Ready to explore the beaches of Kythira? My sister and I have spent two separate trips exploring this small Greek island, which sits between Crete and the southern Peloponnese. We have devoted many days to sitting on its rocks, ledges, and sandy shores, and while we can’t claim to have hit every swimming spot on this island, we’ve certainly covered our fair share. Here are 10 of our favorites.

Use this map to find great beaches and swimming spots on Kythira. If you’re looking for more to do on the island, don’t miss my post on 3 Days in Kythira.

Kaladi

This has to be one of the most wonderful beaches of Kythira. If you’re willing to put in some effort, it offers spectacular scenery and interesting variety. To get to Kaladi, you walk down 155 well-maintained stairs. And then you’re at a series of three beaches, each quite different from the next. The first is mostly populated by families …

… while the second is quiet and peaceful.

But the real treat is the teeny-tiny third beach, which you access via a cave tunnel.

Kalami

Who doesn’t want a bit of adrenaline with their beach-going? As with Kaladi, Kalami requires some exertion — but at Kalami, it’s of the rock-clambering variety. We didn’t need any technical gear or know-how, but we did end up using ropes to let ourselves down the steep canyon walls (you can read more about the descent here).

Once you’ve finished catching your breath, you’ll feel like you’ve really earned your perfect sliver of rocky shoreline.

Chalkos

What a perfect little half-moon bay, with rocks for jumping and exploring. If you want a lovely beach that’s less work than the Kaladi-Kalami duo, I would happily recommend Chalkos.

You won’t find much shade here unless you can find an in-demand spot under the rocks, but once you’re out in the water, you may not mind.

Avlemonas

We love Avlemonas, though we agree that calling it a “beach” is a stretch. Avlemonas is really a cove where they have built platforms all around for accessing the water. The beach, such as it is, can barely hold two towels.

On the plus side, it’s easy to get into the water here, which makes a nice change from the mostly pebbly and rocky beaches elsewhere in Kythira. And it’s a calm place for a quick swim with lovely tavernas and walks nearby.

Kombonada

This stretch of beach between the cliffs is littered with lots of white rocks, giving it a bright glint. And if you’ve been longing for shade, this is a good place for it, though you may have to pay for a brolly.

Should you just want a swim and some sun, walk down the beach a ways. You’ll find a secluded area where a few people hide among the boulders going topless or shedding their clothing altogether.

Lykodimou

The twisty, don’t-look-over-the-edge road down to Lykodimou is not for the faint of heart. But once you get down, you’ll find an old concrete pier, rippling cliff walls, and plenty of narrow shoreline.

If you swim around to the next cove, you’ll find a beach that’s only accessible by water — perfect if you’re in search of privacy.

Diakofti

This is the place to go if you find that you’re early for your ferry — it’s right across the bridge from the terminal.

There’s also honest-to-goodness sand here! You’ll very rarely feel the sand between your toes in Kythira — you’ll mostly be swearing at tiny rocks — so if you love a sandy beach, this has the softest we found.

The sandy side of the beach is more crowded (understandably). Solitude-seekers can have the water all to themselves if they head over toward the trees, but the entry is over rocky ledges.

Melidoni

More sand! This narrow strip of beach is great if you’re looking for easy access, umbrellas, and a café, though we paid a steeper-than-usual fee for these privileges.

What I loved most about Melidoni is that if you swim out to the rocks, you can enjoy clambering around and checking out the tide pools.

Kapsali

This feels like a family beach, crowded and colorful and fun. Tavernas and shops line the road behind it, so you’ll be all set if you’re in search of a snack or a pool noodle. And it sits in a lovely little bay, so the water is sheltered and calm.

We tend to like our beaches a bit more off the beaten path, but if you’re looking for someplace to go with kids, this would be high on my list.

Palaeopoli

Palaeopoli offers the longest stretch of seashore in Kythira. It’s not the most attractive beach — it largely runs along the road — but it’s a good place to get away from the crowds if the ledges at nearby Avlemonas are all taken.

The Beaches of Kythira: What to Bring

1. Sunscreen — lots. The sun is relentless, and many of these beaches offer little in the way of shade.
2. Water, especially if you’re headed to one of the beaches without amenities.
3. Beach shoes. Most of these beaches are fantastically rocky. As my sister says, “don’t underestimate the importance of sand.”
4. The basics: a towel, a hat, and a book, e-reader, or games.
5. Snacks. If you’re near Livadi, be sure to stop at Maria’s Traditional Sweets. There’s nothing quite so nice as ekmek on the beach!

You’ll find turquoise-blue waters and just the perfect kind of sunlight at beaches all over Greece. What Kythira offers is an amazing amount of beach variety, especially for an island of its size. There are over thirty to choose from, so I clearly need to go back for more exploring!