Best Beaches in Mykonos: A Complete Guide

Mykonos has a beach for every kind of traveller — and that’s not a cliché, it’s the geography. The island’s coastline shifts dramatically from one side to the other. On the south, you get the protected bays with crystal-clear turquoise water, organised sun beds, and beach clubs that run from midday into the early hours. On the north and east, exposed stretches of wild sand where the meltemi wind whips in from the Aegean and the only soundtrack is the sea.

Knowing which beach fits your plans makes a real difference. Show up at Paradise expecting a quiet swim and you’ll be surprised. Head to Fokos hoping for a lively scene and you’ll find nothing but nature — which might be exactly what you need.

This guide covers the best beaches in Mykonos by type, with honest notes on atmosphere, how to get there, and what to watch out for. No filler, just the beaches worth your time.

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Quick Overview: Mykonos Beaches by Type

💡 Use this as a cheat sheet. Full details for each beach are in the sections below.

Beach	Vibe	Best For	Crowd Level
Paradise	Party	Groups, nightlife lovers	🔴 Very High
Super Paradise	Party-chill hybrid	Couples, mixed crowd	🔴 High
Psarou	Upscale & calm	Luxury travellers	🟡 Medium
Ornos	Relaxed & family-friendly	Families, quiet swimmers	🟡 Medium
Platis Gialos	Organised & convenient	First-timers, all types	🟡 Medium
Agios Ioannis	Scenic & peaceful	Couples, sunset seekers	🟢 Low-Medium
Elia	Long & laid-back	Beach lovers, LGBTQ+	🟡 Medium
Kalafatis	Sporty & secluded	Windsurfers, adventurers	🟢 Low
Fokos	Wild & untouched	Nature seekers	🟢 Very Low
Mersini	Hidden gem	Off-the-beaten-path	🟢 Very Low

The Party Beaches

These are the beaches Mykonos is famous for worldwide. Expect sun beds from early morning, music from midday, and crowds that peak in the afternoon. If you want the full Mykonos experience, spend at least one afternoon here — just know what you’re signing up for.

Paradise Beach

Vibe: Loud, hedonistic, legendary. The original Mykonos party beach and still the most famous one on the island.

Best for: Groups of friends, party-lovers, backpackers, anyone who wants maximum energy.

Getting there: Bus from South Bus Station in Chora (€2), or taxi. Water taxis run from the old port in summer.

Insider tip: Sun beds fill up by 10am in July and August. If you want a spot, arrive early or book through the beach club directly. Prices for beds and drinks are steep — budget accordingly.

Super Paradise Beach

Vibe: Similar energy to Paradise but with noticeably cleaner water and a slightly more diverse crowd. Popular with the LGBTQ+ community and known for one of the best beach clubs on the island.

Best for: Mixed crowd, couples, LGBTQ+ travellers, those who want the party vibe with better aesthetics.

Getting there: No direct bus — take a taxi, rent a scooter, or take a water taxi from the old port.

Insider tip: The water here is genuinely stunning — deeper turquoise than Paradise. Worth coming for that alone, even if you skip the club scene.

🏖️  Psarou Beach

Vibe: Upscale and refined. Psarou has the luxury beach club scene without the chaos. Calm water, beautiful setting, and a more sophisticated crowd. Reportedly a favourite of visiting celebrities.

Best for: Couples, luxury travellers, those who want style over spectacle.

Getting there: Short drive or scooter ride from Chora. Limited parking in peak season.

Insider tip: Sun bed reservations here can cost €100+ per pair in high season. If budget is a concern, arrive early and claim one of the few free spots at the water’s edge.

The Swimming & Relaxation Beaches

These beaches offer great water and a calmer atmosphere. You’ll still find sun beds and some facilities, but the music is lower, the crowds more manageable, and the pace slower. Perfect for a proper beach day.

Ornos Beach

Vibe: Protected bay with calm, shallow water and a proper little village behind it. More local, less touristy than the south coast party beaches.

Best for: Families with children, couples who prefer calm to chaos, travellers staying in the area.

Getting there: Regular bus from South Bus Station (€2). One of the easiest beaches to reach from Chora.

Insider tip: The tavernas here serve some of the most honest food on the island at fair prices. Have lunch at Ornos instead of paying beach club prices.

