Mykonos Beaches: The Ultimate Guide with an Interactive Map to Make the Most of Your Trip
Mykonos is world-renowned for its enchanting beaches, where the deep blue of the Aegean Sea meets golden sands and the vibrant Cycladic atmosphere.
Whether you’re seeking exclusive parties, untouched peaceful coves, or family-friendly bays, the island offers an option for every desire.
This comprehensive guide will lead you to discover Mykonos’ most beautiful and iconic beaches, providing essential details on atmosphere, services, useful tips for managing the wind, and prices.
To help you navigate, this article includes an interactive map of Mykonos beaches that will help you locate each one: the most popular and famous will be marked with a distinctive color, while the quieter, hidden gems will have another.
Table of Contents for Mykonos Beaches Map
Getting Around Mykonos: Essential Strategies for Exploring the Beaches
To fully enjoy the variety of Mykonos beaches, personal transportation is almost indispensable.
Car Rental: Smaller is Always Better!
Opting for a small car is the smartest choice in Mykonos. The island’s roads are often narrow and winding, inhabited areas and beach access points can be crowded, and maneuvering and parking spaces are limited. A compact vehicle will ensure agility in traffic and a significantly higher chance of finding parking with less stress.
Furthermore, Mykonos is a relatively small island: distances between beaches and main towns are short, usually taking 15-20 minutes at most. This makes the “long-distance comfort” offered by larger cars completely superfluous and, in fact, counterproductive for ease of driving and parking on the island.
Parking: Stress-Free Planning
Parking is one of the biggest challenges in Mykonos, especially in high season. If possible, choose a hotel or accommodation that includes parking. This will eliminate a crucial daily worry. For daytime excursions, be prepared to use paid public parking lots (available near larger beaches and Mykonos Town) or consider parking slightly further away and walking to your destination.
The Wind (Meltemi): The Key Factor in Choosing Your Beach
The Meltemi is the predominant summer wind in the Aegean Sea, and in Mykonos, it blows mainly from the North. Understanding its direction and strength is crucial for choosing the right beach and ensuring a pleasant day by the sea, avoiding sand in your eyes and excessively rough waters.
How to Check the Wind: Instructions for Windy.com
To know where to go each day, your best resource will be a wind forecasting app like Windy.com.
- Download the app (or use the website): Once opened, you’ll see an interactive map.
- Locate Mykonos: Zoom in on the map until you find the island.
- Interpret the arrows: The arrows on the map indicate the wind direction. The arrow always points towards the direction the wind is moving.
- Assess the strength: The color of the arrows (or the map itself) and the scale on the right of the screen will show you the wind strength (usually in knots or km/h).
- Wind to avoid (and where to find shelter):
- If the arrows on Mykonos point south, it means the Meltemi is blowing strongly from the north. In this case, the beaches on the South coast are the most sheltered and recommended.
- Strong East or West winds can also make beaches exposed to that direction unpleasant.
- For a perfect day at the beach without annoyances, look for days with weak or no wind (small/light arrows) or, if present, a moderate wind from the south (arrows pointing north, less common in summer).
Your Interactive Map of Mykonos Beaches
To make your exploration of Mykonos beaches even simpler and more intuitive, we’ve prepared a detailed interactive map. Here you can visualize the exact location of all the beaches mentioned in this guide, divided into two distinct categories.
The most famous and crowded beaches are indicated with one color, while the more hidden and tranquil coves are marked with another, allowing you to choose the perfect destination at a glance based on your preferences and wind conditions. Click on the map below to start your virtual journey among Mykonos’ coastal wonders!
The Iconic Beaches: Where Fame Meets Beauty (Red on the Map)
These beaches are the pulsating heart of Mykonos, famous for their beauty, trendy beach clubs, and contagious energy. They are the most frequented and well-equipped.
Psarou Beach (Nammos)
Google Rating: 4.4 out of 5 (July 2025)
The emblem of Mykonos’ luxury and exclusivity, dominated by the famous Nammos beach club.
