Key Takeaways
- Mykonos is known to have some of the most magical beaches in Greece and the world.
- Platis Gialos Beach is the longest beach on the island and attracts water sports enthusiasts. It is easily accessible, family-friendly, and offers a range of facilities and services.
- Psarou Beach is one of the most popular and glamorous beaches in Mykonos, known for its steep prices and socialite attendance.
- Super Paradise Beach is a party beach and not suitable for families or those seeking a relaxing time. It is known for its crystal-clear waters, sunbeds, VIP seats, and its reputation as a nude-friendly beach.
Known predominantly for its signature windmills, wild parties, and the cosmopolitan alleys of Mykonos Town, Mykonos is one of the most avant-garde Greek islands, part of the Cyclades islands group in the Aegean Sea, serving as the dream destination for visitors from all around the world.
Apart from its cosmopolitan nature and typical Cycladic aesthetic, Mykonos’ landscape is breathtaking, and it's known to have some of the most magical beaches in Greece and the world.
Here, we present to you a guide to Mykonos’ beaches in order for you to experience the beauty of the island like a local. We promise that the best beaches in Mykonos will sweep you off your feet.
Ornos beach
Protected from the strong winds the island is infamous for, the beach Ornos is one of the most family-friendly Mykonos beaches of the island, located just 2 km southwest of the lively Mykonos Town, in the picturesque setting of the village of Ornos, which has developed into one of the most popular tourist spots in recent years.
The area offers an abundance of beach hotel rooms, cafes, taverns, and fun activities, such as diving. The sandy beach itself is enchanting, with its turquoise waters and fine white sand charming its visitors.
The waters of the beach are shallow and usually calm, which is why families with small children favor it.
Due to the beach of Orno being an organized beach, visitors have the luxury of lazy sunbathing on comfortable sunbeds, which usually cost approximately 20-50 euros, while enjoying snacks and drinks served to them on the beach.
The beach is served by public transport in Mykonos and is easily accessible either by the new regional road or the provincial road linking Mykonos town with Agios Ioannis village. Because of its popularity, the beach of Ornos can get overcrowded, especially during high-season months.
Therefore, bookings for all amenities are necessary, while trying to avoid rush hours might be the way to go -as it is with the best beaches in Mykonos.
If, however, you plan to visit Mykonos during low-season months, look carefully at the sea and have your camera at hand; if you’re lucky, you may encounter a seal!
Platis Gialos beach
Platis Gialos is a seaside settlement located in the south of Mykonos, 4.5 km from Mykonos Town.
The beach of Platis Gialos is the longest beach on the island, with endless golden sand on its shore, crystal-clear waters, and many facilities attracting water sports enthusiasts, such as scuba diving.
It is a fully organized beach, with umbrellas, sun lounges, showers, a beach bar, a lifeguard, and changing rooms, offering guests every comfort they can possibly want.
Platis Gialos is considered to be one of the most family-friendly beaches on Mykonos island due to the fact that it’s easily accessible.
The frequent bus service from Mykonos Town, along with its high-quality services and facilities, make Platis Gialos one of Mykonos’ top destinations and one of the beaches in Mykonos that never fails to impress its visitors.
Despite its large size, most of the beach is covered by sun lounges with barely any space left for people that would prefer lying on the sandy shore, while it is infamous among the locals for being packed during the summer months.
An important perk of Platis Gialos beach is that right next to it, you can find the departure point of ships operating as taxis, transporting visitors to almost all of Mykonos' beaches, including Kalo Livadi, Elia, Paradise, and Super Paradise!
Psarou beach
Definitely one of the most - if not the most- popular beaches in Mykonos and Greece in general, Psarrou is known for its steep prices and socialite attendance, located 5 km from Mykonos Town.
It offers its guests smooth sand and brilliant, deep blue waters that don't get wavy due to the fact that mountains enclose the beach.
Psarou beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing on luxurious sunbeds that cost 30-100 euros depending on their position and the comforts they offer, but also engaging in fun water sports, as a diving school is located on its grounds, with jet skiing, fishing, being some of the activities that visitors can embark on.
It is also famous for attracting movie stars, world-famous celebrities, and politicians, and securing a place on the beach has come to be an exhibition of power and wealth.
The beach is served by the famous Nammos restaurant, which is located by the sea and offers exquisite gourmet delicacies for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Additionally, it stays vibrant throughout the day, transitioning smoothly into a perfect nightlife spot where people can relax and sip their drinks with pleasant tunes and the sound of the sea as their background music.
You can visit it by bus, car, or the local boat from Ornos beach, but beware that if you forget to book sunbeds and umbrellas, you’ll spend your day waiting in line, a problem you may also encounter on most beaches in Mykonos!
