Playa de Bonatsa

Introduction

As beach tourism experts, we are always searching for those special corners that capture the essence of a destination, and Playa de Bonatsa on the charming island of Kimolos, Greece, is undoubtedly one of them. This beach is not just a stretch of sand; it's an invitation to tranquility, a canvas of turquoise blues, and a refuge for the soul. Located on the southern part of the island, Bonatsa stands out for its serene beauty and incredibly shallow waters, making it a paradise both for those seeking a day of relaxation under the sun and for families with young children.

Upon arriving at Playa de Bonatsa, one immediately feels enveloped by an atmosphere of calm and authenticity. Forget the crowds and bustle; here, the rhythm is set by the gentle waves and the sea breeze. The combination of fine golden sand with a sea so transparent it looks like a natural pool is simply mesmerizing. It's the kind of place where time seems to stand still, allowing us to truly disconnect and immerse ourselves in the pure beauty of the Aegean. The beaches of Kimolos are known for their untouched charm, and Bonatsa is an excellent example of this, offering a genuine and memorable beach experience for all our travelers.

How to Get to Playa de Bonatsa

Getting to the idyllic Playa de Bonatsa is part of the adventure of discovering Kimolos, one of the lesser-known pearls among the beaches of Greece. First, we must reach the island of Kimolos. The most common way is to take a ferry from the port of Piraeus in Athens, a journey that can take between 4 and 7 hours, depending on stops and the type of boat. For those who prefer a shorter route or are combining their visit with other Cycladic islands, there is a smaller and more frequent ferry that connects Kimolos with its neighbor, Milos, in approximately 30 minutes.

Once at the port of Psathi on Kimolos, we have several options to get to Bonatsa, which is a short distance away. We can rent a car or a scooter, which will give us the freedom to explore the entire island at our own pace. The journey from Psathi or from Chorio, the island's capital, is short and scenic, usually no more than 10-15 minutes by vehicle. There is also a local bus service that operates during the high season, connecting the port, Chorio, and some of the most popular beaches, including Bonatsa. For the more adventurous, a walk from Chorio is a viable option, offering panoramic views of the sea and the Kimolos countryside. It's a pleasant walk of about 20-30 minutes that allows us to savor the island's atmosphere before diving into the waters of Playa de Bonatsa.

The Sand and Water

The experience at Playa de Bonatsa is intrinsically linked to the quality of its sand and the purity of its waters, elements that elevate it to a status of excellence among the beaches of Kimolos. The sand here is exceptionally fine and soft, with a light golden hue that shines under the Greek sun. It's the kind of sand that invites you to take off your shoes and feel every grain between your toes, perfect for building sandcastles or simply lying back and relaxing. Its uniform texture and the absence of rocks or pebbles on the shore make it incredibly comfortable and safe, especially for the little ones.

But if the sand is a delight, the waters of Bonatsa are the true crown jewel. We are faced with a sea of such vibrant and transparent turquoise blue that it seems unreal. What surprises us most is its remarkable shallowness, which extends for many meters from the shore. This creates a vast, safe, and warm 'natural pool', ideal for children to splash and play without worry, and for adults to enjoy a relaxing swim without needing to venture into deep water. The calmness of its waters, protected from the prevailing winds, contributes to this feeling of serenity, making every dip a refreshing and revitalizing experience at Playa de Bonatsa.

Services and Facilities

Although Playa de Bonatsa maintains a natural and relatively pristine charm, it offers the essential services that contribute to a comfortable and pleasant stay. It is not an overly organized beach, which we like because it retains its authenticity, but it does have the basic amenities for our enjoyment. The highlight is the presence of umbrellas and sunbeds available for rent, allowing us to enjoy shade and comfort during the most intense hours of the sun. This is a great relief, as we don't always want to carry our own beach gear.

Directly on the beach or just a few meters away, we will find a chiringuito or a traditional taverna, which often serves as a beach bar. This establishment is perfect for quenching your thirst with a cold drink, enjoying a Greek coffee, or savoring some local specialty for lunch. It's an ideal place to relax and watch the sea while tasting the island's cuisine. As for parking, although there is no formal, paved parking lot, there is usually enough space around the beach to leave our vehicles informally and safely. It's important to remember that, being a quieter and less developed beach than others in Greece, the services are more limited; we shouldn't expect public showers or dedicated beach toilets/WCs, although the nearby taverna might offer these facilities to its customers. This simplicity is, in our opinion, part of its charm.

Best Time to Visit

Choosing the best time to visit Playa de Bonatsa and the island of Kimolos in general is key to fully enjoying its unique charm. We always recommend the months of the mid-season, that is, late spring (