The moment we set foot in the charming seaside village of Kini on the west coast of the island, we knew we had found a spot we would love. Think whitewashed houses, vibrant bougainvillea, and a tiny harbor where fishing boats gently bob up and down. Kini Beach is the kind of place where time slows down and you get to enjoy the sunset while feasting on some local food or a glass of local Greek wine.
It is one of the most popular beaches in Syros, mainly due to its sandy beach and crystal clear waters, but also because you can find all the amenities and things you need both on the beach and in the cute village of Kini. It has even been awarded the iconic Blue Flag for well-managed beaches around the world.
If you’re planning a trip to the island (which you absolutely should) and are wondering what to do in Syros, we can tell you Kini Beach definitely deserves a spot on your itinerary.
Whether you’re looking to chill like a Greek god, feast like Dionysus, or just build the world’s sandiest sandcastle because you are visiting Syros with your kids, Kini will serve you well.
So let’s dive into our complete guide to Kini Beach (and Kini village), brought to you by our sunburnt noses and tzatziki-stuffed bellies.
How to get to Kini Beach
Getting to Kini Beach is easy, and kind of scenic, too! The beach is located close to Galissas Beach (another well-visited beach in Syros), and between the smaller and less crowded Delfini Beach and Lotos Beach.
If you’re staying in Ermoupoli, the capital of Syros, it’s just a 15-minute drive (9 kilometers) west across the island. You can get there yourself if you rent a car (read our complete guide on car hire in Syros) or hop on a scooter. Bonus: the ride winds through Syros’ hilly interior, so you’ll get some lovely views before that first beach selfie.
Read more: Best things to do in Ermoupoli
It is also possible to grab a taxi from Miaouli Square or the port in Ermoupoli (between 15-20 euros one way). Hermes Taxi (+30 2281 084222) and Syros Taxi (+30 22810 88222) are the two biggest companies driving around Syros. To get back, you can just WhatsApp or call them.
Do you prefer public transport? There’s also a local KTEL bus that runs several times a day from Ermoupoli to Kini (in high season, only one a day in low season), super affordable and great for people-watching. Check the bus timetable in Syros and Ermoupoli to get the most accurate data.
TIP: If you would love to hike around Syros, you can also walk from Ermoupoli to Kini. Start from Ano Syros and do the first part of the Ano Syros to Althini hike, and then continue towards Kini Beach. Be aware that there won’t be a lot of shade, so avoid high summer or hike very early.
Best time to visit Kini Beach
The best time to visit Kini Beach is from May to October (high season), when the weather is sunny, the sea is warm enough for even the most hesitant swimmers (especially from August to October), and the tavernas are buzzing with life. Everything is open, and all amenities are offered on and around the beach.
Peak season, July and August, are the busiest months, with more tourists, more events, and slightly higher prices. Although Kini has kept its laid-back vibe of a fishermen’s town, during July and August, it can feel too crowded for some.
June and September are especially perfect as you get all the sunshine without the midsummer crowds (or melting into your beach towel), more peace, and parking.
Read more: Best time to visit Syros
If you are visiting Kini in winter (November to April), you get to enjoy the beach almost by yourself. Be aware that during the winter months, there are no umbrellas or chairs on the beach, and most (or all) tavernas are closed. Make sure to bring everything you need.
TIP: Do you want to avoid the crowds during summer? You can hike to Lotos Beach (10 minutes) or Delfini Beach (30 minutes) for a more relaxed vibe.
Things you need to know about Kini Beach
Kini Beach is the kind of beach that whispers, “Just one more hour…” every time you try to leave. It’s sandy (yay for the kids!), wide enough to find your own little patch of paradise, and has shallow, crystal clear waters perfect for families, paddling, floating, or pretending you’re a mermaid.
Here are a few facilities you can find on the beach (all during high season):
- Sunbeds and umbrellas for rent (and more affordable than for example at Agaothopes Beach), but also enough free unorganized space if you prefer to bring your own towel and live the wild beach life.
- Showers and changing cabins, which are great, especially if your children (like mine) consider being fully covered in sand a personal achievement.
- Lifeguard tower, so your kids and you can feel safer when being in the water.
- Beach volleyball court, for those who want to be a bit more active on the beach.
- A few trees, for people who are looking for shade. Be aware, though, there isn’t a lot of shade, and if you are not planning to rent a chair with an umbrella, it’s better to bring your own umbrella.
TIP: The beach faces west, so if you stay for the sunset (and you must), you’re in for a show. You can even have a sunset dinner if you go to one of the seaside taverns.
