If you want to experience glamor and relaxation on a cosmopolitan island, Mykonos is the place. Mykonos takes pride in its fabulous beaches, not just for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. In Mykonos, you will find many exquisite restaurants to enjoy sunset cocktails and beach parties.
Getting to the beach is easy.
In Mykonos Chora, there are two bus terminals, one in Fabrika Square, and another by the old port. Most buses usually stop a short walk from the beaches. The beaches on the southern coast Paradise, Paraga, Platys Gialos, Agios Ioannis, Ornos, and Agios Stefanos, have a more frequent bus service. For Elia, Kalafatis, and Super Paradise the bus service is less frequent.
But some beach clubs also provide a private shuttle service between the Fabrika bus terminal and the beach they serve. Car rental and VIP service are widely available for you to explore more of the island at your pace.
If you enjoy walking, there are many coastal footpaths between several beaches, like Psarou, Agrari, Agios Sostis, Kapari, and the two Agia Anna beaches. Other beaches within walking distance include Agios Ioannis and Kapari, Elia and Agrari. For Lia, Fokos, and Ftelia, you will need a car.
There’s also a water taxi service for the most popular southern beaches from Platys Gialos to Ornos, Paraga, Paradise, Super Paradise. So, you can visit several of them on the same day, or you can also book an organized beach cruise.
Most popular beaches for parties and more
The most popular party beaches in Mykonos are on the southern coast, like the renowned Paradise and Super Paradise beaches. If they are very crowded, you can walk to Paraga, Psarou, Platys Gialos, Ornos, or Elia beach, where more lively bars and parties are happening.
Paradise Beach
It’s a beautiful and popular beach, famous since the early 1970s. It’s Mykonos’ popular ‘party beach’ filled with bars, restaurants, and shops for your essentials. If you’re looking for more than just a swim and sunbathing this is the beach. The beach parties here continue well until the early morning hours!
On the hill, overlooking the beach, is Cavo Paradiso, one of the most popular nightspots in Mykonos, attracting well-known international DJs during the summer months.
Super Paradise Beach
Even though it may be a party beach, its crystal-clear and calm waters attract families with children as well. The beach often gets crowded, and music blasts during the afternoon. It is the most famous beach for parties attracting people and celebrities from all corners of the world. It is a popular spot for eccentrics and the renowned JackieO’ Club.
Paraga Beach
It is a beautiful small beach with a fantastic landscape. There are few rocks along the coast, but the sea is crystal-clear and calm. The beach is within walking distance from Paradise Beach and the trendy beaches Platys Gialos and Psarou. It offers an alternative to the party atmosphere during the day, but it is quieter at night. On the right side, it is more secluded, attracting more naturists. You can find many hotels and stylish beach clubs nearby for your night’s entertainment.
Psarou Beach
It is another long sandy beach with turquoise waters, just a stroll from Platys Gialos. The beach is well-organized for water sports lovers, and there’s a diving school, too. Psarou is frequented by locals and international VIPS with their yachts. It has some of the best and exquisite restaurants in Mykonos and the world-famous Nammos Club. You will certainly brush shoulders with a celebrity. For this reason, it can be expensive, but if you can afford the luxury, don’t miss it.
Platys Gialos Beach
It is one more stunning beach with shallow, crystal-clear waters. Its convenient location lets you explore more Mykonian beaches either on foot or on a water taxi and visit the most popular beach on the southern coast. It may not be a party beach, but here you find the best hotel accommodations, restaurants, and bars to enjoy your meals and drinks. You will find a well-equipped watersports center to enjoy fly-boarding, wakeboarding, and wake-skating. This place is ideal for all ages and families with children.
Elia Beach
Elia is Mykonos’ largest beach, the last “stop” of water taxi from Platis Gialos, with turquoise, crystal-clear water perfect for swimming. There is an excellent restaurant and some large resorts. Elia attracts all kinds of people, even though it is Mykonos’ gay-friendly beach, with a rainbow flag down the western end at a small cove. There are a lot of umbrellas and sunbeds, but there’s also free space for you to spread your towel.
The turquoise, crystal-clear water is perfect for swimming.
