Panormos and Beach Guide

Freedom and wild abandonment, these two things sum up the beaches of Mykonos.

With the help of The Rochari hospitality group concierge, I have prepared a detailed summary on each of the island’s beaches. I hope you will find it useful as the choice is truly immense and an exploring itinerary should be put in place during your stay. Enjoy.

Mykonos beaches are a postcard come to life. There is something for everyone, whether looking for sun, sea or sand; you can find these things and more. A combination of stark white houses on the surrounding rocky, brown hillsides; a clear, blue sea; a bright blue sky, with the sun presiding over all of this make up the incredible colors of Mykonos beaches. Mykonos offers beaches for families, gays, couples or singles. If you are looking for a party or tranquility; (sex) or sandcastles; nudity or modesty; a social life or solitude; water sports or relaxation, you can discover any or all of this on the beaches here. Mykonos beaches range from developed, seaside communities to beaches tucked away or a little more wild and off the beaten path. Transportation to the beaches varies with each beach, whether it be public transportation (bus or taxi), caique (boat), rent a car – motorbike or by foot. Every day is special, each visit to any of the beaches provides a different flavor. Find the way to your perfect beach and indulge your pleasures.

Panormos

This increasingly popular, northern beach has become the destination in recent years of the more bohemian Greeks, locals and a mix of tourists. Nudity is perfectly acceptable here, especially on the far right side of the beach. This beach is somewhat undeveloped . It is a narrow, fine sand stretch of beach with little alcoves scattered along the back side, in the low sand dunes, where you can sometimes find a bit of privacy. If you choose to stay on the left side near the beach bar – taverna, located between a large, wild bamboo area and beautiful shade trees, you will find more activity, music, food, drinks and a lively atmosphere. There is plenty of shade under the pergola while enjoying a drink, a meal or the company of friends. Panormos is a north beach located en route to Agios Sostis Beach, after driving through the countryside passing the Marathi Water Reservoir. The landscape until the beach( photos at the beginning of the post) is truly b breathtaking. The sea can be a little rough when the north wind blows, but you can still find a bit of protection to lay your towel and work on your tan. Almost always you will see small, local fishing boats and private yachts anchored in the bay. Fishermen launch their boats or fish off the rocks to the left of the beach Blue puffs and very low umbrellas are highly disputed by all and are the only ‘islands.’ on the boiling hot sand. Worth the adventure before a sumptuous meal at the camouflage tented hippy style lounge. Ufff what a life!

Agios Ioannis

Best known as “Shirley Valentine” beach, because of the 1980’s English movie filmed on Mykonos, it is one of the best spots to watch the sunsets especially in September and October as the sun moves closer to the southern sky. You can view the island of Delos from this pebble and sand beach or while floating in the blue sea. Let your imagination take you to mythical times and the birth of Apollo, the god of light and his twin, Artemis. This magical event is said to have taken place on Delos. From the dock of Agios Ioannis you can view a “point of light” on a clear summer day. This is one of three places in the world where the sun is brighter than anywhere else. The sun shines on the water and you can view a current running across the sea, thus being a special part of the birthplace of Apollo (god of light). Another legend associated with this beach, is the story of the mermaids. The story was created, during war times, as a scare tactic to try to keep people from coming to the beach at night, so that men arriving in boats carrying black market goods could unload their cargo at the dock. The story told was that these half female – half fish creatures would lure you to them and take you to their world at the bottom of the sea. This is a small, rather tranquil Mykonos beach where you can relax under the sun or enjoy a meal at one of the tavernas just a few footsteps away from the sea. Agios Ioannis Beach is divided into two sections separated by a large, rocky area. On the right side is the dock, a beach, a bus stop and a large parking area. On the left side of the rocks is the longest section of the beach with a limited parking area and a bus stop. On the longer section of the beach there are some umbrellas and sun beds available for rent or there is enough open space to lay a towel on the sand. It is a child-friendly beach with shallow water at the shore line to play in. Not extremely protected from the north winds, but is fairly calm on most days.

