Ftelia beach on Mykonos is a long, wild bay of golden sand on the north coast, famous as the island’s windsurfing and kitesurfing beach thanks to the steady meltemi wind, with a relaxed, natural and uncrowded feel. This guide covers the beach, the watersports, how to get there, the facilities and what to do.
Ftelia is the windsurfing capital of the Mykonos travel guide, and a quieter, more natural alternative to the south-coast beaches. The sections below cover it in full.
What is Ftelia beach like?
Ftelia is a long, wide, wild beach of golden sand on the north coast of Mykonos, set in a large open bay around 7 km from town. It is natural and relatively undeveloped, often breezy from the meltemi wind, with shallow water and a relaxed, uncrowded feel far from the party scene.
Ftelia lies on the north coast of Mykonos, in a wide, open bay about 7 kilometres from Mykonos Town, and has a markedly different character from the glamorous south-coast beaches. It is a long, broad sweep of golden sand backed by low dunes and hills, with shallow, clear water, and it remains relatively wild and undeveloped, lined with only a few tavernas rather than rows of beach clubs. The defining feature of Ftelia is the wind: its north-facing position catches the meltemi, the strong seasonal northerly that blows across the Aegean in summer, which makes the bay breezy and the water choppy when it picks up. This keeps the sunbathing-and-cocktails crowd away and gives Ftelia a natural, laid-back, uncrowded atmosphere prized by those wanting space and calm, and above all by windsurfers and kitesurfers who come for exactly those conditions. It is a beach for nature and sport rather than scene, set out alongside the wider guide to the beaches. The wind makes it a watersports hub.
Why is Ftelia good for windsurfing and kitesurfing?
Ftelia is the top windsurfing and kitesurfing beach on Mykonos because its north-facing bay catches the steady, strong meltemi wind that blows through the summer, giving reliable conditions. A windsurf centre on the beach offers equipment rental and lessons, and the wide, shallow bay suits both beginners and experienced riders.
Ftelia is renowned as the watersports beach of Mykonos, and its reputation rests on the wind. The bay opens to the north, directly into the path of the meltemi, the powerful seasonal northerly wind that sweeps the Cyclades from roughly June to September, so Ftelia enjoys the steady, strong breezes that windsurfers and kitesurfers crave, often when the south-coast beaches are calm. This makes it the natural home of wind-driven sports on the island. A windsurfing centre operates on the beach, offering board and sail rental, kitesurfing gear and lessons for all levels, so beginners can learn in the wide, shallow, sandy bay while experienced riders push themselves in the stronger gusts. The same wind that draws the sportspeople is why sunbathers often look elsewhere, leaving the beach pleasantly focused on watersports. For anyone wanting to windsurf, kitesurf or learn, Ftelia is the place on Mykonos, set out alongside the guide to watersports. The wind shapes who enjoys the beach.
Is Ftelia a good beach for swimming and sunbathing?
Ftelia can be good for swimming and sunbathing on calm days, with shallow, clear water and plenty of space, but when the meltemi wind blows it becomes breezy and the water choppy, which suits watersports more than relaxed sunbathing. It is best for swimmers and sunbathers on still days, and for windsurfers when it is windy.
Whether Ftelia suits swimming and sunbathing depends heavily on the wind on the day. When the meltemi is not blowing and the bay is calm, Ftelia is lovely for a quiet swim and a peaceful day on the sand: the water is shallow, clear and warm, the beach is wide and uncrowded, and the natural setting feels refreshingly unspoilt compared with the busy south coast. On such days it rewards those wanting space and calm. However, when the meltemi picks up, as it often does in midsummer, the bay turns breezy, sand can blow and the sea becomes choppy with chop and small waves, conditions that delight windsurfers but make sunbathing and easy swimming less comfortable. For this reason Ftelia is best approached flexibly: a serene swimming beach on still days, a sport beach on windy ones. Checking the forecast helps you choose your day, set out alongside the guides to when to visit and Mykonos weather. Reaching it usually needs a car.
How do you get to Ftelia beach?
Ftelia is about 7 km north-east of Mykonos Town, a 12 to 15 minute drive. The best way to reach it is by car, taxi or scooter, as public bus service is limited and there is no water taxi to the north coast. There is parking near the beach, so a hire vehicle is the practical choice.
Ftelia sits about 7 kilometres north-east of Mykonos Town, on the road towards Ano Mera, and like the other north-coast beaches it is reached most easily with your own transport. By car, taxi or scooter the drive takes around 12 to 15 minutes from town along good roads, and there is parking near the beach, so a hire car or scooter is the most convenient option, especially if you are bringing or hiring windsurfing gear or want the freedom to come and go. Public bus service to Ftelia is limited and infrequent compared with the south-coast beaches, so check timetables carefully if you plan to rely on it, and the south-coast water taxis do not serve the north coast. Because access takes a little more effort, Ftelia stays quieter and less crowded, which is part of its appeal for those seeking nature and sport over scene. Having your own wheels makes a Ftelia day much simpler, set out alongside the guides to getting to Mykonos and Ano Mera. This wild, wind-blown north-coast setting feels worlds away from the manicured beach clubs of the south, and that contrast is precisely why windsurfers and nature-lovers seek it out. Facilities are simple but sufficient.
