Baiocco

Baiocco sits directly on Apokrousi Beach on the western coast of Kythnos, one of the island's most popular stretches of sand. It opens every day at 10:30 AM and serves until 8:00 PM, making it a go-to stop for anyone spending the day at Apokrousi — whether you're after a cold drink mid-morning or a late-afternoon cocktail before heading back toward Chora or Merichas.

With a 4.4-star rating from over 333 Google reviews, Baiocco has built a solid reputation among both island regulars and day-trippers coming over from the mainland on the ferry. The beach bar draws a relaxed crowd that comes as much for the atmosphere over the water as for the drinks themselves.

Apokrousi is a double-sided cove sheltered by a low headland, which keeps the water calm on most summer days. Baiocco occupies a prime position on the sand, with seating that faces the Aegean directly.

What to Expect

Baiocco is an outdoor beach bar in the straightforward Cycladic tradition: sun loungers, shade options, drinks service, and a setting that lets the beach do most of the work. The operation is casual but professional, and the setup suits the relaxed pace that most visitors are looking for when they make the trip out to Apokrousi.

The signature item is the Baiocco cocktail, which is served cold and finished with fresh grapes — a specific and unusual touch that's become the bar's calling card. Beyond that signature drink, expect the standard range of cold beers, spirits, wine, and non-alcoholic options you'd find at a well-run Greek beach bar.

The bar opens early enough to catch the first serious beach-goers at 10:30 AM and runs through to 8:00 PM, which covers the full arc of a beach day on Kythnos, including the late-afternoon hours when the light over the western Aegean drops into long golden tones. Service continues right through the day without a break, so there's no awkward mid-afternoon gap.

Apokrousi Beach itself is a sandy, sheltered bay with clear water — the kind of beach that rewards an unhurried morning. The bar fits that pace. You're not going to find a DJ setup or a party crowd here. The clientele skews toward couples, families, and travelers who've specifically sought out a quieter Cycladic island over the busier alternatives.

How to Get There

Apokrousi Beach is on the western side of Kythnos, north of Merichas harbor. From Merichas, the most practical route is by car or scooter along the road that heads north up the coast — the drive takes roughly 10 to 15 minutes. The road is manageable but narrow in sections, as is typical on Kythnos.

There is limited roadside parking near the beach access point. Arriving earlier in the day helps secure a spot, particularly in July and August when Apokrousi is at its most visited.

From Chora (Kythnos Town), the drive to Apokrousi is approximately 15 to 20 minutes via the main island road, turning west before you descend toward Merichas. Taxis are available on the island and can be called ahead. There is no scheduled bus service that reliably reaches Apokrousi, so a rental vehicle or taxi is the realistic option for most visitors.

Boat taxis occasionally operate between Merichas and nearby beaches during peak season, though schedules are informal — ask at the harbor.

Best Time to Visit

Baiocco is a seasonal operation in line with the Kythnos summer calendar. The bar is at its most active from late June through late August, when the island sees its highest visitor numbers. Kythnos is quieter than Mykonos or Santorini, so even at peak season Apokrousi rarely feels overcrowded compared to better-known Cycladic beaches.

For the most enjoyable experience at the bar itself, the late afternoon window — roughly 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM — offers the best combination of cooler air, softer light, and unhurried service. Midday in July and August can be hot on the exposed beach, and the bar can get busy with the lunch and mid-session crowd.

May, June, and September are the shoulder months when the weather is warm, the Meltemi wind is manageable, and the beach is appreciably quieter. Baiocco's hours suggest it operates at least through the summer season; confirm directly if you're visiting outside July and August.

Tips for Visiting

• Call ahead if you want to reserve a sun lounger or a specific table. The phone number is +30 698 020 2000. Apokrousi is popular and the bar's prime spots fill up on summer mornings.
• Order the signature Baiocco cocktail. It's the item most associated with the bar — a cold cocktail topped with fresh grapes. Whether or not it becomes your drink of the afternoon is up to you, but it's the obvious starting point.
• Bring cash as a backup. Card payment availability at smaller Cycladic beach bars can be unreliable, and Kythnos has limited ATM options outside Merichas. Confirm card acceptance when you arrive.
• Arrive before noon if you want choice seating. The beach fills from mid-morning in high season, and the best positions in front of the bar go first.
• Rent a scooter or car at Merichas harbor if you don't have transport. It's the most flexible way to reach Apokrousi and combine it with other beaches on the island's western coast.
• The bar closes at 8:00 PM, so plan your departure if you need to get back to Merichas for dinner or a ferry. Sunset on the western coast of Kythnos can fall close to closing time in August — worth factoring in.
• Combine with Apokrousi Beach itself. The beach has two distinct bays separated by a headland. Explore both before or after you settle at the bar — the water is clear and the snorkeling around the rocks can be worthwhile.
• Follow Baiocco on Instagram (@baiocco_kythnos) for current-season updates on hours and any special drinks or events.

What to Order

The bar's own signature cocktail is the anchor item on the menu — served cold, built with care according to their own recipe, and garnished with fresh grapes. It's a specific enough detail that it appears consistently in visitor posts and has become the bar's identifier.

Beyond that, expect cold Greek beers, standard spirits, local wines, and soft drinks and juices for non-drinkers. Greek beach bars at this level typically also offer light snacks and possibly a short food menu to support a full day's stay, though specific menu details are not confirmed in available sources — check with the bar directly or review their Instagram for current offerings.

If you're spending a full day at Apokrousi, pacing your drinks against the heat is worth thinking about. Starting with something cold and non-alcoholic, transitioning to beer or the signature cocktail in the afternoon, and finishing before the 8:00 PM close works well with the rhythm of a beach day here.