Mykonos beaches: The 12 most beautiful swimming spots

On June 10, 1961, Jackie Kennedy, the wife of the US president at the time, visited the island of Mykonos for the first time and was enchanted from the start. There was no sign of today’s hustle and bustle at that time, fishermen and farmers welcomed them solemnly. The golden Mykonos beaches, surrounded by the few white houses, exuded a special charm.

“The picturesque beaches were responsible for the fact that the former farming island has developed into one of the most popular travel destinations in Greece.”

Since then, the triumphal march of Mykonos has been unstoppable. Where decades ago there were still farms, luxury villas now dominate the landscape. Mykonos is no longer a tranquil island, but cosmopolitan and lively at any time of the day. Despite the hustle and bustle, there are enough quiet places for a fairly relaxed beach holiday on Mykonos.

In this article, we take you on a beach hopping trip to the famous Greek party island and introduce you to the Mykonos’ most beautiful beaches also present our favourite bathing spots:

Mykonos beaches in the west

Large parts of the west coast have golden beaches with coarse sand. You can also sunbathe on the beach in Mykonos Town, but we do not recommend jumping into the cool water because of the busy ship traffic (ferry, cruise and excursion boats). On the Little Venice Beach we have never seen anyone bathe.

The most popular city beach is the Paralia Choras Mikonou on the shore of the old port. It is not open and is frequented by both locals and tourists for sunbathing – ideal for a short break after a long walk through the city.

A nice mini beach is located south of the windmills of Mykonos. Below the eponymous chapel Agios Charalambos is still a real beach insider tip of Mykonos, which is visited by only a few locals in summer.

Only 800 m south of the windmills is the Megali Ammos Beach, the largest beach in Mykonos Town. Due to its north-west exposure, a lot of flotsam washes ashore. It looks even worse at Korfos, fantastically beautiful from a distance, heavily polluted up close.

#1 Agios Stefanos Beach

Popular sandy beach in the northwest of Mykonos, about 10 minutes drive from Chora. The Saint Stefanos Bar rented sunbeds from 30 € per couple. In case of busy ferry traffic, it is recommended to swim at Agios Stefanos short, as fast catamarans in particular can trigger high waves. Only a few parking spaces are available along the waterfront, but there is a bus stop right on the beach.

→ Hotel tips at Agios Stefanos Beach (links to Booking.com*):

• Mykonos Princess Hotel*
• Zisis Pension*

#2 Kapari Beach

Despite its remote location, the former Mykonos beach insider tip has long since ceased to be a hidden gem. Nevertheless, great scenery: turquoise blue sea meets fine gray sandy beach, surrounded by granite rocks. You should not drive on the bad gravel road by car, as there is no possibility to turn around. The best thing to do is to take the bus to Agios Ioannis. There is no operator on Kapari Beach, it is a perfect natural Mykonos Beach.

#3 Agios Ioannis Beach

Long beach on the bay of the same name, which is divided into small segments with granite rocks. In order to Paralia Agios Ioannis there are some Mykonos Hotels, as well as two beach restaurants, some of which rent umbrellas for 60-80 € a pair. We bathed on the quiet beach sections in the west near the chapel Ag. Ioannis Diakoftis and felt very comfortable there.

→ Hotel tips at Agios Ioannis Beach (links to Booking.com*):

• Lithos by Spyros & Flora*
• Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort*

Mykonos beaches in the south

#4 Paradise Beach

To the south, the beach paradise of Mykonos continues with picturesque sandy beaches. No wonder that the island’s most famous bathing spot also bears the name Paradise Beach bears. However, the beach is only really paradisiacal in winter. In summer, it is literally overflowing with people. In May, there were still a few vacancies. Free parking is available.

Numerous bars fill the sun worshippers with sound from the afternoon, the rather simple food is overpriced and the prices for beach loungers start from 30 € in low season and from 60 € in summer. The foremost berths are significantly more expensive all year round. Some beach bars even require a minimum consumption for the use of the loungers.

The Bar Baladaya Mykonos made the most serious impression on us. If all this is too much hustle and bustle for you, you can switch to the beaches further east. The hip dance club Cavo Paradiso is located south of the beach. If you’re looking for a party, you can test your patience at the bouncers and, depending on the DJ, pay from €80 for admission.

→ Hotel tips at Paradise Beach (links to Booking.com*):

• Tropicana Hotel, Suites & Villas Mykonos*
• Eden View Suites & Villas*

#5 Elia Beach

Elia Beach, which is about 11 km by car from Paradise Beach, is much more relaxed. The beach consists mainly of sand and the sea shimmers in the most beautiful shades of blue. Free parking is available as well as beach umbrella rental (from €40 p.p.), simple bars and water sports providers. The eastern section of the beach is the quietest, where FFK is tolerated.

→ Hotel tips at Elia Beach (links to Booking.com*):

• Elia Mykonos Resort by the Sea*
• Boheme Beach Houses*

#6 Kalo Livadi

Kalo Livadi Beach is located just one bay further west of Elia and is one of our favorite beaches. The wide beach is not yet so heavily built up with hotels and villas and is therefore still largely natural. Two mediocre beach restaurants rent loungers from 30 € a couple. You can park directly behind the beach. Accommodation in the region is also good value for money.

