From tiny, remote coves to yawning sandy stretches, beaches of all shapes and sizes make up Mykonos’ coastline. The southern strips are the most popular – and often more crowded – while the northern gems are more remote and quiet. Many unfurl from the foot of villas on Mykonos, and hotels, while others feature beach clubs thronging with bronzed revellers. Here’s our roundup of the best beaches in Mykonos – take your pick.
Kalafatis Beach is probably one of the best known, with a sweep of powdery sand and turquoise waters. Lashed by the Meltemi, the strong, dry north wind of the Aegean, Kalafatis is also a water sports destination, with diving and windsurfing up there among our top things to do in Mykonos. W-Diving offers scuba diving tours, while Windsurf Centre Mykonos offers lessons and rentals.
Ornos Beach wraps around a former fishing village of the same name and is one of the best beaches in Mykonos for families. Expect umbrellas and loungers to hire, plus a cluster of seafront bars and restaurants for all-day refreshments. Watersport rental outfits hire out windsurfing equipment, and a diving school runs courses and tours. The downside: it’s the nearest big beach to Mykonos Town, so often crowded.
Partygoers should make a beeline for Paradise, a long, picturesque sweep of pebbly sand. There’s a campsite, café and a couple of toes-in-the-sand bars. But most people come for the finest Mykonos beach club around, where the action doesn’t stop just because the sun goes down.
Mykonos isn’t short on beach parties, with barefoot revellers soaking up the sun and the cocktails. One of the most popular is Paraga, home to slick hangout Scorpios – the uber-hip Mykonos beach club from the Soho House team – where you can rub shoulders with a stylish crowd. Spend the sun-soaked days diving off the floating pier into the sea or grab one of the sunbeds that dot the shoreline.
To escape the throngs, head north for quieter, more peaceful beaches. We recommend Panormos, where you’ll find a couple of small restaurants and the latest addition – Principote, one of the chicer Mykonos beach clubs that’s popular with Champagne-slurping patrons. Not your scene? Head to the sheltered Lovers’ Beach or any of the other sandy coves carved into this stretch of coastline.
Hugging a peninsula to the west of Mykonos, Agios Ioannis gained acclaim for its starring role in the 1989 classic feature Shirley Valentine. Feast on Greek favourites or day-fresh sushi at the small tavern (now named Hippie Fish) where Shirley sipped on a glass of wine in the film. After, snorkel among the glass-still, cerulean waters then linger over drinks to catch a staggering sunset, with the light falling over the island of Delos. This is where to stay in Mykonos if you like a more relaxed pace.
Sheltered by a headland looking out over Paradise Beach Club, its super sibling was the island’s first dedicated gay beach, but today draws a mixed crowd. Start the day with fruit and yoghurt at the bar, rent out jet skis or go parasailing and kick back on a sun lounger until live DJs get you up on your feet. Super Paradise is the best Mykonos beach club for letting your hair down.
On the south coast of the island, Psarou Bay has rarely been out of the tabloids for its notorious beach club: Nammos. The eponymous village is an exclusive enclave that attracts models and moguls, who are willing to shell out £80 a day to recline on a sun lounger. Super-yachts bob in the crystal-clear waters, while millionaires think nothing of forking out £65k for a 15-litre bottle of Armand de Brignac champagne at the super-pricey Mykonos beach club. Not one for budgeting travellers.
Not technically on Mykonos but just a short speedboat ride away, the lagoon on Rhenia – Delos’s sister island – is kissed by one of the most pristine beaches in the Aegean. Expect balmy aquamarine shallows and dazzling white sand, and often a couple of superyachts bobbing on the crystal bay. This is one of the most enchanting day trips from Mykonos.
The beach below foodie hotspot Kiki’s – among the best restaurants in Mykonos – Agios Sostis is a great spot to snooze off those pork skewers chargrilled to perfection by the tiny tavern. Quite a humble affair, this understated stretch is free from loungers or deck chairs, so take a towel. Be careful when running into the cooling sea: the shore is peppered with sea urchins – a speciality on the menu at the acclaimed Spilia, across the other side of the island on Agia Anna.
If you’re keen to visit this stunning island after reading about the best in Mykonos, check out our luxury villas in Mykonos or contact our concierge team for help with your booking!
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