The best beaches in Mykonos are Psarou and Platis Gialos for organised luxury, Paradise and Super Paradise for parties, Elia, Kalo Livadi and Agrari for long sandy days, Agios Ioannis and Kapari for sunsets, and Agios Sostis and Fokos for wild, quiet nature. This local guide covers 16 beaches, what each one is best for and how to get there.
Mykonos Beaches at a Glance
Use this table to compare the beaches quickly. Distances are from Mykonos Town.
| Beach | Best for | Organised | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ornos | Families, water sports | Yes | 3.5 km |
| Agios Ioannis | Sunset, views of Delos | Partly | 5 km |
| Kapari | Quiet sunset swim | No | 5.5 km |
| Platis Gialos | Families, water taxi hub | Yes | 5 km |
| Psarou | Luxury beach clubs | Yes | Next to Platis Gialos |
| Agios Stefanos | Easy beach near the New Port | Partly | 5 km |
| Paradise | Parties | Yes | 6 km |
| Paraga | Beach bars and a calmer cove | Partly | 7 km |
| Ftelia | Windsurfing | Partly | 7 km |
| Super Paradise | Parties, LGBTQ friendly | Yes | 7.5 km |
| Agios Sostis | Wild nature, no crowds | No | 7.7 km |
| Agrari | Calm water, sheltered from wind | Partly | 8 km |
| Kalo Livadi | Long beach, relaxed days | Yes | 11 km |
| Elia | The longest sandy beach | Yes | 11.7 km |
| Kalafatis | Windsurfing, quiet stays | Yes | 13 km |
| Fokos | Seclusion | No | 13 km |
South Coast Beaches Close to Town
The south coast beaches nearest to Mykonos Town are sheltered, sandy and well organised, which makes them the easiest choice for most visitors.
Ornos Beach
Ornos is a sandy bay with fine sand and azure water, surrounded by seafront restaurants and cafés. It has sunbeds, a diving school and water sports, and boats stop in the bay. It is one of the liveliest seaside areas of the island and a favourite with families. Read more about villas in Ornos.
Platis Gialos
Platis Gialos is one of the most popular beaches of Mykonos, with golden sand, turquoise water and shallow depths that suit small children. It is fully organised, lined with hotels and restaurants, and it is the main hub of the summer water taxi to the south coast beaches.
Psarou
Psarou is one of the trendiest beaches on the island, home to the upscale Nammos beach club and a bay often filled with yachts. Sunbeds here are among the most expensive in Mykonos. The easiest way to arrive is the bus to Platis Gialos followed by a short walk.
Paraga
Paraga is actually two sandy beaches divided by a headland. The northern side is lively and organised, with beach bars and tavernas, while the southern side is calmer with no facilities. Paraga is on both the bus and the water taxi routes.
Party Beaches: Paradise and Super Paradise
Paradise Beach
Paradise is the most famous party beach of Mykonos. Its beach bars and clubs host events with internationally known DJs in summer. It is easy to reach by bus from Mykonos Town (Fabrika) or by water taxi.
Super Paradise Beach
Super Paradise has soft golden sand and crystal clear water, and in the evening DJs turn it into an open air club. The Jackie O’ beach bar is a well known meeting point for the LGBTQ community. It gets very crowded in peak season, so families usually visit early in the morning.
Long Sandy Beaches of the South East
Agrari
Agrari is much calmer than its neighbours and, thanks to its shape, rarely affected by the northern winds. Part of the beach is organised with sunbeds and a water sports centre, while the rest is untouched sand.
Elia
Elia is the longest sandy beach of Mykonos. It is fully organised, with taverns, bars, water skiing, parasailing and windsurfing, yet its atmosphere is calmer than the party beaches. Elia is the last stop of the water taxi and also has its own bus terminal. See our villas in Elia.
Kalo Livadi
Kalo Livadi is one of the longest beaches on the island, with clear turquoise water, umbrellas, sundecks, restaurants and beach bars. It lies between Kalafatis and Elia and is served by the bus from the Old Port. Explore villas in Kalo Livadi.
Kalafatis
Kalafatis is a large golden sand beach on the east coast with natural shade from trees. One part is used for water sports and windsurfing, the other for swimming, and the area has stayed off the beaten track. Discover villas in Kalafatis.
Three villas in Kalafatis with pools and sea views, including Combo Kalafatis for up to 22 guests.
