Skylou beach is on the south-east coast of Kythnos. One day in early autumn we had the whole beach to ourselves. Nobody else was there all day.
In short
- The beach: sand and white pebbles, about 250 m long.
- Getting there: dirt road, then many steep steps.
- Facilities: none. Bring everything.
- Shade: almost none, so bring an umbrella.
- Best time: September, when it is quietest.
Getting there
We went in a jeep on the dirt road and parked above the beach. From there it is a walk down many steep steps. With the grill, the food and the drinks, it was hard work. Going back up with a full stomach was harder. That is the price of this beach, and it is also why it is empty.
What we did
There were two of us. We built a small grill from flat stones and lit a fire under it. We cooked sausages, pancetta, peppers and Greek pitas, and drank beer. Simple food, no restaurant, no schedule. We stayed until evening. We carried everything down the steep steps, so it was tiring, but it was worth it.
The moon
Around sunset the moon came up over the hill behind us. It was the evening before the full moon, and it looked huge and very close, like it was rising straight out of the hillside. We had never seen it like that.
Our take
Every week, guests ask us for a quiet beach. Skylou is a real answer, but only for guests who are happy to be self-sufficient. If someone needs sunbeds, a bar and an easy walk, We would send them somewhere else. If they are fit, prepared and want to be alone, this is one of the best options on the island.
Practical guide
- Where: south-east coast. About 11 km from Chora by published figures, around 25 minutes by car. The last stretch is unpaved, so drive slowly.
- Car: we used a jeep. Check the track with your rental company before taking a small car.
- Path: you park above the beach and walk down many steep steps, slippery in places. Wear shoes with grip.
- Beach: sand and white pebbles, about 250 m long and up to 55 m wide.
- Facilities: none. No taverna, no canteen, no sunbeds.
- Shade: almost none. Bring an umbrella.
- Wind: reported to be sheltered from the north and harder in a south wind. Check the forecast.
- Bring: water for the whole day, food, shade, a bag for your rubbish, and a light for the steps if you stay until dark.
- By boat: a popular stop for small boats from Loutra, Agios Stefanos and Panagia Kanala.
- Fire: open fires are restricted in Greece during the summer fire season. Check the day’s fire-risk map and local rules before lighting anything. This is what we did, not advice to do the same.
- Best time: September worked well for us. Fewer people, warm water, long evenings.
Information collected on site during our visit and checked against published sources. Conditions change, so check locally.
What comes next
Planning a trip to Kythnos? Read our guide: Kythnos, where to stay and get around.
Or tell us how you like to travel and we will point you to the right place.
Photos: Greecyz.
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