Platis Gialos Beach

Vibe: One of the most organised and accessible beaches on Mykonos. Long stretch of golden sand, good facilities, and a range of water sports. Not the most dramatic setting, but reliable and convenient.

Best for: First-time visitors, families, travellers who want a full-service beach without the party.

Getting there: Bus from South Bus Station. Water taxis depart from here to Super Paradise, Agrari, and Elia.

Insider tip: Use Platis Gialos as your water taxi hub — it’s the main departure point for reaching the more remote southern beaches without a scooter.

Agios Ioannis Beach

Vibe: Quiet, scenic, and romantic. This is the beach used as a filming location for the 1989 film Shirley Valentine — the rocky headland and clear water make it one of the most photogenic on the island.

Best for: Couples, photographers, travellers who want beauty without crowds.

Getting there: Short drive or taxi from Chora. No bus service.

Insider tip: The sunset from here, with the silhouette of Delos across the water, is one of the most beautiful on the island. Position yourself well before golden hour.

Elia Beach

Vibe: The longest beach on Mykonos — a sweeping stretch of fine golden sand with clear water and a relaxed atmosphere. Popular with the LGBTQ+ community and known for a laid-back, inclusive vibe.

Best for: All types. Especially good for those who want space — even in summer you can find a quieter spot.

Getting there: Bus from South Bus Station, or water taxi from Platis Gialos.

Insider tip: Walk to the far ends of the beach — the crowds thin out quickly and the swimming is just as good.

The Hidden & Remote Beaches

These are the beaches most visitors never find — which is exactly what makes them worth the effort. No sun beds, no music systems, no menus. Just you, the Aegean, and the wind. A car or scooter is usually needed to reach them.

Fokos Beach

Vibe: Wild, windswept, and completely undeveloped. One of the last truly natural beaches on Mykonos — no facilities, no crowds, just a long stretch of sand facing the open Aegean.

Best for: Nature lovers, those who want complete solitude, experienced beach-goers who come prepared.

Getting there: Car or ATV via an unpaved road from the village of Ano Mera. Not accessible by bus.

Insider tip: Bring everything you need — water, food, shade. The meltemi wind can be strong here on the north coast. That same wind keeps the beach almost deserted even in August.

Mersini Beach

Vibe: A small, hidden cove in the northeast of the island. Rarely mentioned in mainstream guides, which keeps it blissfully quiet. The water is clear and calm when the wind is right.

Best for: Off-the-beaten-path seekers, travellers with their own transport.

Getting there: Car or scooter required — the road is narrow and partially unpaved.

Insider tip: Go on a calm day. The cove is sheltered from the worst of the meltemi, but north-facing beaches can be choppy. Check wind conditions before you head out.

Kapari Beach

Vibe: A tiny, isolated pebble beach below the lighthouse road. Minimal facilities, rocky entry into the water, but a genuine sense of being off the tourist trail.

Best for: Adventurous swimmers, those who don’t mind a short hike down.

Getting there: Park near the lighthouse and walk down. Not suitable for anyone with mobility issues.

Insider tip: The view back up at the lighthouse from the water is worth the scramble down alone.

Family-Friendly Beaches

Mykonos isn’t typically marketed as a family destination, but several beaches are well-suited to travelling with children — calm water, shallow entry, and good facilities nearby.

• Ornos Beach — the top choice for families. Shallow, calm water, a village with restaurants and ice cream, and easy bus access from Chora.
• Platis Gialos — wide, organised, and safe. The water sports equipment rental is a hit with older kids.
• Agios Stefanos — on the north coast near the new port. Very calm water, local crowd, and an easy walk from the ferry terminal.
• Tourlos Beach — small and quiet, close to the port. Good for a quick dip with young children without going far.

💡 For a full family-friendly island alternative, Crete offers far more in terms of kid-oriented activities and calmer beaches across the board. Read: Crete with Kids: A Family-Friendly Guide [LINK: /islands/crete/family-guide/]

How to Get to the Beaches

By Bus (KTEL)

Mykonos has two bus stations in Chora — the South Station (for most beaches: Ornos, Platis Gialos, Paradise, Elia) and the North Station (for Agios Stefanos and the airport area). Tickets cost €2–3 per journey and buses run frequently in summer. It’s the cheapest option and perfectly reliable for the popular beaches.

By Water Taxi

Water taxis depart from the old port in Chora and from Platis Gialos. They serve Super Paradise, Agrari, Elia, and a few other beaches. Great for combining beach-hopping with a boat ride — the views from the water are excellent.

