Guide to the 19 Best Beaches in Mykonos

Are you looking for the best beaches in Mykonos? After Astypalea, Mykonos is probably our favourite Greek island. Here we’ve collected the 12 best Mykonos beaches, perfect to party, relax, enjoy sports… whatever, really!

Mykonos is truly one of the best Greek islands to visit – it has amazing beaches, cute white houses, windmills, … and parties.

I mean, come on, who hasn’t heard that? Over a decade ago, I found myself on a ferry crossing the Aegean, leaving Athens bound for this island that was described to us as ‘the place with the best parties this side of Ibiza’. I can’t remember much of the parties – but oh boy, I do remember the beaches!

mykonos cute kittens
And I also remember the kittens!

There’s nothing better than lying on one of Mykonos’s best beaches to rest and recuperate after a night of revelry, basking in the warm Greek sun and jumping for a dip in pristine Mediterranean waters when it all gets too much.

The beaches in Mykonos are often mentioned among the best in the Mediterranean – and unlike several Greek islands where beaches are mainly rock and pebbles, Mykonos has plenty of wide, sandy beaches, perfect to relax with a cocktail in hand, enjoy water sports or get the party going.

Most beaches are located along the southern coast of Mykonos – the northern coast gets very windy in July and August, but having said that, if the crowds are too much for you, retreating to Mykonos’s northern beaches is actually a great idea!

If you’re looking for where to stay in Mykonos, here are our top picks!

  • Bill & Coo Suites and Lounge – if you’re looking for luxury, don’t miss these ultra-special suites!
  • Grace Mykonos – stunning hotel with rooftop pool and great views over Rinia
  • Leto Hotel – the first luxury hotel in Mykonos, open since the Fifties
  • Santa Marina Luxury Collection Resort – this should be your choice to stay on Mykonos’s only private beach!
  • Mykonos Blu – located right on Psarou Beach, luxury hotel with Mediterranean decor!
  • Cavo Tagoo – sleek, luxury hilltop property, with top views and a great rooftop pool. They also have a sister hotel in Santorini!
mykonos sunset
Mykonos sunsets are amazing!

Here is our selection of the 12 best beaches in Mykonos, chose from over 30 in the island – if we have forgotten your favourite, feel free to let us know!

Best Beaches in Mykonos – South Coast

1) Paradise Beach 

This is one of the best known and most popular beaches in Mykonos. It’s popular with young crowds, and offers a fantastic vibe just 6 km from Mykonos Town.

Here, you can party non-stop, and also opt for a variety of water sports, or arrange a diving or snorkelling expedition. Paradise beach is surrounded by bars, and it gets lively from sunset onwards.

It’s traditionally the best gay friendly beach in Mykonos, but now it’s frequented by all kinds of people. Also nudist-friendly.  

Getting there – Paradise Beach is just 6 km south of Mykonos Town. Getting there by bike or car will take about 20 minutes. You can also get there by water taxi or by bus, departing from either Fabrika or the Old Port in Mykonos Town.

2) Super Paradise

Nor far from Paradise Beach, Super Paradise is truly picture-perfect – imagine a beach with soft, golden sand, turquoise waters and a nice atmosphere, truly a great place to spend the day.

However, this all comes at a price – it’s one of the busiest beaches in Mykonos! Just ensure you arrive early because it gets crowded quickly, especially during high season. 

It’s a very, very lively party beach, with two beach clubs pumping out music all day – Coco Club on one side, and Super Paradise Beach Club on the other. If you’re a party lover, don’t miss it!

Super Paradise is also one of the most nudist and gay friendly beaches in Mykonos, but families or couples in search of a secluded atmosphere may prefer other beaches.

Getting there – Super Paradise is 7.5 km south of Mykonos Town. Driving there takes approximately 20 minutes, alternatively you can hop on a water taxi. Buses doesn’t stop at Super Paradise – to save money, the best way to get there is by bus until Paradise beach, from where it’s a 20 minutes walk. 

mykonos octopus drying
‘Hanging Octopus’ – a common sight in Mykonos!