What to do in Kini
We know Kini is the perfect place to do nothing. However, although enjoying a beach day is definitely one of the things to do in Kini, this lovely small place has more to offer. So, if you’re the type who starts twitching after 30 minutes of lounging, don’t worry, here are our favorite things to do in and around Kini (Beach).
Relax on the beach
Yes, we just said there is more to do than just the beach around Kini, but it has to be on the list! Spending a fun day on the beach is the main reason most people come to Kini.
It is great for both kids and adults, with shallow waters and a sandy beach, and has all the facilities you need (in high season). Being easily reachable from Ermoupoli, it is one of the most popular beaches in Syros.
Read more: Family-friendly Galissas Beach in Syros
Visit the aquarium
Kini has a tiny aquarium or marine life center that’s oddly fascinating. You get to see who lives in the sea around here and learn about the local marine ecosystem. It is not always open, so best to check with a local before you go.
Check out the mermaid statue
Near the harbor, you’ll spot a bronze mermaid statue dedicated to the fishermen of Kini. It’s one of those “blink and you’ll miss it” sights, but it’s worth a moment to reflect on its message and take a picture.
The statue represents a mermaid holding a dead fisherman in her arms and is dedicated to people lost at sea, the sailors and fishermen. On the engraved plaque, it says: “And you, my pure and unknown fisherman, who lives eternally in the depths of magic, know that in my mind you are lovingly embraced with watery softness by the Mermaid and the Virgin Mary.”
Walk to Lotos Beach
Just a short and easy walk to the south (around 10 minutes) takes you to Lotos Beach, a more secluded alternative to Kini, especially nice if you want a quieter spot to read, nap, or have a swim.
The beach is rockier than Kini Beach but very beautiful. It has a bit of shade from trees, but also a few municipal umbrellas (in high season) and a few places to park your car. Bring your own food and drinks, as there are no bars or restaurants here.
Hike from Kini to Delfini Beach (and onwards to Varvaroussa Beach)
Are you in for a bit more of a walk? Then we can highly advise you to do the hike from Kini Beach to Delfini Beach, which follows a trail along the coast and takes about 30 minutes. As we love to hike on Syros, this is one of our favorite things to do from Kini.
The hike gives you fantastic views over Kini and the coastline of Syros. If you feel like you want to hike even more, continue after Delfini towards Varvaroussa Beach, which is only reachable on foot or by boat.
Read more: Hike from Kini to Delfini and Varvaroussa Beach
Although you can get there by car or taxi, Delfini Beach has fewer crowds than Kini Beach because it is a bit harder to reach. During high season, you can find some umbrellas and loungers, and there is even a beach bar open.
TIP: To do this hike, we advise you to wear proper shoes, bring enough water, and wear a hat (there is no shade along the way).
Go on a boat adventure
A great thing to do in Kini in summer is renting a private boat (with a captain) to visit the remote northern beaches, some of the nearby islets, or a special place like Agios Stefanos. Our favorite local boat captain is John, from Spira Cyclades. You can contact him on his website or through WhatsApp +30 6977394343.
If he doesn’t have a spot, you can also contact Syros Adventures (Perla cruises), as they leave from the small dock on the northern side of the beach. During high season, they also have daily boat taxis leaving for the northern beaches.
Visit the Monastery of Aghia Varvara (Santa Barbara)
Just a short drive from Kini, you can find the Monastery of Agia Varvara, one of those serene spots that quietly steals your heart. Built around 1900, this peaceful place once served as an orphanage and now houses a small community of kind-hearted nuns who will likely greet you with a warm “Kalimera” and genuine smiles as you arrive.
The grounds are beautiful and full of humble charm, with colorful frescoes, a peaceful courtyard, and an aura that invites both respectful photography and quiet reflection (no loud tourist vibes here, please). And don’t forget: a small donation goes a long way to support this beautiful place, think of it as a thank-you for the soul-hug.
Listen closely, and you might hear soft chants floating through the air. They’re coming from the tiny chapel of Agios Antonios, just a few steps away, where you can also see relics of Saint Antonio and even the shoes of Taxiarchis Mandamados (yes, saintly shoes!).
TIP: If you love churches, also go admire the Church of the Assumption (Ekklisia Panagia) in the center of Kini village. It is dedicated to the assumption of the Virgin Mary, which is celebrated on August 15th.
Watch the sunset
If you only do one thing in Kini (besides eating your body weight in tzatziki), enjoy the sunset. Trust us, this is not your average sunset. As the sun dips into the Aegean, the sky explodes in shades of orange, pink, and gold, casting a magical glow over the beach and the little fishing boats bobbing in the bay.
Grab a drink from one of the beachfront tavernas, kick off your flip-flops, and settle in. It’s basically nature’s nightly performance, and the best part? No ticket required.
