Ornos
A deep, sheltered bay about 3 km south of Chora with shallow water, tavernas and hotels. The water taxis to the party beaches start here. Busy, practical, easy with children.
Gde plivati u Mykonos
Koje su plaže zaista pogodne za kupanje i kako do njih doći autobusom?
- 20 beaches compared
- South coast = shelter from the meltemi
- Bus ~€2 from Fabrika
- Public sand is free
Kratak odgovor
For calm water and children: Ornos, Agios Joanis or Platis Gialos. For the scene: Psarou. For a party: Paradise i Super Paradise. For space and wild scenery: Agios Sostis or Lia. In July and August, when the north wind blows, stay on the south coast.
Read this first
The wind decides your beach
Mykonos is called the island of the winds for a reason. From roughly July to August the meltemi blows from the north, sometimes for days. The north-facing beaches — Ftelia, Panormos, Agios Sostis, Fokos — turn into surf and sandblast. The south-facing bays sit in the lee of the island and stay calm.
That is why the famous beaches are all on the south coast, and why the north is so empty. On a still day in June or September, the north is the best-kept secret on the island.
- Windy day: Ornos, Psarou, Platis Gialos, Paraga, Agrari, Kalo Livadi.
- Calm day: Agios Sostis, Panormos, Fokos, Lia — go early.
- Check before you go: any wind app showing 6 Beaufort or more from the north means stay south.
Južna obala
The sheltered south: from Ornos to Paradise
Ten minutes to half an hour from Chora by bus or water taxi. Sunbeds, tavernas and lifeguard towers on most of them.
Agios Joanis
West-facing, so it catches the sunset with Delos on the horizon. Calm water, a few organised sections and the beach where Shirley Valentine (1989) was filmed.
Psarou
A small, sheltered cove with some of the clearest water on the island, superyachts in the bay and Nammos on the sand. Sunbeds here are among the priciest on the island.
Platis Gialos
A long sandy beach lined with hotels and tavernas — one of the easiest bases on the island. Water taxis call here on the way to Paraga, Paradise and Elia.
Paraga
Two bays in one: Scorpios and SantAnna at either end, simpler tavernas and free sand in between. The best mix of scene and value on the south coast.
Paradise
The beach that made Mykonos famous for parties. Beach clubs play from the afternoon, and Cavo Paradiso sits on the cliff above. Mornings are surprisingly calm.
Super Paradise
A steep road down to a sandy bay with two big beach clubs, including JackieO' Beach. Long known as LGBTQ+-friendly. Loud from mid-afternoon in high season.
Agrari
The quiet neighbour of Super Paradise: a small sandy cove with clear water and a lifeguard tower. Ideal when you want the south coast without the music.
Elia
One of the longest sandy beaches on the island, with a large resort behind it and plenty of room to spread out. The last stop for the south-coast water taxis.
East coast
Kalo Livadi, Kalafatis and the far east
Less famous, wider, and often half the price for a sunbed. Buses run from the Old Port station via Ano Mera.
Kalo Livadi
A long, gently shelving sandy bay at the foot of a wide valley — one of the best all-rounders on the island. Beach bars at the centre, quieter sand at the ends.
Kalafatis & Agia Anna
The island's watersports base, with windsurf and dive centres on a wide bay. Little Agia Anna, the cove next door, is the calmer swim.
Lia
At the far eastern end of the road, about 25 minutes from Chora. Clear water, a single beach bar and a fraction of the crowds. Worth the drive on a calm day.
North coast
The wild north: only on calm days
Open to the north wind, mostly unorganised, and the place to see the island before tourism. Add Fokos, a remote cove at the end of a dirt road with a single taverna. Bring water, shade and shoes.
Agios Sostis
No sunbeds, no music, no shade — just sand and clear water. Above the beach, Kiki's Tavern grills on charcoal with no electricity and no reservations; arrive before noon.
Panormos
A broad bay with Principote's large beach club at one end and open sand beyond. Beautiful when calm; on meltemi days the wind does the talking.
Ftelia
The island's windsurf and kitesurf beach, with the Alemagou beach club and an excavated Neolithic settlement nearby. Expect waves in summer.
Walk or short hop
Beaches you can reach without a vehicle
Agios Stefanos
About 3 km north of Chora, past the New Port. Calm, sandy and family-friendly, with tavernas and views of the cruise ships passing. A good choice if you stay in Tourlos.
Kapari
A small cove reached by a path from Agios Ioannis. Unorganised and pretty, with the sun setting over Delos. Take water — there are no facilities.
Megali Ammos
The closest real beach to Chora — a 10-minute walk south from the windmills. Handy for a quick swim between sights, though it can catch the wind.
Prevoz
How to get to the beaches
KTEL buses
Two stations in Chora. Fabrika serves Ornos, Agios Ioannis, Platis Gialos, Paraga and Paradise. The Old Port station serves Agios Stefanos, Ano Mera, Elia, Kalo Livadi, Kalafatis and Panormos. Tickets about €2 on short hops; buy online at ktelmykonou.e-ticketing.gr, at the station kiosk or from the driver (KTEL Mykonos, checked Oct 2026).
Water taxis
From late May to mid-October, small boats shuttle from Ornos and Platis Gialos to Paraga, Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari and Elia. A fun way to beach-hop without traffic. Day passes are sold on board — check the current price before you step on.
Car, ATV or taxi
Needed for the north coast and Lia. Roads are narrow and beach parking fills by 11:00 in August. Taxis are few — book your return ride when you are dropped off.
Sunbeds and prices
All Greek beaches are public: you can always lay a towel on free sand, usually away from the sunbeds. Organised sections charge per set, and on the famous beaches a set can cost as much as dinner — prices are posted on a board or given on request. Ask before you sit down, and see beach clubs for how minimum spends work.
Uobičajena pitanja
Beach questions
What is the best beach in Mykonos?
It depends on the day. For calm water and families, Ornos or Platis Gialos; for clear water and glamour, Psarou; for a party, Paradise or Super Paradise; for space, Kalo Livadi or Elia. On windless days, Agios Sostis on the north coast is the most beautiful — and the emptiest.
Which Mykonos beaches are good for families?
Ornos, Agios Ioannis, Platis Gialos and Agios Stefanos have shallow, sheltered water, tavernas and frequent buses. Kalo Livadi is a good choice for space. Avoid Paradise and Super Paradise in the afternoon if you want quiet — the music starts early in high season.
Are Mykonos beaches free?
Yes. All beaches in Greece are public and you can use the free sand at no cost. Only sunbeds and umbrellas in organised sections are paid, and on the famous south-coast beaches they can be expensive. Ask the price before you sit, or bring your own umbrella.
Can you reach the beaches without a car?
Yes for the south and east. KTEL buses leave Fabrika for Ornos, Platis Gialos, Paraga and Paradise, and the Old Port station for Elia, Kalo Livadi, Kalafatis and Agios Stefanos, for about €2 a ride. Water taxis link the south-coast bays in summer. The north coast needs a car or taxi.