Hidden Gem Beaches in the Cyclades
We rank the 7 hidden gem beaches in the Cyclades. Kolona Beach (Greece) comes first with 4.7 / 5, followed by Katergo Beach, Kleftiko.
The sea reaches about 24 degrees C in season, and most of these beaches are at their best from June to September. 2 of the 7 have easy access, and 7 are hidden gems.
1Kolona Beach
Kythnos, Cyclades · 4.7 / 5 · Moderate access · about 24 °CA narrow strip of fine sand joining the main island of Kythnos to the islet of Agios Loukas, with water on both sides.
2Katergo Beach
Katergo, Folegandros · 4.6 / 5 · Challenging access · about 23 °CA wild, unspoilt cove on the south-east side of Folegandros, backed by tall cliffs and with deep blue water.
3Kleftiko
Milos, Cyclades, Greece · 4.6 / 5 · Challenging access · about 24 °CA cluster of white rock arches, caves and sheltered coves on the south-west coast of Milos, once used as a pirate hideout.
4Agios Sostis Beach
Mykonos · 4.5 / 5 · Moderate access · about 23 °CA quiet sandy beach on the north coast of Mykonos, far from the busy clubs of the south.
5Mikro Alyko Beach
Naxos · 4.5 / 5 · Moderate access · about 24 °CA small sandy cove on the south-west coast of Naxos, with clear turquoise water and a rocky headland on one side.
6Psili Ammos Beach, Serifos
Psili Ammos, Serifos, Cyclades · 4.5 / 5 · Easy access · about 25 °CPsili Ammos is a quiet cove of fine pale sand on the south-east coast of Serifos, with shallow turquoise water and a line of tamarisk trees behind the beach.
7Vlychada Beach, Santorini
Vlychada, Santorini, Cyclades · 4.4 / 5 · Easy access · about 26 °CVlychada is a quiet beach on the south coast of Santorini, with dark volcanic sand and pebbles below pale eroded cliffs.
Quick comparison
| # | Beach | Country | Score | Water | Best season | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kolona Beach | Greece | 4.7 | 24 °C | June–September | Moderate |
| 2 | Katergo Beach | Greece | 4.6 | 23 °C | June–September | Challenging |
| 3 | Kleftiko | Greece | 4.6 | 24 °C | June–September | Challenging |
| 4 | Agios Sostis Beach | Greece | 4.5 | 23 °C | May–October | Moderate |
| 5 | Mikro Alyko Beach | Greece | 4.5 | 24 °C | June–September | Moderate |
| 6 | Psili Ammos Beach, Serifos | Greece | 4.5 | 25 °C | June–September | Easy |
| 7 | Vlychada Beach, Santorini | Greece | 4.4 | 26 °C | June–September | Easy |
How we picked these beaches
Included when we flag the beach as a hidden gem, meaning it is quieter than the headline beaches nearby, then ranked by editorial score. See how we rate beaches for the full method.
Frequently asked questions
Which are the top-rated hidden gem beaches in the Cyclades?
Our top three are Kolona Beach (4.7 out of 5), Katergo Beach (4.6 out of 5), Kleftiko (4.6 out of 5). Scores are editorial ratings from the EuroShores team.
When is the best time to visit these beaches?
Most are at their best from June to September. Water temperatures average about 24 degrees C in season. Each beach page lists its exact season.
Which of these beaches are easiest to reach?
Psili Ammos Beach, Serifos, Vlychada Beach, Santorini have easy access. The others need a walk, stairs or a rougher road, so check the access note on each page.