the cobbled promenade of Little Venice in Mykonos with the colourful buildings above the water and some restaurant tables next to the shore

You've Heard About Mykonos. Time to Visit!

Mykonos' beaches and the beautiful Chora attracted celebrities in the 80s when the island started to gain its reputation as a paradise in the Aegean Cyclades. However, the famous DJs and parties by the beach came much later.

In Mykonos, you will find more than twenty beaches in total. Most are on the island's southern coast, which is also the busiest. On this side of the Mykonos, beaches are sandy and protected from the Meltemi winds, the north-northwestern solid winds that blow in the Aegean during the summer. On this protected part is where you will find the party scenes of Paradise and Super Paradise and the famous beach of Psarou.

The northern coast is much quieter and (surprise!) our favourite. Here the beaches are only partly organised, and although still busy in the summer, they are much calmer, especially if you go early in the morning.

Despite the changes mass tourism brought to the island, the beautiful villages of Chora and Ano Mera have maintained their traditional Cycladic architecture. Even the numerous retail shops and bars respected the area's aesthetic.

Public transport will get you to the Chora, Ano Mera and some of the busiest Mykonos beaches. Still, you will need to rent a car to get to the more remote ones, away from the crowds. Suppose you decide to visit outside the summer season. In that case, you will also have a chance to "taste" the islanders' everyday life.

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The old windmills at the Chora of Mykonos. Photo by form PxHere

 

No matter which part of the year you decide to visit Mykonos, make sure you visit:

 

The Chora of Mykonos, 5 km north of the airport

The Chora (town) of Mykonos is a model Cycladic island town. White-washed houses with blue windows and narrow alleys resembling a small labyrinth were restored and maintained to the local tradition. During the summer season, the Chora is busy all through the day but primarily through the night.

Leave your car in the parking areas and stroll around the alleys. Walk to the western part of Chora to the impressive Little Venice, with colourful fishing houses standing above the sea, turned into bars, restaurants and shops. A few steps further are the famous windmills in Kastro's area and an 18th-century captain's old house that accommodates the Folklore Museum of Mykonos. Here you will discover a rich collection of antique furniture, post-byzantine sculptures, gravures, and model boats from the Cretan pre-Minoan period through to the 19th century.

Visit the Archaeological Museum, exhibiting ceramics from the prehistoric to late Hellenistic periods ( 25th to 1st century BC). The museum also houses funerary statues, jewels, utensils and other findings from the island and the nearby sacred island of Delos, the birthplace of Apollo, the mythical god of the sun and light.

 

Ano Mera, 8 km south of Mykonos Chora

Much quieter than the Chora of Mykonos, Ano Mera (upper side in Greek) is the second largest village on the island. Drive from Chora to Ano Mera and park your car at the parking area close to the main square. Then, stroll around the small streets, with the traditional houses and the wooden shutters, to the red domed church and the 16th-century monastery of Panagia Tourliani with the Byzantine icon collection.

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Kalo Livadi beach, 8 km southeast of Chora of Mykonos. Photo by Olaf Tauschlicensed.

Kalo Livadi, 8 km south east of Chora of Mykonos

Kalo Livadi is a long, sandy, beautiful beach on the island's southeast coast and one of the Mykonos' longest beaches. As you have already guessed, it's a fully organised beach with sunbeds and umbrellas provided by famous beach bars that attract the youth. At the same time, due to the shallow waters, it is also a preferred destination for families with small children.

 
Kalafatis beach, 2 km east of Mykonos Chora

Kalafatis, 12 km east of Chora, is an ideal beach for water sports fans. This white sandy beach is fully organised and located in a bay with plenty of restaurants and hotels. So if you wish to stay next to the sea during your holiday, Kalafatis is an excellent choice. You can also take the boat from Kalafatis to Dragonissi, an islet off the east coast with beautiful caves.

 

Ftelia beach, 6 km from the Chora of Mykonos

On the island's northern side, 5.5 km from Chora, Ftelia beach is a surfer's destination due to the solid northern winds. At the same time, the strong winds keep away the crowds, making Ftelia a quieter beach even during the summer.

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Ftelia beach, 6 km from the Chora of Mykonos, Greece. Photo by Zdelicensed.

 

Fokos beach, 11 km north east of Chora of Mykonos

For those seeking a more peaceful day at the beach, Fokos is your best bet. First, drive to the island's northeast part, following Ano Mera's signs. The road will take through the quiet farmlands of the island and to the artificial lake, which is also a resting area for migratory sea birds. Once you reach Fokos, you will discover the other side of Mykonos, far away from the loud music and peaceful, with natural, non-organised beaches. The taverna by the beach with delicious home-cooked meals can provide shelter from the hot summer sun and some of the best local meals you can have.

 
Panormos beach, 5 km northeast of Mykonos Chora

Partly organised and well protected by the wind in the north bay of Mykonos is Panormos beach. As with Fokos, you will need a car to get there since there is no public transport to Panormos. However, this means that it is much quieter than other Mykonos beaches and that you can unwind here. There are a few umbrellas and giant white pillows instead of sun beds, resembling large pebbles from above. There are also a few restaurants, bars, and accommodations if you stay on this part of the island.

 

Agrari beach, 10 km southeast of Mykonos Chora

From Ano Mera, follow the signs and drive down the winding road to the quiet beach of Agrari. Partly organised, you will love this sandy beach, whether you look for comfortable sunbeds or prefer to lay your towel straight on the thick sand or even "au naturel", closer to the rocks. Elia beach is a little busier but equally beautiful to the east of Agrari.

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The sandy beach of Agrari, 10 km southeast of Mykonos Chora. Photo by karlygrlicensed.

 

Lia beach, 12 km east of Mykonos Chora

On the south coast of the island is Lia beach. Out of all Mykonos beaches, this is far from the Chora. The blue waters and the surrounding rocks create beautiful scenery where visitors can relax, swim, snorkel or dive. The local diving centre will also help you explore underwater Mykonos. There are also a few coastal restaurants nearby with beautiful views, pleasant to both the palate and the eyes.

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Lia beach on the island's south coast,12 km east of Mykonos Chora. Photo by Olaf Tauschlicensed

 

Tsangari beach, 13 km east of Chora

We saved the best for last. Just a short drive past Lia beach is Tsangari. Park your car around 500m after Lia beach and walk down to a ten-minute rocky trail to this beautiful beach. Make sure you have taken everything you need with you! There is nothing in Tsangari apart from people seeking a calm day at the beach and the Aegean's crystal waters.

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Visit Tsangari beach for a calm day at the beach and crystal waters of Mykonos. Photo by Olaf Tauschlicensed.

Learn more about the Cyclades: Syros, Naxos, Santorini

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Featured photo by Johnny Africalicensed