The Ultimate Guide to Platys Gialos Beach, Mykonos

Platys Gialos Beach, Mykonos, is a true gem on the island’s southern coast, located just 4 km from Chora. It is the perfect destination for anyone looking for a versatile beach that combines relaxation, high-quality services, and a lively atmosphere. This comprehensive guide will give you all the information you need to make the most of your day at one of the island’s most famous beaches.

Video: 8K Platis Gialos Beach Mykonos: The Peaceful paradise Before the Party (August 2025)

Immerse yourself in the tranquility of a Mykonos morning at Platis Gialos beach. This video captures the serene beauty of the coastline around 10 am, with the soft golden sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Watch as a few early risers enjoy a quiet jog along the shore, a stark contrast to the vibrant energy that will soon take over. This is your chance to experience the peaceful paradise of Mykonos before the legendary global beach parties begin.

–> Watch the following video directly here or on YouTube at the link: https://youtu.be/XtoSDmDW5jE]. If you are reading this article from your smartphone, scroll to the bottom of the page and exit the mobile mode to view it directly on this page.

What is Platys Gialos Beach like?

The beach is a long strip of golden sand, which in some spots mixes with fine pebbles. The shoreline isn’t overly wide, allowing for just a few rows of sunbeds and umbrellas, which in turn leaves ample space behind for a large area of services.

The feeling of stepping into the water is particularly pleasant. The first few steps are on a sandy bottom, with perhaps a few small pebbles mixed in. After passing a few scattered rocks, the bottom returns to being an immense expanse of sand. The water, incredibly clear and transparent, blends with the bright seabed, creating the impression of swimming in a giant natural pool.

The Free Beach: A Limited Space

It’s important to know that Platys Gialos beach is primarily occupied by beach clubs and establishments. The space for the free beach is extremely limited and is located in a small corner to the side, close to the rocks. If you’re looking for a completely free and wild experience, you might be disappointed. If you do want to lay out your towel, it’s best to arrive early in the morning.

Here’s a video that gives you an idea of the portion of free beach you’ll find here at Platis Gialos: https://youtu.be/XtoSDmDW5jE?si=W5fGdpG_w6BTudBl&t=90. If you look closely, there are two small sections of free beach at either end of the beach (one is almost non-existent and the other very limited). The video clearly shows that almost the entire beach at Platis Gialos is occupied by beach clubs.

Crowds and Timings: A Paradise That Comes Alive

Platys Gialos beach offers two distinct experiences in the same day. In the morning, especially between 10:00 and 11:00 AM, the beach is a true paradise of tranquility. The establishments open around this time, so you can find the beach almost deserted, with crystal-clear water and a perfect atmosphere for relaxing. Many guests from nearby hotels also take the opportunity to jog on the sand.

The situation changes dramatically in the afternoon, when the party begins. The beach starts to get crowded around noon, but it’s in the later hours that the atmosphere really comes alive: beach clubs turn up the volume of the music, you see people taking photos, and while people still swim calmly, the energy of the place transforms completely.

Platys Gialos and the Wind: A Sheltered Beach

One of the greatest advantages of Platys Gialos is its sheltered position from the wind. In summer, when the strong north wind (Meltemi) is typical in Mykonos, this beach remains an oasis of calm. You can feel a pleasant breeze that helps you enjoy the sun without suffering from too much heat, but without the force needed to create bothersome waves. The sea remains almost flat, with just a slight ripple, making swimming always safe and enjoyable. For this reason, it’s an ideal choice when the north wind is blowing.

Prices for Sunbeds, Umbrellas, and Food: A Choice for Every Budget

Unlike other Mykonos beaches with exorbitant prices, Platys Gialos offers more choice. The prices, verified on August 2, 2025 in high season, vary significantly depending on the establishment:

• More Affordable Options: The least expensive sunbeds start at €35 per person, including the umbrella (so €70 for two). This establishment is connected to the Yialo Yialo Restaurant Mykonos, which boasts an excellent 4.6 Google rating.
• High-End Options: Prices for more luxurious sunbeds can range from €120 to €210, often including a drink.
• “Free Umbrellas”: Some places offer “free” sunbeds, but in this case, you only pay for what you consume. Be careful, however, as the minimum cost for a single drink can be €40 per person, risking an uncertain final bill.

