Famous for its celebrity beaches, Mykonos has another side where you’ll enjoy all of the island’s famous lifestyle but with a more relaxed, chilled-out feel.
If there’s a taverna, you’ll find the same exquisite twists on classics as elsewhere on the island, but you’ll also be served homely classics made with the freshest local products. And where there are sunbeds and umbrellas, they seem to melt into the Cycladic landscape. Or perhaps you prefer a beach where shade comes in the form of a tamarisk tree.
These are the scenes you can look forward to as we reveal 12 quiet beaches in Mykonos selected by locals. Starting close to the main town (Hora), we first explore the more popular southern coast before revealing some hidden gem beaches in the remote north.
Agios Stefanos
The biggest surprise when looking for Mykonos’ quieter beaches is that you’ll find the first right next to the port in Tourlos, just 3km from Hora. Agios Stefanos is sandy, with water that gradually gets deeper, and is mostly sheltered from the wind. But the greatest draw (if it’s what you’re looking for) is that it’s got all the facilities you could want without the music-filled party atmosphere of the celebrity beaches. Being on the west coast, Agios Stefanos also benefits from great sunsets and views of Delos island.
Megali Ammos
The biggest surprise when looking for Mykonos’ quieter beaches is that you’ll find the first right next to the port in Tourlos, just 3km from Hora. Agios Stefanos is sandy, with water that gradually gets deeper, and is mostly sheltered from the wind. But the greatest draw (if it’s what you’re looking for) is that it’s got all the facilities you could want without the music-filled party atmosphere of the celebrity beaches. Being on the west coast, Agios Stefanos also benefits from great sunsets and views of Delos island.
Korfos
Just north of Ornos, this is where you head if you want a wind- and kite-surfing beach. The combination of shallow water and strong wind that often blows across the bay makes the surfing conditions at Korfos legendary. Needless to say, you can hire equipment on the beach and have lessons before getting started. On calmer days, it’s also a lovely swimming beach.
Kapari
Even though you’re just 5km from Hora, and in one of the more developed sections of Mykonos, little Kapari is a jewel of a beach and one of the island’s stars. Near popular Agios Ioannis on the westernmost coast, it’s for those whose dream day on the beach involves throwing a towel onto the sand and just lying back, listening to the gentle wash of the surf and going for the occasional cooling dip. It’s a great swimming spot and just opposite is the island of Delos. The best view of all comes at sunset.
Agrari
We move now to the beaches along Mykonos’ popular southern coast. Sandwiched between Super Paradise and Elia, you’ll find a very different beach vibe at Agrari. There are umbrellas and sunbeds, a beach bar where you can order coffee or cocktails and a taverna serving traditional Mykonian dishes. But otherwise, Agrari is about total peace, especially on the large section with no facilities. It’s also an ideal beach when the strong northerly wind blows.
Kalafatis
Heading east, Kalafatis is a hit with families and water sports fans. You can hire everything from snorkelling equipment to jet skis on Kalafatis, but windsurfing is especially popular. The trees at the back of the beach offer shade if you prefer that to an umbrella, and there’s plenty of space for everybody.
Lia
As the furthest beach from Hora on the south coast, Lia offers a more remote and relaxing feel but still has the facilities to make you comfortable all day long. The rocky landscape adds to the calming atmosphere and there are plenty of underwater features that make it a great snorkelling and diving spot.
Ftelia
We head north now to Ftelia, which has made the most of the winds that often blow stronger along this coast by attracting kite- and wind-surfers. There’s a small road (sandy towards the end) that weaves towards the beach, where you’ll find some cool restaurant-beach bars. There’s a more boho, relaxed mood here and a large section of the beach has nothing but sand on it. The view into the gulf is magical.
Agios Sostis
If you’re looking for a beach without facilities or sunbeds but where you'll still find a cosmopolitan vibe, this is it. Just 15 minutes by car from Hora, Agios Sostis is a beautiful sandy cove with a wonderfully authentic taverna (off the grid) where you’ll experience Mykonian dishes made with love. Pets are welcome on the beach and, if you want to take the feeling of escape a step further, there’s another little beach next door. To make sure you make the most of the day, it’s worth bringing shade with you.
Fokos
Heading eastward along the northern coastline, you come across a gem that’s for those seeking wild beauty. As on many northern beaches, the wind can be strong but on calmer days there are few places on Mykonos that offer such tranquillity. There are no umbrellas and sunbeds – just a taverna serving delicious, traditional dishes and nature at its most alluring. Horse riding excursions often visit the beach.
Mirsini
Less than 1km from Fokos, at the end of a dirt track, is Mirsini (or Mersini) beach. There are no facilities here, allowing you to give your undivided attention to the rocky landscape and dramatic sea. It is separated into two beaches by rocks, so you can choose where to sit to maximise the feeling of escape, especially when the summer Meltemi winds aren’t blowing. Just don’t forget to bring everything you need for the day.
Merchia
Your final hidden gem beach is the most remote yet, even further along the north coast and accessible at the end of a winding dirt road. You’ll find nothing but shingle and some tamarisk trees offering shade (so bring an umbrella if you can). The water is deeper than other beaches and nearby is the little chapel of Agios Nikolaos. Mykonos doesn’t get any wilder than this.
Discover the quiet beaches of Mykonos
There they are… the quiet beaches of Mykonos, as chosen by the locals and just as much a part of the island’s identity as its celebrity beaches. So if you’re looking for a beach day full of peace and authenticity, you know who to ask.
FAQs about Mykonos island
Mykonos is a member of Greece’s Cyclades islands, the most famous island chain in the Aegean Sea.
There are regular ferries to/from Piraeus and Rafina (eastern Attica) and many other Greek islands, including the Cyclades (Santorini, Ios, Milos, Syros, Paros, Naxos, Tinos etc), Dodecanese (including Rhodes and Kos) and Crete. High-speed ferries can reach Santorini from Piraeus in 2.5hrs while conventional ferries take 5-6hrs. There are two ports on Mykonos, the Old and New Port, approximately 1.5km apart. Most ferries from Piraeus arrive at the New Port (Tourlos). The Old Port, which is closer to the main town (Hora), serves smaller vessels.
Mykonos has an airport with regular direct flights to Athens and international arrivals during the summer months.
Mykonos is known for its Cycladic architecture (whitewashed houses, alleyways and chapels), cosmopolitan vibe and luxury accommodation and services, as well as its party scene and beautiful, sandy beaches. Many have internationally-acclaimed restaurants and beach clubs, attracting celebrity DJs. Hora is considered one of the most iconic capitals of the Greek islands, with a selection of gourmet and traditional restaurants and bars as well as galleries and shopping options (boutique and traditional). But you will also find plenty of hotels/villas, restaurants and shops in settlements and by beaches around the island.
The most famous landmarks on Mykonos are the windmills and Little Venice of Hora, as well as the 17th-century Church of Paraportiani, Castle of Gyzi, Monastery of Panagia Tourliani in Ano Mera and the Neolithic settlement of Ftelia.
There are so many things to do in Mykonos that you can dedicate your entire holiday (6-7 days) to the island, but you can also spend just a few days there as part of an island-hopping itinerary to get a taste for it.
There are boat tours to Delos and Rinia, which are the islands closest to Mykonos. Delos is a fascinating ancient site, with temples dedicated to the god Apollo who (according to legend) was born on the island. Rinia has beautiful swimming spots. Other Cycladic neighbours, perfect for island-hopping, are Tinos, Syros, Paros and Naxos.
Mykonos does get busy in the peak holiday months, so visit in April-mid-June & mid-September-early November if you can, when the experience becomes even more personal but the weather is usually still great.
