The most famous beaches in Mykonos island; EXPLORE THE MOST RECOMMENDED AND MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES IN MYKONOS!
Mykonos is one of Europe’s most popular summer destinations and the reason is obviously its sandy 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. Those with seafront hotels attract families, and many are nudist-friendly. All offer wonderful swims in calm, crystal-clear waters, and several are perfect for water sports.
The best beaches are on the southern coast of the island, as they’re the most protected from the winds. However, those in the north are also beautiful and are usually less crowded.
The average water temperature on the island ranges from 16C to 25C (60F to 77F), depending on the time of year, but reaches about 27C (80F) in August.
Top Beaches in Mykonos
Platys Gialos Beach, Mykonos
Beautiful and with crystal-clear waters, Platys Gialos (sometimes spelled Platis Yialos) is the best beach in Mykonos. It’s a convenient starting point to discover 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, Swimming
Psarou Beach, Mykonos
There’s a reason why this is currently Mykonos’ trendiest beach — it’s great for swimming and offers a beautiful scenery. It can get crowded, but it’s undoubtedly worth a look. By the luxurious yachts, you can tell that it’s the island’s most exclusive beach and the favorite of the rich and famous. You may even bump into a local or international celebrity. Naturally, everything (sunbed rentals and restaurants) is expensive, but worth the experience if you can afford it. It’s often the choice for a honeymoon or to impress a special someone.
Beach for: Couples, Swimming
Super Paradise Beach, Mykonos
It may get crowded and loud in the afternoon, but the crystal-clear water and the views are just perfect. Although it’s a party beach, the calm waters also attract families and couples on honeymoon. 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’s almost entirely covered in sunbeds and umbrellas for rent.
Beach for: Couples, Swimming, Parties, Gay-Friendly
Elia Beach, Mykonos
It’s the largest 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 that it attracts all kinds of people. Much of it is taken over by umbrellas and sunbeds in the summer, but there’s a small section for those who prefer to lie in the sand. This sunbed-free section is usually the right side, close to the rocks which separate this beach from Agrari (see below), and is where you often see the rainbow flag and groups of men in their birthday suits.
Beach for: Swimming, Gay-Friendly, Naturism
Paradise Beach, Mykonos
It’s Mykonos’ famous party beach, filled with bars where the 20-somethings want to be at, day and night. It has plenty of places to eat, drink, and shop for beach essentials, as well as frequent bus connections to Mykonos Town. If you’re looking to dance and drink in addition to sunbathe and swim, this is where you’ll want to be. The party continues after the sun goes down and almost until sunrise, at the club above the beach. Once a popular gay destination, it’s now largely straight, as the gay crowds currently prefer Elia.
Paraga Beach, Mykonos
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 popular beaches (Agia Anna, Platys Gialos and Psarou), and easy to reach by bus. Although it has somewhat of 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
Ornos Beach, Mykonos
It’s both the most family-friendly beach in Mykonos and one of the trendiest for young people and couples. It’s a frequent stop for boats and yachts, and has many places to eat and drink, as well as several attractive hotels and resorts. For this reason, it can get crowded in July and August. Its calm waters are great for swimming.
Beach for: Couples, Families, Swimming
Kalo Livadi Beach, Mykonos
It has always been one of Mykonos’ most popular beaches, but 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
Panormos Beach, Mykonos
A former hidden secret, this remains a largely wild beach, perfect for naturists. Those tend to stay at the far end, while the area close to the parking lot has an attractive bar for music and drinks in addition to sunbathing on loungers. The location on the northern side of the island means that this is a windier beach and the sea can be rougher, but on the days when the water is calm, it’s one of the best and most relaxing beaches in all of Mykonos.
Beach for: Naturism, Gay-Friendly
Agios Sostis Beach, Mykonos
It’s the farthest beach from the more popular southern coast, so it’s relatively quiet and nudist-friendly. Unfortunately, word of mouth has made it more crowded, so it’s no longer for those seeking seclusion in July and August. Just like its neighbor Panormos (see above), it can be windy, but the water is often great for swimming.
