Elite beaches in Mykonos

The guide to Elite beaches in Mykonos is about the most recommended and beautiful beaches on this posh island.
Mykonos is, for a reason, one of Europe’s most popular summer destinations. And among those are also its Elite beaches. While many have been taken over by parasols and sunbeds for rent (at high prices and next to bars playing loud music), some remain refreshingly unspoiled.

The best beaches are on the island’s southern coast, which is the most shielded from the winds. However, those in the north are likewise gorgeous and are usually less crowded.

Top Beaches in Mykonos

Shortly, Paradise and Super Paradise are the most famous for partying. Psarrou is a favorite among jet setters and celebrities. Platis Gialos is among the most preferred area because of the numerous hotels. Kalafatis is ideal for windsurfing and other watersports.
The beaches on the northern coast are less organized and, therefore, ideal for enjoying some tranquil moments in seclusion. Nudism is rife at many of them.

Note: Mykonos is a trendy and busy island. Finding a free sunbed on the many organized seashores is quite unlikely. You can now book your sunbeds online.

©Trip Advisor

Paradise Beach

Paradise Beach is one of the original nudist beaches on Mykonos, and it’s now lined with dozens of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs that extend onto the soft sand. A short walk east along the coast takes you to Super Paradise Beach, which is popular with the LGBT community and less crowded.

Award-winning Tropicana Club is one of the loudest nightclubs on Paradise Beach, attracting thousands of partygoers, world-renowned DJs, and celebrities annually. While the beach has no lounging fees, you’ll need a few euros for when your cocktail glass runs empty.

Beach for: Parties, Swimming

How to Get to Paradise Beach: Paradise has the busiest bus connections to Mykonos Town until late at night. It’s just 20 minutes away. If you go by car, there are parking steps from the sand. Following the coastline, you can also walk here from the beaches of Psarou, Platys Gialos, Agia Anna, and Paraga.

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Platys Gialos Beach

Beautiful and crystal-clear waters, Platys Gialos Beach, is an appropriate starting point to uncover other beaches on foot or on an hourly water taxi and home to some of the best hotels on the island, located right by the sand and facing the sea. It has restaurants and bars serving meals and drinks throughout the day. This is not a party beach, but it has a lively atmosphere. Parasols and loungers cover most of the sand, and the shallow water is perfect for refreshing swims.

Beach for: Couples, Families, and Swimming

How to Get to Platys Gialos: Frequent buses from Mykonos Town take about 15 minutes. You can also walk from the beaches of Agia Anna, Paraga, and Paradise Beach, taking 15 to 20 minutes.

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Agrari Beach

Agrari Beach remains less developed than most other beaches on Mykonos. Umbrellas and sunbeds occupy about half of this long stretch; the rest is golden sand that meets crystal-clear water. And that’s why it’s nudist-friendlier.

The easiest way to reach Agrari Beach is to take a bus to Elia Beach and then cross over the rocks on foot, which takes about 5 minutes. In return for making the journey, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most relaxing daytime experiences Mykonos has to offer.

©Trip Advisor

Super Paradise beach

Despite what other guides will tell you, this is not the gay beach on the island, but it remains a popular choice among gay men due to the frequent gay-friendly parties. It may get crowded and loud in the afternoon, but the crystal-clear water and the views are perfect. It’s almost entirely covered in sunbeds and umbrellas for rent. Although it’s a party beach, the calm waters attract families and couples on honeymoon.

Beach for: Couples, Swimming, Parties, Gay-Friendly

How to Get to Super Paradise: Super Paradise Beach is a 15-minute drive from Mykonos Town. Parking is behind it, but you must arrive early to guarantee a spot. There needs to be a public bus to this beach. Still, a private shuttle connected to the beach club now operates a service between the Fabrika bus terminal in the island’s center and the beach.

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Elia beach

It’s the most extensive beach on the island, with space for everyone. The turquoise water is always inviting, and nudity is common. It’s known as Mykonos’ “gay beach,” but you’ll see it attracts all kinds of people. In the summer, much of it is taken over by umbrellas and sunbeds, but there’s a small section for those who prefer to lie in the sand. This sunbed-free section is usually on the right side, close to the rocks separating this beach from Agrari (see below). It is where you often see the rainbow flag and groups of men in their birthday suits.

Beach for: Swimming, Gay-Friendly, Naturism

How to Get to Elia: You can reach Elia in about 25 minutes by car from Mykonos Town. There’s plenty of parking. Alternatively, take the bus that departs every 2 hours from the Old Port station.

Psarou Beach

There’s a reason why this is currently Mykonos’ trendiest beach — it’s great for swimming and offers beautiful scenery. By the luxurious yachts, you can tell it’s the island’s most exclusive beach and the favorite of the rich and famous. There are sun loungers here, and they get pricier the closer they are to the water. Several nearby restaurants also serve up a delicious but pricey fare. It can get crowded, but it’s undoubtedly worth a look.

