Platis Gialos is Mykonos's most popular beach, and for good reason -- it's 5 km from town, the bus runs every 30 minutes, the water is shallow and crystal-clear, and it has everything: sunbeds, tavernas, mini-markets, water sports, and a water taxi that connects to all the south coast beaches. Sunbeds cost 40-150 EUR depending on the section, the bus is 1.80 EUR each way, and the water taxi day pass is 20 EUR. If you only have one beach day on Mykonos, this is the safe bet.
In this guide
Platis Gialos sits in a wide, south-facing bay with soft sand, turquoise water, and a backdrop of traditional white houses climbing the hillside. It's the beach that does everything competently -- swimming, eating, water sports, transport connections -- without being the absolute best at any one thing. It's the hub of Mykonos's south coast beach scene, and the starting point for reaching beaches further east.
How Do You Get There?
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Distance from Mykonos Town | About 5 km |
| Bus from Fabrika station | Every 30 minutes, 10-15 minutes ride |
| Bus fare | 1.80 EUR each way |
| Taxi | About 10 minutes from town |
| Parking | Available but limited in peak season |
| Water taxi | 20 EUR day pass (mid-May to mid-October) |
By Bus
The bus from Fabrika Square in Mykonos Town runs to Platis Gialos every 30 minutes throughout the day in summer. The ride takes 10-15 minutes. This is the easiest and cheapest way to get there -- no need for a car or taxi.
By Water Taxi
Platis Gialos is the water taxi hub for Mykonos's south coast. From here, small boats shuttle beachgoers east to Paraga, Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari, and Elia. A flat day pass costs 20 EUR and lets you hop on and off all day. The boats run from mid-May to mid-October. Platis Gialos is the only stop with a proper concrete jetty, making boarding easy.
The water taxi is one of the best-value experiences on Mykonos. For 20 EUR, you can beach-hop along the entire south coast without worrying about buses, taxis, or parking. Start at Platis Gialos, work your way east, and come back whenever you've had enough.
By Car
Parking is available near the beach but fills up quickly in July and August. If you're driving, arrive before 10:00 or you'll be circling.
What's the Beach Like?
A long, wide stretch of soft sand in a sheltered south-facing bay. The water is shallow for a good distance from the shore -- knee-deep for 20-30 metres -- which makes it ideal for children and confident non-swimmers. The bay faces south and is well-protected from the Meltemi, so the water stays calm even when the north coast beaches are choppy.
Facilities
| Facility | Available? |
|---|---|
| Sunbeds and umbrellas | Yes -- multiple operators along the beach |
| Restaurants and tavernas | Yes -- several, directly on the beach |
| Cafes and bars | Yes |
| Mini-markets | Yes (2 on the beach) |
| Water sports | Jet skis, paddleboarding, banana boats |
| Toilets and showers | Yes |
| Water taxi | Yes -- hub for south coast beach hopping |
| Hotels | Yes -- several beachfront options |
Sunbed Prices
Prices range widely along the beach:
| Section | Price (pair + umbrella) |
|---|---|
| Budget section | From about 40 EUR |
| Mid-range | 60-80 EUR |
| Premium / hotel-affiliated | Up to 150 EUR |
The beach is long enough that you can walk along and compare options. The further from the centre, generally the cheaper. There's also free sand at the edges for towel-layers, though it's limited.
What Can You Do?
Swimming
The main event. The water is warm, clear, and shallow. Families with children will appreciate the gentle slope. On calm days (most days in this sheltered bay), it's some of the best swimming on the island.
Water Sports
Jet ski rental, stand-up paddleboarding, and banana boat rides are available from operators on the beach. Prices are typical for Mykonos -- not cheap, but not the most expensive on the island.
Eating
Several tavernas line the beach, serving Greek standards -- grilled fish, salads, moussaka, cold beer. There's also a couple of mini-markets where you can buy water, snacks, and basic supplies without paying restaurant prices.
Beach Hopping
The water taxi from Platis Gialos connects to Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari, and Elia beaches. This makes Platis Gialos the perfect base for a south coast beach-hopping day -- spend the morning here, take the water taxi east to explore other beaches, and return in the afternoon.
How Does It Compare?
| Platis Gialos | Ornos | Psarou | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance from town | 5 km | 3 km | 4.5 km |
| Bus frequency | Every 30 min | Every 20-30 min | Regular |
| Atmosphere | All-rounder | Family, local | Luxury |
| Sunbed cost | 40-150 EUR | 20-60 EUR | 50-250+ EUR |
| Water taxi hub | Yes | No | No |
| Crowd level | Moderate to high | High | Moderate |
| Wind protection | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
When Should You Visit?
Morning (09:00-11:00) -- The beach is less crowded, sunbeds are available, and the light is beautiful.
All day in May-June and September -- Perfect conditions, manageable crowds, warm water.
July-August -- Peak season. The beach is busy by 11:00, sunbeds in the best spots go early, and the water taxi queue builds up. Still enjoyable, but not a tranquil experience.
For beach hopping -- Arrive by 10:00, spend the morning at Platis Gialos, then take the water taxi east. Return by 16:00-17:00 and have a late lunch at one of the beachfront tavernas.
What Should You Know Before Going?
- The water taxi is the highlight. Even if you don't love Platis Gialos itself, it's worth visiting just for the water taxi access to the rest of the south coast. The 20 EUR day pass is excellent value.
- Bus service is reliable. The Fabrika-to-Platis Gialos route is one of the most frequent on the island. You can get here and back without any transport stress.
- Parking is the weak point. In peak season, the small car park fills up fast. Take the bus.
- It's not the cheapest beach on Mykonos. Sunbed prices at the premium end are steep. But the budget sections are reasonable, and you can always use the free sand.
- The beach faces south. Sun all day, well-protected from the Meltemi. On the hottest days, this means it can feel airless. The trade-off for calm water is no cooling breeze.
- Two mini-markets on the beach mean you don't have to pay restaurant prices for water and snacks. Use them.
Platis Gialos is 5 km from Mykonos Town. Bus every 30 minutes (1.80 EUR each way). Shallow, calm water, full facilities. Sunbeds 40-150 EUR. Water taxi hub for south coast beaches (20 EUR day pass). The best all-round beach on Mykonos.
Planning more adventures on the island? Browse our complete guide to the best day trips from Mykonos.
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