Ftelia, Sandy beach in northern Mykonos, Greece
Ftelia is a sandy beach at the end of Panormos Bay on the north side of Mykonos. A low sandstone plateau interrupts the beach and extends inland; the Neolithic settlement was built on this plateau. The site lies on a small hill that was later used as a quarry.
The Neolithic settlement at Ftelia was discovered in 1992 and excavated from 1995; finds were published in 2002. Radiocarbon dating places it at 5000–4500 BC, with four building phases, the oldest walls dated 5000–4900 BC. A circular gold object from the earliest phase is the earliest securely dated gold object of the Aegean. In antiquity the round hill was linked to the tomb of Ajax the Locrian.
Windsurfers from around the world gather here during summer months to take advantage of the strong northern winds that define the bay. The beach has become a destination for people pursuing this sport and valuing the special conditions it offers.
The beach is only reachable by private car or rental vehicle, as there are no direct public transport options. It is wise to arrive early to secure parking and take advantage of the best conditions.
The beach experiences consistent north winds throughout the year, creating perfect conditions for windsurfing and attracting experienced athletes. This natural feature makes it one of the less crowded spots but preferred by enthusiasts.
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