As for food, you can get an idea of the average costs by looking at the establishment with the €35 sunbeds. Here, for lunch, you can find prices like: a Greek salad for €15, an octopus salad for €20, and a club sandwich for €17.

Since every establishment has its own prices, our advice is to not stop at the first one you see. Ask for the menus from a few places before choosing the option that best suits your budget.

Beach Service: Comfort and Savings

Another highlight of Platys Gialos is the service offered right under your umbrella. At the beach clubs, you can call a waiter to order food and drinks just like in a restaurant, enjoying your meal in complete relaxation without having to move.

If you prefer to save money, there’s a solution just a short walk away: behind the beach, right next to the establishments, you’ll find small supermarkets and shops. Here you can buy fresh fruit, drinks, and snacks at much lower prices. This option allows you to balance the comfort of beach service with a more contained expense, a feature that makes Platys Gialos more accessible than other exclusive places on the island.

How to Get to Platys Gialos Beach

Platys Gialos is easily accessible from Chora and other parts of the island.

• By Bus: The simplest and most economical way to get there is to take a bus from the Fabrika station in Mykonos Town. The buses run frequently, especially in high season, and the trip takes about 15-20 minutes.
• By Car/Scooter: If you prefer maximum freedom, you can rent a vehicle. The beach has paid parking lots.
• By Taxi: Taxis are available but are a more expensive option. Make sure to agree on the price before you leave.

Parking: Options and Costs

The beach does not have large free parking lots. The most common option is paid parking, which costs about €12 per day. Even in August, arriving around 10:00 AM, the lots are generally empty. Often, you won’t find an attendant when you arrive; you can park the car calmly and, upon your return, you will find a ticket with the cost applied. If, by chance, you don’t find a ticket, you will find the attendant who will ask you for payment. You will pay when you leave the parking lot.

From Ano Mera to Platys Gialos

For those staying inland, the travel time by car from Ano Mera to Platys Gialos is about 18 minutes.

What to Do at Platys Gialos

Platys Gialos beach isn’t just a place to sunbathe; it’s also a strategic starting point for various activities:

• Relaxation and Swimming: The fine sand and shallow waters make it perfect for families and anyone who simply wants to relax.
• Water Sports: You can rent equipment for water sports like water skiing, wakeboarding, and jet skiing.
• Boat Excursions: From here, the famous “caiques” depart—small boats that connect the beach with other iconic destinations on the southern coast of Mykonos, such as Paraga, Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari, and Elia.

Platys Gialos at Night: A Magical Atmosphere

Visiting Platys Gialos in the evening offers a completely different experience from the daytime. First, the parking that is paid for during the day becomes completely free at night.

As the sun sets, the beach clubs transform into elegant restaurants. The atmosphere is beautiful and evocative, with the lights of the establishments reflecting on the sea and the sound of the waves in the background. You can choose to dress elegantly for dinner, knowing you’ll be in a refined yet relaxed environment. The location directly on the beach allows you to take a walk on the sand before or after your meal.

Many of the small shops and boutiques behind the beach remain open in high season, offering the chance for some evening shopping. Dining at a restaurant with a beach view is a priceless experience, and the atmosphere with upbeat, rhythmic music makes for a fun and enjoyable evening. Even if it’s not the place where we ate the absolute best food on the island, the setting, atmosphere, and music made the evening unforgettable.

Useful Tips

• Beach Shoes: The sand is fine and access to the sea is easy, so special shoes aren’t necessary.
• Hours: The beach is perfect for relaxing in the morning but gets lively in the afternoon. The late afternoon, at sunset, offers a particularly evocative atmosphere.