Mykonos Beaches

Think of Mykonos, and you think of beaches. Pale golden sands, cold clear blue water and an evocative landscape, plus all the cosmopolitan fun or tranquility you want, the beaches are the Alpha and Omega of summertime Mykonos. The southern part of the island is more sheltered, the northern wilder, with some still unspoilt gems waiting for you to discover them. Fashionable and newly revitalized Psarou will continue to hold the scepter, raising the bar higher than ever offering finger food and fantastic Nobu cocktails right on the beach. The Pach Club is changing the aura of Paradise, while Panormos and Aghios Sostis will be the hot spots on the island again this year.

Platys Gialos Beach - Children friendly

A large, tourist sandy beach in the southern part of the island. Surrounded by hotels and organized with umbrellas and sun beds, it is addressed to tourists, and provides an ideal solution for mothers with small children.

The yachts that often anchor there are also impressive, particularly if you gaze upon them from a hotel veranda, like the one of Myconian Ambassador, one of the best five-star hotels of the island. Boats set off from Platys Yalos to Super Paradise, Elia, Agrari etc.

Paranga Beach - New age trend

One of the smallest and loveliest beaches on the island. On the south coast of Mykonos, its fine pale sands, rocks forming a natural diving platform, umbrellas of dry leaves, restaurants and beach bars under the trees and sun beds emblazoned Copa Paraga, create a gorgeous summer scene.

The Paraga Cafe has played a huge part in the spectacular transformation of this beach, attracting lots of young people. Especially after the opening of Kalua last year, Paraga has imposed itself as the meeting place of the island's most trendy young crown. You should bear in mind, though, that the beach becomes too crowed starting from July. For the rest, Paraga also has one of the island's two organized campgrounds.

With a fabulous view of Delos, water, power, restaurant, mini market, free transportation from the post and frequent local bus service, it is a very interesting alternative holiday solution. (5 km from Hora).

Agrari Beach - Thanassis's kingdom

One the prettiest beaches on the island, popular with many of the oldest visitors to Mykonos. Last year it went through a hard period due to the intense south winds and to the noisy Italians expanding the whole length of the beach. It is large and sandy, divided into a left and right part, and offers umbrellas, sun beds, water sports and a beach tavern. For reasons unknown to all, the "correct" part is the left one.

The beautiful blue, crystal clear waters will make you to forget the difficult road, and the true lord of the beach. Thanasis will win you over with hil polite manner. Apart from the fact that he will immediately remember you next time you visit, and make you feel like a "regular" he will also show you some wonderful wraps and throws at exceptionally good prices, if you ask him to (8,5 km from Hora). If you like the idea of spending some time with Thanassis choose Sunrise Hotel offering spacious rooms and unforgettable holidays.

Aghios Sostis - for those in the know

Located in the north of Mykonos, it is a large beach with sand. Difficult access, a bad road and no local means of transport. You will find no umbrellas or sun beds, neither a beach bar, but you will meat the most loyal beach crowd on the island. Aghios Sostis used to be a traditional nudist beach in the past.

Nowadays it is visited by the low profile rich, chic and famous, and if you are not one of them, you might feel a little uncomfortable. If you have a dog, take him with you for a swim. The beach is dog-friendly. If you feel hungry Kiki's taverna, operating under a new direction, is only open at lunchtime, with no reservations (there is no telephone), with meat cook on charcoal and cool salads (there is no electricity either). (6km from Hora).

Paradise Beach - Touristy

A large beach with fine sand, in the south of the island, dominated by the largest camp-site in Mykonos. Operating since 1969, with many facilities available: two mini markets, newspapers, laundry, a water and electricity supply, natural shade and wattle fences, a restaurant with international dishes open 24 hours a day, a souvenir shop, internet, fax, secretarial services, a playground on the beach and mush more. The same business also rents rooms and runs the famous Paradise Beach Bar, where fun is always at its best, whereas parties and lots of events are held at that pool club. If camping is not your cup of tea stay in Paradise View, one of the few hotels found nearby.

