Beaches · Mykonos · Greece
The best beaches in and near Mykonos
Where to swim and spend a beach day, and when the water is warm.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Zde, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
The best-known beach is Ornos (About 3 km from Chora; 10 minutes by bus). The sea is usually warm enough for a comfortable swim (21°C+) in June–October.
Key facts
- Beaches in this guide
- 8
- Swimming season
- June–October
- Warmest sea
- 24°C (75°F)
The beaches
About 3 km from Chora; 10 minutes by bus · Families and an easy first beach day
1.Ornos
A sheltered, sandy bay with shallow water, tavernas and water sports, protected from the summer north wind.
About 4 km from Chora · Upmarket beach-club days
2.Psarou
A small, sheltered cove of turquoise water lined with exclusive beach clubs and luxury hotels.
About 5 km from Chora; buses and sea taxis · Families and hopping along the south coast
3.Platis Gialos
A long, organised beach with tavernas and hotels and the main stop for south-coast sea taxis.
About 6 km from Chora; bus or sea taxi · Beach parties
4.Paradise
A long sandy beach with famous party bars and DJ sets from the afternoon in high season.
About 7 km from Chora; sea taxi or car · Lively days with music
5.Super Paradise
A steep-sided cove with clear water, a beach club and a mixed, LGBTQ+-friendly crowd.
About 9 km from Chora; bus or sea taxi · Space and long swims
6.Elia
One of the island's longest sandy beaches, with organised and free sections and a quieter end.
About 7 km from Chora; car or scooter · Quiet, natural beach days when the wind is light
7.Agios Sostis
An unspoiled north-coast bay with no sunbeds, clear water and a small grill taverna above.
About 12 km from Chora; bus via Ano Mera · Water sports
8.Kalafatis
A long east-coast beach with a windsurfing and kitesurfing centre and a relaxed feel.
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Air high |
|---|---|---|
| January | 16°C (61°F) | 14°C (57°F) |
| February | 15°C (59°F) | 14°C (57°F) |
| March | 15°C (59°F) | 16°C (61°F) |
| April | 16°C (61°F) | 19°C (66°F) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 22°C (72°F) |
| June | 21°C (70°F) | 26°C (79°F) |
| July | 23°C (73°F) | 28°C (82°F) |
| August | 24°C (75°F) | 28°C (82°F) |
| September | 23°C (73°F) | 25°C (77°F) |
| October | 21°C (70°F) | 22°C (72°F) |
| November | 19°C (66°F) | 18°C (64°F) |
| December | 17°C (63°F) | 15°C (59°F) |
Staying near the beach
$$$ · Best for families, beach and couples
Ornos
Ornos is a curving sandy bay on the south coast, sheltered from the summer meltemi wind, with shallow water, tavernas and a mix of family hotels and apartments. Buses and taxis reach Chora in about ten minutes, and boats from here serve the south-coast beaches.
- Good
- Calm, shallow water; Close to Chora; Good choice of family hotels
- Watch out
- Beach crowded in August; Limited parking
- Nearby
- Ornos beach, Agios Ioannis, Platis Gialos
Getting to the beaches
- Bus — KTEL buses leave Chora from two terminals: one for the south-coast beaches such as Ornos, Platis Gialos and Paradise, and one near the Old Port for the north and east, including Ano Mera and Kalafatis.
- Boat — Sea taxis run from Platis Gialos along the south coast to Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari and Elia, and small boats leave the Old Port for Delos.
- Scooter — Scooters, ATVs and small cars are widely rented.
Beach-weather months
Days of 24°C (75°F) or more with no more than nine rainy days come in June–September. The busiest of those is July, so book early.
Beach safety
Mykonos is generally relaxed, but scooter and ATV accidents on narrow roads are common, and the summer meltemi can create strong currents on north-coast beaches. Drink plenty of water in the heat, and confirm prices before ordering at beach clubs. Swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible and follow local flag warnings.
Questions travellers ask
+Does Mykonos have beaches?
Yes: Ornos, Psarou, Platis Gialos, Paradise, Super Paradise, Elia, Agios Sostis and Kalafatis.
+When is the sea warm enough to swim in Mykonos?
Usually June–October, when the sea averages 21°C or more.
+What is the best beach near Mykonos?
Ornos: A sheltered, sandy bay with shallow water, tavernas and water sports, protected from the summer north wind.