- Location: Southwest coast, about 5 km from Mykonos Town, very close to Platys Gialos.
- Atmosphere: Glamorous, sophisticated, frequented by VIPs and the international jet set. People come here to be seen and for a luxury experience.
- Services: Primarily offered by Nammos, with impeccable service for sunbeds, umbrellas, gourmet restaurant, and boutiques.
- Crowd Management: Extremely crowded, especially with high-end clientele.
- Sunbed Prices: Extremely high, with prices ranging from €100 to €300 or more for a set, often with a mandatory minimum spend. Reservations far in advance are crucial, especially in high season.
- Dining Options: The Nammos restaurant is famous for its high-level cuisine, particularly fresh fish, with prices commensurate with its exclusivity.
- Tip for High Season (Without Reservation): Beware, the early arrival strategy is not sufficient here. Given the extreme exclusivity and very high demand, for Nammos and its services, advance booking of sunbeds (and often a lunch table) is practically mandatory, regardless of your arrival time. Without a confirmed reservation, it’s almost impossible to find a spot, especially in high season.
- Umbrella and Sunbed Prices & Rental: The Kousathana Dimitra Cafe is described as a local snack bar offering fairer prices compared to other establishments on the beach. A set of mats and umbrellas costs about €50. Prices for drinks and snacks are considered fair. Other establishments in Mykonos, for comparison, can charge up to €250 for an umbrella and sunbeds.
- Are there free beach areas at Psarou Beach (Nammos)? No, practically none. Psarou is almost entirely occupied by luxury establishments, primarily Nammos. The space for free beach is extremely limited or non-existent. It’s a beach designed for those seeking a luxury experience and full services with a sunbed.
Paraga Beach
Google Rating: 4.3 out of 5 (July 2025)
A dynamic beach offering a mix of trendy beach clubs and more relaxed areas.
- Location: South coast, east of Platys Gialos, about 6 km from Mykonos Town.
- Atmosphere: Energetic and lively in the beach club areas (like Scorpios and Kalua), but with the possibility of finding quieter spots.
- Note for High Season: Very popular and crowded, especially around the most famous beach clubs.
- Services: Various beach establishments with sunbeds and umbrellas, beach clubs, bars, and restaurants.
- Crowd Management: In high season, beach clubs often require advance reservations for sunbeds and tables. Arriving early is recommended for less exclusive areas.
- Sunbed Prices: Vary widely, from about €40-€60 for a set in less exclusive areas, to hundreds of euros with minimum spend in luxury beach clubs.
- Dining Options: Wide choice of restaurants and bars, from simple to sophisticated, with prices reflecting the exclusivity of the place.
- For Paraga Beach (specific to the most famous beach clubs like Scorpios and Kalua):
- Tip for High Season (Without Reservation): For famous Paraga beach clubs like Scorpios and Kalua, even though the beach itself has freer areas, the early morning arrival strategy does not guarantee access to sunbeds or club services. These establishments are extremely popular, and advance booking is almost always necessary, especially in high season, given their popularity and often minimum spend policies. You might find space in the portion of the beach not directly managed by the clubs, but for the full experience offered by Scorpios or Kalua, a reservation is essential.
- Are there free beach areas at Paraga Beach? Yes, but limited. Paraga offers a mix. Although it’s dominated by famous beach clubs like Scorpios and Kalua which occupy large sections, there are still small stretches of free beach, often at the edges of the bay or between clubs. You might need to look a bit or settle for less comfortable spaces, but the possibility to lay down your towel exists.
Can I visit the renowned beach clubs Scorpios and Kalua in Mykonos just for a drink without prior reservation?
Yes, at Scorpios and Kalua (both on Paraga Beach), it is theoretically possible to go just for a drink at the bar or in the lounge area without a specific reservation for sunbeds or a table.
However, there are some strong caveats, especially considering high season (July and August):
- Time and Crowding:
- Best chance: Arrive in the late afternoon (say between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM) for an aperitivo, before the party becomes “explosive,” or in the early afternoon if you just want a post-lunch drink. At these times, you might find space at the bar or in common areas.
