Ftelia Beach, Mykonos: Wind, Waves, and Wild Beauty

Mykonos is famous worldwide for its vibrant nightlife, sugar-cube houses, and urban centers such as Mykonos Town (Chora), Ano Mera, Ornos, and Agios Stefanos. Along the coast, stunning beaches like Paradise & Super Paradise, Psarou, offer distinct atmospheres—some pulsing with music and beach clubs, others more relaxed and wind-swept. Among them, Ftelia Beach stands apart as a haven for nature lovers, windsurfers, and travelers seeking a wilder, less commercialized corner of Mykonos.

A Brief Description of Ftelia Beach

Ftelia Beach lies on the north coast of Mykonos, roughly halfway between Mykonos Town and the inland village of Ano Mera. Its orientation to the north makes it directly exposed to the Meltemi, the strong seasonal wind that blows across the Aegean in summer. Rather than being a drawback, this wind shapes the very character of Ftelia: it sculpts sand dunes, sends ripples racing across the turquoise water, and transforms the bay into one of the island’s premier windsurfing spots.

Geographically, Ftelia is a long, wide arc of golden sand bordered by barren, rocky hills that descend gently to the sea. The landscape feels raw and elemental—open skies, wind-brushed grasses, crystal-clear water shifting between emerald and sapphire. Compared with the more developed southern beaches, Ftelia has a distinctly untamed aesthetic, with fewer rows of umbrellas and more open stretches where the horizon seems limitless. The sea is usually choppy due to wind, but its clarity is superb, and on calm days the water becomes inviting for swimmers of all levels.

In terms of services, Ftelia strikes a balance between natural environment and comfort. There are stylish beach clubs and restaurants at either end of the bay where visitors can enjoy sunbeds, cocktails, Mediterranean cuisine, and music that complements rather than overwhelms the setting. At the same time, large sections of the beach remain unorganized, allowing space for those who prefer to spread their towels on the sand and enjoy the landscape in its untouched form.

Who Goes to Ftelia Beach?

Because of its wind, waves, and lesser commercialization, Ftelia attracts a different crowd than the party-heavy beaches of southern Mykonos.

Sport Lovers, Artists, and People Looking for Some Relax

You will often find windsurfers and kitesurfers unloading boards from their cars, scanning the direction of the breeze, and rushing into the water the moment conditions are right. They share the beach with travelers who deliberately seek quieter places—couples reading under umbrellas, friends practicing yoga, solo visitors watching whitecaps roll in.

Artists, photographers, and nature lovers are especially drawn to Ftelia’s stark beauty. The minimalistic Cycladic scenery and constantly changing light make it a favorite spot for contemplation and creativity.

Families do visit, though the strong wind and occasional waves make it more ideal for older children rather than toddlers.

Social without Being Hectic

Ftelia has a subtle free-spirited reputation. The beach has historically been associated with alternative travelers and a boho-luxe lifestyle: relaxed, open-minded, and appreciative of music, design, and the natural elements.

The crowd tends to be international but less showy than in other parts of Mykonos; instead of nightclub glamour, the style here leans toward effortless chic, barefoot walks, and linen shirts fluttering in the wind.

Even the beach clubs maintain this tone—stylish yet unpretentious, focused on good food, comfortable lounging, and the sound of waves mingling with downtempo tracks rather than all-night parties.

What to See Nearby Ftelia Beach

Nearby, there are several interesting places worth exploring. The village of Ano Mera lies only a few minutes inland and offers a very different atmosphere from Mykonos Town. Centered around a large square shaded by trees, it is home to the historic Monastery of Panagia Tourliani, known for its ornate wood-carved iconostasis and peaceful courtyard. Traditional tavernas here serve authentic Cycladic dishes and provide a taste of local life untouched by the island’s more glamorous side.

Additionally, archaeological remains near Ftelia testify to Mykonos’s ancient past—some evidence suggests the area was once a prehistoric settlement, giving another layer of depth to the landscape. Not far away, other beaches such as Panormos and Agios Sostis offer contrasting atmospheres, from more organized options to nearly wild, unserviced stretches.

How to Reach Ftelia Beach

Reaching Ftelia from Mykonos Town (Chora) is relatively easy. The beach lies about 7–8 kilometers northeast of town, and the journey typically takes 15–20 minutes by car, depending on traffic and road conditions. The most convenient option is to rent a car, quad, or scooter, giving you the flexibility to explore other northern beaches and inland villages at your own pace. The road is paved for most of the way.

Parking areas are available nearby, and access to the beach is straightforward, though the final approach may involve a short walk along sandy tracks that emphasize its off-the-beaten-path feel.