Top beaches in Mykonos

Both family-friendly and trendy for young couples, this pretty, narrow stretch of sand is a popular spot for boats and yachts to drop anchor for a few hours and enjoy the calm waters for swimming and snorkelling. You'll find a number of quality hotels close to the beach, as well as a variety of eateries. A ten-minute drive from Mykonos town, Ornos is becoming increasingly fashionable and can get busy during the summer months.

Undoubtedly the most famous sandy beach on Mykonos, Paradise Beach attracts the younger generation who come here to sunbathe, drink and dance day and night. A vibrant mix of sun, sand, music and bars makes it the best party beach on the island. The beach is always busy, almost 24/7, and is not for the faint-hearted. Buses run frequently to and from Mykonos town until dawn. If you prefer to drive, parking and all the usual facilities are available.

With stunning views and clear waters, Super Paradise Beach is both a party spot and as a family-friendly destination, especially on quieter mornings. Just a 15-minute drive from Mykonos town, the beach is next to Paradise Beach. Because of its popularity, the beach can get busy. By mid-afternoon, the atmosphere can get quite lively. We recommend arriving before lunch to secure a parking space and sun lounger.

It's the beach's reputation as a party venue that attracts the most visitors. The Bohemian spirit of Mykonos flourished in the late '60s and early '70s, attracting the free-spirited hippy generation. This legacy lives on at the Super Paradise Beach Club, renowned for its legendary full moon and bubble parties, which keep the summer mood alive. As September approaches, the club throws an epic end-of-summer party to bid farewell to the season in style.

A hidden gem, largely unspoilt and wild, Panormos beach lies to the north of Mykonos and is only accessible by car. The beach can be windy and the sea quite rough, but on calmer days it is one of the most relaxing and charming spots on the island. The area is largely undeveloped, although there is a pleasant bar and sun loungers for hire next to the car park.

One of the best beaches on the island, Platys Gialos is lively without being too intrusive. It's a great place to relax on one of the many combinations of sun loungers and parasols that cover the beach. Hop on one of the many buses that run into Mykonos town and 15 minutes later you'll be in warm, shallow waters, perfect for a refreshing swim. Some of the best hotels in Mykonos can be found here, nestling on the edge of the sand. There are also plenty of bars and restaurants offering food and drink throughout the day.

Psarou beach is the most fashionable stretch of sand on the island. Take the bus from Mykonos town to Platys Gialos, then walk for around 10 minutes along the coast. Ideal for relaxing and swimming, this beach is surrounded by beautiful scenery and attracts the rich and sometimes famous, as evidenced by the large number of luxury yachts that drop anchor in the bay. Because of its popularity and clientele, you can expect to pay extra to hire a sunbed and food and drink are also more expensive, but for a special treat it's definitely worth paying the extra, you never know, you might end up sunbathing next to someone famous.

A secluded piece of paradise, Kapari beach is just 15 minutes from Mykonos town. From the car park at the top of the cliffs, take the path down to this secluded gem. The beach is wild and totally unspoilt, with no facilities, so make sure you take everything you need for the day, including sun cream, snacks and plenty of water. The beach is bathed in warm, crystal-clear waters, perfect for cooling off, and the scenery is breathtaking, including views of the nearby island of Delos. Once a well-kept secret, Kapari beach is becoming increasingly popular and can be very busy in July and August.

If you love water sports, Kalafatis beach will not disappoint. Around 25 minutes from Mykonos town, Kalafatis lies next to a small fishing village, making it more authentic and less touristy than some of the island's other beaches. The beach is popular with families and windsurfers who enjoy the gentle winds and calm sea. Facilities on the beach are limited, but you'll find a few hotels and restaurants in the surrounding area.

A little quieter than other beaches, Kalo Livadi beach is around 25 minutes from Mykonos town. However, a recently opened beach club, modelled on those found in Ibiza, is beginning to attract visitors. Despite this, the beach is not really considered a party place and attracts people of all ages who want to enjoy a lively, but not necessarily excessive, atmosphere. The waters surrounding the beach are particularly calm, making it a popular area for paddleboarding and kayaking.

Lia Beach was recently recognised as one of the best beaches in Greece, which has led to an increase in the number of visitors. But don't let that put you off. The beach bar, club and restaurant offer sun lounger hire and a relaxed musical atmosphere, making it one of the island's trendiest beaches. Although it is probably the furthest from Mykonos town, with a 25-minute drive, the journey is through charming countryside, offering a pleasant change from the coastal roads. Known for its clear waters, Lia beach has earned a reputation as a destination for snorkelling and diving.