Mykonos Beaches and Town: How to Choose Your Bay

Mykonos is two islands in one: a whitewashed town of narrow lanes and windmills, and a coastline of beaches that range from sheltered family bays to all-day party clubs. Choose your beach by mood, use the island's buses or sea taxis rather than driving to the busiest bays, and keep a morning free for the ancient island of Delos.

This guide was updated on 5 November 2026 using Greece's official tourism site and the Mykonos bus operator. Many beach businesses are seasonal, so check opening dates if you travel outside summer.

Beaches at a glance

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Mykonos Town (Chora)

Mykonos Town, or Chora, is a maze of whitewashed lanes, blue shutters and small churches. Its most famous corner is Little Venice, where houses with wooden balconies, as Visit Greece puts it, are "literally built against the sea". The windmills of Kato Mili stand on the hill just beside it, and both are at their best at sunset. Nearby, the white Panagia Paraportiani is one of the most photographed churches in Greece.

Get lost in the lanes in the morning, before the cruise passengers arrive, and come back in the evening for dinner and drinks.

Choosing a beach

For families: Ornos is a sheltered, shallow bay close to town, with tavernas and sunbeds; Agios Ioannis and Platys Gialos are also easy options.

For style: Psarou is known for upmarket beach clubs and restaurants. Expect high prices for sunbeds in July and August, and book ahead.

For a party: Paradise and Super Paradise are the island's best-known party beaches, with music from the afternoon and beach clubs open late in summer.

For space: Elia is one of the longest sandy beaches on the island and more relaxed, while Agios Sostis, on the north coast, has no development and no bus, so it stays quiet. Bring water and shade, as there are few or no facilities.

Outside the peak months, many beach bars and clubs close, so the island is calmer but some beaches have fewer services.

A day trip to Delos

A short boat ride from Mykonos, Delos was one of the most important religious centres of ancient Greece, the mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. The whole island is an archaeological site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights include the Terrace of the Lions, the theatre district and the mosaics of the House of Dionysus.

Boats leave from the Old Port in the morning; the site entry ticket is bought separately on arrival. Allow two to three hours, wear a hat and good shoes, and bring water, as there is very little shade. Check boat and opening times locally, as the site usually closes one day a week and has shorter hours in winter.

Getting there and around

Mykonos has an airport with flights of about 45 minutes from Athens, and ferries from Piraeus and Rafina. The Mykonos bus network runs from the Old Port and from Fabrika in town to the airport, the new port, Ano Mera and beaches including Ornos, Agios Ioannis, Paradise, Paraga and Elia; seasonal timetables change during the year. Sea taxis link the south-coast beaches in summer.

Cruise passengers pay an additional disembarkation fee in peak season, and all visitors pay Greece's per-night climate resilience fee through their accommodation. See our Greece travel guide and best Greek islands for couples for more ideas.

View hotels in Mykonos

When to go

June and September are the best months for warm sea, open beach clubs and fewer crowds than July and August. The meltemi, a strong northerly summer wind, can make north-facing beaches rough, so choose south-coast beaches on windy days. From November to March, much of the island's tourism business closes.

Mykonos: FAQ

Which Mykonos beach is best for families?

Ornos, a sheltered bay near town with shallow water and tavernas.

Can I visit Delos from Mykonos?

Yes. Boats leave from the Old Port; allow half a day, including the boat trip.

Do I need a car in Mykonos?

Not necessarily. Buses and sea taxis reach most popular beaches; a car or scooter helps for quieter places like Agios Sostis.

Sources and planning checks

Facts were checked on 5 November 2026 against Visit Greece and Mykonos Bus. Delos ticket prices and opening hours, bus fares and current visitor fees could not be confirmed on official sites and should be checked before travel. Beach descriptions are editorial judgments.

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