8 Beaches on Mykonos You Need to Visit This Summer
Mykonos has made its name as a world-class vacation destination thanks in large part to its world-class beaches. From party-centric shorelines popular with young people to sandy respites perfect for those looking to relax, the Greek island is home to a number of beaches that offer something for every type of traveler.
But which stretch of sand is right for you? Whether you’re looking to sunbathe, swim, party, relax, or anything in between, keep reading to learn about Mykonos’ eight best beaches, listed alphabetically.
1. Fokos Beach
Travelers looking for an escape from the modern world should look no further than Fokos Beach. Windy, difficult to swim at, tough to reach, and devoid of amenities save for a single restaurant—Fokos nonetheless remains a favorite thanks to its unspoiled beauty and tranquil atmosphere.
Tourists will need their own transportation to reach the beach, which sits more than seven miles from the town of Mykonos. They’ll also have to bring their own towels and umbrellas, as there are no equipment rentals. The one local restaurant means you can indeed buy food. Fortunately, its seafood comes highly recommended.
2. Kalafatis Beach
Water-sports enthusiasts will find much to do at this half-mile-long beach, which sits on Mykonos’ southeastern coast. Snorkelers can avail themselves of the crystal-clear waters, while scuba divers can take lessons at the nearby dive center. Equipment rentals are also available, including for the windsurfers and water skiers who are known to flock here.
Kalafatis is not all about water sports, however. Along with relaxing on pebbly sands, visitors can tour a pair of nearby churches or dine at one of several restaurants, one of which is built into a cave.
3. Kalo Livaldi
Rocky hills surround this idyllic coastline, the name of which translates to “good valley” in Greek. Nestled into a cove, Kalo Livaldi combines gentle waves and shallow waters with restaurants and other amenities, making it an ideal destination for families.
Kalo Livaldi’s seven miles of sand means there’s typically plenty of space to find a quiet spot to stretch out and relax. The beach does get crowded and sometimes noisy in the summer, however. Fortunately, travelers looking for more privacy can swing by nearby Loulos Beach, which is popular with locals.
4. Paradise Beach
Loud music, restaurants, beach clubs, nightlife – Paradise offers ample entertainment options for those looking to revel. No surprise, then, that the trendy beach is popular with young people.
Located on Mykonos’ southern coast, Paradise Beach is also a destination for nude sunbathers. Plenty of clothed travelers enjoy the sky-blue waters and soft sand here, too, as do water-sports enthusiasts, who can rent gear at nearby shops.
5. Paraga Beach
Tourists can make their way from Paradise to Paraga Beach via an approximately one-mile cliffside trail. A small beach, Paraga is, like Paradise, a popular party spot—albeit one that, thanks to its serene, tucked-away location, feels pleasantly remote.
Several restaurants line the Paraga shoreline, and guests at some of them can dine in sunbeds or cabanas. Bars and clubs are also here, and during the summer many put on events that cater to the young crowd.
6. Platys Gialos
Platys Gialos offers something for everyone. Sunbathers can splay out on rentable lounge chairs, while swimmers can enjoy the strikingly clear turquoise waters. The waters here are also shallow, making them safe to swim for supervised small children. Meanwhile, the large crowds and myriad restaurants create a lively atmosphere.
Some of Mykonos’ best hotels are also located along Platys Gialos, and an hourly water taxi means visitors have easy access to some of the island’s other top-rated beaches. Named by multiple travel sites as Mykonos’ No. 1 beach, Platys Gialos is an ideal place to start your vacation.
7. Psarou Beach
Psarou Beach has long held a reputation as a playground for the rich and famous. While parts of it remain private and the uber-exclusive Nammous Beach Club still sits at one end, it now maintains a public section, and more reasonably priced restaurants have opened.
The transition has made this stretch of coastline increasingly popular in recent years. With its fine sand and clear-blue waters, it’s no wonder why. Today, everyone from newly married couples to water-sports enthusiasts flock to this relaxing beach. Experts advise arriving early to beat the crowds.
8. Super Paradise Beach
Not to be confused with the similarly named Paradise Beach, Super Paradise Beach is a perfect place to enjoy a day filled with sunbathing and partying. If you’re looking to relax out on the golden sand while taking in views of the turquoise waters, get here early and stake a claim to one of the myriad rentable sunbeds and umbrellas that cover much of the beach.
As the day goes on, the atmosphere gets rowdier, and you’ll see why Super Paradise has a reputation as a party beach. Music starts blaring from Super Paradise Beach Club in the afternoon, and in the evenings the club hosts raucous parties. The beach is also known to be popular among gay men, though everyone is welcome.