Kalafati
On the southeastern coast of Mykonos, where the island's profile becomes wilder and the blue of the Aegean seems to deepen, Kalafa...
Updated 7 July 2026
This season · July · Summer
What to do in Kalafati now
The story
The story of Kalafati
The Legacy of the Sea: A Story of Myths and Pirates
The history of Kalafati is inextricably linked to that of Mykonos and the Cycladic archipelago, a crossroads of civilizations that saw the passage of Phoenicians, Ionians, and Romans. Although it is now a renowned tourist destination, for centuries this area remained a rural outpost and fishing community, protected from pirate raids thanks to its position away from main trade routes. Traces of the past are visible in the dry-stone walls that crisscross the surrounding hills, testament to an economy based on pastoralism and heroic agriculture, capable of wresting fruit from an arid land lashed by the wind. During the Middle Ages, Venetian influence left a deep mark on the island's architecture and social organization, followed by the long Ottoman rule that ended only with Greek independence in the nineteenth century. Kalafati has preserved this spirit of maritime frontier, evolving from a small fishing port to a center of excellence for water sports, while maintaining intact that silent dignity typical of communities living in symbiosis with the Aegean.
Kalafati Beach: The Temple of Wind
Kalafati beach is the beating heart of the locality, a long stretch of sand mixed with small pebbles that extends for several hundred meters. What makes it special, beyond the Blue Flag that certifies the purity of its waters, is its exposure to northerly winds. The Meltemi, which here blows vigorously but without raising excessive waves near shore, creates ideal conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing, attracting enthusiasts from every continent. Despite its athletic vocation, the beach offers ample space for relaxation, with equipped areas that coexist harmoniously with wild and free stretches. The tamarisk trees that dot the coastline offer precious natural shade during the hottest hours, while the gently sloping seabed invites long swims in water of an almost unreal transparency, where fish dart between submerged rocks on the sides of the bay.
Agia Anna: An Oasis of Peace
A short distance from the main beach, separated by a small rocky promontory, lies the bay of Agia Anna. This cove is the quiet counterpoint to the liveliness of Kalafati. Characterized by very fine sand and exceptionally calm waters, protected from currents, Agia Anna is the place where time seems to have stopped. It takes its name from the small white chapel nearby, a classic example of Cycladic religious architecture with its blue dome standing out against the clear sky. It is the preferred destination for those seeking a deeper connection with nature and wishing to escape the noise of crowds. Here, the beach experience transforms into a contemplative ritual, ideal for snorkeling thanks to the abundance of marine fauna inhabiting the rocky crevices that border the bay.
Divounia: The Stone Sentinels
At the end of the bay stand the Divounia, two twin hills that jut into the sea like silent sentinels. These geological formations are not only a visual landmark, but also host the remains of an ancient prehistoric settlement, testimony to how long human habitation of this stretch of coast goes back. At the foot of the hills lies a picturesque fishing village, where colorful boats sway lazily in the natural harbor. Walking among the few whitewashed houses of Divounia allows you to breathe the atmosphere of old Mykonos, before the advent of mass tourism. It is a place of raw and primitive beauty, where the contrast between white lime, brown rocks, and blue sea creates photographic scenes of rare intensity, especially during the golden hours of late afternoon.
Dragonisi Island: Submerged Secrets
Just off the coast of Kalafati, about a mile away, the uninhabited islet of Dragonisi emerges from the waters. This sliver of rock is a nature reserve of extraordinary importance, known especially for its spectacular sea caves and underwater tunnels. Dragonisi is a paradise for divers: its vertical walls plunging into the blue host colonies of yellow anemones and glass corals. Moreover, the island is one of the last refuges for the Mediterranean monk seal, an extremely rare species that finds shelter in the most hidden inlets. Various boats depart from Kalafati for day excursions, allowing visitors to swim in the crystal-clear waters of the caves, where the light of the sun creates turquoise reflections on the rock walls, offering an almost mystical experience in contact with the primordial force of the Aegean.
