Elia Beach
Elia Beach is located along the southern shore of Mykonos, 3 kilometres from the village of Ano Mera and just over 10 kilometres from Mykonos Town.
Mykonos is world-famous as a party destination, but in reality this transgressive, worldly and boisterous island is the perfect destination for a wonderful beach holiday.
The beaches of Mykonos cater for all tastes: apart from the party beaches that attract droves of young people from all over Europe with the prospect of alcohol and loud music 7 days a week, Mykonos also offers remote coves that still look unspoilt and fully equipped beaches that are perfect for families with small children.
Most of the beaches on Mykonos are concentrated along the south coast because this is more sheltered from the winds. Here you will find the trendiest beaches on the island and many equipped beaches.
Along the north and west coasts you will find wilder-looking, less crowded beaches; they are generally windier than the beaches on the south coast. There are no particularly interesting beaches along the east coast.
Paradise Beach represents the most authentic and transgressive soul of Mykonos, a place where the island’s legend as Europe’s party capital has taken shape over the years. Located on the south coast about 6 kilometres from Mykonos Town, this beach of fine golden sand stretches for over 300 metres, offering a breathtaking setting with crystal-clear waters ranging from turquoise to deep blue.
The real magic of Paradise begins in the early afternoon, when international DJs take over the consoles and transform the beach into an open-air disco. The famous Tropicana Beach Bar and the legendary Cavo Paradise, perched on the hill above, have become temples of the world’s electronic music. The party knows no breaks: from 3pm until the following dawn, Paradise pulsates to the rhythm of house, techno and commercial music.
Despite its party beach reputation, Paradise also offers top-class facilities for those seeking comfort during the day. Bathing establishments offer designer sun loungers, private gazebos and lounger service with gourmet menus.
Super Paradise Beach elevates the concept of transgression and glamour to even higher levels, establishing itself as the favourite destination of a young and trendy international clientele. This spectacular bay, slightly smaller than Paradise but decidedly more scenic, is embraced by granite rock formations that create a natural amphitheatre of rare beauty.
The water here reaches incredible turquoise hues, thanks to a white sandy seabed that reflects the sunlight creating unique colour effects. The beach is famous for being gay-friendly and for the possibility of practising naturism in some more secluded areas, characteristics that have made it a symbol of freedom and inclusiveness in the Mediterranean landscape.
The JackieO’ Beach Club and other exclusive venues offer a luxury experience with designer daybeds, champagne service and DJ sets that attract international celebrities. The parties at Super Paradise are legendary: events that last from aperitif time until sunrise, with international performers and spectacular shows. The beach can be reached via a scenic 7.5-kilometre road from Mykonos Town or by sea.
Psarou Beach is synonymous with absolute luxury and represents the salon of the international elite on holiday in Mykonos. This exclusive beach of white sand, about 200 metres long, is located only 5 kilometres from Mykonos Town and is constantly frequented by celebrities, entrepreneurs and jet-setters from all over the world.
The uniqueness of Psarou lies in its privileged geographic position: the bay is naturally protected by the surrounding mountains, guaranteeing always calm and crystal-clear waters even when the Meltemi blows strongly. The turquoise sea here has an almost Caribbean transparency, with a gently sloping sandy seabed that allows long, safe swims.
The beach clubs of Psarou such as Nammos and Scorpios have become institutions of Mediterranean luxury. Designer sun loungers, private gazebos with butler service, gourmet restaurants serving raw amberjack and Dom Pérignon champagne: everything at Psarou screams exclusivity. The prices, of course, reflect this positioning, but the experience is unforgettable. The beach is easily accessible by car or with the private transfer services that many luxury hotels offer.
Despite its reputation as a destination for young people, Mykonos is also a suitable island for family holidays: just avoid the more outrageous beaches and choose a quiet one like Ornos. The fine sand, the calm and clean waters, the numerous services available and the ease of finding good-value accommodation nearby make Ornos an ideal destination for families with small children.