3) Elia Beach

Elia is one of the longest beaches in Mykonos and offers lots of facilities, including beach bars with famous DJs often visiting.

It’s an excellent option for families and those loving parasailing, water skiing, and windsurfing, and also for those looking for beautiful views and a quieter atmosphere – the beach is located 11 km from Mykonos Town, and fewer people make it this far.

Since it’s very long and has many hidden coves, Elia Beach is also popular with nudists.

Getting there – it takes about half an hour to drive your car or bike from Mykonos Town. Elia Beach is also the last stop on the bus from Fabrika, and on taxi boats, another reason why it’s not so busy. It’s probably the best beach in Mykonos all round if you ask me!

mykonos elia beach
Doesn’t Elia Beach look wonderful?

4) Agrari Beach

Another wonderful choice for those looking for a Mykonos beach with no crowds! There’s no bus service to Agrari, it’s necessary to walk from Elia, but those who do will be rewarded with soft white sand and cobalt sea.

There are also some nice local restaurants just behind the beach, and you can rent umbrellas and sun loungers on the left side of the beach. This is probably the best beach in the southern part of Mykonos to escape the crowds! 

Getting there – it’s only a 5 minute walk from Elia Beach. 

Looking for Mykonos Tours? Check out these Special Offers!

5) Psarou Beach

If it wasn’t so expensive, Psarou would probably be the best beach in Mykonos! The stretch of sand will leave you speechless, with its stupendous bay, turquoise waters, and golden sand. 

Things to do on Psarou beach include scuba diving and snorkelling, eating and drinking at the many bars and restaurants onsite, including the renowned Nammos beach bar and restaurant.

This is not a cheap or quiet beach, but it’s definitely worth visiting – at least once. Just bear in mind that it gets SUPER BUSY in July and August, and it’s near impossible to get a sun lounger.

If you’re visiting off season, by all means try to visit!

Getting there – part of the popularity of Psarou Beach is due to the fact that it’s just 4.5 km south of Mykonos Town. You can drive your car or motorbike there in 10/15 minutes, or hop on a bus from Fabrika, so you won’t have to worry about parking!

6) Platis Gialos Beach 

This is another well-organised beach with tavernas, hotels, and cafes, ideal to visit when you just want to relax. Its calm waters, thin golden sand, and relaxed vibes make it a good place for families to spend the day.

If you are after adventure sports, you can find local operators offering a variety of activities, including water skiing. 

Getting there – the beach is 6 km south of Mykonos Town, and you can also get there by local bus or water taxi. Platis Gialos is also within a few km radius from Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari and Elia, making it possible to visit more than one Mykonos beach in the same day!

mykonos fisherman twilights
Mykonos can also be peaceful

7) Paraga Beach

A headland separates the two sandy beaches of Paraga, offering visitors two options, depending on what they are looking for – for this alone, Paraga Beach deserves to be mentioned as one of the best Mykonos beaches.

The southern side is more quiet, and peaceful while the northern one is busier but also more organised, and it offers water sports, music, and tavernas.

If you happen to be at Platis Gialos, Paraga Beach is only a 15-minute walk, making it ideal to experience two beaches in one day. It is also nudist-friendly.

Getting there – Paraga is really close to Platis Gialos, so you can easily get off at the Platis Gialos water taxi or bus stop and walk the rest. If you have your own vehicle, it’s about 10/15 minutes drive from Mykonos Town. 

8) Kalafati Beach

Kalafati is also located on the south coast of Mykonos, but it’s further to the east compared to the beaches mentioned above – as a result, it’s far less busy, but just as beautiful (if not more!)

The beach is wide and sandy, and there’s a constant breeze in the bay, plus some good diving and snorkelling sites nearby – making the beach popular with windsurfers and divers. 

It’s also a wonderful Mykonos family beach – there are no parties and loud music, just sea, salt and sand. You may even find it hard to believe you’re in Mykonos!

