Relaxing on the fine, golden sand of Elia Beach offers a beautiful, spacious alternative to the crowded beach clubs closer to town. As the longest sandy beach on the island, Elia features crystal-clear, turquoise waters and a wide, open shoreline framed by rolling hills. The beach is split into fully organized areas with luxurious sunbeds, umbrellas, and beachside restaurants, and quiet, unorganized sections perfect for a peaceful swim.
The water visibility is exceptional, making it a fantastic spot for snorkeling along the rocky edges of the bay to spot local fish and unique marine life.
One fun fact people love:
Elia is widely considered the most gay-friendly and inclusive beach on the island, welcoming a highly diverse and relaxed international crowd.
Where in Mykonos is it?
Located on the southern coast of the island, situated approximately 10 kilometers southeast of Chora.
How to reach:
Easily reached by taking a local bus from the Fabrika station in Chora, or by taking a water taxi boat from Platis Gialos beach.
Best time to visit:
June to September when the sea water temperatures are warm, inviting, and perfect for long swims.
Best time of day:
Morning around 9:00 AM to secure a front-row sunbed and enjoy the calm, glassy sea conditions before the midday breeze begins.
Entry fee:
Access to the beach is completely free, though renting a set of two sunbeds and an umbrella in the organized areas costs around EUR 40 to EUR 80.
Commute difficulty:
Easy; accessible via paved roads with a large parking lot, or via a comfortable and highly scenic water taxi ride.
Things nobody tells you about this place:
- The far end of the beach past the rocky outcrop is a well-known nudist-friendly area, which is useful to know when choosing where to sit.
- Food and drinks ordered at the beachside sunbeds are premium priced, so pack some water and snacks if you are planning a budget-friendly beach day.
- The beach is highly sheltered from the strong northern Meltemi winds, making the water conditions much calmer and safer than the northern beaches
