Mykonos Free Beaches: Your Essential Guide to Saving Money
Mykonos is synonymous with luxury and glamour, but the island also offers solutions for those who want to enjoy the sea without spending a fortune on sunbeds and umbrellas. Although the most famous beaches are dominated by exclusive beach clubs, there are still pristine corners of paradise and stretches of coastline dedicated to those who prefer their own towel.
This guide will show you where to find free beaches in Mykonos, how to prepare, and the importance of a often-underestimated accessory: a portable umbrella.
Table of Contents for Mykonos Free Beaches
The Difference Between Famous and Untouched Beaches
When talking about free beaches in Mykonos, it’s essential to distinguish between two very different categories that offer opposite experiences.
- The Famous, Crowded Beaches (usually in the south): Here, the question is “is there any space?” On popular beaches like Ornos, Paradise Beach, Super Paradise, or Paraga Beach, beach clubs take up most of the coastline with sunbeds and umbrellas at high prices. People looking to save money wonder if a free spot exists at all. As we’ll see, the space is there, but it’s often limited and must be “conquered” strategically. The goal is to find an alternative to the paid options in a location you still want to visit.
- The Untouched Beaches (usually in the north or less accessible): In these locations, the concept of a “free beach” isn’t an option—it’s the rule. Places like Agios Sostis, Fokos, or Merchia Beach are not equipped with beach clubs or services. They are entirely free beaches, with stretches of sand or pebbles completely at your disposal. The goal here isn’t to save money but to have an authentic experience, far from the crowds and loud music.
This guide will explore both realities, helping you understand if the most popular beaches offer a free option or if it’s better to head straight for one of the island’s hidden gems.
Mykonos Beaches with Free Areas: A Detailed Guide
Here is a summary of the beaches that offer free areas, divided by type.
Lia Beach: The Hidden Gem
Lia Beach, located in a more sheltered area of the island, is ideal for those seeking tranquility. Its composition is a mix of small pebbles and incredibly clear water. Free Beach: Although the beach hosts the Liasti Beach Club with paid sunbeds (starting from €80), it also offers a large free area where you can lay down your towel and enjoy the crystal-clear sea without any costs.
Ornos Beach: The Lively Oasis with Limited Space
Ornos is one of the most popular beaches, with soft sand and calm waters. Free Beach: The space for a free beach is very limited. It’s a narrow strip of sand mainly found at the ends of the bay, as the rest is almost entirely occupied by beach clubs. Still, if you arrive early in the morning, you can find a small free spot.
Paradise Beach: Just the Shoreline
Paradise Beach is famous for its parties, but in the morning, it’s incredibly calm. Free Beach: It’s important to note that Paradise Beach does not have a real free beach area. Most of the coast is occupied by sunbeds and umbrellas, and the only option for laying down your towel for free is to position yourself directly on the shoreline, the thin strip of sand kissed by the waves.
Paraga Beach: Two Souls, Free Spaces
Paraga is a charming cove with a mix of sand and pebbles, famous for its beach clubs like Scorpios and Sant’Anna. Free Beach: Despite its fame, Paraga offers a portion of a free beach, a rarity on the island’s most renowned beaches. In the morning, the free area is almost deserted, guaranteeing you a spot without any problems.
Platis Gialos: A Small Free Corner
Platis Gialos is a bay with soft sand and transparent waters, predominantly occupied by beach clubs. Free Beach: The free beach space is extremely limited and is found in a small corner near the rocks. Those looking for a large, open free area might be disappointed, but if you arrive early, you can still find a small spot to lay down your towel.
Super Paradise Beach: Ample Free Space
Super Paradise is the epicenter of fun in Mykonos, but it also holds surprises for those looking for a cheaper option. Free Beach: Despite the predominance of paid beach clubs, there is ample space for a free beach at Super Paradise. There are large portions of unequipped beach, especially on the edges and between establishments. If you arrive early in the morning, you’ll have plenty of space.
Essential Tips for Your Relaxing Mykonos Trip
- Arrive Early: For the most popular beaches, arriving early in the morning (by 10:00 AM) significantly increases your chances of finding a free spot before the beach gets crowded.
- Be Prepared: For unequipped beaches, always bring your own water, snacks, sunscreen, and a portable umbrella.
- Check the Wind: The wind can ruin a beach day. Use an app to check the direction of the Meltemi and choose a beach on the opposite coast to find shelter.
The Portable beach Umbrella
Discovering the ideal spot to purchase a beach umbrella for your day at the free beaches in Mykonos may seem daunting, but fear not, for it is entirely achievable! Find the perfect location to acquire one by delving into the contents of this piece.
Where to Buy an Umbrella in Mykonos: A Budget-Friendly Alternative