- Greater difficulty: Towards sunset at Scorpios (famous for its “Sunset Rituals”) and during peak party hours at Kalua (late afternoon/evening), access can become very difficult or impossible without a reservation. Often there’s a selection at the entrance, waiting lists, or simply the venue’s capacity is reached.
- Minimum Spend/Selection:
- Even if you don’t have a table reservation, you might find yourself having to wait or, in cases of extreme crowds, entry might be limited to those with reservations or who are expected to make a significant spend. This isn’t a fixed “at the door” rule, but it’s part of their customer flow management.
- Drink prices are high anyway, so even just “having a drink” will come at a significant cost.
- Priority: Customers with reservations (for sunbeds, cabanas, restaurant tables, or VIP areas) will always have priority in access and service.
In summary:
- Yes, it’s possible to try to go just for a drink without a reservation.
- It strongly depends on the time and day. Avoid absolute peak hours if you haven’t booked.
- Access is not guaranteed, especially in high season. You might find a queue or blocked entry due to capacity limits.
- If the goal is just to “take a look” or grab a quick drink outside of peak hours, you have a better chance. If you want to experience the peak of the party, a reservation is almost indispensable.
My advice is to try, maybe not on a weekend in mid-August at sunset, and be prepared for the idea that you might not be able to get in.
Ornos Beach
Google Rating: 4.3 out of 5 (July 2025)
A large, crescent-shaped beach, very popular and well-equipped, with a cosmopolitan and relaxed atmosphere.
- Location: Southwest coast, about 3 km from Mykonos Town. Excellently connected by bus.
- Atmosphere: Very popular with families and those seeking quality services in a calm yet lively environment. The sea is almost always calm.
- Services: Numerous beach establishments, restaurants, bars, hotels, diving schools, and boat rentals.
- Crowd Management: Gets very crowded in high season, especially near the well-known restaurants and establishments.
- Sunbed Prices: Generally around €30-€50 for a set.
- Dining Options: Wide choice of restaurants offering everything from Greek cuisine to Asian dishes.
- Tip for High Season (Without Reservation): Yes, Ornos is very welcoming even for those who don’t book. Being a large and well-organized beach with several lidos, showing up by 9:00-9:30 AM will almost certainly allow you to secure a spot. Enjoy the morning calm before the area fully livens up.
- Are there free beach areas at Ornos Beach? Yes, but limited. Ornos is a very popular and well-equipped beach, with numerous establishments. However, it’s typical to find small free beach areas at the edges or between establishments. Don’t expect large stretches, but there are spaces where you can lay your towel without paying.
Platys Gialos
Google Rating: 4.1 out of 5 (July 2025)
One of the most popular and well-organized beaches, ideal for families and those seeking all services within reach.
- Location: South coast, about 4 km from Mykonos Town. Well connected by bus.
- Atmosphere: Lively but less chaotic than Paradise, with a more relaxed atmosphere suitable for everyone.
- Services: Numerous beach establishments, hotels, restaurants, and bars directly on the beach. Water sports available. It’s also a departure point for taxi boats to other southern beaches.
- Crowd Management: Very frequented; in high season, it’s advisable to arrive early to find a spot.
- Sunbed Prices: Vary from €30 to €60 for a set, depending on the establishment.
- Dining Options: Many restaurants offer Greek cuisine, fresh fish, and international options, with a wide range of prices.
- Tip for High Season (Without Reservation): Yes, this is an excellent choice! Thanks to its size and the high number of establishments, arriving by 9:00-9:30 AM will give you excellent chances of finding available sunbeds and umbrellas, even during peak periods. You can choose the best spot before the beach fills up.
- Are there free beach areas at Platys Gialos? Yes, but limited. Platys Gialos is also almost entirely covered by beach establishments of hotels and beach clubs. Similar to Ornos, you can find small free beach spaces, especially towards the ends of the beach, but they are not extensive.
Paradise Beach
Google Rating: 3.8 out of 5 (July 2025)
The ultimate party beach, famous for its beach bars that transform into open-air nightclubs in the afternoon.
