Mikri Vlychada Beach​

1. Beach Type & Experience

Beach composition
Mikri Vlychada Beach is mostly made of pebbles and stones with small patches of sand. The surface can be rough on your feet, so you should wear water shoes or sturdy sandals. It is not a soft sandy beach where you can easily walk barefoot.

Crowd levels
This beach is very quiet and peaceful because it is hard to reach. You will mostly see a few adventurous travelers or locals here. Even in the peak summer months of July and August, it stays uncrowded. It is perfect if you want to escape the busy tourist spots.

Family-friendliness
This beach is not the best choice for families with young children or toddlers. The water gets deep quite fast, and the rocky ground makes it hard for kids to play safely. The hike to get here is also too difficult for little ones. Older children who are strong swimmers and hikers might enjoy the adventure.

Nudism policy
There is no official rule for nudism here, but it is common because the beach is so secluded. Many visitors swim without clothes since there are rarely many people around. You should be respectful of others who might be there.

Disability access
There are no facilities for wheelchair users or people with mobility issues. The only way to reach the beach is by a steep hiking path or a private boat. The terrain is rocky and uneven, making it impossible for wheelchairs.

2. Water Quality & Conditions

Water temperature
The water feels refreshing and cool. From June to September, the temperature is usually between 23°C and 26°C. August is the warmest month to swim. If you visit in May or October, the water will feel fresher at around 19°C to 22°C, but it is still nice for a quick dip.

Water clarity
The water at Mikri Vlychada Beach is incredibly clear and transparent. You can see right to the bottom even in deeper areas. The blue and turquoise colours look amazing against the grey rocks.

Underwater features
The sea floor has many interesting rock formations and drops off quickly into deep water. There are large stones underwater that provide homes for small fish. It is a wild and natural underwater landscape that looks beautiful from the surface or with a mask.

Wind conditions
This beach faces north, so it gets hit by the Meltemi wind in the summer. When the north wind blows strong, the sea can get rough and choppy. On calm days without wind, the water is flat and perfect for swimming.

Safety
You need to be careful when entering the water because the rocks can be slippery. The water gets deep fast, so only confident swimmers should go far out. Always check the wind forecast before you go, as big waves can make swimming dangerous here.

3. Accessibility & Getting There

Transportation methods
You can reach the beach by hiking on foot or by taking a private boat. There is no road for cars or scooters that goes all the way to the beach. Most people hike down from the village of Tholaria.

Parking
You can park your car or scooter in the village of Tholaria. There are free parking areas near the entrance of the village. From there, you have to walk to the start of the hiking trail.

Difficulty level
Getting to this beach is challenging and requires a good level of fitness. The hike takes about 30 to 40 minutes to go down and close to an hour to come back up. The return trip is steep and tiring, especially on a hot day.

Boat schedules
There is no regular water taxi service to Mikri Vlychada Beach. You would need to hire a private boat or own one to get here by sea. This makes the boat option expensive or difficult to arrange for most tourists.

Road conditions
The drive to Tholaria is on a paved asphalt road which is in good condition. However, once you park, the path to the beach is a narrow and rocky trail. It is full of loose stones and requires careful walking.

4. Facilities & Amenities

Food & drink options
There are absolutely no cafes, bars, or tavernas on the beach. You must bring all your own food and drinks with you. The closest place to buy a meal or a coffee is back up in Tholaria village.

Sunbeds & umbrellas
You will not find any sunbeds or umbrellas for rent here. The beach is completely natural and unorganized. You have to sit on the pebbles or bring your own mat for comfort.

Shade options
There is almost no natural shade on the beach. The high cliffs provide some shadow in the early morning or late afternoon, but during the middle of the day, you are fully exposed to the sun. Bringing a hat or a small portable umbrella is a good idea.

Toilets & changing
There are no toilets, showers, or changing rooms available. You are in the wild nature here. You should plan accordingly and use the facilities in the village before you start your hike.

