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The Best Beaches in Mykonos

Greece › Mykonos › Best Beaches
Updated: January 6, 2026 • By Santorini Dave

My Top Mykonos Beach Hotels

Best Mykonos Beach Hotel on Ornos

One of my favorite beach hotels in Greece: Mykonos Blanc on beautiful Ornos Beach.

Mykonos Beaches – My Advice

Me walking on a Mykonos Beach.

     

  • The Golden Rule: Mykonos and Naxos have the best sandy beaches in the Cyclades. Unlike Santorini (volcanic pebbles) or Milos (rocky lunar landscapes), Mykonos offers soft, golden sand and shallow turquoise water.

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  • Choosing Your Beach Vibe: For the best party scene, head to Paradise (young, loud), Super Paradise (LGBTQ+ friendly, intense), or Paraga (trendy day-clubs like Scorpios and SantAnna). For luxury and people-watching, Psarou is the place (home to Nammos). Families and those wanting a relaxed vibe should stick to Platis Gialos or Ornos. If you want quiet, try Lia, Fokos, or the amenity-free Agios Sostis.

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  • The “Meltemi” Wind Tip: Mykonos is known as the “Island of the Winds.” When the strong north wind (Meltemi) is blowing, stick to the South Coast beaches (Platis Gialos, Ornos, Paradise, Psarou) which are protected by the hills. Avoid the North Coast beaches (Panormos, Ftelia) unless you are a windsurfer.

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  • Getting Around: The bus is easy, cheap, and runs frequently from the Fabrika terminal in Mykonos Town to all major south coast beaches until late at night. The Water Taxi is the most fun way to explore; small boats shuttle passengers along the south coast, hopping from Ornos and Platis Gialos to Paraga, Paradise, Super Paradise, and Elia. It’s a great way to see 3 or 4 beaches in one day.

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  • The Coastal Walk: If you are moderately fit, walking the coastal path from Psarou to Paradise Beach (via Platis Gialos and Paraga) is a highlight. It takes about an hour (without stops) and offers incredible views and idyllic swim spots.

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  • Booking Advice: Luxury hotels need to be booked 6-8 months in advance, while budget hotels should be booked 3–5 months out. For sunbeds in July and August, prime beach clubs like Nammos and Scorpios require reservations weeks in advance. For standard sunbeds at places like Platis Gialos, arrive by 10:30 am to secure a spot.

Where are the best beaches on Mykonos?

View from above Psarou Beach with Platis Gialos and Agia Anna Beaches in Mykonos

Here you can see Psarou Beach in the foreground, next on the left is Platis Gialos Beach, then near the top of the picture you can see Agia Anna Beach, and on the far top side of that little peninsula is Paraga Beach (not visible). A little farther around the corner (just off the top of the photo) is Paradise Beach. All of these beaches are connected by a footpath along the coast. A highlight of a trip to Mykonos is to walk between these five beaches – swimming, drinking, and eating along the way. You can take the Mykonos water taxi back if you’re out of energy. The water taxi also visits Ornos Beach.

The best beaches on Mykonos are along the south coast of the island where they are protected from the sometimes brisk winds that blow from the north. The beaches along the north can look great in pictures but will often be quite windy – especially in July and August. That said, they are much quieter and if you catch them on a peaceful day you’ll have a beautiful beach nearly all to yourself.

Map of Mykonos Beaches

Map of the best beaches on Mykonos Island, Greece
Hotels on Map: Mykonos Grand • Saint John Hotel & Spa • Mykonos Ammos • Mykonos Blanc • Mykonos Blu • Nissaki Boutique • Acrogiali • Mykonos Kosmoplaz Beach Resort • Mykonos Palace • Branco Mykonos • Sunrise Hotel and Suites • Myconian Imperial Resort & Villas

The 19 Best Beaches on Mykonos

See Also
• Best Places to Stay in Mykonos
• Best Hotels in Mykonos
• Best Family Hotels in Mykonos

1. Platis Gialos Beach

My favorite beach in Mykonos.
The best beach on Mykonos. Lively, wide, and beautiful with many restaurants, some of the island’s best hotels, a mini-market, and direct buses to the Fabrika bus station in Mykonos Town. Located about 5 km southeast of Mykonos Town and on the water taxi route that goes west to Ornos and east past the party beaches (Paraga, Paradise, and Super Paradise) all the way to Elia Beach.

Recommended Platis Gialos Beach Hotels

2. Ornos Beach

One of my favorite beaches in Mykonos.
An absolutely beautiful beach with many tavernas and good beach clubs. (If you’ve read somewhere on my site that Ornos is my favorite beach it’s because I flip back and forth between it and PG, depending on where I most recently stayed.) Ornos is the most family-friendly beach on Mykonos (followed closely by Platis Gialos and Psarou). This is the westernmost beach along the water-taxi route. Located 3 km south of Mykonos Town with frequent bus connections to the Fabrika bus station there – no need for a car.

