Less glitzy and party-hearty than the typical Mykonos coastline, Kalafatis Beach is Mykonos’ cleanest beach and one of its most tranquil, too. All the beach basics are in place, with loungers and parasols available to rent, but plenty of empty sand space, as well as bathrooms, tavernas, and beach bars. If windsurfing lessons, snorkeling, or Jet Ski aren’t your bag, discover Kalafatis Beach on a south coast cruise, a 4WD safari, or a Mykonos minibus tour.
*The wind that makes Kalafatis Beach such a great windsurfing choice can also spray sand around, especially during high summer. *If parasol rental seems a little expensive, consider eating at the restaurant at the western end: Their parasols and loungers are free for diners. *Gently sloping, Kalafatis Beach is a good family choice, with lifeguards during the summer season. Bring jelly shoes as offshore rocks can be sharp. *Kalafatis Beach offers wheelchair-accessible bathrooms, showers, parking, and changing rooms, as well as a wheelchair-friendly route onto the sands.
Kalafatis Beach is tucked into Mykonos’ southeast coast, about an 8-mile (12-kilometer) drive east of Mykonos Old Port. Buses run between the Old Port station and Kalafatis from mid-morning until late at night: Check times on arrival as there can be as much as a 2-hour gap between services and timetables are updated annually.
Mykonos’ weather is at its best between June and September, with July and August the peak of the island’s party season. The wind on Kalafatis Beach is perfect for windsurfing between May and October. September is a great time to visit, with warm water but fewer windsurfers.
