10 Best Beaches in Mykonos

Psarou Beach is set among some stunning scenery and it’s no surprise that things can get very crowded here during the summer. Popular with locals, visitors, and the well-heeled jet-setter crowd, this beach offers all the amenities you’d expect of a renowned beach destination and it comes with a price tag to match. There are sun loungers aplenty here and they get pricier the closer they are to the water. There are also several nearby restaurants serving up delicious, but pricey, fare.

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

Ornos Beach is well known as a family-friendly destination. While it’s certainly well set up to cater to the needs of a holidaying family, it’s also quite a trendy spot too, offering all the amenities of a full-blown resort. You’ll find lots of restaurants and bars here and the full range of beach activities from windsurfing to diving. The beach is also a popular stopping-off point for boats and yachts.

Ornos is very close to Mykonos town and is easy to reach by bus from the capital just over 2 miles away. This is a great spot if you prefer the developed resort atmosphere and all the conveniences it brings. Things can get crowded here, though. If you need a break from the crowds, the more chilled Agios Ioannis Beach is within walking distance.

The shallow, clear waters of Platys Gialos Beach make for an excellent choice if you’re looking for a dip or want to enjoy some water sports. This is a large beach that is well-served by the several hotels that sit along its edge. You’ll find ample restaurants and bars within easy reach too. Popular with families and young couples, if things are a little sedate for you, boats leave here every hour ferrying partygoers to the nearby Paradise and Super Paradise beaches.

Platys Gialos is easy to get to from Mykonos town with regular buses leaving the Fabrika terminal and taking around 15 minutes to make the journey.

Though relatively small, Paraga Beach’s popularity isn’t hurt by being within walking distance of hard-partying Paradise Beach. Given its compact size, there isn’t much privacy on this beach, though nudism is still fairly common here. The waters here are ideal for swimming and there are plenty of sunbeds to rent and lounge on. Nearby, there’s a shop selling snacks and drinks and where you can also top up your suntan supplies if you find yourself running low. There’s also a bar, complete with blaring music.

Paraga Beach is the most southerly beach on the island but is still easily reachable. It’s about 15 minutes by bus from Mykonos town, with buses leaving regularly from the Fabrika terminal. You can also reach here on foot from several of the other nearby and popular beaches such as Platys Gialos Beach and Psarou Beach.

Elia Beach is the largest stretch of coast on Mykonos. Despite its size, almost every inch of it is given over to sunbeds and umbrellas. For those who enjoy laying on the sands though, there is one corner which is beach-furniture free. This little corner of the beach is popular with gay sunseekers, many of who prefer to do their sunbathing in the nude.

This is a laid-back beach, but with all the amenities. There’s a restaurant and bar here and, if you are looking to induce a little adrenaline, jet-skis, parasailing, and windsurfing are all available too. Elia Beach is about a 25-minute bus ride from Mykonos town with regular buses leaving the capital’s Old Port terminal.

Agios Ioannis Beach is a popular destination for families and couples and offers particularly good views at sunset – it served as a setting in the ‘80s movie Shirley Valentine. Though things can get crowded during the summer months, the beach here is relatively quiet in the off season. There are the usual sunbeds and umbrellas to rent and though there are some rocks here, the waters are clear and perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

With many nearby hotels and villas and a relatively quiet beach, it’s no surprise that Agios Ioannis is a popular spot for families with children. It’s easily reachable too, at a mere 10 minute drive from Mykonos town itself.

Paradise Beach still pulls the crowds after all these years. Once a highlight of the ‘70s hippy trail, it now attracts hordes of young people drawn by its deserved reputation as a partying hotspot. During the day you'll find a relatively sedate crowd lounging on the sunbeds and sipping drinks under the shade of umbrellas. In summer, things begin to pick up around mid-afternoon when the party kicks off in earnest. It rises to a crescendo in the wee hours and only begins to wind down around sunrise when the cycle begins again.

Paradise Beach is just a 20-minute bus ride from Mykonos town. If partying is what you’re after, then this is the place for you. For those looking to chill out, however, you’d be best advised to check out one of the other nearby beaches. Luckily, there are four within easy walking distance: Agia Anna, Platys Gialos, Psarou, and Paraga.

Super Paradise Beach draws the crowds with its clear blue waters lapping on the pristine sands. Once the favourite destination among the island’s gay visitors, that title now belongs to Elia. These days nudity on Super Paradise is mostly a thing of the past and the beach draws a more diverse crowd that includes everyone from local students to families. There are plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas to lounge on here and, if partying is your thing, there’s the beach club of the same name nearby. There are also a few other beach bars and clubs here, including Jackie O and Pinky Beach. Things begin to get going in the mid-afternoon when the music volume begins to rise.

Regular shuttle buses run out to Super Paradise Beach Club from Mykonos town. You can also arrive via regular boat services from Paradise Beach and Platis Yialos Beach.

Lia Beach is a good choice for those looking to chill out away from the more hardcore party beaches such as Paradise Beach and Super Paradise Beach. The beach does have its own trendy beach club, but as it’s the farthest beach from the Mykonos town this is still a relatively relaxed destination. The crystal clear waters are perfect for snorkelling and scuba diving and there are plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas available for those in need of a serious chill.

Lia Beach might still be the farthest beach from the capital but is no longer as remote as it once was. While there is no bus service running out to the beach, it can easily be reached from the capital by rental car via a pleasant 25 minute drive through the interior countryside.

Megali Ammos Beach may not be the most attractive beach on the island, but it makes for an excellent choice for a beach day for those staying in nearby Mykonos town. As on most beaches on the island, you’ll find plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas for rent here. While you relax, you can enjoy the views of Mykonos’ iconic windmills. This is also an excellent spot for a bit of swimming or snorkelling with its reef that’s heavily populated with brightly coloured fish.

Megali Ammos Beach is just 500 metres from the old town. Despite its proximity to the town and the several nearby hotels, this beach is relatively quiet making it an excellent choice for families.