Recommended Ornos Beach Hotels

3. Psarou Beach

View of Psarou Beach from Mykonos Blu Resort
A magical beach set in a cove and protected from the wind, Psarou offers calm waters ideal for beginning swimmers and soft golden sand. A few luxe resorts sit near the water, though the area is best known as the home of the Nammos Village luxury mall and Nammos Restaurant, an upscale beach club. The bus to Mykonos Town stops here regularly, though you’ll need to walk to Platis Gialos to reach the water taxi.

Recommended Psarou Beach Hotels

4. Paraga Beach

Beachgoers in front of the beach clubs on Paraga in Mykonos
One of the three main party beaches in Mykonos, Paraga is home to the chic Scorpios beach club and lively SantAnna Mykonos, where you’ll find the largest saltwater pool in Europe. A short walk takes you to relaxed Agia Anna Beach (the first of three beaches in Mykonos called Agia Anna), with a more casual atmosphere and dining. Buses to Mykonos Town’s Fabrika station (but not the water taxi) run regularly from Paraga.

Recommended Paraga Beach Hotels

5. Elia Beach

People swimming at Elia Beach in Mykonos
The longest beach on Mykonos and home to some of the island’s very best resorts. Plenty of space on the sand to spread out a blanket if you prefer not skip renting a sunbed, but only one restaurant here. In high season there are six or seven buses a day from Mykonos Town (Old Port bus station) to Elia. Elia is the easternmost stop along the water taxi route that connects to many southern beaches. Lots of parking here if you have a rental car. Located 11 km southeast of Mykonos Town.

Recommended Elia Beach Hotels

6. Paradise Beach

Beach clubs line Paradise Beach in Mykonos
A young, lively party-beach with many bars spilling out onto the sand, namely Cavo Paradiso, Tropicana, and Paradise Club. Parties begin in the afternoon and carry on until late into the night. Buses go directly from the Fabrika bus station in Mykonos Town to Paradise Beach, and the beach is located along the water-taxi route. Paradise Beach was once the most popular gay beach but leans more straight these days, especially in the low and shoulder seasons, when families tend to take over. Located 6 km south of Mykonos Town.

Recommended Paradise Beach Hotels

7. Super Paradise Beach

Sunbathers, swimmers, and boats on Super Paradise Beach in Mykonos
A small beach with plenty of activity and four beach bars with parties starting in the late afternoons. Probably the most gay-friendly beach on Mykonos; a sunset drag show is held nightly at Jackie O’ Beach Club, overlooking the sea. A private shuttle service runs between the Fabrika station in Mykonos Town and Super Paradise every couple of hours. There are small boats from Platis Gialos and Paradise Beach to Super Paradise Beach, and Super Paradise is located along the water-taxi route. Located 7 km southeast of Mykonos Town.

Recommended Super Paradise Beach Hotels

8. Agios Ioannis Beach

Sunbathers on the public side of Agios Ioannis Beach in Mykonos
A beautiful, quiet (but narrow) sandy beach, with some rock shelves near the shore in some parts. Sunset views face the archaeological site of Delos Island. Two tavernas and beach clubs serve directly to the beach with sunbed/umbrella sets to rent. Direct buses in high season to Mykonos Town’s Fabrika bus station. Located 5 km south of Mykonos Town.

Recommended Agios Ioannis Beach Hotels

9. Agrari Beach

Lifeguard stand on Agrari Beach in Mykonos
The quietest, most secluded of the south coast beaches, plus great sand. There is only one restaurant onsite, belonging to a cute little boutique hotel there. The water taxi stops here, but there is no bus service. The nearest bus stop is at Elia Beach, about a 15-minute walk away. You’ll want a rental car if you stay here. Located 10 km southeast of Mykonos Town.

Recommended Agrari Beach Hotels

10. Megali Ammos Beach

Surf breaking on the rocks at Megali Ammos Beach near Mykonos Town
Nice sand and swimming but can be windy. It’s an easy walk from the Chora. Located 500m south of Mykonos Town.

Recommended Megali Ammos Beach Hotels

11. Lia Beach

Sunbeds and a boat at Lia Beach in Mykonos
Beautiful beach that’s quiet and has great swimming. Also a good snorkeling beach. No public transit. Located 14 km east of Mykonos Town.

Recommended Lia Beach Hotels

12. Fokos Beach

Calm sea view of Fokos Beach in Mykonos
A quiet and secluded beach, rarely busy even in the summer months. Refreshing water with great clarity. There are no tourist facilities here, but there is an amazing taverna just off the beach. The taverna is worth a trip in itself. The few buildings scattered on the hills near the beach are private villas. No public buses come to Fokos – you’ll need to get here by private transportation. Located 13 km northeast of Mykonos Town.

Recommended Fokos Beach Hotels

13. Kalafatis Beach

Tree-lined Kalafatis Beach with sunbeds and umbrellas in Mykonos
Kalafatis Beach is located on the coast of a tiny village of the same name. Long enough, wide enough, and remote enough to never get very crowded, even in the peak season. This tree-shaded beach is best known for windsurfing and can get a little wavy. There is a water sport center and scuba diving on the north end of the beach, while the south end is use mostly by swimmers and snorkelers. Travelers with disabilities can make use of the SEATRAC access ramp into the water. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available to rent, thought there’s plenty of open space to spread out your own blanket instead. Restaurants sit at either end of the beach (the best are on the south side).