Fresh water
There is no fresh running water on the beach. You cannot rinse off the salt water or fill up your bottle. Make sure you carry plenty of drinking water with you, at least 1.5 litres per person.

5. Activities & Special Features

Snorkeling opportunities
The crystal clear water makes snorkeling fantastic here. You can see many fish and interesting rocks clearly. It is one of the best spots for snorkeling if you have your own gear.

Underwater caves
There are small rocky openings along the coastline that you can explore. While there are no massive famous caves right on the beach, the rocky shoreline creates nooks that are fun to look at underwater.

Diving options
There are no diving centers on the beach itself. Professional diving schools are located in Aegiali or Katapola. They might organize boat trips to nearby sites, but you cannot rent gear at Mikri Vlychada.

Hiking trails
The main activity here is the hike itself. The trail from Tholaria offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea and the mountains. You can also connect to other trails that lead to remote chapels or the ancient ruins of Vigla nearby.

Photography
This location is a paradise for photographers. The contrast of the white rocks, blue water, and rugged mountains is stunning. The view from the trail looking down at the bay is one of the best photo spots on Amorgos.

6. Practical Information

Best time to visit
The best time to visit is in the morning before the sun gets too strong. This makes the hike down more pleasant. If you go in the late afternoon, you avoid the midday heat on the walk back up.

What to bring
You must bring plenty of water, high SPF sunscreen, and a hat. Pack some snacks or a lunch since there are no shops. A bag for your rubbish is essential as you must take everything back with you.

Footwear requirements
Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots are necessary for the trail. Flip flops are dangerous for the hike. You should also pack water shoes to wear while swimming to protect your feet from sharp stones.

Crowdedness patterns
The beach rarely gets crowded. You might see more people in August, but it will still feel empty compared to other beaches. Weekends might see a few locals, but weekdays are usually very quiet.

Food & drink costs
Since there are no shops, your cost is zero on the beach. In Tholaria village, you can buy a bottle of water for about 50 cents or a meal at a taverna for around 15 to 20 euros after your hike.

7. Safety & Warnings

Sun exposure
The sun is very intense here and there is no escape from it. You can get sunburnt very quickly. Wear a hat and reapply sunscreen often. The heat can be dangerous during the hike back up.

Water entry
Getting into the water can be tricky because of slippery and large stones. Walk slowly and watch your step. Once you are past the shallow edge, it is easier to swim.

Meltemi wind impacts
When the north wind blows, the waves can get big and powerful. It can be hard to get out of the water if the waves are crashing on the stones. Avoid swimming far out on windy days.

Wave conditions
The bay is open to the north, so it catches the swell. On calm days the water is flat, but on windy days it can be rough. Always look at the sea condition before you hike down.

Rocky terrain
The path down is steep and has loose gravel. It is easy to slip or twist an ankle. Take your time and watch where you place your feet.

Nudism acceptability
Locals are generally used to nudists in remote places like this. However, if a local family arrives, you might want to cover up out of politeness. It is a relaxed place but respect is always good.

8. Special Attractions & Nearby Points of Interest

Movie filming locations
While the movie “The Big Blue” was not filmed on this exact beach, scenes were shot at the nearby Agia Anna beach and the shipwreck at Liveros. You can visit these famous spots on a separate day trip.

Historic/cultural sites
The village of Tholaria is a traditional Cycladic settlement with whitewashed houses. You can also visit the church of Agioi Anargyroi in the village. Nearby is the ancient site of Vigla which has ruins from the limitless past.

Shipwrecks
The famous shipwreck of the “Olympia” is located in the nearby bay of Liveros. It is visible from the road and is a popular spot for photos. It is not at Mikri Vlychada but is in the same northern area of the island.

Nearby villages
Tholaria is the closest village and is full of charm and good food. Aegiali is the port village nearby with more shops and hotels. Both are great places to explore after your beach day.

Day trip combinations
You can combine a visit here with a walk around Tholaria. After the beach, you can enjoy a sunset dinner in the village. Another option is to visit the monastery of Hozoviotissa if you have a car.