Ornos

This is a convenient, family friendly beach where you can find a relaxing atmosphere, though sometimes it can be very crowded. Ornos is a large beach with many sun beds and umbrellas available for rent and also space to lay a towel. Shallow water along the shore line that is perfect for children to play in. Ornos Beach is one of the two starting points for the boats/caique taking you to or returning you from other southern beaches. A unique experience not to be missed! Discover more natural, serene beaches on the island of Rhenia (known to the locals as big Delos). This island is located just to the west of Delos. Enjoy the crystal clear waters and beautiful beaches of this special place. Arriving at this uninhabited location you nearly feel transported back in time to the ancient civilization. You are able to take a boat from Ornos Beach, leaving in the morning and returning in the afternoon. On the left side of the beach is a dock with a boat launch where you can try your luck at fishing or watch the local fishermen repairing their nets. In early morning you can see the fishermen arriving back to shore with their catch of the day before loading on to transport for delivery to local restaurants, tavernas or the harbor fish market. At the mouth of Ornos bay there is a large, slightly submerged rock to be navigated by boats, on which during quiet, less crowded periods you can view seals swimming or sunning themselves on top of the rock.

Psarou

This attractive little beach offers protected, clear, tranquil waters at the bottom of dramatic rocky hill sides, located a short walking distance to the right of Platys Gialos beach. You can always find some fishing boats and private yachts anchored in the bay. Take in the view of fantastic colors in the early morning as the sun rises over the hilltops or late afternoon as it sinks behind the rocks. This is not a party beach, so come here to relax or socialize. There are sun beds and umbrellas available for rent and limited areas to lay your towel. You can find a restaurant, sushi bar, cafe and even a traditional Greek taverna on the far left. The restaurant does provide beach service. An extensive scuba diving center is located behind the restaurant on the beach. Whether an experienced diver or a beginner you have the opportunity to discover the sea life or the mystery of a sunken ship.

Platys Gialos

This is an extensive beach side community. You will find plenty of hotels, rooms for rent, apartments, villas (private and rental), mini markets, tavernas, restaurants, souvenir shops and beach bars. There are places to lay a towel or sun beds and umbrellas are available for rent. Protection from the wind is provided by the surrounding hill sides and the fact that most of the restaurants and some of the hotels are located right on the beach.. Platys Gialos Beach stays alive well into the evening. Watch the sun sink over the hill side and then take the opportunity to stroll along the beach or sit to enjoy a glass of wine or a meal under the stars watching the lights reflecting on the sea. If you are looking for traditional Greek dancing you might catch Greek Night offered by at least one of the tavernas or one of the hotels. Local fishermen bring in their catch of the day to this dock and if your timing is right you can see them unloading the fish from their nets before delivering their catch to the tavernas and restaurants on the beach. Try your luck fishing at a beach bar or the water, if you are unable to catch anything… maybe there is something wrong with the bait.

Agia Anna

This little beach has a traditional fish taverna and a restaurant, both offering their own parking. On the right there is a small public parking area with a boat launch and a gentle footpath connecting it with Platys Gialos beach. To the left you can continue walking on a footpath to Paraga beach. Agia Anna offers a few sun beds, umbrellas and rooms for rent. You can see the beaches of Platys Gialos and Psarou from here… Agia Anna offers a few sun beds, umbrellas and rooms for rent. You can see the beaches of Platys Gialos and Psarou from here. This is the only beach on the southern side of Mykonos that is protected from the rare south winds. The traditional, tiny church across from the boat launch is always open, where you are welcome to enter and light a candle. Agia Anna is a somewhat hidden little beach but is just a few minutes walk from Kalafatis Beach. In the area surrounding the beach there are restaurants, tarvernas, rooms to rent and a hotel. It may seem like it is a private beach because it is mostly occupied by guests of the hotel, but it is a public beach. This area of the island is a change of pace from the cosmopolitan bustle of Mykonos Town. Very traditionally Greek, this grouping of fish tavernas, local fishermen’s houses and fishing boats to the left side of the beach, gives you a feeling of a village. Watch the locals bring in their catch of the day or sitting in the sun repairing their fishing nets. Enjoy a meal in one of the tavernas and listen to the locals swapping stories of the sea over ouzo. On both ends of the beach there are lots of rocky areas to climb around on where you can discover shells and sea life. There are two craggy rock hills jutting out of the sea between Agia Anna and Kalafatis beaches known as Divounia (these mounds are also known as ‘Aphrodite’s tits’?).

Paraga

This is a popular beach with the locals as well as the tourists. Paraga beach is one of the beaches originally made famous by the hippie generation, being one of the first nude beaches of Mykonos. You can still find a laid back attitude mixed in with a party atmosphere. The music can get loud in front of the restaurant – beach bar, especially in August.