What facilities does the beach have?
Ftelia has a windsurfing centre offering equipment rental and lessons, a few tavernas serving food and drinks, and some sunbeds and umbrellas, but it is simpler and less developed than the south-coast beaches. There are no big beach clubs, so bring essentials if you plan a long, natural day on the open sand.
Ftelia keeps facilities modest in keeping with its wild, natural character. The most important amenity is the windsurfing and watersports centre on the beach, which rents windsurf boards, sails and kitesurfing equipment and offers lessons, making the beach fully functional for the sports it is famous for. A handful of tavernas and a beach bar serve food, drinks and refreshments, including a well-regarded restaurant known for fresh, simple Greek fare, so you need not go hungry. Some sunbeds and umbrellas are available to rent in places, but Ftelia has none of the large, glamorous beach clubs of the south coast, and long stretches of the sand remain open and unserviced. For a relaxed, natural day, especially away from the windsurf centre, it is sensible to bring your own water, snacks and shade. This simplicity is exactly what draws people who want an unspoilt, uncommercial beach experience on Mykonos, set out alongside the guide to where to stay. There is more to enjoy around the bay.
What is there to do at and around Ftelia?
At Ftelia you can windsurf, kitesurf, swim on calm days, walk the long natural beach and eat at the tavernas. Nearby are the village of Ano Mera with its monastery, the chic Panormos beach and the quiet Agios Sostis, all a short drive away, while Mykonos Town is around 15 minutes off for shopping and nightlife.
Ftelia suits an active, nature-focused day with easy options close by. The headline activities are the watersports: windsurfing and kitesurfing in the meltemi wind, with rental and lessons on hand, while on calmer days you can swim in the shallow water, walk the long, wild beach and dunes, and enjoy a relaxed meal at one of the tavernas. The unspoilt setting is also good for those who simply want space and quiet. Close by, the traditional inland village of Ano Mera with its historic Panagia Tourliani monastery and authentic tavernas is a short drive away, the fashionable Panormos beach with its Principote club lies along the north coast for a contrasting chic afternoon, and the tiny, quiet Agios Sostis offers an even more natural swim. Mykonos Town with its shops, museums, restaurants and famous nightlife is only around 15 minutes away when you want livelier evenings. This blend of sport, nature and nearby variety makes Ftelia a rewarding choice, set out alongside the guides to Panormos Beach and things to do. The questions below cover the points travellers ask most.
When is the best time to visit Ftelia beach?
For windsurfing and kitesurfing, the best time to visit Ftelia is July and August, when the meltemi wind is strongest and most reliable. For swimming and sunbathing, choose calmer, less windy days in May, June, September or October, and visit in the morning before the wind typically builds through the afternoon.
The best time to visit Ftelia depends entirely on what you want from the beach, because the wind that defines it is a blessing for some and a drawback for others. If you are coming to windsurf or kitesurf, the peak of summer in July and August is ideal, as this is when the meltemi, the strong northerly wind, blows most reliably and powerfully across the north coast, delivering the steady conditions that riders crave; the windsurf centre is also in full operation then, with rental and lessons readily available.
If instead you want to swim, sunbathe and enjoy the wild, natural beauty of the beach in comfort, you should aim for calmer days and the shoulder months. May, June, September and early October bring warm, sunny weather with generally lighter and less frequent wind than midsummer, so the bay is more often calm enough for relaxed swimming and lying on the sand, and the beach is quieter too. Within any day, the wind on Mykonos tends to be lighter in the morning and to build through the afternoon, so an early start gives the best chance of calm water if that is what you are after. Checking the wind forecast before you go lets you match the day to your plans, whether chasing the breeze or avoiding it, set out alongside the guide to Mykonos weather. Whether you come to ride the meltemi on a board or simply to escape the crowds for a wild, natural swim on a calm day, Ftelia rewards those who seek something different from the glamorous south coast, offering space, sport and an unspoilt stretch of the real Aegean. Above all, the windsurfing and kitesurfing remain the beach’s calling card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Ftelia good for windsurfing?
Ftelia is the top windsurfing and kitesurfing beach on Mykonos because its north-facing bay catches the steady, strong meltemi wind that blows through the summer, giving reliable conditions. A windsurf centre on the beach offers equipment rental and lessons, and the wide, shallow bay suits beginners and experts alike.
Is Ftelia good for swimming?
Ftelia can be good for swimming on calm days, with shallow, clear water and plenty of space, but when the meltemi wind blows it becomes breezy and the water choppy, which suits watersports more than relaxed sunbathing. It is best for swimmers on still days and for windsurfers when it is windy.
How do you get to Ftelia beach?
Ftelia is about 7 km north-east of Mykonos Town, a 12 to 15 minute drive. The best way to reach it is by car, taxi or scooter, as public bus service is limited and there is no water taxi to the north coast. There is parking near the beach, so a hire vehicle is the practical choice.