A Landscape Sculpted by the Elements
The landscape of Kalafati is a hymn to the resilience of Mediterranean nature. The interior is characterized by xerophytic vegetation, composed of low shrubs, aromatic herbs, and prickly pears, capable of resisting drought and salt brought by the wind. The geology is dominated by granite, which time and erosion have shaped into bizarre and evocative forms. It is not uncommon to encounter small herds of goats grazing freely among the rocks, adding a bucolic touch to the scene. This environment, apparently harsh, reveals its sweetness in the details: in the small cultivated gardens of villas overlooking the bay, where the colors of bougainvillea explode, and in the geometric order of dry-stone walls that define property boundaries, creating a tapestry of stone that follows gently the curves of the land.
Traditions and Flavors: The Cuisine of the Sun
Gastronomy at Kalafati reflects the richness of local products and the freshness of daily catches. In taverns overlooking the beach, it is possible to taste the typical dishes of the Mykonian tradition. You cannot miss 'Kopanisti', a spicy and creamy PDO cheese, often served on a slice of barley bread (mostra) drenched with olive oil and fresh tomato. 'Louza', the island's spiced ham, is another delicacy not to be missed, perfect as an appetizer together with a glass of iced ouzo. The sea offers grilled octopus, stuffed squid, and very fresh red mullet, cooked simply to enhance their natural flavor. To end on a sweet note, 'Amigdalota', almond sweets scented with rose water, represent the island's tribute to its Oriental roots, an ancient flavor that pairs perfectly with the evening breeze that cools the bay.
Experiences Not to Be Missed
- Take a windsurfing or kitesurfing lesson with certified instructors to challenge the Meltemi.
- Join a boat excursion to the caves of Dragonisi for snorkeling in untouched waters.
- Enjoy a late lunch of the freshest fish at one of the historic taverns overlooking the sea.
- Explore on foot the trail leading to the hills of Divounia to admire the panorama from above.
- Visit the nearby Panagia Tourliani monastery at Ano Mera to discover the spiritual heart of the island.
- Rent a canoe or SUP to independently explore the hidden coves between Kalafati and Agia Anna.
When to Go and How to Experience Kalafati
The ideal period to visit Kalafati is from May to October, but each month offers a different atmosphere. The months of May and June are perfect for those who love nature in bloom and mild temperatures, ideal for hiking. July and August are the months of constant wind and intense heat, when the locality comes alive with athletes and travelers from around the world; it is the moment of maximum splendor, but requires advance booking. September and October, on the other hand, offer still-warm waters and unparalleled tranquility, with sunsets in fiery colors that tint the granite rocks red. To best enjoy Kalafati, the advice is to rent your own vehicle to move freely towards interior villages like Ano Mera, or to discover nearby beaches, while keeping Kalafati as your base to enjoy its rare combination of sports, relaxation, and authenticity.
FAQ
Kalafati è una spiaggia adatta alle famiglie?
Quanto dista Kalafati dalla città di Mykonos (Chora)?
È facile trovare parcheggio vicino alla spiaggia?
Ci sono centri per il diving nella zona?
Getting there
- Aeroporto Internazionale di Mykonos (JMK) - 10 km
- Non presenti sull'isola; collegamenti via mare dal Porto di Mykonos
- Da Mykonos Town seguire le indicazioni per Ano Mera e successivamente per Kalafati/Agia Anna.
- Il noleggio di uno scooter o di un'auto è fortemente consigliato per la scarsa frequenza dei bus pubblici verso questa zona.
Perfect for
Il paradiso per windsurf e diving grazie al vento costante e alle grotte marine di Dragonisi.
Un'alternativa tranquilla e spaziosa alle spiagge più affollate e rumorose della costa sud-ovest.
Paesaggi selvaggi, colline granitiche e riserve marine protette a portata di mano.
To see
