Mérichas Beaches

Overview

Mérichas, nestled in the Aegean Sea, serves as a charming gateway to the diverse beaches of Kythnos, an island boasting around 100 coastlines. Visitors often wonder about the types of beaches available – Kythnos offers a mix, from popular sandy stretches to more secluded pebbly coves, ensuring there's a spot for every preference. Many also ask about accessibility from Mérichas port; indeed, several lovely beaches are within easy reach, making it a convenient base for your seaside adventures.

Among the island's most celebrated spots is Kolona Beach, an iconic double bay formed by a unique sandbar, a true natural spectacle that's best reached by a short water taxi ride from Mérichas. For ultimate convenience, Merchias beach is located right in the port town itself. Just a short walk from the port, you'll find Martinakia Beach, an organized option perfect for a quick dip. A little further, but still very accessible, is Episkopi Beach, a large, sandy, and family-friendly shore that's a favorite for many. While these editor's picks offer fantastic variety, another frequently lauded beach is Apokrousi, one of the island's largest, known for its golden sand, calm waters, and family-friendly atmosphere.

Whether you're seeking the unique geography of Kolona Beach, the easy access of Merchias and Martinakia Beach, or the popular appeal of Episkopi Beach, Mérichas provides a perfect starting point. While some beaches are walkable from the port, exploring the full array of Kythnos's coastal beauty, including numerous quieter coves, is best done with a rental vehicle. For a comprehensive look at all the seaside gems this Aegean island has to offer, be sure to check out our longer list of beaches in this guide.

FAQ

People Also Ask

What are the beaches closest to Merichas port?

The beaches closest to Merichas port are Martinakia and Episkopi. Martinakia is just a 5-15 minute walk (around 900 meters) from the port, making it very convenient for a quick swim. Episkopi is also nearby, a few minutes drive from Merichas.

Martinakia Beach

Episkopi Beach

Can I walk to any beaches from Merichas?

Yes, Martinakia beach is within walking distance from Merichas, approximately a 15-minute walk (around 900 meters). There's also a path from Merichas to Martinakia that is shorter than the main road, about 600 meters. Gialos beach is also in Merichas, right near the port.

Martinakia Beach

Are there organized beaches with sunbeds and umbrellas near Merichas?

Yes, Martinakia beach, which is very close to Merichas, is partly organized with sunbeds and umbrellas offered by Hamsa Beach Bar. Episkopi beach, also near Merichas, has sunbeds and umbrellas available, particularly at Pountaki Beach Bar. Apokrousi beach also has organized sections.

Martinakia Beach

Episkopi Beach

Paralia Apokrousi

What's the best way to get to Kolona beach from Merichas?

The easiest and most recommended way to reach Kolona beach from Merichas is by water taxi. The boat trip takes about 10-15 minutes. While driving is possible, the road is a rough dirt track and not recommended unless you have a 4x4 vehicle. Hiking is also an option, but it's a long walk of about 1.5 hours from the port.

Kolona Beach

If I'm staying in Merichas, are there good accommodation options with easy beach access?

Yes, Merichas offers various accommodation options, including hotels and rental rooms. Some are located very close to Gialos beach within the port area itself. For quieter stays with easy access to Martinakia beach (a short walk away), you can find rooms and studios just behind the beach or along the road leading to it. Staying deeper in the Merichas settlement can offer more tranquility while still being close to the port and its amenities, with Martinakia and Episkopi beaches easily reachable.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Martinakia Beach

Episkopi Beach

Paralia Giala

Are the beaches in Kythnos sandy or pebbly?

Kythnos has a mix of beaches. Many are sandy, including popular ones like Kolona, Episkopi, and Megali Ammos. Others have a mix of sand and pebbles, like Martinakia. Some beaches are primarily pebbly, though the pebbles are often flat and comfortable. It's good to check specific beach descriptions if you have a strong preference.

Kolona Beach

Episkopi Beach

Megali Ammos

Is Kythnos a good destination for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Kythnos is considered a good destination for families. Beaches like Episkopi and Apokrousi are particularly family-friendly due to their calm, shallow waters and sandy shores. Megali Ammos (Kanala) is also loved by families. The island generally offers a relaxed atmosphere suitable for children.

Episkopi Beach

Paralia Apokrousi

Megali Ammos

What's the vibe like at the beaches near Merichas?

Martinakia, being close to the port and having a beach bar, can have a lively atmosphere with music, especially during peak season. Episkopi is also popular and can be busy, but its larger size allows for quieter spots. Gialos beach, right in Merichas, is convenient but can be noisier due to port activity. Generally, Kythnos beaches maintain a relaxed Greek island vibe.

Martinakia Beach

Episkopi Beach

Paralia Giala

Do I need a car to explore the beaches in Kythnos from Merichas?

While some beaches like Martinakia and Gialos are walkable from Merichas, and Episkopi is a short taxi ride away, renting a car or motorbike is highly recommended to explore the majority of Kythnos's 90+ beaches, many of which are more remote. Public buses serve main villages and some beaches like Loutra and Kanala, but schedules can be limited. Water taxis from Merichas can take you to Kolona.

Episkopi Beach

Kolona Beach

Are there quiet, less crowded beaches accessible from Merichas?

While the beaches immediately next to Merichas (Martinakia, Episkopi) can be popular, Kythnos has many secluded coves. To reach truly quiet beaches from Merichas, you'll likely need a vehicle or to take a boat trip. Beaches like Agios Sostis or Simousi are known for being more tranquil, but require some travel from the port. Some more remote beaches are accessible only by dirt roads or boat.

Agios Sostis

Paralia Simousi

When is the best time to visit Kythnos for a beach holiday concerning weather and crowds?

For the best balance of good weather and fewer crowds, September is often recommended. The sea is usually warm, and the strong summer Meltemi winds tend to be calmer. June is also a good option. July and August are the hottest and busiest months, with stronger Meltemi winds, though many southern-facing beaches remain sheltered.

Are there any beaches with natural shade near Merichas?

Yes, several beaches near Merichas and around Kythnos have tamarisk trees offering natural shade. Episkopi beach is known for its tamarisk trees close to the water. Martinakia also has some trees providing shade. Apokrousi and Megali Ammos (Kanala) are other examples where you can find natural shade.

What are the road conditions like for accessing beaches in Kythnos?

The main roads connecting Merichas to Chora, Loutra, Dryopida, and Kanala are generally paved and in good condition. However, access to many of Kythnos's more remote or secluded beaches often involves driving on dirt roads, which can be rough, narrow, and sometimes challenging, especially without a 4x4 vehicle. For some beaches like Kolona and Agios Sostis, the final stretch of road is particularly difficult.

Kolona Beach

Agios Sostis

Are there any clothing-optional or nudist beaches in Kythnos?

Kythnos does not have officially designated nudist beaches, and nudism is technically prohibited on all beaches. However, it is sometimes practiced on more secluded, unorganized beaches that are not easily accessible by road and away from settlements. Beaches like Agios Nikolaos (between Megali Ammos and Skylos), Styfos, Liotrivi, Trivlakas, Vassilikos, and Kastelas have been mentioned in online forums as places where nudists may go, but this is not official and discretion is advised, especially during peak season when beaches can be busier with families.

Megali Ammos

Which beaches in Kythnos are best protected from the Meltemi winds?

During the summer months, the Meltemi (strong northerly winds) can affect some beaches. Beaches that are generally more sheltered include Apokrousi, Episkopi, and Megali Ammos (Kanala) due to their location. Kolona beach is also known for being protected from strong winds. Southern-facing beaches are generally calmer during Meltemi.