Elia Beach

Elia Beach represents the perfect balance of comfort, natural beauty and tranquillity on the lively island of Mykonos. Situated on the southern coast of the Cyclades, this extraordinary beach stands out as the longest on the island, offering well over a kilometre of fine golden sand bathed by crystal-clear waters that range from turquoise to deep Aegean blue.

In contrast to the unbridled energy that characterises beaches such as Paradise Beach and Super Paradise Beach, Elia Beach has managed to maintain amore relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere, attracting families, couples and travellers looking for discreet luxury rather than extreme nightlife. Its location protected from the Meltemi winds makes it ideal even on the windiest days, when other beaches on the island become impassable.

The beach has gained an international reputation as an LGBTQ+ friendly destination, while maintaining an inclusive and welcoming character for all types of visitors. The clothing-optional section in the eastern part of the bay testifies to the free and open spirit that characterises the best Cycladic traditions, while the family areas provide comfort and services for every need.

Approximately 12 kilometres away from Mykonos Town and easily accessible by land and sea, Elia Beach is the ideal choice for those seeking Cycladic authenticity without forgoing the high-level services that have made Mykonos famous in international tourism.

How to get to Elia Beach

Reaching Elia Beach from Mykonos Town is relatively easy thanks to several transport options that suit every budget and travel preference. The beach’s strategic location on the south coast of the island makes it accessible by both land and sea, offering scenic routes that are worth the journey alone.

The KTEL public bus is the cheapest option with direct services from Fabrika station leaving five times a day during the summer season. The journey takes approximately 25-30 minutes and passes through the picturesque village of Ano Mera before continuing to the coast. During the high season months, it is advisable to arrive at the bus stop a few minutes early as the buses can fill up quickly, especially in the late morning when many visitors head for the beaches.

Taxis remain the most convenient and fastest option, with a fixed cost of around 50-65 euro from the city for a 15-minute trip along the island’s main road. Fares are fixed and do not use taximeters, so it is important to agree on the price before departure. During the high season, taxis can be hard to find, so many travellers prefer to book a private transfer that guarantees punctuality and comfort at slightly higher prices but with dedicated service.

For the more adventurous, car rental offers maximum freedom of movement with the possibility of exploring other beaches during the same day. 125cc scooters are particularly recommended to handle the steep climbs that characterise the return from the beaches to the interior of the island. Free parking is available right on the beach, a precious rarity in Mykonos.

The water taxi from Platys Gialos is the most scenic option, with traditional caiques connecting the main beaches of the south coast during daylight hours.

Where to stay around Elia Beach

The Elia Beach area offers an excellent selection of accommodation, ranging from luxury beachfront resorts to family flats, all strategically positioned to maximise the experience of staying on what many consider to be the finest beach in Mykonos. The proximity to the coast and the relative quietness compared to the town centre make this area particularly desirable for those seeking a balance between relaxation and accessibility to amenities.

Directly on the beach, the Elia Mykonos Resort is the most prestigious choice, a design hotel built in perfect Cycladic style offering direct access to the golden sand and rooms with breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. It features a gourmet seafront restaurant, a saltwater pool, a wellness centre and amenities that include free sun loungers and towels for guests. The more exclusive suites offer separate living areas and fully equipped kitchenettes, ideal for extended stays or families who want the flexibility to prepare their own meals using fresh produce from local markets.

Recommended hotels in Elia Beach

We offer a selection of hotels at Elia Beach to suit all categories of travellers. The most booked by tourists are the sea-facing hotels, often right on the beach. If you want to play it safe, choose one of the following: they are among the most booked hotels in Elia Beach, sorted by number of reviews.

Apartments and vacation homes in Elia Beach

If you prefer space, privacy and the ability to prepare your own meals to a hotel holiday, book a holiday home at Elia Beach. We recommend a few below, but in this case we advise you to book early because houses and apartments for rent at Elia Beach are in high demand.