Kinion Beaches

Overview

Welcome to Kinion, a charming seaside destination on the western coast of Syros, Greece. This location makes it a perfect spot for a relaxing beach holiday, as its shores are naturally sheltered from the strong summer winds. The area is renowned for its calm, clear waters, making it ideal for swimming. Above all, visitors come to Kinion for its famously spectacular sunsets, which paint the Aegean Sea in brilliant colors every evening.

The village itself is home to the beautiful Kini Beach, a sandy, Blue Flag bay known for its waterfront tavernas and incredible sunset views. For a classic resort experience, the long, family-friendly sands of Galissas Beach offer every amenity you could need. If you prefer dramatic natural scenery, the picture-perfect cove at Delfini Beach provides a stunning backdrop for a peaceful swim, while Agathopes Beach is the go-to spot for a more social and lively atmosphere with its trendy beach bars.

Kini serves as an excellent and tranquil base for discovering the island's diverse coastline. If the main beach feels a bit crowded, a short walk will lead you to the quiet, tamarisk-lined cove of Lotos Beach. These highlights are just the beginning, as many more beautiful and secluded spots are waiting to be explored. Be sure to browse our complete guide to find the perfect beach for your Syros adventure.

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FAQ

Is Kini a good base for a purely beach-focused holiday in Syros?

Yes, Kini is an excellent base for a relaxed beach holiday. It has its own beautiful, sandy beach with calm waters and offers easy access to other nearby beaches like Lotos and Delfini. While Syros is also famous for its cultural capital, Ermoupoli, Kini provides the classic Greek seaside village experience with waterfront tavernas and stunning sunsets, making it ideal for travelers who want to prioritize sun and sea.

Kini Beach

Is Kini beach protected from the Meltemi winds?

Kini Beach is located on the west coast of Syros, which means it is generally well-protected from the strong northern Meltemi winds that can affect the Aegean islands, especially in July and August. This makes it a reliable choice for a calm beach day when other beaches on the island might be windy.

Kini Beach

How do you get to other beaches from Kini?

From Kini, you can easily walk to the quiet Lotos Beach in about 10-15 minutes. For the more secluded Delfini Beach, you can take a small boat from Kini's port or hike a scenic coastal trail, which takes around 25-30 minutes. To explore beaches further afield, renting a scooter or car is recommended, or you can use the local bus service which connects Kini to the capital, Ermoupoli.

Kini Beach

Delfini Beach

Where is the best spot in Kini to watch the famous sunset?

Kini is renowned for its spectacular sunsets. The best views are directly from the main beach, where you can sit at one of the seaside tavernas with a drink. For a slightly different perspective, you can watch from the small pier or find a spot near the unique mermaid sculpture on the waterfront, which makes for a great photo opportunity as the sun goes down.

Are there hotels right on the beach in Kini?

While there are no large hotels built directly on the sand, Kini offers numerous hotels, apartments, and studios with sea views that are just a few steps away from the beach. The village is small and compact, so almost all accommodation is within a one or two-minute walk to the sea, providing the convenience of a beachfront location.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Do you have to pay for sunbeds on Kini Beach?

Most of the sunbeds and umbrellas on Kini Beach are managed by the beachfront tavernas and cafes. Typically, they are offered for free to customers who order drinks or food. However, some may charge a separate rental fee, especially during the peak season of July and August. It's always a good idea to ask the staff at the taverna before settling down.

Kini Beach

Is Kini beach sandy and is it good for swimming?

Yes, Kini Beach is a fine sand beach with very clear and shallow waters, making it excellent for swimming and particularly safe for families with children. The bay is well-protected, so the sea is usually very calm without large waves, and it has been awarded a Blue Flag for its cleanliness and organization.

Kini Beach

How does Kini compare to Galissas as a place to stay?

Both Kini and Galissas are popular beach resorts on Syros. Kini is often described as a quieter, more traditional fishing village with a focus on its charming tavernas and famous sunset. Galissas is slightly larger and can feel a bit more developed as a resort, with more accommodation options and a longer sandy beach. Your choice depends on your preference: Kini for a more tranquil, authentic atmosphere, and Galissas for a slightly livelier resort feel.

Kini Beach

Galissas Beach

People Also Ask

Are there any nudist-friendly beaches near Kini?

Yes, the southern part of Delfini Beach, which is the next beach along the coast from Kini, is widely known as being clothing-optional and popular with nudists. You can reach it by a 25-30 minute hike over the headland or by taking a small water taxi from Kini's port.

Delfini Beach

Is Syros a good destination for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Syros is an excellent choice for a family beach holiday, and villages like Kini are particularly suitable. The beaches on the west coast, including Kini, have calm, shallow, and clear waters, making them very safe for children. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-oriented rather than being a party destination. Plus, the island offers a mix of beach time and cultural exploration in Ermoupoli, providing variety for the whole family.

Kini Beach

What if I find Kini beach too crowded?

If the main beach in Kini feels too busy, especially in peak season, you have great alternatives within walking distance. Lotos Beach is a quieter, unorganized beach just a 10-minute walk south, set in a small, tamarisk-lined cove. For a more adventurous option, the 30-minute hike or boat ride to Delfini Beach will reward you with a larger, more rugged, and less crowded pebble and sand beach.

Kini Beach

Delfini Beach

When is the water warm enough for swimming in Kini?

The sea around Kini starts to become pleasant for swimming from late May and stays warm through September. The peak water temperatures are in July and August. While you can swim in October, the water will be cooler, and the weather can be less predictable. For most people, the best combination of warm water and pleasant weather is from June to September.

Kini Beach