The beach lies within a large gulf and faces south; it is deep but quiet. Exactly the opposite of Ornos is the bay to the north, the bay of Korfos, and therefore suitable for windsurfing.
Ornos is home to some of the best-known hotels and holiday villages on Mykonos, and lately many luxurious villas have also been built in the surrounding area.
On Ornos beach there is a small harbour for fishing boats and an anchorage point for yachts.
Ornos Beach is located 4 kilometres south-west of Mykonos Town.
Platis Gialos is considered one of the most beautiful and functional beaches on Mykonos, a perfect example of how Cycladic tradition and modern facilities can coexist harmoniously. The name, meaning ‘wide beach’, perfectly describes this stretch of golden sand over 500 metres long, one of the largest on the island.
The beach has a special record: it was the first in Mykonos to receive the European Blue Flag for water quality and sustainable environmental management. The sea here has incredible blue hues, with a transparency that allows the sandy seabed to be seen even several metres from the shore. The waters are generally calm and the beach is well protected from the Meltemi.
Platis Gialos functions as a central hub for the exploration of the southern beaches: from its small harbour, the characteristic caïchi (traditional Greek boats) regularly depart for Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari, Elia and Lia. This taxi boat service, running from April to October, turns a simple day at the beach into an island-hopping adventure. The beach is home to a variety of establishments, from luxury establishments such as the Nissaki to more informal, family-friendly establishments.
Elia Beach holds the record as the longest beach in Mykonos, stretching over 800 metres of fine, pale gold sand along the south-eastern coast of the island. This strategic location, about 12 kilometres from Mykonos Town, makes it the last stop for taxi boats and paradoxically one of the quietest places on the island, far from the hustle and bustle of the more central beaches.
Elia’s most outstanding feature is the crystal-clear quality of its waters, which has earned it the Blue Flag award for several consecutive years. The sandy seabed slopes very gradually, creating large swimming areas that are safe even for non-swimmers. The waters here maintain pleasant temperatures until late October, thanks to the south-eastern exposure that guarantees many hours of sunshine during the day.
The beach is divided into several zones with distinct characteristics: the western part houses organised bathing establishments with all amenities, while the eastern part maintains a wilder and more natural character. The Elia diving centre is one of the best equipped in the Cyclades, with PADI-certified instructors organising dives on the rich seabed of the area. The naturist area in the easternmost part is well demarcated and respects everyone’s privacy. The beach restaurants serve both traditional Greek cuisine and international dishes.
Kalo Livadi beach is located along the south-east coast of Mykonos , 2 kilometres from the traditional village of Ano Mera and 10 from Chora.
Quiet and ideal for relaxation, the beach is among the longest in Mykonos, is equipped and is situated at the end of a scenic valley dotted with small white houses.
The beach of fine golden sand plunges into shallow turquoise waters and offers the possibility of practising various water sports including windsurfing thanks to the winds blowing from the south.
In the centre of the bay is a rock formation known as Kalafakiona, popular with fishermen for catching lobsters in the small caves below.
Kalo Livadi is popular with Greek tourists and is ideal for families with children and anyone wishing to spend a few days away from the noisy crowds.
On the beach you will find a couple of bars, a restaurant and a few tavernas where you can take a break from the summer sun. Not far away is the beach of Elia.
Agia Anna beach is located a few minutes from Kalafatis beach, along the south coast in eastern Mykonos.
This small, hidden cove of pebbles and sand is named after a small chapel and is surrounded by pleasant scenery.
Quiet and far from mass tourism, Agia Anna beach has rocky areas on both ends from which to enjoy a splendid view of the sea and the surrounding hills. The two steep hills overlooking the sea between Agia Anna and Kalafatis are known as Divounia.
In the area near the beach there are restaurants, taverns, rooms to rent and a hotel. It can be reached by hire car, taxi or the busy public buses.
