.
Keep in mind: Bring water and shade even when planning to eat nearby.
5. Rema Beach
Rema is near Goupa and within the coastal area below Chorio.
Its small pebbly shore, surrounding rocks and nearby boat houses give it a different character from a long organised beach.
The boat houses, known as syrmata, are part of the setting. Some remain private or connected with boating activity, so avoid blocking doors and access points.
Rocks around the cove can become slippery. Choose the water entry carefully and do not assume that a place described as resembling a natural swimming pool has controlled or reliably safe conditions.
Best for: Combining a small coastal stop with a walk around Goupa.
Keep in mind: Respect homes, boat houses and working spaces.
6. Klima Beach
Klima has a shore of pebbles and sand, with tamarisk trees providing some natural shade.
It offers an alternative to the busier sandy beaches, particularly for visitors who prefer bringing their own equipment.
Northerly winds are an important consideration. The beach is exposed to this weather, and local guides specifically advise choosing another location when those winds affect the bay.
Carry supplies rather than rely on a beach business. Transport should also be checked for the intended dates.
Best for: A simpler beach outing in suitable weather.
Keep in mind: This is Klima on Kimolos, not the similarly named settlement on Milos.
7. Ellinika and Mavrospilia
Ellinika and Mavrospilia lie near one another on the western coast.
Ellinika is associated with an important archaeological landscape, including ancient remains around the coast. Visitors should leave all objects and structures undisturbed.
Mavrospilia is particularly appealing towards evening, when changing light adds colour to the rocks and sea.
The final approach includes a dirt road. Check current conditions and any vehicle-hire restrictions before travelling.
These beaches can be enjoyed for their scenery even when swimming is unsuitable. Allow enough daylight for the return journey if unfamiliar with the route.
Best for: Coastal scenery, archaeological interest and evening light.
Keep in mind: Do not remove objects, disturb remains or follow unverified routes across rocks.
8. Monastiria and Soufi
Monastiria and Soufi are northern beaches suited to visitors who are comfortable planning a less developed outing.
Monastiria is exposed to northerly winds. Soufi is reached by continuing on foot and can offer a different degree of shelter, depending on conditions.
Access requires preparation. Published routes involve rough-road travel, walking or a boat approach, so ask locally about the most suitable option.
Do not assume that hiring a vehicle permits use on every track. Visitors walking should carry an offline map, water and sun protection.
Best for: Prepared travellers seeking quieter northern bays.
Keep in mind: Bring supplies for the full outing and establish the return arrangements before leaving.
Which Beaches Should You Choose?
For a sandy beach day, compare Prassa and Bonatsa according to the weather and the facilities available.
Aliki and Kalamitsi work well for visitors spending time along the southern coast.
Rema can be combined with Goupa, while Klima deserves consideration only when wind conditions are suitable.
Ellinika and Mavrospilia provide a western-coast outing with interest beyond swimming.
Monastiria and Soufi require more planning and should not be treated as casual extensions of a village walk.
What About Psathi Beach?
Psathi is the ferry port, but it also has a beach.
Its convenience can appeal to visitors staying nearby. However, it is part of an active harbour setting rather than an isolated swimming bay.
Follow local guidance, stay clear of vessel movements and choose an appropriate bathing area.
Anyone considering a swim before departure should organise luggage and allow a comfortable boarding margin.
Visiting Beaches Without a Car
A vehicle is not essential for every beach visit, but the chosen accommodation and destination matter.
Check current local buses, taxis and walking routes. Confirm the return journey before relying on a seasonal service.
Boat excursions can include coastal swimming stops, although routes depend on the operator and conditions.
An advertised destination is not a guarantee that a boat will visit it on every sailing.
Practical Tips for Kimolos Beach Days
- Check the wind: Northern and exposed bays can become uncomfortable.
- Carry water and shade: Many beaches have limited facilities.
- Use suitable footwear: Pebbles, hot surfaces and rough paths require preparation.
- Confirm road access: Ask about conditions and vehicle restrictions.
- Protect natural areas: Avoid trampling vegetation or disturbing wildlife.
- Leave time to return: An easy descent can become a demanding climb after swimming.
Choose the beach that suits the day’s conditions and the group’s needs. There is no need to visit several shores simply because they appear close on a map.