Due to Psarou Beach’s popularity can be challenging to find a parking spot nearby, especially during the high season—however, regular buses run from Mykonos town. The beach is also within walking distance of several nearby beaches, including Paradise Beach and Paraga.

Beach for: Couples, Swimming

How to Get to Psarou: Take the frequent bus from Mykonos Town to Platys Gialos and walk from there (about 10 minutes). You can also reach it on a coastal walk from Paradise Beach, Paraga, and Agia Anna. If you go by car, remember that finding a parking spot by this beach can be challenging.

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Panormos beach

A former hidden secret, it remains a predominantly wild beach, perfect for naturists. Those tend to stay at the far right end. At the same time, the area close to the parking lot has an inviting bar for music and drinks and sunbathing on loungers. Notably, the location on the island’s northern side means that this is a windier beach. The sea can be rougher, but when the water is calm, it’s one of Mykonos’s best and most relaxing beaches.

Beach for: Naturism, Gay-Friendly

How to Get to Panormos: There used to be no bus service to this beach, but one was finally added a few years ago. However, since the Covid-19 pandemic, which decreased the number of tourists, this service depends on demand. Even so, when it’s running, there are usually just a handful of daily buses (departing from the Old Port terminal), so you’re better off going by car. The ride from Mykonos Town takes less than 15 minutes, and a large parking lot is behind the beach.

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Paraga Beach

This is the alternative to the famous Paradise Beach nearby and also the choice for the beach club experience. It’s also within walking distance of other beautiful and famous beaches (Agia Anna, Platys Gialos, and Psarou) and easy to reach by bus. Although it has a party atmosphere during the day, it’s relatively quiet at night. The right side is more secluded and tends to attract naturists.

Beach for: Parties, Naturism

How to Get to Paraga: Hourly buses take 15 minutes to reach this beach from Mykonos Town. There’s minimal parking if you go by car. If you’re driving, park behind Paradise Beach instead and walk up the hill to Paraga.

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Agia Anna Beach

You can find Agia Anna near Paraga Beach. It is a sandy beach in a peaceful area. Its seabed is an excellent option for snorkeling in Mykonos.
A bar-restaurant owns the sun loungers, while a few other establishments lie around the beach.

Beach for: Relaxing, Swimming

How to Get to Agia Anna: Take the bus to Paraga from the Fabrika terminal in Mykonos Town, then keep walking to the right along the coast. You may also take the bus to Platys Gialos and walk to the left. By car, it takes 10 minutes from Mykonos Town.

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Ornos Beach

It’s the most family-friendly beach in Mykonos and one of the trendiest for young people and couples. Its calm waters are great for swimming. It’s a frequent stop for boats and yachts, has many places to eat and drink, and has several attractive hotels and resorts. For this reason, it can get crowded in July and August.

Beach for: Couples, Families, and Swimming

How to Get to Ornos: Ornos is just 10 minutes by car from Mykonos Town, and buses depart every 60 minutes from the Fabrika terminal. You can also walk from Agios Ioannis Beach.

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Lia Beach

It’s the farthest beach from the center of Mykonos Town. It was once a well-kept secret but has become a trendy destination, especially after international publications ranked it among the best beaches in Greece. Still, its crystal-clear waters are now recognized as perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. Its bar-club restaurant provides sunbeds and a chill-out soundtrack.

Beach for: Relaxing, Water Sports

How to Get to Lia Beach: Lia Beach can not be reached by bus. However, the 25-minute car journey through the countryside from Mykonos Town is quite pleasant. You’ll find plenty of parking when you arrive.

Kalo Livadi Beach

It has always been one of Mykonos’ most popular beaches. Still, it has become even more so since the opening of its Ibiza-inspired beach club. Still, it’s not exactly a party beach. It’s a place attracting a cosmopolitan crowd of all ages looking to enjoy the calm waters. It’s quieter and offers more space than other beaches nearby, and is a popular site for kayaking and paddling.

Beach for: Families, Swimming, Water Sports

How to Get to Kalo Livadi: Bus service to this beach depends on demand. There are some years when the local bus company offers regular buses, and others when you can only go by car. The buses depart from the Old Port terminal, so always check there. By car, you’re here 25 minutes from Mykonos Town and parking is above the beach.

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Agios Ioannis Beach

This is a relatively hidden and beautiful beach. Although it’s easy to reach by bus and there are good hotels nearby, it’s usually calmer and less crowded than the other main beaches on the island. The clear and shallow waters are child-friendly for swimming and snorkeling.

Beach for: Relaxing, Swimming, and Families

How to Get to Agios Ioannis: Buses depart hourly from the Fabrika terminal in Mykonos Town, stopping a short walk from the beach. It’s just 10 minutes by car. You can also walk from Ornos.

Agios Stefanos Beach

The closest central beach to the port offers shallow waters and romantic sunset views. Because of its central and wind-protected location, it can often be crowded with people of all ages, who relax as the ships go by.