Visit Syros Cats
If you’re a cat lover (or even just cat-curious), a visit to the Syros Cats Sanctuary in Kini is a must. This heartwarming haven is home to around 60-70 adorable, well-fed cats, all cared for by a dedicated team of volunteers who treat every whisker with love and dignity.
Founded by the wonderful Jacky and her passionate crew, the sanctuary rescues abandoned, orphaned, and sick cats (which Syros has a lot of), giving them medical care, cozy shelter, and, when possible, forever homes. They also have different feeding stations for street cats around the island.
Even if you are not a volunteer, you can witness the evening feeding ritual, which is as entertaining as it is heart-melting (think: a cat buffet with purring VIPs). Whether you’re just visiting, looking to adopt, donate, or want to volunteer, this place is pure purring magic, a true cat paradise on Syros.
Experience a local festival
A great way to experience the authentic Greek life is to attend a local festival. There are two major ones in Kini:
- The Festival of Agios Petros (June 29th): The holy icon of Agios Petros (Saint Peter), kept at the tiny Agios Petros Church at the nothern side of the beach, is carried in procession and placed on a traditional fishing boat which sails round the cove of Kini, accompanied by other fishing vessels, all nicely decorated. At the pier and in town, the festivities continue with lots of food and laughter.
- Feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary (August 15th): This is a major religious holiday in Greece (also known as “Summer Easter”) and especially important in Kini because of its main church being dedicated to the day. In the village of Kini, this date is celebrated with the revival of the “fotarides” tradition, where households light candles inside aluminum containers, decorating their homes.
Our favorite places to eat in Kini
Now, let’s talk food, because if you’re not eating at least four meals a day in Greece, are you even doing it right? There are many great restaurants in Kini (mostly local taverns), and even a few cocktail or coffee bars to choose from.
Read more: Best restaurants in Syros
Here are our favorite restaurants and bars in Kini:
- Vitamin Sea: A lovely breakfast or brunch place, with an adjacent bakery (Ntanos Bakery). They have the best coffee, Greek yoghurt with honey, and delicious cake with ice cream!
- Asado All Day Bar By The Sea: Nice beach bar right at the waterfront, serving delicious (local) food with a smile. A great place to spend the entire day, as they also rent sunbeds for only 5,5 euros per bed per day.
- Dioskouro: Another great restaurant located by the beach, perfect to watch the sunset. They offer delicious Greek food (big portions). Also, try the coffee if you are here in the morning.
- Marino’s Place: Probably the best and most affordable food in Kini. Marino will welcome you with open arms and serve you his traditional, delicious Greek food (and some more international dishes). Also has great freddo cappucinos.
TIP: If you are visiting Kini in the low season, be aware that almost all restaurants are closed. The only place we found open (most days) in Kini during winter is Taverna Gorgona, a bit away from the beach, a typical Greek tavern where the owners serve delicious Greek food. Also great to come during the high season. Alternatively, Tony’s market (same street) might also be open in winter.
Where to stay in Kini
Kini has a cozy range of accommodation options, from family-run studios to charming little hotels. Here are a few of our favorite hotels in Kini:
- Pino di Loto Boutique Bed & Breakfast: Probably the nicest and most special boutique hotel in Kini. The place itself is absolutely beautiful, with a fantastic pool, stylish furniture, and the best views. The breakfast is beyond delicious, but the friendly staff and owners will truly blow you away.
- Captain’s: Another fantastic place with an infinity pool overlooking the Aegean. But also the views from your spacious room or while eating your delicious breakfast are hard to beat. They also have rooms for families.
- Oro Suites: If you are looking for a beachfront hotel, this is your place to be. The beautiful suites are very comfortable (some even have a jacuzzi), the views from the pool are unbeatable, and the breakfast is perfect. There are a few suites that sleep families as well.
- Jasmine of Cyclades: our favorite budget-friendly accommodation in Kini (also for families), only 250 meters away from the beach. Spacious and clean rooms, lovely decorated, just like the rest of this welcoming place.
Check the map below to see all available accommodations.
Read more: Where to stay in Syros
Final thoughts: Kini, we love you
Kini Beach is the kind of place that quietly steals your heart. It’s not flashy or loud (except maybe for July and August). The rest of the year it’s authentic, slow, sunny, salty, and just the right amount of sleepy.
Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with your whole family, Kini welcomes you with open arms. Make sure you don’t leave without watching at least one sunset from the beach with a drink in hand, eating seafood until your buttons pop, saying hello to at least five cats, and buying some local honey or ouzo from the tiny Kini grocery store.
So go on, kick off your shoes, forget about your emails, and let Kini Beach work its lazy Greek magic on you. And if you see us there… come say hi!