Welcome to the ultimate guide to exploring the pristine beaches of Mykonos, the Greek island paradise that offers sun-soaked shores and crystal-clear turquoise waters. With its charming villages, vibrant nightlife, and picturesque landscapes, Mykonos has captured the hearts of travelers from around the world.
In this comprehensive guide, we will take you on a journey to discover some of the most breathtaking beaches that Mykonos has to offer. From the popular party beaches like Paradise and Super Paradise, where you can dance the night away to the rhythm of electrifying music, to the tranquil and secluded Agios Sostis and Agios Ioannis beaches, perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape.
Indulge in thrilling water sports, bask in the golden sun, or simply unwind under the shade of an umbrella while savoring the breathtaking views. Whether you’re a sun worshipper, a thrill seeker, or a nature lover, Mykonos has a beach to suit your every desire.
So, pack your swimsuit, shades, and sunscreen, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable beach adventure in Mykonos. This guide will be your trusted companion to make the most of your beach experience on this heavenly Greek island.
Why Mykonos is known for its pristine beaches
Mykonos is renowned for its pristine beaches that offer a unique blend of natural beauty and vibrant atmosphere. The island boasts a coastline that stretches over 80 kilometers, with an abundance of beaches to explore. Each beach has its own distinct charm, catering to different preferences and interests.
The beaches of Mykonos are known for their soft golden sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and stunning views. Many of them are well-equipped with beach loungers, umbrellas, and beach bars, ensuring that visitors have everything they need for a comfortable and enjoyable day at the beach.
One of the reasons why Mykonos is famous for its beaches is the island’s exceptional weather. With over 300 days of sunshine per year, Mykonos offers the perfect climate for beach enthusiasts. Whether you visit in the peak summer season or during the quieter months, you can expect warm temperatures and clear skies, making it an ideal destination for beach lovers all year round.
Top beaches in Mykonos – Elia Beach, Paradise Beach, Super Paradise Beach
You will find below a list of the best beaches on Mykonos island.
- Mykonos is loaded with great beaches. It’s a beach paradise whether you’re looking for swimming, sunbathing, beach resorts, beach parties, or water sports.
- Paradise Beach is the party beach. Ornos and Platys Gialos are great for families and couples.
- Staying in Mykonos Town (for the restaurants, shopping, and nightlife) and visiting the nearby beaches through the day is easy to do. Buses run often until late evening (in summer).
- Walking along the coast between the beaches of Psarou and Paradise Beach is a highlight of a visit to Mykonos.
- The best luxury hotels in Mykonos should be booked 4 to 6 months in advance. The best cheap hotels in Mykonos should be booked 3 to 5 months in advance.
The 15 Best Beaches on Mykonos
The beaches on the northern coast of the island are less organized and ideal to enjoy some calm and private moments. Nudism is frequently practised on many beaches.
Discover our guide to 15 beautiful Mykonos beaches. They are all presented with a detailed description, photos and their location on a map of Mykonos.
1. Platys Gialos Beach
5 km southeast of Mykonos Town. The best beach on Mykonos. Wide and beautiful with many restaurants and several hotels. There’s a mini-market and direct buses to Mykonos Town. This is where you catch the water-taxi to Super Paradise and other beaches.
Recommended Beach Hotels: Branco Mykonos (luxury, on the beach) • Myconian Ambassador Hotel & Spa (luxury) • Nissaki Boutique Hotel (luxury) • Petasos Beach Resort & Spa (luxury) • Petinos Beach Hotel (moderate)
2. Ornos Beach
3 km south of the Chora. It’s a beautiful beach with lovely surroundings and many tavernas. The most family-friendly beach on Mykonos.
Recommended Beach Resorts: Santa Marina Resort & Villas (luxury) • Kivotos Luxury Boutique Hotel (luxury) • Kensho Ornos Boutique Hotel (luxury)
3. Psarou Beach
5 km southeast of Mykonos Town. Many restaurants and beautiful sand. The most trendy beach on Mykonos.
Recommended Hotel: Mykonos Blu (luxury)
4. Paraga Beach
6 km southeast of Mykonos Town. Paraga is very busy but beautiful. Several places to eat and drink. Direct bus from Mykonos Town to Paraga.
Recommended Hotels: Zephyros (budget – the only hotel right at Paraga) • Soho Roc House Mykonos (moderate – half way between Paraga and Paradise Beach)
5. Elia Beach
11 km southeast of Mykonos Town. The longest beach on Mykonos. In high season there are 5 or 6 buses a day from Mykonos Town to Elia. There is also a boat from Platis Gialos to Elia. Lots of parking here if you have a rental car.
Recommended Hotels: Myconian Imperial Resort & Villas (luxury) • Greco Philia Luxury Suites & Villas (luxury) • Arte & Mare Luxury Suites & Spa (luxury)
6. Paradise Beach
6 km south of Mykonos Town. A young lively party-beach with many bars spilling out onto the sand. After the sun goes down the party just gets louder. Buses go directly from Mykonos Town to Paradise Beach. Paradise Beach was once the most popular gay beach but is now largely straight.
Recommended Hotel: Paradise View Hotel
7. Super Paradise Beach
7 km southeast of Mykonos Town. A small beach with plenty of activity and 2 or 3 beach bars. No direct buses but there are small boats from Platis Gialos and Paradise Beach to Super Paradise Beach. Probably the most gay-friendly beach on Mykonos. There are no hotels on Super Paradise Beach.
8. Lia Beach
14 km east of Mykonos Town. Beautiful beach that’s quiet and has great swimming. Also a good snorkeling beach. No public transit.
9. Fokos Beach
13 km northeast of Mykonos Town. A quiet and secluded beach. There are no tourist facilities here but there is an amazing taverna just off the beach. The taverna is worth a trip in itself. No public buses come to Fokos – you’ll need to get here by private transportation.
10. Kalo Livadi beach
11 km east of Mykonos Town. Although Kalo Livadi is far from Chora, this is an organized beach with many umbrellas and sun beds.
11. Kalafatis beach
13 km east of Mykonos Town. Kalafatis is a lovely beach famous for its watersport centres. The soft sand, the crystal water and the light breeze attract many visitors there.
12. Agios Stefanos beach
5 km north of Mykonos Town. Agios Stefanos is a small protected cove in small distance from Chora but far from the busy south of Mykonos, so it remains calm most of the tourist season. With soft sand and crystal water, Agios Stefanos is well-developed with tourism facilities.
Lesser-known beaches in Mykonos – Agios Sostis Beach, Ftelia Beach, Kapari Beach
13. Megali Ammos Beach
500 meters south of Mykonos Town (Chora). Nice sand and swimming but can be windy. It’s an easy walk from the Chora. Joanna’s Nikos Taverna is on the beach and very good.
Recommended Hotels: Grand Beach Hotel (luxury) • Poseidon Hotel Suites (moderate) • Hotel Adonis (good budget hotel)
14. Agrari Beach
10 km southeast of Mykonos Town. Very quiet and secluded with good sand. There is no bus from Mykonos Town to Agrari so it’s bus to Elia and then walk 15 minutes. There’s 1 restaurant at Agrari. You’ll want a rental car if you stay here.
Recommended Hotel: Sunrise Hotel & Suites (moderate)
15. Agios Ioannis Beach
5 km south of Mykonos Town. A beautiful quiet (but narrow) beach. Two tavernas/beach clubs and direct buses in high season to Mykonos Town.
Recommended Hotels: Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort (luxury) • Saint John Hotel Villas & Spa (luxury) • Manoula’s Beach Mykonos Resort (moderate)