Mykonos Beaches, Coastline, Surfing and Water Sports

(Mykonos, Cyclades, Greece)

Famed for the beautiful golden sands and stunning turquoise waters, the beaches of Mykonos are unquestionably the island's main draw card. Many Mykonos beaches offer nothing short of a party atmosphere, attracting a young crowd and offering lots of entertainment. These include both the beaches known as Paradise and also Super Paradise.

A large number of exceptional sandy beaches are to be found clustered on the southerly coastline and close to Mykonos Town, where they enjoy secluded situations, protected from winds and provide a range of water sports. However, these are understandably extremely popular in the summer months and can quickly become crowded, so if you are planning to come to these beaches, which include both Platis Gialos and Ornos, arrive early.


For some of the best natural beaches and coastal landscapes, head to the northern side of Mykonos. These stretches tend to be a little harder to find and therefore remain rather peaceful and quiet, away from the tourist crowds.

List of the island's main resorts and beaches

• Agios Ioannis Beach - one of the most picturesque of all the beaches on Mykonos, Agios Ioannis Beach can be found on the south-western side of the island, next to the village of Kapari. The snorkelling opportunities here are quite exceptional, while the sand is soft and the waters crystal clear. A cocktail bar is conveniently situated close by, along with sun lounger rental and superb views of the distance island of Delos. Of particular interest, Agios Ioannis Beach featured in the popular movie, Shirley Valentine (1989)
• Aghios Stefanos Beach - just a stone's throw to the north of Mykonos Town, this is the closest of all the beaches to the island capital and is therefore extremely popular. The Aghios Stefanos Beach enjoys a very sheltered position, offers a choice of water sports, and is close to Troulos
• Agrari Beach - located alongside Elia Beach and stretching for literally miles. Both the beaches of Agrari and Elia form a huge expanse of sand between them and create a very noteworthy place to sunbathe (often nude), paddle, swim and relax
• Agia Anna Beach - a very attractive sandy beach near to the beaches of both Paranga and also Platis Gialos. Agia Anna is known for its very natural appearance and although you won't find any sunbeds here, there are plenty of pretty thatched parasols providing shade
• Divounia Beach - sited right next to Divounia, a pretty fishing village of the south-eastern side of the island
• Elia Beach - this sandy stretch is amongst the longest beaches on Mykonos and resides on the island's scenic southern coast. Elia Beach is lined with a good selection of tavernas, while the beach itself features good facilities, such as sun loungers and beach chairs. Nudity is permitted here, although is not very popular. However, Elia Beach is perfect if you are into water sports, offering everything from windsurfing and water skiing, to boat trips and even parasailing
• Ftelia Beach - a northerly beach which resides next to Panormos Bay and Ano Mera. Ftelia Beach is never really crowded, despite its proximity to Mykonos Town
• Glifadi Beach - a fairly small and unassuming beach, favouring by families holidaying on the island
• Houlakia Beach - a charming beach some 4 km / 2.5 miles from Mykonos Town. Although most beaches on the island are actually sandy, this is comprised solely of pebbles
• Kalo Livadi Beach - on the south-eastern coast of Mykonos, and near to Ano Mera and Elia. This is a very long stretch of pale golden sand, with regimented lines of colourful sun loungers. There is enough space for everyone to sunbathe here and enjoy the untouched views of the rocky outcrops
• Kalafatis Beach - perfect for the more adventurous Mykonos holiday makers, since it boasts a good choice of water sports, including both windsurfing, jet skiing and scuba diving. Kalafatis Beach actually features its very own windsurfing centre and is near to the village of Ano Mera
• Kapari Beach - sitting on the western side of Mykonos and near to both Kapari and Ornos. Sightseers are often interested to pay a visit to the nearby Agios Ioannis Chapel
• Korfos Beach - on the south-western side of the island and exposed somewhat to the strong northerly winds, therefore being ideal for windsurfing
• Platis Gialos Beach - within easy reach of Mykonos Town (Hora), Platis Gialos is one of the islands busiest beaches and in the summer, attracts tourists by their thousand. The Platis Gialos Beach is highly suitable for all ages, including families with young children, and those looking for a bit of excitement may like to consider renting jet skis. Taxi boats from Platis Gialos link Paranga, Paradise and Super Paradise
• Lia Beach - a very peaceful spot away from the more touristy beaches. Lia Beach is relatively small and stretches for some 200 metres / 655 feet, being bounded by natural rocky outcrops. The village of Chora is near to Lia, while the Mykonos capital of Hora is just 14 km / 9 miles to the north
• Megali Ammos Beach - within easy walking distance of Mykonos Town and its famous windmills, Megali Ammos Beach is near to the Nikos Place Restaurant. However, due to its roadside location, the sands are rarely occupied by sunbathers and instead, lots of local children like to play here
• Ornos Beach - sited next to a pretty fishing village and just over 2 km / 1.5 miles to the south of Mykonos Town. Ornos Beach has very fine, pale sand and due to its convenient location, does become very busy in the summer. Worthy noting is the onsite scuba diving school, and the opportunities for water skiing and windsurfing. The beachfront is lined by a major hotel resort and a selection of eateries
• Panormos Beach - a rather isolated and northerly expanse of sand near to Agios Sostis, with dunes, a scenic bay and a sheltered situation. Panormos Beach is around 250 metres / 820 feet in length and is not the easiest of beaches to access, meaning that it remains undeveloped and generally very quiet and never crowded
• Paradise Beach - this is without doubt one of the most popular beaches on the island of Mykonos and holiday makers flock here all through the summer months. The aptly named Paradise Beach attracts a fairly young crowd, including some nudists, and regularly hosts large beach parties, which last well into the night. The sand is mixed with pebbles and usually very clean. Close by are the beaches of both Super Paradise and Paranga
• Paranga Beach - on the southern coastline of Mykonos and in close proximity to the very trendy Paradise Beach and also Platis Gialos. Paranga comprises two adjoining stretches of sand, each of which has something different to offer, with the south beach generally being the quieter of the two
• Super Paradise Beach - close to a number of other beaches on the southern coast of Mykonos, close to Platis Gialos. The Super Paradise Beach is a charming, gay-friendly bay, suitable for nudists and generally a younger crowd, being known for its loud music lively, party atmosphere
• Psarou Beach - situated alongside Platis Gialos and a good place to come for a bit of celebrity spotting. Conveniently close to Mykonos Town, Psarou Beach lies around 5 km / 3 miles from the island capital and is often flooded with crowds of tourists