Paradise

Paradise is one of the ten most well known beaches of the world. This party beach was originally made famous by the hippie generation dating back as far as 1969. This is still the place to go if you are looking for a beach where “anything goes”. Known for their special events, such as Full Moon parties and Bubble parties, this can be a beach to relax on or die partying. Don’t miss the closing party if you’re on Mykonos in early September.

Known for special events, such as Full Moon Parties and Bubble Parties, this can be a beach to relax on or die partying.
Don’t miss the closing party if you’re on Mykonos in early September.

It’s mostly multicultural, young twenty something’s, but you can find a mix of all ages. Paradise Beach is a good place to sleep off a hangover in early afternoon with the throbbing music from several beach bars picking up at around 16:00 where you can start the party all over again. Bodies everywhere, dancing on the bars or on the sand, it’s amazing that after a few minutes you don’t even notice if people are dressed or undressed.

Super Paradise

This is a lovely cove surrounded by dramatic rock walls that catch the late afternoon sunlight, making an incredible contrast with the beautiful colors of the sea. Nice pebbly sand and the water is perfect for swimming. The hill side behind, the bamboo fence and the narrow mouth of the bay, provide some protection from the north wind…

Agrari

This beach can be reached by rental car – motorbike, boat / caique from Platys Gialos or Ornos Beaches and sometimes taxi. There is no public bus service available. Try renting a vehicle; it is worth the drive just to witness the stunning, breathtaking view as you round the last corner on the hill above…

Elia

Elia is a busy beach and a favorite of many, especially the gay crowd, to spend the day chilling out or socializing. It has become quite the meeting place and many plans for the evening or holiday romances are formed here. This beach offers some of the softer sand on Mykonos and is also one of the longest. The location provides a bit of protection, one of the best on a very windy day when the north wind is blowing…

Kalo Livadi

You won’t find the music pumping here, what you will find are people relaxing in the sun or playing an impromptu game of paddleball in the shallow waters along the shoreline or on the beach. Even though this is a southern beach, it is not extremely protected from the north wind. There is some bamboo fencing and a few bushes on part of the beach providing a bit of wind protection..

Kalafatis

Trees line the backside of this sandy beach providing the largest shaded area of any beach on Mykonos. The winds abound on Kalafatis beach, setting the perfect stage for a windsurfer’s paradise. Whether you are a novice, wanting to try windsurfing for the first time or an experienced windsurfer arriving with your own equipment, this is a beach for all abilities

Lia

Lia is a small, peaceful beach made up of sand, pebbles and stones. There is no bus service, but you can reach it by taxi or rental car – motorbike on a trip through the tranquil country side after passing by the village of Ano Mera. In recent years the road has been paved for easier access.

Ftelia

Ftelia is the largest of all the undeveloped beaches in Mykonos. This wild, north beach is one of the favorites of wind surfers. Even as a non-participant you can spend some time watching the spectacle of wind surfers flying across the sea. When the rare south wind blows, this is the beach to come to.

Agios Sotis

Unspoiled freedom, this beach is fairly undeveloped without amenities such as umbrellas and sun beds. If you can do without those things, it is so worth the trip. Even the somewhat bumpy, pot – holed road should not be a deterrent. The view from the road above, looking down on the beach is beautiful.

Houlakia

The rounded stones that make up this natural phenomenon, unique to Mykonos are known as Houlakia. This is a natural, protected area where it is now prohibited to remove any of these special stones..

Agios Stefanos

Agios Stefanos beach is located just around the corner from the new port of Tourlos. It is a sandy, family – friendly beach with shallow waters along the shoreline for children to play in. The water is so clean and clear, it creates a perfect swimming environment including a wonderful, sandy sea floor. When the north wind blows it can be somewhat windy on this beach.

Megali Amnos

When you have only a few hours to spend on Mykonos and want to go to a beach this is the closest beach to the town center, only about a 15 minute walk. You can find a small traditional Greek taverna located just a few footsteps from the waters edge.

Fokos Merinis

These are both undeveloped, northern beaches that can be reached only by private boat and rental car – motorbike. Drive through farmland and past one of the two water reservoir of Mykonos. The road is a bit rough, but at the end you can discover isolation and solitude.

Alemagou

Solymar

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