By Scooter or ATV

The most flexible option. You can reach virtually every beach on the island, including the remote ones that buses don’t serve. Rent from any of the dozens of shops in Chora or at the port. Prices range from €20–40/day depending on the vehicle and season.

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By Taxi

Available from Chora’s main taxi rank. Convenient but limited in numbers — during peak hours, wait times can be long. Better for short trips than for reaching distant beaches.

Practical Beach Tips for Mykonos

• Arrive early at the popular beaches — sun beds at Paradise and Psarou are gone by 10am in July and August. 8:30–9am arrivals get the best spots.
• Bring cash — many smaller beach bars and water taxi operators are cash-only. ATMs in Chora can have queues.
• The meltemi wind — a strong northern wind that blows across the Cyclades, mostly in July and August. North-facing beaches get it worst; south-facing bays are sheltered. Check wind forecasts if you’re planning a remote beach day.
• Sun beds are expensive — expect €20–40 per pair at most organised beaches, significantly more at Psarou and the main party beaches. Budget for this or plan to bring your own mat.
• Water clarity — Mykonos has some of the clearest water in the Cyclades. Even the busier beaches have excellent visibility. The south coast bays are noticeably calmer and more protected than the north.
• Nudism — tolerated at Super Paradise, Elia (far end), and Fokos. Elsewhere, standard swimwear is expected.

📝 NOTE FOR YOU: A ‘Best Time of Day to Visit Each Beach’ section (with a simple table) would perform well here for featured snippets. Consider adding this when expanding the article.

Explore More About Mykonos

• Mykonos Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know
• Best Hotels & Boutique Stays in Mykonos [LINK: /islands/mykonos/best-hotels/]
• Mykonos Nightlife & Things to Do [LINK: /islands/mykonos/things-to-do/]
• Island Hopping in Greece: The Ultimate Guide [LINK: /islands/island-hopping-guide/]
• Best Greek Islands for Couples [LINK: /islands/best-islands-couples/]
• Getting Around Greece: Ferries, Flights & Cars [LINK: /travel-tips/getting-around/]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best beach in Mykonos?

It depends entirely on what you want. For swimming and scenery without the crowds, Agios Ioannis and Elia are hard to beat. For the full Mykonos party experience, Paradise or Super Paradise. For luxury and calm, Psarou. For complete solitude, Fokos.

Which beaches in Mykonos are best for couples?

Agios Ioannis is one of the most romantic — quiet, scenic, and beautiful at sunset. Psarou offers an upscale, intimate atmosphere. Super Paradise is a good option if you want some energy without the full chaos of Paradise Beach.

Are the beaches in Mykonos crowded?

The popular south coast beaches are very crowded in July and August. Outside of peak season, or if you’re willing to seek out the lesser-known spots, you can find genuine peace. The remote north and east coast beaches are quiet even at the height of summer.

Can you swim at all Mykonos beaches?

Yes, though some are better for swimming than others. The sheltered south coast bays (Ornos, Platis Gialos, Psarou) have calm, clear water ideal for swimming. On the north coast, the meltemi wind can create choppy conditions — check conditions before visiting remote beaches.

Which Mykonos beach is best for families?

Ornos is consistently the best choice — shallow, calm, easy to reach by bus, and with good facilities nearby. Platis Gialos and Agios Stefanos are also solid family options.

Is Paradise Beach worth visiting?

If you want to experience the famous Mykonos beach club scene, yes — it’s a spectacle unlike anything else in the Cyclades. Go in expecting a party, not a peaceful swim. If crowds, loud music, and high prices aren’t your thing, skip it and head to Elia or Agios Ioannis instead.

How do I get to Paradise Beach from Mykonos Town?

The most affordable option is the bus from the South Bus Station in Chora (€2, runs frequently in summer). You can also take a taxi or water taxi from the old port.

Are there any free beaches in Mykonos?

Yes — technically all beaches in Greece are public, and you’re not obligated to rent a sun bed anywhere. At organised beaches, you’ll be expected to purchase from the bar if you use their beds. For genuinely free beach experiences, head to Fokos, Mersini, or Kapari where there are no facilities at all.

Plan Your Mykonos Beach Day

Get the logistics sorted before you arrive — transport, accommodation, and the best tours on the island:

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