→ Hotel tips at Kalo Livadi Beach (links to Booking.com*):

• Seaside Studios*
• Mykonos Bliss*

💡 Ornos, Platis Gialos & Super Paradise Beach: There are some popular beaches on Mykonos, you don’t have to go there. Why? Because they are simply overcrowded. Like sardines in a can, the holidaymakers lie close to each other on the beach, some of which you can’t see anymore because of all the deck chairs. The beaches of Ornos and Platis Gialos as well as the hyped Super Paradise Beach are the epitome of Greek mass tourism. We didn’t get into the holiday mood.

Mykonos beaches in the east

#7 Kalafati Beach

About 15 minutes by car (10 km) from Mykonos Town, largely spared from mass tourism, the approx. 600 m long Kalafati Beach as a true beach pearl. The middle section is natural, at the edges loungers are rented from 20 € per couple, at Petrino Aquarius even free of charge when you stop at the restaurant. Due to the location, windsurfers also feel at home here.

#8 Agia Anna Beach

South of Kalafati, on a rocky peninsula, lies the Agia Anna Beach. The coarse sandy beach is narrow, the entrance, as so often on Mykonos, quite deep. On the other hand, the location offers good protection from the strong north winds and is ideal for a relaxing day at the beach.

Unfortunately, the local bar is more appearance than reality and rents out parasols at horrendous prices (approx. 100 € p.p.), most of the beach is fortunately natural. The one behind Divounia Beach is mostly deserted, unfortunately a lot of flotsam washes up here, depending on the current.

→ Hotel tips at Agia Anna Beach (links to Booking.com*):

• The Wild by Interni*
• Case di Venia*

#9 Lia Beach

Lia Beach is the last beach still in operation at the east coast. You can park directly in front of the Liasti Beach Club, which already provided proper sound reinforcement in May. As usual in Mykonos, the prices for the loungers are staggered, from 40 € in the back area to 100 € at the front. Nevertheless, a great beach for young couples who want to get right into the Venus Myconian Residences(Watch on Booking.com*).

Hermits visit Frangias Beach or the Paralia Tsaggari walking distance (about 15 mins) from Lia Beach. The few beaches further northeast can only be reached via dilapidated dirt roads, but except for the Paralia Pano Tigani it is not worth it, as they have probably not been cleaned for years.

Mykonos beaches in the north

#10 Panormos Beach

Just a few years ago one of the most beautiful beaches of Mykonos, the controversial construction project has Principote Mykonos part of the beach almost disfigured. Parking is available for €10 from the luxury beach restaurant. In the southern section, the Panormos Beach is still untouched. Here you take care of yourself and simply bring your umbrella with you.

→ Hotel tips at Panormos Beach (links to Booking.com*):

• Panormos Village Hotel*
• Sea Breeze Mykonos*

#11 Agios Sostis Beach

Probably the only unorganized beach in Mykonos, which is only a 15-minute drive from Chora. Agios Sostis is a dream beach, as soon as you approach you will be greeted by a wonderful panoramic view of the beach shortly after the chapel of Agios Iakobos. Why the beach has not yet met the same fate as other (sold-out) beaches remains a mystery.

For us personally, Agios Sostis is the most beautiful beach in Mykonos. The only downside: There are no parking spaces near the beach, parking is above the narrow road and you have to walk down. If you like it even more rustic, go to the Lovers Beach, which is located in a mini bay below the hamlet of Agios Sostis. Powered up Kiki’s Tavern hungry bathers with simple food at quite high prices.

#12 Mersini & Fokos Beach

Mersini Beach and Paralia Fokos are located in the northeast of Mykonos and are only a few meters apart. Both beaches are still considered an insider tip among the Mykonos beaches and offer coarse sand that stretches almost dune-like into the hinterland. Due to the northern exposure, however, the waves are quite high and flotsam is occasionally washed ashore.

If you also want to explore the island’s secluded beaches that are not served by bus, it is recommended to take a rental car for Mykonos. You can check availability and prices on Discover Cars*:

➲ Book cheap rental cars here*

Fokos Beach impresses with its wild backdrop with a black rock reef. The tavern of the same name offers simple food at inflated prices, there is no parasol rental. Even quieter is the beach of Mersini, which is never crowded even in summer. If you are looking for Mykonos bays away from the crowds, you will find it here.

Excursions and tours to Mykonos beaches

Discover the beautiful coast of Mykonos with its numerous beaches and bays by boat. From Mykonos Town you can also join excursions to the neighboring island of Delos (To our report: Delos) and sailing trips in the Aegean Sea. More information is available from our partner GetYourGuide*:

➲ To the excursion to Delos incl. BBQ*

➲ To the sunset sailing trip*

➲ Wine tasting incl. lunch*

➝ More Cyclades travel tips You can get here: Cyclades Islands Overview

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