Kalafatis is a beautiful beach along the south-east coast of Mykonos, not far from the village of Ano Mera and 12 kilometres from Chora. This beach is one of the most popular on the island among surfers who take advantage of the southerly winds and fly over the waves of this large bay.
The pale golden sand flows into clear waters ideal for swimming and immediately behind the beach is a large shady area where one can relax.
Kalafatis beach is equipped and you can take windsurfing and diving lessons at the local school where you can also find the necessary equipment for rent.
Not far away is Agia Anna beach, which is more sheltered and less crowded.
It is possible to stay overnight in Kalafatis in one of the small hotels behind it or in the rented flats on the left side of the hill that wraps around the bay. Many small restaurants can be found in the area, often specialising in local fish dishes.
From Kalafatis you can sail to the small, rocky Dragonisi, a small island off the east coast of Mykonos famous for its caves.
Ideal for relaxation, Lia beach is a quiet little bay popular with the islanders. The beach is located on the south-east coast of Mykonos near Kalafatis and 14 kilometres from the capital.
Ideal for those who wish to spend a day at the beach away from the crowds, from here, as from most southern beaches, the outlines of the islands of Naxos and Paros can be seen.
The sand and pebble beach, lined with rock formations, offers the possibility of renting umbrellas and sunbeds, practising water sports and refreshments in the beach bar or in one of the taverns behind it. Its blue waters, white sand and rocks create the perfect combination for swimming, diving and snorkelling.
Lia cannot be reached by public transport: if you want to spend a day in this paradisiacal bay, you have to rent a car. The route is easy and passes through the village of Ano Mera. Once past the village, continue southwards on a signposted asphalt road through the countryside.
Various types of accommodation can be found in the Lia area. Ideal for groups of friends and families.
One of the few unspoilt beaches on Mykonos is Agios Sostis, a small cove at the northern mouth of the island’s large central bay, 4½ kilometres from town, which faces east after Panormos beach.
Remote and quiet, this bay, also popular with nudists and ideal for watching the sunrise, has no umbrellas or sunbeds for hire and is sheltered on windy days.
With fine, coarse sand, the 250-metre-long beach of Agios Sostis slopes gently into the crystal-clear sea.
A small tavern where you can refresh yourself and enjoy typical Greek cuisine is located just above the beach. Not far away you can see the small church that gives the beach its name.
Agios Sostis can be reached by hire car or taxi but is completely excluded from public transport routes.
The beautiful beach of Panormos is located in the north of the island, facing east, along the western coast of the large bay of Mykonos.
The long, narrow beach of fine white sand at Panormos, ideal when the southerly winds blow, is not equipped and retains its wild side thanks to the small dunes.
The sea is also suitable for the young and inexperienced as the water is shallow and the seabed is sandy.
The rocks around the entrance to the beach create shallow pools of seawater, ideal for relaxation. The right side of the beach is usually frequented by nudists while on the left side you can find some natural shade, food and music.
Immediately after Panormos is the beach of Agios Sostis, an even wilder and more beautiful bay.
Despite its remote location, the bay of Panormos is served by two restaurants, a hotel and a few rooms for rent. Away from public transport routes, this quieter and more secluded area of the island can only be reached by hire car or taxi.
Paraga Beach (also often spelled Paranga) is the perfect combination of the overwhelming energy of the party beaches and the authentic natural beauty of the Cyclades. Strategically located between Platis Gialos and Paradise Beach, about 6.5 kilometres from Mykonos Town, this beach is distinguished by its unique double bay shape separated by a rocky promontory that creates two completely different environments.
The fine golden sand mixed with small pebbles overlooks crystal-clear turquoise waters that offer exceptional visibility, ideal for snorkelling. The semi-circular shape of the coastline naturally protects the bay from prevailing winds, ensuring generally calm sea conditions even during Meltemi days. From the shoreline, one can admire a breathtaking panorama encompassing the islands of Paros, Naxos and the mysterious Delos.