Villas in KalafatisSunset Beaches on the West Coast
Agios Ioannis
Agios Ioannis has soft sand, clear water ideal for snorkelling and wide views across the channel to Delos, with some of the best sunsets on Mykonos. It is calm and relaxed, with umbrellas from private establishments but no water sports. Scenes of the film Shirley Valentine were shot here.
Kapari
Kapari is one of the few completely unorganised beaches of Mykonos, set behind the chapel of Agios Ioannis. Its water is clear and calm and it is an excellent spot to watch the sunset. Follow the signs carefully, as the route is a little tricky, or walk about 10 minutes from the Agios Ioannis bus stop.
Villa Aegeas in Ornos, a short drive from Agios Ioannis and Kapari, with 11 bedrooms and sea views.
Villas in OrnosWild and Quiet Beaches in the North
Agios Sostis
Agios Sostis is an unspoiled sandy beach about 250 metres long, with no sunbeds or facilities, which is exactly why people love it. There is no bus, so you park on the road and walk down the hill. A hidden taverna on the way is a favourite for lunch.
Ftelia
Ftelia is a peaceful, uncrowded sandy beach with turquoise water, famous among windsurfers thanks to the northern Meltemi wind, which is strongest in July and August (see the best time to visit Mykonos). A beach bar at one end offers umbrellas, and a neolithic settlement lies right next to the beach.
Fokos
Fokos is a wide, secluded sandy beach near the Marathi lake, reached only by car after a turn in Ano Mera. It has no umbrellas or sunbeds, just one traditional taverna, and the sea can be choppy when the wind blows.
Agios Stefanos
Agios Stefanos is a partly organised sandy beach with a church at one end and a small settlement on the hill, with restaurants, cafés and mini markets nearby. It is quieter than the south coast beaches and only 1.3 km from the New Port in Tourlos.
Best Mykonos Beaches by Type
Ornos and Platis Gialos, with shallow water, sunbeds and restaurants.
Agios Ioannis for clear water and snorkelling, and Agrari for calm, sheltered sea.
Paradise and Super Paradise, with DJs and beach clubs in summer.
Psarou, home of Nammos, and the organised sands of Platis Gialos.
Agios Ioannis and Kapari on the west coast.
Agios Sostis and Fokos, with no sunbeds and few people.
How to Get to the Beaches in Mykonos
For timetables, stations and tips, read our full guide to getting around Mykonos.
- Bus: buses from Mykonos Town (Fabrika) serve Ornos, Agios Ioannis, Platis Gialos, Paraga, Paradise and Elia, and buses from the Old Port serve Kalo Livadi and Kalafatis.
- Water taxi: from late spring to early autumn, boats link Platis Gialos with Paraga, Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari and Elia.
- Car or private transfer: the only way to reach Agios Sostis, Ftelia and Fokos, which have no bus service.
Staying in a private villa near the coast makes beach days much easier. Browse our Mykonos travel guide for more tips, read the best areas to stay in Mykonos, or send us an inquiry and we will suggest a villa close to your favourite beach. Our villa rental guide explains how to choose and book with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the nicest beach on Mykonos?
It depends on what you like. Psarou and Platis Gialos are the most polished, Elia is the longest sandy beach, Agios Ioannis has the best sunset views, and Agios Sostis is the most unspoiled.
Are there free beaches in Mykonos?
Yes. Unorganised beaches such as Agios Sostis, Fokos and Kapari have no sunbeds at all, and the southern side of Paraga has no facilities, so you can simply lay down your towel.
What are the best beaches in Mykonos for families?
Ornos and Platis Gialos are the best choices for families, with shallow, sheltered water, sunbeds, restaurants and easy bus access from Mykonos Town.
What are the best beaches in Mykonos for swimming?
Agios Ioannis has clear water that is ideal for swimming and snorkelling, Agrari is rarely affected by the northern winds, and Platis Gialos has calm, shallow water.
Where to avoid in Mykonos?
Avoid Paradise and Super Paradise if you want a quiet day, since they are the party beaches. On windy days, the north coast beaches such as Ftelia and Fokos can have choppy sea.
What to be careful of at Mykonos beaches?
Check the wind before you go, as the Meltemi can make the north coast rough. Sunbeds at the famous beach clubs are expensive, and some wild beaches like Agios Sostis need a walk down a steep path.
Where are the best beaches in Mykonos located?
Most of the famous beaches are on the south coast, from Ornos and Platis Gialos to Paradise, Elia and Kalafatis. The west coast has sunset beaches like Agios Ioannis, and the north has wild beaches such as Agios Sostis and Ftelia.
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