Elia beach
Elia beach has developed over the years a loyal fanbase that considers it one of the most beautiful beaches of Mykonos, and for good reason.
It offers everything anyone would want, including sun loungers and umbrellas, water activities, taverns for some traditional Greek food, a beautiful view of the neighboring island of Naxos, facilities specifically designed for people with disabilities, and free parking, among others.
The beach of Elia, like most beaches in Mykonos, is defined by its soft golden sand and amazingly clean waters, while in certain parts of it, nudists are welcome.
If you find yourself on the somewhat secluded beach of Elia, don’t miss the opportunity to grab a bite at the Elia Restaurant, one of our personal favorite restaurants in Mykonos for its flawless Mediterranean cuisine and its use of high-quality, local Greek products and ingredients.
You can reach it by bus or boat from Platis Gialos in less than 45 minutes, for a cost of 2 €. Alternatively, you can reach the beach from Platis Gialos and from Ornos by boat; the ticket costs 7 € including the return. Please don't confuse Elia Beach with Lia Beach.
Lia beach is an equally gorgeous beach; it is, however, completely different from this. Lia beach is a local favorite compared to the other beaches in Mykonos, and you shouldn't exclude it from your itinerary.
Kalafatis beach
Kalafatis Beach is located about 12 km east of Mykonos Town. Despite it also being an organized beach, it is considerably cheaper than most of Mykonos’ beaches and gathers a much smaller crowd.
It is a local favorite due to its blue-green water, golden sand, and idyllic landscape, which includes lush trees decorating the beach perimetrically, while it is convenient for visitors who can find a number of romantic hotels in Mykonos and hotels with private pools within walking distance.
The beach is exposed to the strong winds, making it an ideal spot for windsurfing and multiple other water sports, with a diving school providing visitors with the opportunity to discover the mystic Aegean sea underwater!
You can access Kalafatis Beach by car or by bus. Whether you’re looking for a fun, relaxing time or an adrenaline rush, be sure that Kalafatis Beach will satisfy your needs!
Super Paradise beach
Let’s start by saying that Super Paradise beach is not for everyone. If you’re looking for a family-friendly spot, cross it off your list. If you’re on a honeymoon in Mykonos, steer clear of it. If you’re after a relaxing, laid-back time, bid this beach goodbye.
If, however, you’re in Mykonos for a good ol’ party time, or you want to explore gay Greece travel, then this party beach will make your dreams come true!
Located 7 km from Mykonos Town, you can access Paradise beach by the local boats from Platis Gialos beach or by car through a rather challenging road.
It is worth the effort, though, because you will be rewarded with a breathtaking beach that matches the incredible aesthetic of all Greek islands and offers crystal clear waters.
Super Paradise beach offers a wide variety of sunbeds and VIP seats, with sunbed prices varying from 40 to 70 euros based on the row they are placed in, offering luxurious service and comfort.
Along with the party beach of Psarou, it is one of the most popular beaches of Mykonos, and it is known for its nude-friendly stance. So if you’re a nudist, feel free to rid yourself of your restricting attire; you won't be stared at!
On the famous beach of Super Paradise, you can find the Jackie O beach club along with the famous Paradise beach bar, where you can party all day and night!
Kalo Livadi beach
Located between the popular beaches of Kalafatis and Elia beach, 10 km away from Mykonos Town and 2 km from Ano Mera, lies the beach of Kalo Livadi, another hotspot of the island that is, however, a lot more reserved than the beaches of Psarou and Super Paradise.
It is yet again an organized beach that offers its visitors sunbeds and umbrellas, beach bars, changing rooms, and showers for them to enjoy the majestic landscape and brilliant waters of the beach in comfort.
There is enough space, however, for people to lay their towels down on the sand, as Kalo Livadi is one of the biggest, most beautiful beaches of Mykonos.
In addition to Kalo Livadi attracting the youth of the island with its vibrancy, it is also a much-loved family-friendly beach because of the shallow yet clean waters of the beach and the calm vibe it exudes.
Moreover, close to the beach, you can find various types of Myconian hotels and luxury resorts, as well as many traditional Greek taverns for you to try the world-renowned Greek cuisine.
Access to Kalo Livadi is easy via the road network from Mykonos Town, while there is plenty of parking space for you when you reach your destination. Don’t hesitate to make the music from the lively beach bars or beach clubs of Kalo Livadi the soundtrack of your summer in Greece!
Agios Sostis beach
Far from the large crowds, the most popular beaches gather and the wild ways of the rest of the island, and 7.5 km away from Mykonos Town lies the beach of Agios Sostis, our personal favorite beach in Mykonos that has remained unspoiled in the face of the great development of the island.
A perfect destination in Mykonos for anyone that seeks tranquility, Agios Sostis beach is one of the few unorganized beaches in Mykonos, and apart from a single tavern at one end of the quiet beach, it doesn't provide any other luxury.