At Paradise you will meet a lot of tourists, a multiethnic crown in a high mood. On the beach there are sun beds and umbrellas, jet ski, a life-guard, even a doctor. If you feel like having a drink or a bite, there is the Tropicana beach bar, with a wattle roof and house music (parties every day after 5pm). Next to it you will find a mini market with sun lotion, swimwear, lilos cigarettes. Diving lessons at the Dive Adventures, and the hottest happenings of the summer at the Cavo Paradiso, that opens its doors daily around midnight. There is also a canteen and a boutique with interesting souvenirs at the Cavo Paradiso. Where the Ithaki taverna used to be, the Envy beach bas is going to be organizing midday events around that small swimming pool and the Pacha dance club is going to be having after-hours dance parties with guest DJs. You can also get to the Paradise beach by boat from Platys Gialos. (5,5 km from Hora).

Kalo Livadi Beach - Trendy

A large sandy beach with easy access and well marked in the south of the island. Here, you will meet some of the most stylish holidaymakers in the Cyclades. It is quite windy (the wattle fence on the left "protects" you somewhat), so try to go on a calm day. There are straw umbrellas, sun beds, beach service and a life-guard in a straw watch-tower. At the taverna called Varka, you can try the very tasty cuisine of Ms Vouls, and also buy your surtan lotion of swimsuit from the mini market. This summer's new opening Shalimar, an all-day haunt, is expected to change the scenery, attracting more and more people on a beach once considered among the island's quiet ones. (9 km from Hora).

Lia Beach - Tranquility and lobster

A remote beach that you should only visit if you have your own means of transport, and rough, but the beautiful setting will compensate you fully. Coarse sand, an emerald sea, umbrellas, sun beds and a very relaxed atmosphere. Its list of assets also includes the best, by far, beach services on the island. The charming, young man, who will collect your money for the umbrellas, can bring you whatever you ask for: your water and cold coffee to fantastic, chilled pina collada.

The wraps at the outdoor stand are original and very inexpensive. There is also the beach restaurant La Luna on the sand, with wooden decks, loud music, bars and an Italian cuisine. The real gem however is a little closer to you: the taverna Lia. Choose your lobster from the tank and enjoy it grilled on charcoal or boiled with oil and lemon. A truly memorable meal. (11,5 km from Hora).

Kalafatis Beach - Sporty

A very large, sandy beach with easy access, in the south-eastern part of the island. Many of the facilities available are part of the services offered by the Aphrodite Beach hotel. It is popular with sporty types, since here you can find all sports available on the island. If you want to have windsurfing lessons, rent a board or leave your own board for safekeeping, visit the Fanatic Board Centre. You will also find ski, Jet Ski, tubes and banana on the beach. There is an also horse-riding available or riding lesson with horses or ponies rented out by the hotel. Drinks and snacks can be found at the self-service bar of the Thalassa restaurant, located on the beach. At the beginning of Kalafatis beach, on the road, is the stone-built Aquarius restaurant, with tasty Greek dishes. (11,2 km from Hora).

Kappari Beach - Up and coming

A small, sandy beach next to Ai-Yannis. Last year it was the 'secret' of the well-informed. Access is easy up to a certain point by car, but from there you need to walk down a very steep, downhill track to get to it.

Merchias & Plyntiria Beach - For explorers

Small beaches with pebbles and stones of particular beauty. The road is very bad, but you will be fully compensated if you like exploring. This is maybe the reason why only locals prefer these beaches. They are on the northern part of the island, which means the wind can get pretty mean.(Merthias: 11 km from Hora, Plyntiria: 14,2 km).

Mersini Beach - Deserted

Located in the north of Mykonos, it is a large beach with sand. Difficult access, a bad road and no local means of transport. You will find no umbrellas or sun beds, neither a beach bar, but you will meat the most loyal beach crowd on the island. Aghios Sostis used to be a traditional nudist beach in the past.

Nowadays it is visited by the low profile rich, chic and famous, and if you are not one of them, you might feel a little uncomfortable. If you have a dog, take him with you for a swim. The beach is dog-friendly. If you feel hungry Kiki's taverna, operating under a new direction, is only open at lunchtime, with no reservations (there is no telephone), with meat cook on charcoal and cool salads (there is no electricity either). (6km from Hora).

Aghios Stefanos Beach - of local interest

A sandy beach next to the new harbor where great hotels like Rocabella Mykonos are found. It is of no particular interest, as it is located near the town of Mykonos and is surrounded by tavernas and hotels strictly catering to tourists. It is probably a solution for those who do not have their own means of transport and do not like moving around much. You will find sun beds, umbrellas, Haroula's taverna for fresh fish and cooked dishes, as well as the bar-taverma ,pcabo Lido serving fast food. (3.5 km from Hora).