Ornos Beach
It is a small fishing port ideal for a yacht stop-over, as it is well-protected from the wind. In Ornos you will find plenty of good romantic hotels, restaurants, and bars attracting young people and families, as well.
It is for those who prefer organized and all-inclusive resort facilities.
More family-oriented beaches
Kalo Livadi Beach
Kalo Livadi is a lovely beach on the southern coast between Elia and Kalafatis. There, you find restaurants and bars with loud music. It is accessible by car or sea taxi from Platys Gialos.
Although it is not a “party beach,” its shallow waters attract people of all ages and families because it is safer for children. It is calm and a popular spot for kayaking and paddling. Since the opening of Lohan Club, it has had a more Ibiza-like atmosphere.
Kalafatis Beach
It has been a Blue Flag beach for many summers. It is on the eastern coast, quite far from the more crowded ones, with a few hotels and good restaurants. It is perfect for relaxation, water sports, and windsurfing. Unlike other beaches in Mykonos, here are trees offering shade. The beach has two separate areas, one for swimmers and one for water sports, so it is safe to swim for families and children.
Agia Anna Beach
A walking distance from Kalafatis beach, you reach Agia Anna, a small, sandy beach with a traditional ambiance. There, you can find sunbeds and umbrellas, a beach volley area, and a restaurant for refreshments, fresh fish, and beach essentials. It is perfect for relaxation and an escape from the crowds. There is also a Diving Center for water sports fun.
But, there is the other side of Agia Anna beach, between Paraga and Platys Gialos. It is also a quiet, relaxing beach with large rocks you can sunbathe on if you do not want to use sunbeds.
Agios Ioannis Beach
It is the last organized beach on the southern coast, a pebbled beach with clear waters named after the small chapel on the hill, overlooking Delos. It is ideal for relaxation, swimming and water sports. There are plenty of tavernas where you can enjoy fresh grilled fish and drinks. It gets crowded during the high season, but there are plenty of hotels and villas to choose from for your stay, especially for families
Quiet beaches in Mykonos
If you prefer to relax in peace and tranquility away from the crowds, then we recommend Argari, Fokos, Ftelia, and Agios Sostis beach.
Agrari Beach
It is a long and scenic, sandy beach popular with tourists and locals. Its crystal clear water is perfect for swimming. It is isolated, a quieter alternative to Elia Beach attracting naturists. The crystal-clear water is good for swimming.
It is divided into a left and right beach, and you find umbrellas, sunbeds, water sports facilities, and a restaurant. This beach is more affordable than others in Mykonos.
Ftelia Beach
It is in Panormos Bay, north of Chora. It is another large beach divided into two parts. Because of frequent winds, it is popular with windsurfers and few people who come to enjoy a drink or a meal admiring the sea. So, there are just a few sunbeds near the bar.
The western side is like a lagoon when there is no wind with rocks leading into the sea with some Neolithic findings dating back to 4500 BC
Fokos Beach
Fokos is a serene and amazing beach with a landscape unlike that of the Cyclades. The beach can reach it through Ano Mera following a dirt road. It is a secluded sandy beach on the northern coast, visited by few because the sea is often rough and not appropriate for swimming. For this, it is a real getaway from crowds and blasting bar music. There are no facilities and it is nudist-friendly but you also see people on horseback.
Agios Sostis Beach
Agios Sostis is the farthest on the southern coast. It is a long, sandy beach that remains unspoiled. There are no umbrellas, sunbeds, or bars, just a small tavern for lunch. So, you should bring your beach essentials, water, and snacks. It is perfect for relaxation and attracts many naturists.
Lia Beach
A once unknown beach has become a trendy destination, especially after international publications ranked it among the best beaches in Greece. It’s the farthest beach from Mykonos Chora, and its crystal-clear waters are perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. Its bar-club restaurant with Italian cuisine also provides sunbeds and music.
Agios Stefanos Beach
This beach is near the new port Tourlos. It has shallow waters and the surroundings protect it from the strong winds, it gets crowded with people of all ages, who relax and enjoy the spectacular views of Delos and Rhenia and the best sunset. It’s also ideal for those who enjoy water sports, and the shallow waters are perfect for swimming. There are several beach restaurants and cafes, mini markets, and several hotels and luxury villas.
