CalmBeach Greece

Kapsali Beach, Kythira

Kapsali beach, Kythira, Greece
Kapsali — Ioannis Fakis, CC BY-SA 4.0

See practical info for Kapsali in Kythira, including location, beach type, wind exposure, map and tips to help you decide when to visit.

The twin bay beneath the Castle

Kapsali lies at the southernmost tip of Kythira, directly below Chora, where two crescents of sand form the island's famous twin bay. The two shores are divided by a small peninsula bearing the lighthouse of 1853, built in the era of the Ionian State, while the origin of the name is uncertain, the prevailing view linking it to the Greek verb kapsalizo, to singe.

Written references to Kapsali go back to the 15th century, and the Venetian Castle of Chora towers above it from the heights. Until the mid-20th century the area remained a humble fishing village, until the 1960s, when the first breakwater on Kythira was built here and Kapsali grew into the island's tourist harbour. High on the cliff sits the hermitage of Agios Ioannis en Krimno, and the islet of Chytra rises offshore.

It is among the most organized beaches on Kythira: a paved road reaches close to the shore, umbrellas and sunbeds are set out in the summer season along with water sports, and cafes and tavernas line the waterfront, with parking nearby.

Region
Kythira, Greece
Beach type
Sandy
Access
Easy road access
Coordinates
36.14451, 22.99976

About this beach

The shoreline at Kapsali faces south, so it usually has natural cover from northerly, north-easterly and north-westerly winds. Orientation only reflects which way the coast faces, not confirmed shelter, so check wind and waves in the app before you go.

Kapsali has sand underfoot with shallow, gently shelving water — handy for families with young children.

For amenities, Kapsali has an organised beach, sunbeds, parking nearby and food nearby. There is a campsite nearby (Δημοτικό Κάμπινγκ Καψαλίου, ~241 m).

Open the app for live recommendation score, wind exposure, waves, best time of day and nearby alternatives.

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Nearby beaches oriented away from the Meltemi

Other beaches in Kythira