Getting there – Kalafati is 12 km from Mykonos Town, about half an hour by car or bike. There’s no water taxi, but you can hop on a local bus from Fabrika in case you don’t have a vehicle.

9) Agia Anna Beach

This is a tiny, secluded beach just to the side of Kalafati. You won’t find beach clubs, water activities or music bars. Instead, you’ll find something that is usually on short supply on Mykonos beaches – SILENCE!

There are umbrellas and sun loungers for rent, and a couple of stalls selling drinks, plus a really nice local restaurant. If you want the perfect Mykonos beach to enjoy peace and quiet, head to Agia Anna!

Getting there – Agia Anna is only 7 minutes walk from Kalafati, so you can easily follow directions to Kalafati and walk the rest.

10) Lia Beach

Another great option for those looking for a secluded atmosphere in Mykonos is Lia Beach, about 14 km from Mykonos town.

The bay is sheltered and the turquoise water is always calm, making this one of the best swimming and snorkelling beaches in Mykonos. Don’t miss it!

Getting there – Lia is 14 km from Mykonos Town, and driving takes about half an hour – the good thing is that parking isn’t usually a problem. There are no public transport options.

mykonos windmill
Besides beaches, Mykonos is famous for its windmills!

Best Beaches in Mykonos – West Coast

11) Ornos Beach

Ornos Beach is ideal for families and those in search of a quiet atmosphere. It’s well-developed, family-friendly beach about 3km from Mykonos Town, all set up with umbrellas and sun loungers.

All around the beach you’ll also find many restaurants and cafes, overlooking a beautiful bay with amazing views – one of the best is Pasaji, serving a fusion Mediterranean/Asian menu, and also offering sun loungers for rent.

Ornos Beach is great for water skiing, diving, and windsurfing, and a tad more relaxed than Paradise and Super Paradise beaches.

Getting there – this beach is one of the closest to Mykonos Town, only 3.5 km away! Driving shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes, and buses are also available.

12) Agios Ioannis Beach

Hidden away on the southwest of the island, lovely Agios Ioannis beach is ideal for those looking for privacy and serenity even during high season.

The beach is truly one of the best in Mykonos – it has splendid views of Delos island, the UNESCO-listed site just off the coast of Mykonos,

Agios Ioannis also has green-blue waters perfect swimming and snorkelling, soft sand, and a couple of wonderful family-run tavernas. This is truly the perfect Mykonos beach to enjoy some quiet time under the sun.

Getting there – Agios Ioannis is about 5 km west of Mykonos beach, about 10 minutes by car or bike. You can also get there by bus from Fabrika.

13) Agios Stefanos

This beach is just around the corner from Tourlos, the new ferry terminal in Mykonos connecting the island to Delos, Paros, Naxos and other destinations in the Cyclades and beyond. 

Besides being close to a harbour, the beach is really pretty, with spectacular sunset views over the islands of Rhenia and Delos. The flipside is that it does get busy, especially during the weekends. If you fancy something a little more hidden away, head to nearby Kapari, a beautiful nudist beach.

Sun loungers are available for rent, and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby. Tavern Limnios and Petran are two great options, serving good food at reasonable prices.

Getting there – Agios Stefanos is 5 km north of Mykonos Town. Driving takes about 10 minutes, or you can hop on a bus from the Old Port.

mykonos church view
Mykonos is full of views like this!

Best Beaches in Mykonos – North Coast

14) Megali Ammos Beach

Windsurfing is one of the most popular water sports in Mykonos, and Megali Ammos is one of the best beaches in Mykonos for wind lovers.

Those who just want to sunbathe and swim might feel a bit uncomfortable, as the wind is quite strong – but if it is wind you’re looking for, this place is a good bet. Don’t miss visiting Ioanna’s Nikos Taverna on the beach – the home-cooked food is excellent!