The northern side of Paraga is home to some of the most exclusive beach clubs in Mykonos, while the southern side, on the other hand, retains a wilder and quieter character, making it a favourite retreat for naturists and those seeking privacy.
Quiet and secluded, Fokos beach is located along the northern coast of Mykonos.
Almost completely unknown to tourists due to the bumpy road one has to travel to reach it and the remoteness from Mykonos Town, the beach is nestled in a wild and beautiful setting.
Fokos is an unequipped, fine sandy beach with deep waters and surrounded by steep rocks, ideal for bathing when the southerly winds blow and for surfing when the Meltemi sweeps across the island and creates good waves in the bay.
A small taverna serves delicious traditional Greek cuisine right next to the beach. We recommend ordering the cuttlefish, which are delicious!
Fokos can only be reached by private means, hire cars or taxis, by following the signs from Ano Mera and taking a dirt road. The beach is located immediately after the artificial lake of Marathi, which provides the island with fresh water, and just before the hidden and unknown bay of Mersini.
Ftelia beach is located at the end of the large bay in the middle of the north coast of the island of Mykonos and is an ideal destination for surfers when the Meltemi, the northerly wind that caresses the Cyclades archipelago, blows.
Popular with surfing enthusiasts, Ftelia is a large beach of fine sand that is uncrowded and very quiet despite being easily accessible from nearby Chora.
The beach is not equipped but you can refresh yourself in one of the tavernas at either end. The landscape of sand and rocks is picturesque and wild and ideal for swimming when the south winds blow.
In the area of Ftelia there are private houses and villas, some small hotels, flats and rooms for rent with a view of the beach.
The beach is also known for the Neolithic archaeological site unearthed several years ago, believed to be the tomb of the ancient Iliad hero Ajax of Oileo.
Houlakia Beach is located 5 kilometres north of Mykonos Town and is famous for its wild beauty. The beach is part of a protected area and is also very picturesque due to the white houses built behind it.
Not very crowded also because it is not protected from the wind blowing from the north, Houlakia is one of the few non-sandy beaches on the island.
The bay is actually divided into two parts: on the left one can find a small stretch of sand, where one can rent some umbrellas and sunbeds, while on the right the shoreline consists of large , rounded, smooth pebbles .
Houlakia beach is the ideal place to admire the sunset when the sun plunges into the sea behind the island of Delos, creating a beautiful, multicoloured spectacle.
Near Houlakia, we recommend a visit to the Fanari lighthouse and the archaeological site of Vorna where the ruins of an ancient castle can be admired.
The beach of Agios Ioannis is the most popular of the beaches on the west coast of Mykonos and lies opposite the shores of the island of Delos and the island of Rheina and just beyond the bays of Ornos and Korfos from which it is separated by the long mountain of Diakofti.
Ideal for watching sunsets, especially in September, Agios Ioannis is also famous by the name of Shirley Valentine from the 1989 film starring Oscar-nominated actress Pauline Collins that made it world famous.
This small , light sandy beach is surrounded by hills and is divided into two parts by some rocks. The beach plunges into crystal-clear waters that are not very deep and rather calm, ideal for children.
On the right side of Agios Ioannis is the pier, a small beach and a large parking area, while beyond the rocky area is the larger beach area.
The beach has a calm and relaxed atmosphere but if you like solitude, you can choose one of the nearby coves or the beach at Kapari, which has no facilities or shade.
Part of Agios Ioannis is equipped, and you can also enjoy one of the traditional Greek dishes in one of the taverns a few steps away from the sea. Along the slopes of the hill overlooking the beach you can find boutique hotels, family-run hotels, villas and flats for rent.
It is only 5 km from the capital, has all the essential services and is also easily accessible by public transport.
In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article.
Do you want to look for the best beach for you regardless of the area? Do you want to be the centre of attention or on the contrary stay away from the crowds?
To help you choose, we have grouped the best beaches in Mykonos by audience type:
Hotel 
Budget accommodations 
Apartments 
Family Hotel 
Luxury Hotel 
Resorts