A nasty road to Kolona Beach

A nasty road to Kolona Beach

Greece, europe

Length

2.3 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

# Paralia Kolona: A Hidden Gem Worth the Bumpy Ride

Tucked away on the island of Kythnos in Greece's Western Cyclades, Paralia Kolona is one of those jaw-dropping beaches that makes you wonder how it's stayed relatively under the radar. Picture this: crystal-clear turquoise waters, pristine golden sand, and a narrow strip of land surrounded by sea on both sides. It's basically paradise.

Getting there from the village of Apokrousi is about 2.3 km (1.42 miles) of pure adventure. Fair warning though—this isn't your typical smooth asphalt road. You're looking at a rough, single-lane dirt track that can be pretty gnarly in spots. Honestly, a jeep or sturdy SUV is your best bet if you're driving out here. The road's no joke, and you'll want proper clearance to handle the ruts and bumps.

But here's the thing: once you round that final bend and see what's waiting for you, the bumpy ride becomes part of the story. This is the kind of beach that sticks with you, the kind that reminds you why exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations on Kythnos is so worth it. If you're planning a visit to the island, this is absolutely one you can't skip.

Where is it?

A nasty road to Kolona Beach is located in Greece (europe). Coordinates: 38.8724, 22.2613

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Road Details

Country
Greece
Continent
europe
Length
2.3 km
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
38.8724, 22.2613

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