Ornos Mykonos: The Ultimate Guide to the Beach, Prices, and Tips
Ornos Mykonos is one of the island’s most popular locations, situated in the southwest, just a short distance from Mykonos Town. It’s a beach with soft sand and calm, transparent waters, well-protected from the northerly winds. Our experience, lived out in the middle of August, proves that Ornos is a valid choice, offering a lively atmosphere and accessible services while maintaining high standards.
8K Video: Ornos Beach, Mykonos: Morning Walk Before the Crowds (August 2025)
Discover the serene beauty of Ornos Beach in this breathtaking 8K video. Enjoy a peaceful morning stroll along the golden sand and admire the crystal-clear Aegean water, including the small, quiet free beach area. Immerse yourself in the calm of this coastal paradise before the crowds arrive.
- Watch the video directly here or on YouTube via this link: https://youtu.be/mYm2qwwPZ0I.
Table of Contents for Ornos Mykonos
Pros and Cons of Ornos Beach
Every beach has its unique characteristics. Here’s what to expect at Ornos Mykonos, based on our observations.
The Pros
- Water and Seabed: The water is extraordinarily transparent, and the seabed is shallow for the first few meters, making it ideal for families and non-expert swimmers. The bay is also very sheltered, and even on a very windy day (like August 6th, with a strong north wind), the waves are gentle, allowing you to swim in total tranquility. It’s a true natural swimming pool, where you’ll find yourself surrounded by small fish. A fun experience is feeling the tiny fish gently nibbling at your ankles near the shore.
- Atmosphere: The vibe changes significantly throughout the day. Early in the morning (around 10:00 AM, when beach clubs open), the beach is a true paradise of tranquility. There are few people, and the music is soft. From 11:00 AM onwards, it becomes more lively, with music in the bars and more visitors. By early afternoon (around 2:30 PM), the crowds increase significantly, the music gets louder, and the atmosphere becomes more festive. Despite this, it remains a more relaxed beach compared to spots like Platis Gialos or Paradise Beach, attracting not just young people but also families and couples.
- Care and Cleanliness: We noticed a general sense of care and cleanliness, both on the beach and with the sunbeds and umbrellas, which isn’t always the case at other beaches. This, combined with slightly below-average prices, makes the experience more pleasant.
The Cons
- Limited Space: The beach is a long strip of sand, but it’s not very wide. Most of the space is occupied by beach clubs, with sunbeds and umbrellas stretching almost to the water’s edge, making it difficult to walk along the shoreline.
- “Boat Parking”: A negative aspect that somewhat spoils the view is the presence of numerous boats anchored right in front of the bay, giving it the impression of a small port. However, in the evening, these boats light up and create a romantic and charming spectacle.
- Late Crowds: The beach tends to fill up after midday. Those looking for absolute tranquility should prefer the early morning hours. By early afternoon (around 2:30 PM), it becomes difficult to find available sunbeds and umbrellas without a reservation, as many clubs are full.
The Evening Experience: Romantic Dinner and Magical Atmosphere
Ornos Mykonos is not just a place for sunbathing; it also offers an unforgettable evening experience. As the sun sets, the atmosphere transforms. The beach bars turn into elegant and welcoming venues, offering a wide choice ranging from high-end cuisine to slightly more accessible restaurants. As you dine, you can admire the bay, which, as the evening progresses, fills with the colored lights of the anchored boats. Even in high season, like August, it’s possible to find a table without a reservation, especially for a party of two.
Ornos Beach: Prices and Useful Information
- Cost of Sunbeds and Umbrellas (prices verified August 1st & 3rd, 2025): At Ornos, you can find more accessible options compared to other beaches. Prices start from €50-60 for an umbrella and two sunbeds. For example, at the Kostantis beach club, which offers very comfortable sunbeds, the cost was €70 for two sunbeds and an umbrella in the first rows and €60 for the last row. Even at the most luxurious clubs, prices are more contained (e.g., €100 for the first row).
- Restaurant and Food Prices (verified August 1st & 3rd, 2025): Restaurant and cocktail prices are in line with Mykonos standards. The bakeries along the road offer an excellent and affordable alternative: for €19, we bought a cake, a double cappuccino, a coffee, a brioche, and two very large sandwiches.
Here is the detailed menu from Kostantis Beach Restaurant:
- Salads: Prices between €10 (Cherry tomato with rusk) and €22 (Shrimp “Sautèd,” Salmon Salad).
- Appetizers: Prices between €7 (Pitta breads) and €22 (Shrimp tempura). Hummus is €14, Tzatziki is €10.50.
- Club Sandwich & Tortilla: From €10.50 (Tortilla With Grilled Vegetables) to €17 (Club Sandwich With Chicken And Bacon).
- Main Dishes: From €16.50 (Spaghetti carbonara) to €27 (Shrimps linguine). A burger is €21, Salmon fillet is €26.
- Soft Drinks/Juices: From €4.50 (Coca Cola, Sprite) to €10 (Evian).
- Coffee: Espresso is €3.50, Cappuccino is €5.50, Freddo cappuccino is €7.
- Classic Cocktails: All are €16.
Here are some prices from the Porto Ornos Restaurant menu:
- Lunch for two: Salad with shrimp, lamb with potatoes, water, and coffee for a total cost of approximately €60.50.
- À la carte menu: Salads are €16-18, salmon is €24, lamb is €26, and risotto is €22. A cocktail costs around €15.
The Packed Lunch Dilemma: Can You Eat Your Own Food?
Ornos Mykonos, with its elegant beach bars, brings up a common question for tourists: is it okay to bring your own food? Many clubs prefer that customers buy their meals on-site. Before opening your sandwich, it’s always best to ask the staff. To avoid any issues, you can simply enjoy your packed lunch in the small public free beach area.
Free Beach: A Limited Space
If you’re looking for an unequipped spot, you should know that the free beach area at Ornos Mykonos is very small. It’s a strip of sand found mainly at the ends of the bay. The entire beach is almost completely occupied by sunbeds. In this video, I’ll show you the portion of the free beach: https://youtu.be/mYm2qwwPZ0I?si=6eGG2UyxxDCiR1pQ&t=118.
Other Practical Information
- Transportation and Parking: Ornos is extremely easy to reach. There’s a bus stop right in front of the beach. For those arriving by car, paid parking is available, such as the Valet Parking, where for €10 per day you can use a covered spot, which is great for keeping your car cool. The parking “al zuma” accepts card payments, unlike some others that only take cash.
- Hours and Availability: Beach clubs usually open at 10:00 AM. It’s a good idea to arrive before noon to have the best choice of spots, although there’s no frantic rush like you might find at other beaches.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Ornos Mykonos is a strategic choice for anyone who wants to enjoy the beauty of Mykonos without the stress of a “sunbed race” and with a more mindful approach to their budget. Our advice is to arrive in the morning to enjoy maximum tranquility and the clearest water, and then perhaps stay for an aperitif or lunch at one of the many local venues.
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