- Location: South coast, about 6 km southeast of Mykonos Town.
- Atmosphere: Young, energetic, with loud music and parties lasting until late at night. Not the ideal choice for those seeking tranquility.
- Services: Various beach establishments (e.g., Cavo Paradiso, Tropicana) with sunbeds, umbrellas, bars, and restaurants. Showers and toilets available.
- Crowd Management: In high season (July-August), the crowding is very high. It’s recommended to arrive very early (by 10:00 AM) to secure a good spot.
- Sunbed Prices: Vary from €40-€60 on average, but can increase significantly in more exclusive beach clubs, with peaks in high season.
- Dining Options: Each beach club has its restaurant/bar with a wide offering, from quick meals to more elaborate dishes. Prices are generally high.
- Tip for High Season (Without Reservation): Yes, you can aim for Paradise without booking, as long as you’re an early bird! The beach is large and, although it’s the center of the afternoon party, arriving between 8:30 AM and 9:30 AM will still find many sunbeds available. You can enjoy the calm sea before the music gets louder and the crowd becomes massive.
- Are there free beach areas at Paradise Beach? Very limited/Almost non-existent. Paradise is almost entirely dedicated to large beach clubs and parties. “Free beach” in the traditional sense is very difficult to find or is reduced to small corners where people lay their towels on the ground, without real management or organization as a free beach. The goal here is the experience offered by the clubs.
Super Paradise Beach
Google Rating: 3.8 out of 5 (July 2025)
One of the most iconic and fashionable beaches, twin to Paradise, known for its exuberant atmosphere and openness to the LGBTQ+ community.
- Location: South coast, about 7 km southeast of Mykonos Town, accessible via a steep descent.
- Atmosphere: Very lively, with loud music and parties starting early in the afternoon.
- Services: Beach establishments with sunbeds and umbrellas, bars, restaurants.
- Crowd Management: Extremely crowded in high season, energy and noise are constant.
- Sunbed Prices: Similar to Paradise, with costs increasing depending on the location and beach club.
- Dining Options: Numerous restaurants and bars on the beach offer a wide choice.
- Tip for High Season (Without Reservation): The early arrival rule also applies to Super Paradise. The beach is vast, and its more festive atmosphere ignites in the afternoon. Arriving by 9:00-9:30 AM will give you good chances of finding a good spot, especially in areas less immediately adjacent to the main bars.
- Are there free beach areas at Super Paradise Beach? Very limited/Almost non-existent. Similar to Paradise, Super Paradise is overwhelmingly dominated by beach clubs and a party atmosphere. Finding a significant space for free beach is extremely rare; most of the sand is covered by paid sunbeds.
The Hidden Gems: Tranquility and Beauty Away from the Crowds (Color 2 on the Map)
If you’re looking for some peace, a more authentic experience, or shelter from the strong Meltemi, these beaches offer beauty and tranquility. They almost always require your own transportation and are often less (or not at all) equipped.
Agios Sostis
Google Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (July 2025)
A beach with a wild and authentic charm, far from the clamor of beach clubs.
- Location: Northeast coast, about 8 km from Mykonos Town. Requires your own transportation and a dirt road.
- Atmosphere: Wild, quiet, and unspoiled. Here you won’t find deafening music or rows of umbrellas. Ideal for laying out your own towel.
- Services: Not equipped. Bring everything you need (water, food, umbrella).
- Crowd Management: Less frequented than the southern beaches, but in high season can still attract a good number of people looking for tranquility.
- Sunbed Prices: Free, being a free beach.
- Dining Options: The only option in the immediate vicinity is the famous Taverna Kiki’s (no reservations, you queue!).
Fokos Beach
Google Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (July 2025)
A hidden gem in the northeast, appreciated for its tranquility and traditional taverna.
- Location: Northeast coast, about 12 km from Mykonos Town, reachable via a dirt road.
- Atmosphere: Very quiet and isolated, ideal for those seeking an escape from the crowd.