Beach for: Couples, Naturism
Agios Ioannis Beach, Mykonos
This is a narrow, rather secluded and beautiful beach. Although it’s easy to reach by bus and there are good hotels nearby, it’s usually quieter and less crowded than the other major beaches on the island. The clear and shallow waters are good for swimming and snorkeling, and child-friendly.
Beach for: Relaxing, Swimming, Families
Agrari Beach, Mykonos
This is a long and picturesque beach, with a traditional white chapel. It’s right next to the very popular Elia (see above), but much quieter. What it does have in common with its neighbor is the fact that it’s clothing-optional and attracts a significant number of gay men. The water is often perfect for swimming.
Beach for: Naturism, Gay-Friendly, Swimming
Kalafatis Beach, Mykonos
Popular among windsurfers and families, this is the beach for you if you enjoy water sports or are traveling with the kids. It’s by a tiny fishing village, and feels less touristy than other popular beaches on the island. It remains less developed, but has a few hotels and restaurants.
Beach for: Families, Water Sports
Lia Beach, Mykonos
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. It’s the farthest beach from the center of Mykonos Town, but 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
Kapari Beach, Mykonos
This small, secluded beach, found at the bottom of a cliff, was once a secret, but hidden paradises are always discovered, so in July and August it can get crowded. Outside those months it usually provides a relaxed atmosphere for refreshing swims in clear waters. It has no facilities of any kind, so bring water and snacks. The beautiful scenery includes a view of the island of Delos.
Beach for: Relaxing, Naturism
Agios Stefanos Beach, Mykonos
The closest major beach to the port, it 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
Agia Anna Beach, Mykonos
The first of two Agia Anna beaches is a small beach between Paraga and Platys Gialos, offering a quieter and relaxing experience. If you enjoy walks by the sea, this is a good place to start, as you can walk from here to other beaches. Many people choose the large rocks to sunbathe, but most prefer to spend their time swimming in the calm waters.
Beach for: Relaxing, Swimming
Agia Anna Beach (KALAFATIS), Mykonos
Off the beaten path, this second Agia Anna is by Kalafatis and known for a restaurant nearby serving fresh fish. Once quiet, it can now get crowded in July and August, and is filled with parasols and sunbeds.
Beach for: Swimming
Fokos Beach, Mykonos
Mykonos’ wildest and most remote beach is actually not that far from the center of the island, but remains its last “undiscovered” beach. It’s nudist-friendly, and while it can be windy, there’s no more peaceful spot on the island. There are no facilities except for a very recommended restaurant. It’s not the best for swimming, as the sea here can be choppy, but the natural landscape and atmosphere is worth the trip.
Beach for: Relaxing, Naturism
Ftelia Beach, Mykonos
It’s quite a large beach, but remains nearly deserted due to frequent winds. The few people who make it here tend to be bohemians and windsurfers, who enjoy drinks, meals, and a wonderful view of the crystal-clear sea from the bar. Only a small section has sunbeds, so you’ll have plenty of space to spread your towel.
Beach for: Relaxing, Water Sports
Megali Ammos Beach, Mykonos
The closest beach to the center of Mykonos Town (the only one within walking distance) is mostly for those staying at the hotels nearby, but it’s also a relaxing spot if you want to sunbathe with a view of the island’s iconic windmills. It’s never crowded but can be windy. There are days when it’s perfect for windsurfing.
Beach for: Sunbathing, Water Sports
Old Port Beach, Mykonos
It’s a small stretch of sand, but it’s right by the old port, so for many tourists it’s an irresistible stop. The views also help, so it’s a picturesque destination before heading to the bigger and sandier beaches of the island. If you’re staying at a hotel nearby, you might also want to relax here after a walk around the maze of Mykonos Town.
Beach for: Sunbathing, Views