Therefore, make sure to come prepared with all the necessities for a full day of relaxation; we promise that the reclusive beach, with its long sandy shore and calm and clean waters that shimmer under the sun, will be completely worth it!
Unfortunately, due to the secluded nature of Agios Sostis, you can access the sandy beach only by car or taxi, as buses don’t reach it.
Panormos beach
Panormos beach in Mykonos is one of the only beaches on the north side of the island where swimming is possible.
Famous for its clean waters that are less cold than in the rest of Mykonos, Panormos manages to remain a low-profile beach that, despite the fact that in recent years it has grown increasingly popular, it hasn't lost its peaceful vibe and carefree quality.
Being on the southern coast of Mykonos and Mykonos Town means that although being the optimum location for surfing and watersports in general, on a particularly windy day, you should probably stay away from it.
It is an organized beach with the quirk that it doesn't provide its visitors with sun lounges but only umbrellas.
In the area, you can also find two restaurants and a beach bar, which is convenient for a lazy lie-in. Once again, Panormos is not serviced by public buses, so in order to get there, you need a private vehicle.
When visiting the beach, don't miss the opportunity to also explore the village of Panormos, a picturesque village where you can indulge in local food and do a lot of shopping for Greek souvenirs!
Ftelia beach beach
Last on our Mykonos’ beaches guide, the excellent beach of Ftelia, close to Panormos, is also ideal for surfing, windsurfing, and all sports that need wind as their fuel, as impressively tall waves are a common occurrence!
When it’s not windy, the beach of Ftelia looks like a lagoon, a true oasis with its crystal-clear waters, its smooth golden sand, and its landscape of unmatched beauty.
It is one of the most alternative and cool beaches of Mykonos due to the crowd it gathers, with comfortable bean bags, free Wi-Fi, shower facilities, and easy access by car being only some of its advantages. In true Greek fashion, at Ftelia beach, you can witness the rich history of Greece.
The beach is divided into two, by rocks that stretch to the sea, where a prehistoric settlement of the Neolithic times dating back to 4,500 BC has been found.
Additionally, it is considered possible that at the same spot lies the tomb of a hero of the Trojan War worshiped in Mykonos, which dates back to the archaic period.
Take time away from Mykonos Town to visit this stunning beach, and you won't regret it!
Agios Ioannis beach
If you want to swim on one of the best beaches in Mykonos while admiring the view of the ancient island of Delos, one of the most important Greek archaeological sites, then you need to visit Agios Ioannis beach.
On this beautiful, organized beach with comfortable sunbeds and straw umbrellas, the award-winning film "Shirley Valentine" was filmed in 1989.
Located within a walking distance of Ornos beach and accessible by bus from Fabrika, the Agios Ioannis offers relaxation with a dose of luxury. The beach is one of the family-friendly ones of Mykonos.
You will have the opportunity to enjoy the seafood you have ever had at the various tavern and restaurants in the area, such as Hippie fish, a beach restaurant - bar, ideal for you to sit and watch the sunset along with your meal and drinks somewhere else than Mykonos Town.
Fokos beach
In Mykonos, it’s impossible to find quiet, crowd-free beaches; or so you thought! Fokos is a hidden gem where you can enjoy the beauty of the rocky landscape and crystal-clear water while escaping the crowd of the island.
This beautiful secluded beach in Mykonos isn’t organized, allowing its mostly nude visitors to enjoy the long sandy coasts. There is a tavern available so you can buy refreshments and a hearty meal after your swimming and sunbathing session.
Final Thoughts
Mykonos is an acquired taste. It can get overpriced and overcrowded, especially inside Mykonos Town and Paradise Beach.
However, the island is a truly diverse island that adapts to every visitor’s needs; you just need to know where to look! It is unique and charming, offering a unique experience one could not have anywhere else in the world, especially if you follow our special guide on what to do on Mykonos Island.
If you’d like to visit as many beaches of Mykonos as possible from the south coast to the north coast, you can book a Mykonos sailing trip and experience a day out in the open sea of the Cyclades!
In any case, if you have the opportunity to visit Mykonos, do it, even if it is for only a day! There are plenty of things for you to add to your one-day itinerary in Mykonos;
You’ll leave with a beautiful tan, a mind full of memories, and great stories to narrate to your friends and family for years to come! Don’t forget to check out our unique Mykonos tours, such as our Mykonos island highlights tour, to experience the island to the fullest!
Whether you visit Mykonos on one of our Greece vacation packages or independently, you'll fall in love with the island before you realize it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the beaches in Mykonos family-friendly?
Are the beaches in Mykonos crowded?
Are there water sports available at the beaches?
Can I reach the beaches by public transportation?
Are there any nude-friendly beaches in Mykonos?
