With delectable temperatures and near guaranteed sunshine in the summer months, it’s no surprise that one of the most popular things to do in Mykonos is to head to the beach. Greece’s most stylish island is awash with options when it comes to enjoying the crystal waters of the Aegean, which comes with its own challenges - where on earth to begin? This is exactly where we here at Plum Guide come in, because we know just about everything there is to know about sand and sea. We’re ready to take on the leg work and bring you the very best beaches in Mykonos, whether you’re in the market for a vibrant party spot or a tranquil sandy stretch.
Platis Gialos Beach: Best for families
Paradise Beach: Best for partying
Psarou Beach: Best for people watching
Kalafati Beach: Best for water sports
Fokos Beach: Best for getting away from it all
Kapari Beach: Best for watching the sunset
Platis Gialos Beach: Best for families
Sun loungers and parasols on the sand looking out to sea at Platis Gialos Beach, Mykonos, Greece
When it comes to the best beaches in Mykonos, Platis Gialos comes up time and time again as a solid all-rounder. Shallow, calm waters and soft golden sands make it an ideal option for families, who will also appreciate the abundance of cafes and tavernas that back the beach. The atmosphere of this crescent bay strikes the perfect balance between energetic and chilled out - i.e. nobody will bat an eyelid at the kids having the time of their lives, frolicking in the gentle waves. But you won’t have to contend with a constant stream of party music - there are also water sports such as jet skiing and tubing on offer. What’s more, Platis Gialos is accessible via public transport from Chora, and even boasts a boat taxi to Paradise Beach, should you be ready to party.
As Good as it Gets, Plum Guide home in Mykonos, Greece
Paradise Beach: Best for partying
If beaches are one major draw to Mykonos, the other is the island’s famed party scene. We’re nothing if not efficient, so kill two birds with one stone by hotfooting it to Paradise Beach - Mykonos’s seaside party central. As well as offering calm waters and soft sands, Paradise is home to renowned bars Tropicana and Paradise Club. Arrive in the morning to enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and water sports, before the drinks start flowing. DJs start spinning beats to really get the party started in the late afternoon, so make sure you're ready. For a different experience, head up to cliffside club Cavo Paradiso for a party atmosphere with views overlooking the bay.
Beach Within Reach, Plum Guide home in Mykonos, Greece
Psarou Beach: Best for people watching
The place to see and be seen, Mykonos regularly attracts celebrities to its shores. Nowhere is this truer than Psarou, where yachts bobbing on the azure and emerald green waters are practically two a penny. As you might expect, the arrival of such clientele to this sheltered bay is reflected in local prices - to avoid an unwelcome shock, be sure to enquire how much a sun bed will set you back before settling in, particularly at the immensely popular Nammos Beach Club, which can even have a waitlist in summer. This is all part of the experience, though, and who can put a price on the unparalleled people watching you’ll get to enjoy at Psarou? At least you’ll be able to save on the taxi fare or car hire, as a regular bus runs from Chora to the beach.
Sapphire Soul, Plum Guide home in Mykonos, Greece
Kalafati Beach: Best for water sports
Golden sand and clear blue water at Kalafati Beach, Mykonos, Greece
If your idea of relaxing is a touch more active than lying back on a sun lounger, head straight to Kalafati Beach. Thanks to the meltemi - the strong, dry, northerly Aegean wind - Kalafati is Mykonos’s prime windsurfing spot, with lessons and rental available through Windsurf Centre Mykonos. The pristine turquoise waters play host to scuba diving tours, while visitors can also get their thrills tubing or on a jet ski. Once you’ve had enough excitement for one day, fall back onto one of the comfy sun loungers that dot the golden sands, or head for a snack at chic eatery Petrino Aquarius.
Floating Islands, Plum Guide home in Mykonos, Greece
Fokos Beach: Best for getting away from it all
A panoramic view of Fokos Beach, Mykonos, Greece
If you like your beaches a little on the wilder side, set up camp for the day at Fokos on the northeast coast of the island. This is one of the few undeveloped beaches in Mykonos and, despite not being far from Chora (around a 20-minute drive), feels a million miles away from the vibrant atmosphere of the bustling town. Though the sand is no less sublime than other beaches in Mykonos, the surrounding scenery is rocky and rugged, with the waters somewhat livelier. Bar a traditional taverna and a few horse riders, here it’s just you and the Aegean.
Kapari Beach: Best for watching the sunset
Secluded and peaceful, Kapari expertly rounds off our guide to the best beaches in Mykonos. With the island known for its party vibes, these are not usually words associated with Mykonos beaches. This compact beach facing the island of Delos, however, ticks both these boxes: despite being close to Chora, Kapari is still relatively undiscovered. Part and parcel of this (both key to Kapari’s charm and something to be aware of when packing for the day) is its lack of commercialised beach clubs and restaurants. Most visitors bring a picnic that will see them through to the evening to enjoy the beach’s prime selling point - a stellar sunset over Delos.
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