Beach for: Families, Swimming, Water Sports

How to Get to Agios Stefanos: A regular bus goes from the Old Terminal to this beach. If you’re going by car, it takes 15 minutes to reach Mykonos Town.

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Megali Ammos Beach

The closest beach to the center of Mykonos Town (the only one within walking distance) is mainly for those staying at the hotels nearby. Still, it’s also a relaxing spot to sunbathe with a view of the island’s iconic windmills. It’s always open but can be windy. There are days when it’s perfect for windsurfing.

Beach for: Sunbathing, Water Sports

How to Get to Megali Ammos: It’s just a 10-to-15-minute walk from anywhere in the center of Mykonos Town to the south of the Fabrika bus terminal.

Old Port beach

If you’re staying at a hotel nearby, consider relaxing here after a walk around the maze of Mykonos Town. It’s a slight stretch of sand, but it’s right by the old port, so it’s an irresistible stop for many tourists. The views also help, so it’s a picturesque destination before heading to the island’s more extensive and sandier beaches.

Beach for: Sunbathing, Views

How to Get to Old Port Beach: You’ll find it between Little Venice and the Old Port bus terminal.

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Glyfadi Beach

This tiny beach is hidden not far from Ornos and Agios Ioannis. Partly sandy and partly pebbled, it’s a very serene place, almost exclusively frequented by local families. It has a few parasols and sunbeds, but the lack of space means many people sunbathe on the rocks. The only way to get here is by car.

How to Get to the Elite Beaches in Mykonos

If you enjoy long walks, you can follow the coastal footpaths between several beaches. Starting at the famous Paradise Beach, climb up the cliff to Paraga. You can reach Agia Anna, Platys Gialos, and Psarou from there. You can start at Psarou and do the reverse. Going from the first to the last beach on this hike takes about one hour. If you’re staying in Mykonos Town, it’s recommended that you take the bus to Paradise Beach. For your return, take the bus from Platys Gialos.
Another way to experience several beaches on the same day is to go on an organized beaches tour.

Most beaches can be reached by bus from Mykonos Town, although many people choose to rent a car and explore more of the island.

A water taxi service also picks up and drops off passengers at seven of the most popular beaches on the southern coast. It runs every hour from 10 am to early evening (the 5 pm hour) between late May and mid-October. Tickets are 10 euros to return to one beach and 20 euros for all-day, all-beach access. It takes cash only, and you pay as you board. The main departure beach is Platys Gialos, the only one with a cement dock. A floating dock or passengers wade through the water to board the other beaches. Those other beaches are Ornos, Paraga, Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari, and Elia.

Staying at the Best Hotels in Mykonos

Several beaches have hotels right by the sand, while others are just a short walk away. Those with beachfront hotels tend to be more crowded but usually offer more places to eat and drink. So, choose your preferences and check out these offers.

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FAQ on the Elite Beaches in Mykonos

To which beaches can you arrive by bus?
The beaches with frequent buses are Paradise, Paraga, Platys Gialos, Agios Ioannis, Ornos, and Agios Stefanos. Beaches with fewer regular buses (often just about half a dozen per day) are Elia, Kalafatis, and Super Paradise.

The beaches of Panormos and Kalo Livadi have buses when there’s demand. Sometimes they have about a handful of buses daily, but there are years when there are none.
Beaches with no bus services that can easily be walked to from another beach with a bus are Psarou, Agrari, Agios Sostis, Kapari, and the two Agia Anna beaches.
Beaches that can only be reached by car are Lia, Fokos, and Ftelia.
For the bus schedules, look here: Mykonos Buses.

Can you go on foot to those beaches?
On the island’s southern coast, you can walk to five beaches — Paradise Beach, Paraga, Agia Anna, Platys Gialos, and Psarou. These five are some of the best and most popular, and walking along the coast between them is a highlight of any visit to Mykonos. You can walk from Mykonos Town to Megali Ammos Beach and Old Port Beach. Other beaches within walking distance of each other are Agios Ioannis and Kapari and Elia and Agrari.

What are the most tranquil beaches on the island?
To relax in peace, away from the crowds, the most recommended beaches are Fokos, Ftelia, and Agios Sostis. However, these are on the island’s northern part, which can be windy.

What are the most popular beaches?
The most popular beaches in Mykonos are those on the southern coast, with more hotels and bars. They are Platys Gialos, Psarou, Ornos, Paradise Beach, Super Paradise, and Elia.

Are beaches on the island public and accessible?
All beaches in Mykonos are public and accessible. You only pay for the sunbeds and parasols if you decide to rent them (but they can be pricey). All beaches have accessible areas to spread your towel, so you can spend a day at the beach in Mykonos without spending a euro.

Which are the best party beaches?
The party beaches in Mykonos are Paradise and Super Paradise. The beaches of Paraga, Psarou, Platys Gialos, Ornos, and Elia also have lively bars.

Take a look at

References and sources:

The guide to the most recommended and most beautiful beaches in Mykonos

Best Mykonos Beaches