Getting there – this beach is walking distance from Mykonos Town, about 10/15 minutes depending on where you’re staying.

mykonos windmills
The famous windmills of Mykonos

15) Fokos Beach

There’s no public transport to Fokos Beach and no tourist infrastructure – if you’re looking for the best secluded beach in Mykonos, you found it!

There’s also an excellent family-run taverna right on the beach, called Fokos Taverna. It may sound like a hassle to reach Fokos, but trust me, it’s a great destination to escape the Mykonos crowds!

Getting there – Fokos is 12 km northeast from Mykonos Town. Driving takes 20/25 minutes, and there is no public transport. A taxi should be 20/25 euros one way.

16) Agios Sostis Beach

Agios Sostis is the best nudist beach in Mykonos, set in an idyllic, secluded location on the north of the island.

There’s fine sand, crystal-clear water and also a beach volleyball court. You can also rent sun loungers, but don’t forget to bring food with you, as there are no bars and restaurants. 

Getting there – this beach is 8 km north from Mykonos Town. There is no public transport, and parking space is limited, so a taxi is not a bad idea. It should cost about 15/20 euros each way.

17) Panormos Beach

Most beaches in northern Mykonos are well known for being really off the beaten path, hard to get to but rewarding visitors with a quiet, secluded atmosphere – which is really unusual, when thinking about Mykonos beaches!

Panormos is a little different. The beach is indeed in northern Mykonos, but it’s well set up, with umbrellas and sun loungers, and there’s also a really nice beach bar with huge bean bags, giving the beach a kind of ‘Bali atmosphere’! 

The beach is sandy, with calm blue waters. It’s definitely worth visiting!

Getting there – Panormos is 8 km northeast of Mykonos Town, and it’s one of the few beaches in Northern Mykonos with direct bus service from the Old Port.

18) Mersini Beach

There’s a reason why I’m mentioning this beach just now! This tiny beach is definitely one of the best in Mykonos, and a true hidden secret. 

It’s not far from Fokos Beach, which is already a good option if you’re looking for a quiet Mykonos beach – but Mersini is even more secluded. The flipside? You’ll have to bring everything you need, as there are no shops of any kind on or around the beach.

Getting there – it’s only 1 km from Fokos Beach, so you can follow directions to Fokos and just keep going for an extra km!

19) Ftelia Beach

This northern beach is a great option for windsurfers! It’s located on the southern part of the same lagoon where you’ll also find Panormos Beach, and due to its location, it’s almost always windy!

Ftelia beach is wide and golden, and set up with umbrellas, sun beds and a really good restaurant. If it’s not too windy, the lagoon is also a great swimming and snorkelling spot.

Getting there – Ftelia is 7 km north of Mykonos Town, and the road is partly unpaved. Driving takes about 20 minutes, make sure you exercise caution!

mykonos town
In Mykonos, you’re never too far from a beach!

Getting to Mykonos

There are two main ways to get to Mykonos – by plane or ferry. 

Mykonos Airport (JMK) is very busy in summer, with frequent flights connecting the island to other destinations in Greece, Europe and other Mediterranean countries. Several low cost airlines including EasyJet, Volotea, and Vueling fly to Mykonos, and there are great deals if you book in advance. 

Otherwise, your best option is getting around by ferry – convenient especially if you’re moving between Greek Islands, or from Mykonos to Athens. 

For ferries from Mykonos to Athens (or viceversa), book here

For ferries from Mykonos to Santorini (or viceversa), book here

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2 thoughts on “Guide to the 19 Best Beaches in Mykonos”

  1. I was in Mykonos a little over 10 years ago, too. Probably around the same time as you? Great memories of the wild parties at Paradise Beach. Sadly, I spent most of my time there during my five day stay and barely scratched the surface of what Mykonos truly has to offer. My advice to your readers is to make sure you spend time all over the island and not just get fixated on one or two beaches. Otherwise, you might miss out on some hidden gems on this world famous island.

    • That’s totally true Ray! That’s why we tried to add a few more beaches this time. Hope to visit Mykonos again soon!

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