Recommended Kalafatis Beach Hotels

14. Kalo Livadi Beach

View from above Kalo Livadi Beach in Mykonos
Rapidly developing Kalo Livadi Beach on Mykonos’ south coast has seen several brand new luxury hotels and a couple of beach clubs (namely, Solymar and Lohan Beach Club) pop up on its shore and surrounding hills in the past few years. But this broad swathe of sand still offers plenty of space for visitors to spread a blanket and claim. Bus service runs regularly in the high season from the Old Port of Mykonos Town via Ano Mera, but the beach sits just a tad too far east for the water taxi, which helps reduce some of the crowds. Angled slightly to the southeast, Kalo Livadi does see a bit more wind than most other south coast beaches.

Recommended Kalo Livadi Beach Hotels

15. Agios Sostis Beach

View of the sea and Agios Sostis Beach in Mykonos
Remote, uncrowded beach set back in a small cove with golden sand. The water is shallow for a good distance out from shore with calm waters, though its north coast location means it gets windy, especially in the height of summer. Aside from the beach itself, the biggest draw here is Kiki’s Tavern, with a rustic menu and free wine while you wait for a table (they don’t take reservations). There is a second, smaller beach right below the tavern. No bus service this far north; you’ll need a rental car to stay here.

Recommended Agios Sostis Beach Hotels

16. Kapari Beach

Kapari Beach set in a small bay in Mykonos
Once a “secret” beach, word has gotten out about its crisp, sapphire waters, relative seclusion, and sunset views. This is one of only a very few number of totally undeveloped beaches on the island; you’ll find no restaurants, sunbed rentals, or hotels in the immediate vicinity. No bus routes serve Kapari directly, but the Agios Ioannis bus stop is only a 15-minute walk away.

Recommended Kapari Beach Hotels

17. Agios Stefanos Beach

View from above Agios Stefanos Beach and a cruise ship at the New Port in Mykonos
Agios Stefanos is the beach closest to the ferry port at Tourlos, north of Mykonos Town. Angled toward the southwest and set in a natural bay, this sandy beach with shallow water is shielded from the winds. Popular with both couples and families, travelers will find sunbed rentals, casual tavernas, a mini market, fantastic sunsets, and views of the ferries and cruise ships arriving and departing. Frequent bus connections to the Old Port of Mykonos Town and the ferry port (New Port).

Recommended Agios Stefanos Beach Hotels

18. Panormos Beach

Panormos Village Resort overlooks Principote Beach Club on Panormos Beach in Mykonos
Soft golden sand with no rocks make this northern beach a popular spot for swimming, especially when the wind is coming from the south. Two upscale boutique hotels, an excellent restaurant, and a swanky beach club sit at the north end of the beach, but there is still a lot of space on the southern half for setting up on your own patch of sand. At the farthest south end, there is sometimes nude swimming and sunbathing. Currently, there is no bus service connecting to Panormos (there used to be a bus here) and it remains to be seen if it will return. As of now, plan on having your own car to get here.

Recommended Panormos Beach Hotels

19. Old Port Beach

The little beach at the Old Port in Mykonos Town, also called Agia Anna Beach
Also called Agia Anna Beach, the Old Port Beach sits at the north end of Mykonos Town. Not the most tranquil beach on the island, but it is the closest swimming spot for travelers staying in town, and it’s perfectly fine for a quick dip. The beach has a lifeguard as well as a SEATRAC access ramp for swimmers with disabilities. Restaurants, tavernas, shops, and hotels abound, though there are none directly on the beach and no sunbed/umbrella sets to rent. Close to the bus station at the Old Port and just a 10-minute walk to the Fabrika bus station.

Recommended Old Port Beach Hotels

Mykonos Beach Clubs

Mykonos Water Taxi

The Mykonos Water Taxi runs along the island’s south coast, stopping to pick up and drop off passengers at 7 different beaches along the way from late morning to early evening. The main departure beach for the water taxi is Platis Gialos, easily accessible by bus or taxi. Mykonos Water Taxi fare is 20€ for an all-day, all-beach pass.

Beaches on the Mykonos Water Taxi Route:

Ornos • Platis Gialos • Paraga • Paradise • Super Paradise • Agrari • Elia

Water taxi between the beaches of Mykonos

The water taxi at Ornos Beach. The walk from Platis Gialos Beach to Paradise Beach is great. Use the water taxi to fill in the gaps.

Schedule and prices for water taxi in Mykonos

The schedule can and will change but this should give you a general idea: the water taxi leaves Ornos and travels east to Platis Gialos, Paraga, Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari, and Elia Beaches. It then returns in the opposite direction.

Beach resort with private beach in Mykonos.

The private beach at Petasos Beach Resort & Spa in Platis Gialos, Mykonos.

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About Santorini Dave

Santorini Dave in Athens, Greece Santorini Dave was started in 2011 when I posted a short guide to visiting Santorini with kids. Now, my site publishes regularly updated guides to Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, Crete, Athens, and all of Greece.

Questions? Email me at dave@santorinidave.com.