Mykonos is the “Island of Winds”
MykonMerchiaos is also well-known as the “Island of Winds” when you visit the northern Mykonos beaches you will know why.
The best beaches are on the southern coast because they are better protected from the winds. For this reason, the northern beaches are usually less crowded but just as beautiful.
Panormos Beach
It is a beautiful sandy beach with a scenic view over the bay. When it is not windy, the sea is calm and perfect for swimming if not you can enjoy surfing. There is a taverna, a bar, umbrellas, and sunbeds. But the far end attracts nudists too.
It remains a naturist-friendly beach and a most relaxing beach in Mykonos.
Old Port Beach
It’s a picturesque, small, sandy beach, right next to the old port. Here, you can take a relaxing stroll, sit in the sun wade in the sea after visiting Little Venice and the famous Paraportiani Church.
Megali Ammos Beach
Megali Ammos Beach is a short walk from Chora and Old Port Beach. It was the first island’s developed beach. So, if you are staying at nearby hotels this is the place for a relaxed sunbathing enjoying the view of the famous windmills. It is good for windsurfing as it is often windy. This is why there are no umbrellas and it doesn’t get crowded.
Looking for a beach to hide in for a truly relaxing vacation and swimming?
There are secluded beaches to explore! Some are especially right next to very popular ones and others are way off the beaten path. So, you need a car or a boat to reach most of them.
Divounia Beach
It is a small fishing village between Kalafatis and Agia Anna. Hardly anyone comes here, so spread your towel on the pebbles and listen to the crashing waves. There are a couple of tavernas that serve fresh fish. Close by are the remains of a prehistoric settlement.
Houlakia Beach
It is a pebbled, rocky beach with some sandy patches. It is a good place to see the sunset and enjoy the scenery.
Korfos Beach
Korfos beach is very close to Ornos Beach. Due to the strong winds and huge waves, it is perfect for windsurfing rather than swimming. But also good for relaxing when Ornos gets overcrowded. Unfortunately, strong winds may also bring a lot of floating garbage to this area.
Agios Lazaros Beach
It lies between Ornos and Psarou, a pretty private beach for local vacationers. It is peaceful, far from the crowded beaches, and good for water sports.
Kapari Beach
This secluded beach, at the bottom of a cliff, has a laid-back ambiance for swims in crystal-clear waters. It is the “secret” beach of celebrities, with a stunning view of Delos Island. There are no facilities, so bring water and food to spend your day and see the beautiful sunset.
Glyfadi Beach
It is a small sandy, pebbled beach hiding from Ornos and Agios Ioannis. It’s a serene place, mostly visited by local families with very few umbrellas and sunbeds.Merchia Beach
This is a small bay on the northeastern coast, totally isolated, a perfect escape from the crowds. Apart from a few fishermen’s houses and a chapel, there’s nothing. So, bring your food and drinks. It is mostly visited with the sea-taxi from Fokos or Mersini
Mirsini Beach
This small, secluded beach is right next to Fokos, perfect for peace and privacy. It’s frequented by naturists, who enjoy swimming in the shallow and crystal-clear waters. There is nothing here, no umbrellas or sunbeds, and no restaurants or bars. So, bring your beach necessities, water, and snacks. The beach is divided into two smaller parts with a small part of rocks descending to the sea.
Tigani Beach
It is a fantastic getaway on the easternmost coast of the island. One more beach divided in two, Pano Tigani and Kato Tigani. It is well-hidden and enclosed by a scenic landscape. The sea here is colder than other parts of the island, and since there is nothing here, you need to bring everything you need.
All beaches in Mykonos are public and free. You only pay for the sunbeds and umbrellas, but all have free space for you to spread your towel. So, you can also spend a day at a beach in Mykonos without cost.
Mykonos has soared to the top of the charts as a holiday destination attracting international crowds with its amazing parties, lavish villas, 5-star hotels, and exclusive restaurants. In Mykonos, there is a beach to gratify all tastes and needs with unlimited choices on how to spend your day.
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