Elia is Mykonos's longest beach -- a wide sweep of golden sand about 10 km south of town, with turquoise water, an upscale-but-relaxed atmosphere, and significantly fewer people than the famous party beaches nearby. It's the beach for people who actually want to swim and sunbathe rather than dance on a sunbed.
In this guide
If Paradise and Super Paradise are the nightclub beaches, Elia is the lounge. The sand is soft, the water is clear, and the vibe is more cocktail-in-hand-while-reading than DJ-at-full-volume. It attracts a mixed crowd -- families, couples, LGBTQ+ visitors, and locals who prefer their beach time without the party infrastructure. There's a nudist section at one end for those who prefer it.
Elia is far enough from Mykonos Town (about 25 minutes by car) that the day-tripper crowds thin out. It's close enough that you can still make it to dinner in Chora afterward without a production.
How Do You Get There?
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Distance from Mykonos Town | About 10 km south |
| By car/taxi | ~25 minutes, parking available near the beach |
| By bus | From Mykonos Old Port, ~30 minutes |
| By water taxi | From Platis Gialos (the south coast water taxi hub) |
| By scooter/ATV | ~25 minutes from town |
The water taxi from Platis Gialos is the scenic option -- small boats hop between the south coast beaches (Platis Gialos, Paraga, Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari, Elia), and arriving by sea gives you a view of the coastline that the road doesn't offer.
The bus is reliable and cheap. It departs from the Old Port area and goes directly to Elia.
What's the Beach Like?
Elia is a long, wide crescent of golden sand facing south, sheltered from the Meltemi wind. The water is turquoise and calm -- among the clearest on Mykonos.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Sand | Soft, golden |
| Water | Crystal-clear turquoise, calm |
| Length | Longest beach on Mykonos |
| Sunbeds | Available, from around 40 EUR per set |
| Free areas | Yes -- sections where you can lay your own towel |
| Nudist section | At the eastern end |
| Facilities | Beach bar, restaurant, spa resort, showers |
The beach has an organised section with sunbeds and cocktail service, but there's also public space where you can put down your own towel for free. The sunbed prices are high (this is Mykonos) but the service is good -- drinks and food delivered to your chair.
The Nudist Section
The eastern end of Elia has historically been a nudist and LGBTQ+ friendly area. It's more low-key than the main beach -- fewer sunbeds, more towel-on-sand, and a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere. Clothing-optional rather than clothing-required.
Beach Bar and Dining
The beach bar serves cocktails, beer, wine, and food -- standard beach-club fare with Greek additions. There's also a 5-star resort backing onto the beach that offers spa services, a gym, a pool, and a restaurant. A shuttle runs between the resort and Mykonos Town.
How Does It Compare to Other Mykonos Beaches?
| Beach | Vibe | Crowd | Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elia | Relaxed, upscale, inclusive | Mixed, LGBTQ+ friendly | Good -- bar, resort, spa |
| Paradise | Party from early afternoon | Young, international, loud | Full party infrastructure |
| Super Paradise | Party from 16:00 | Upscale party crowd | Beach club, DJ, food service |
| Ornos | Family-friendly, calm | Families, couples | Restaurants, water sports |
| Psarou | Celebrity, exclusive | Ultra-high-end | Nammos, VIP sunbeds |
| Agrari | Quiet, natural | Very few people | Minimal |
Elia is the Goldilocks option -- more interesting than Ornos, more peaceful than Paradise, more accessible than Psarou, and better-equipped than Agrari.
How to Spend Your Day
- 10:00 -- Arrive by bus, car, or water taxi
- 10:15 -- Set up on a sunbed or claim a towel spot in the free section
- 10:30 -- Swim in the turquoise water
- 11:00 -- Order a coffee or juice from the beach bar
- 12:00 -- Walk the length of the beach (it's long -- enjoy it)
- 12:30 -- Lunch at the beach bar or resort restaurant
- 14:00 -- More swimming, reading, doing absolutely nothing
- 15:00 -- Try the eastern end of the beach for a different perspective
- 16:00 -- Final swim
- 17:00 -- Bus, taxi, or water taxi back to town
A full beach day at Elia is one of the most relaxing things you can do on Mykonos. There's no FOMO, no pumping music (unless you choose the bar area), and no pressure to be anywhere else.
What Should You Know Before Going?
- Sunbed prices are steep -- around 40 EUR or more for a set. Bring your own towel if you'd rather save the money and use the free sections.
- Bring water and snacks if you're planning to avoid the beach bar prices. A cocktail runs 15-18 EUR.
- The path to the beach can be rocky in spots. Proper sandals or flip-flops with grip are better than bare feet.
- September is the best month. Still warm, the summer crowds have thinned, and the water is at its warmest. The beach is at its most enjoyable when it's not at capacity.
- LGBTQ+ visitors are welcome everywhere on the beach, but the eastern section is the traditional gathering spot.
- Sunscreen is essential. You're on an exposed, south-facing beach with no natural shade. The Mykonos sun is strong.
- The water taxi from Platis Gialos is a good way to combine Elia with other south coast beaches in a single day -- hop from beach to beach.
When Is the Best Time to Visit?
September -- Consistently recommended as the best month. Post-peak season, the beach is quieter, the water is warm, and the weather is still excellent.
June and October -- Good weather, uncrowded. Water may be slightly cooler in June.
July-August -- The busiest period. Still enjoyable (the beach is long enough to absorb the crowds) but sunbed availability can be an issue without booking ahead.
Elia is Mykonos's longest beach, about 10 km south of town. Golden sand, turquoise water, relaxed atmosphere. Sunbeds from ~40 EUR; free sections available. Reachable by bus (~30 min), taxi, or water taxi from Platis Gialos. Best visited in September.
Planning more adventures on the island? Browse our complete guide to the best day trips from Mykonos.
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