- Services: Not equipped, only the taverna on the beach.
- Crowd Management: Maintains a more relaxed atmosphere even in high season, thanks to its harder-to-reach location.
- Sunbed Prices: Free, being a free beach.
- Dining Options: Taverna Fokos offers excellent homemade Greek cuisine.
Kapari Beach
Google Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (July 2025)
A small secret and unspoiled bay, with crystal-clear waters and breathtaking views of Delos.
- Location: Southwest coast, between Agios Ioannis and Ornos, about 5 km from Mykonos Town. Access via a short, not always easy path.
- Atmosphere: Small, intimate, and very quiet.
- Services: Not equipped.
- Crowd Management: Given its small size, it can get crowded even if less than the “icons,” especially in high season.
- Sunbed Prices: Free, being a free beach.
- Dining Options: No direct services on the beach. Bring your own water and snacks.
Lia Beach
Google Rating: 4.4 out of 5 (July 2025)
A more remote beach in the southeast, appreciated for its beauty and relaxed environment.
- Location: Far southeast, about 14 km from Mykonos Town.
- Atmosphere: Calm, with transparent waters and sand mixed with pebbles. It is equipped, but less chaotic than the beaches closer to the center.
- Services: Beach establishments with sunbeds and umbrellas, a diving center, and a restaurant.
- Crowd Management: Maintains a good level of tranquility even in high season, despite having services.
- Sunbed Prices: Around €30-€50 for a set, with possible increases in high season.
- Dining Options: The beach restaurant offers fresh dishes and a relaxed atmosphere.
Merchia Beach
Google Rating: 4.4 out of 5 (July 2025)
A corner of true solitude, for those seeking maximum tranquility away from everything.
- Location: Far east coast, about 12 km from Mykonos Town. Only accessible by your own transport, on a difficult road.
- Atmosphere: Extremely isolated and unspoiled, almost always deserted.
- Services: No services of any kind.
- Crowd Management: It is one of the very few beaches that maintains a high probability of being uncrowded even in high season.
- Sunbed Prices: Free, being a free beach.
- Dining Options: No options. Bring everything with you.
Frangia Beach
Google Rating: 4.3 out of 5 (July 2025)
A small, semi-hidden bay, ideal for a quiet spot.
- Location: Southeast coast, near Kalo Livadi. Accessible via a path.
- Atmosphere: Small, quiet, and welcoming, with no services.
- Services: Not equipped.
- Crowd Management: Can attract those seeking a quieter spot, but it remains a small beach.
- Sunbed Prices: Free, being a free beach.
- Dining Options: No direct options on the beach.
Essential Tips for Making the Most of Mykonos Beaches
- Strategic Times: For the most popular beaches, arriving early (by 10:00-10:30 AM) is crucial to find a spot and enjoy some tranquility before the crowds.
- Sunbed Reservations: At the most exclusive beach clubs (e.g., Nammos, Scorpios, Principote), advance booking of sunbeds (and often lunch) is often mandatory and highly recommended, especially in high season. Always check in advance.
- Costs: Prices for sunbeds and umbrellas can be high, with a significant increase in high season. Many beach clubs also require a minimum spend.
- Equipment: For unequipped beaches, always bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and a portable umbrella.
- Explore: Don’t limit yourself to the most famous beaches. With your own transport, you can discover less-traveled paradisiacal spots.
Iconic Mykonos Beaches: Finding a Spot Without a Reservation (Even in High Season!)
Do you want to enjoy Mykonos’ most famous and vibrant beaches even during peak periods, like July and August, without the stress of booking sunbeds and umbrellas far in advance? The key is a simple but effective strategy: arrive very early. Showing up at the beach by 9:00 AM (or even earlier) significantly increases your chances of finding a spot at the following iconic beaches:
- Platys Gialos: Thanks to its size and the presence of numerous establishments, it’s one of the best options. Arriving early, you’ll almost certainly have a wide choice of positions.
- Ornos Beach: This wide and well-organized beach is another excellent choice. Morning arrival will guarantee you a good spot before the crowds arrive.
