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 back then, as fishermen and farmers welcomed her warmly. The golden Mykonos beaches, surrounded by a few white houses, exuded a special charm.

“The picturesque beaches were responsible for transforming the former farming island 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 day. Despite the hustle and bustle, there are enough quiet spots 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 most beautiful beaches on Mykonos, as well as 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 water because of the busy ship traffic (ferries, cruise ships, and excursion boats). At Little Venice Beach we have never seen anyone swimming.

The most popular town beach is Paralia Choras Mikonou on the shore of the old port. It is a relaxed spot frequented by both locals and tourists for sunbathing — ideal for a short break after a long walk through the town.

A lovely little beach is located south of the windmills of Mykonos. Below the eponymous chapel Agios Charalambos lies a true hidden gem of Mykonos, visited by only a handful of locals in summer.

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

#1 Agios Stefanos Beach

Popular sandy beach in the northwest of Mykonos, about a 10-minute drive from Chora. The Saint Stefanos Bar rents sunbeds from €30 per couple. When ferry traffic is heavy, it is recommended to keep your swim at Agios Stefanos short, as fast catamarans in particular can create 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, this former Mykonos insider tip has long since ceased to be a hidden gem. Nevertheless, the scenery is stunning: turquoise blue sea meets fine grey sandy beach, surrounded by granite rocks. You should avoid driving down the rough gravel road by car, as there is no way to turn around. The best option is to take the bus to Agios Ioannis. There are no facilities at Kapari Beach, making it a perfect natural Mykonos beach.

#3 Agios Ioannis Beach

A long beach on the bay of the same name, divided into small segments by granite rocks. Near 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 swam at the quiet western beach sections 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. However, the beach is only truly paradisiacal in winter. In summer, it is literally overflowing with people. In May, there were still a few spots available. Free parking is available.

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

The Bar Baladaya Mykonos made the most serious impression on us. If all this hustle and bustle is too much for you, you can head 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 with the bouncers and, depending on the DJ, pay from €80 for entry.

→ 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 nudism is tolerated.

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

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

Cyclades Island Hopping – Travel Guide to 8 Islands

Discover the Cyclades islands on your own: picturesque beaches, the best restaurants, and carefully selected hidden gems await you.

🗺️ 8 Islands with route maps
🏖️ Beautiful beaches & swimming spots
🏛️ All top sights
🔍 Valuable planning tips
🍽️ Accommodation, tavernas & cafés

To Cyclades Travel Guide →

#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 heavily developed with hotels and villas and therefore remains largely natural. Two casual beach restaurants rent loungers from €30 a pair. You can park directly behind the beach. Accommodation in the area 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: These are some of the most popular beaches on Mykonos, but you don’t need to bother visiting them. Why? Because they are simply overcrowded. Holidaymakers are packed in like sardines, lying side by side on the sand — in some spots you can barely see the beach for all the sun loungers. Ornos, Platis Gialos and the hyped Super Paradise Beach are the epitome of Greek mass tourism. They really didn’t put us in a holiday mood.

 

Mykonos beaches in the east

#7 Kalafati Beach

About 15 minutes by car (10 km) from Mykonos Town and largely spared from mass tourism, the approx. 600 m long Kalafati Beach is a true hidden gem. The middle section is natural, while at the edges sun loungers are rented from €20 per couple — at Petrino Aquarius even free of charge if you eat at the restaurant. Thanks to its location, windsurfers also feel right at home here.

#8 Agia Anna Beach

South of Kalafati, on a rocky peninsula, lies Agia Anna Beach. The coarse sandy beach is narrow, and the water, as so often on Mykonos, is quite deep at the entrance. 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 style than substance and rents out parasols at horrendous prices (approx. €100 p.p.), but most of the beach is fortunately natural. The area behind Divounia Beach is mostly deserted, though depending on the current, quite a lot of flotsam can wash up here.

→ 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 on the east coast that is still up and running. You can park directly in front of the Liasti Beach Club, which was already pumping out proper sound in May. As usual in Mykonos, the prices for loungers are tiered, from €40 in the back area to €100 at the front. Still, it’s a great beach for young couples looking to stay right at the Venus Myconian Residences (View on Booking.com*).

For those seeking solitude, Frangias Beach or Paralia Tsaggari are within walking distance (about 15 mins) from Lia Beach. The few beaches further northeast can only be reached via rough dirt roads, and apart from Paralia Pano Tigani, they’re not worth the effort, as they likely haven’t been cleaned in years.

Mykonos beaches in the north

#10 Panormos Beach

Once one of the most beautiful beaches on Mykonos, the controversial construction project Principote Mykonos has almost ruined part of the beach. Parking is available for €10 at the luxury beach restaurant. The southern section of Panormos Beach is still unspoiled. Here you’re on your own, so simply bring your own umbrella.

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

• Panormos Village Hotel*
• Sea Breeze Mykonos*

#11 Agios Sostis Beach

Probably the only unspoiled beach in Mykonos, just a 15-minute drive from Chora. Agios Sostis is a dream beach — as you approach, you’ll be greeted by a wonderful panoramic view of the beach just past the chapel of Agios Iakobos. Why this beach has not yet met the same fate as other (commercialised) 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 — you have to park above on the narrow road and walk down. If you prefer something even more rustic, head to Lovers Beach, tucked away in a small bay below the hamlet of Agios Sostis. Kiki’s Tavern keeps hungry bathers fuelled with simple food at fairly high prices.

#12 Mersini & Fokos Beach

Mersini Beach and Paralia Fokos are located in the northeast of Mykonos, just a few metres apart. Both beaches are still considered insider tips among Mykonos beaches and feature coarse sand that stretches almost dune-like into the hinterland. Due to their northern exposure, however, the waves can be quite high and flotsam is occasionally washed ashore.

If you want to explore the island’s more secluded beaches that aren’t served by bus, it’s worth hiring 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 scenery and black rock reef. The tavern of the same name serves simple food at steep prices, and there is no parasol rental. Even quieter is Mersini beach, which is never crowded even in summer. If you’re looking for Mykonos bays away from the crowds, you’ll find them here.

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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 (see 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 can be found here: Cyclades Islands Overview

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