- Paradise Beach: If your goal is the party atmosphere that ignites in the afternoon, but you also want to enjoy some calm sea, arriving by 9:00 AM will allow you to find sunbeds. The beach is vast and, although it fills up quickly, in the early morning hours there is still plenty of availability.
- Super Paradise Beach: Similar to Paradise, the size of the beach and the fact that the “real” party starts later in the afternoon will give you good chances of securing a spot by arriving well in advance.
Caution: where reservation is almost always mandatory (even if you arrive early!)
It is essential to know that for some ultra-exclusive beaches and their most renowned beach clubs, the early morning arrival strategy might not be sufficient. We’re talking about places like Psarou (Nammos) and the most famous beach clubs in Paraga (e.g., Scorpios, Kalua). Here, given the very high demand and specific management policies, advance booking remains almost always mandatory to guarantee a spot, regardless of arrival time. Do not try your luck in these specific places without first checking availability or making a reservation.
By adopting this strategy, you will not only secure a spot where access is possible but also enjoy the first hours of the day with greater tranquility and less crowding, experiencing a more relaxed vibe before Mykonos’ typical energy takes over.
The Best Mykonos Beaches for Snorkeling
Mykonos, with its crystal-clear waters, offers several opportunities for snorkeling, especially in less-frequented bays or near rock formations. Not all beaches are ideal; very sandy and crowded ones, while having clear waters, might not offer the same variety of marine life or the tranquility needed for an excellent snorkeling experience.
Here are some of the most recommended beaches for exploring Mykonos’ underwater world:
- Lia Beach: Often recommended for snorkeling and diving (it also hosts a diving center), Lia offers exceptionally clear waters and a more interesting seabed with rock formations that attract marine life. It’s quieter compared to the southwest beaches.
- Agrari Beach: Considered a quieter alternative to nearby Elia, Agrari boasts clear waters and a mixed sand/rock seabed that makes it ideal for snorkeling in a relaxed environment.
- Agios Sostis: This northern beach is famous for its unspoiled waters and wild atmosphere. Being less organized and frequented, it offers excellent visibility for snorkeling, especially near the rocky edges.
- Fokos Beach: Another “hidden gem” in the northeast, Fokos features clear waters and a natural, secluded environment, perfect for observing the seabed in tranquility.
- Kapari Beach: This small and secluded bay, with views of Delos, offers crystal-clear waters. Being less developed, the underwater environment is more preserved and interesting for snorkeling.
- Frangia Beach: Difficult to reach, which allows it to retain a wild charm and incredibly clean waters, ideal for snorkeling away from the crowds. Its submerged reefs are populated by sea urchins, small fish, and anemones.
- Kalafatis Beach: Although known for water sports, Kalafatis has sections with azure waters and interesting seabeds for snorkeling, especially in areas less exposed to the wind.
Tips for Snorkeling in Mykonos:
- Times: Early morning or late afternoon are the best times for light and fewer swimmers.
- Wind (Meltemi): Beaches exposed to the Meltemi (North wind) can have choppy water and reduced visibility. Sheltered beaches, especially those in the south with protected bays, are generally better.
- Equipment: Many of the ideal snorkeling beaches are less organized, so bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins.
- Explore rocky edges: Marine life tends to concentrate near rocks and headlands, not so much in the middle of large sandy stretches.
Conclusion: Find Your Perfect Beach in Mykonos!
Mykonos offers an incredible range of beaches, each with its own personality. We hope this detailed guide, combined with your Mykonos beaches map, helps you navigate the endless options and find the coves that will make your vacation unforgettable, any time of the year.
Get your swimsuit and camera ready: Mykonos’ magnificent beaches await you! Don’t forget to share your experiences on Tripilare.com!
Is it worth renting a car in Mykonos?
Should you consider renting a car in Mykonos? Check out the article below for the scoop!
Featured image
Featured image for the article: Mykonos Beaches: The Ultimate Guide with an Interactive Map to Make the Most of Your Trip
