Elia Beach

Elia Beach stretches along the southeast coast of Mykonos, roughly 9 kilometers from Mykonos Town, and ranks among the longest single strips of sand on the island. The beach curves in a wide arc, backing onto low scrubby hills, and the clear Aegean water here deepens gradually — which makes it a comfortable choice whether you want to wade or swim properly.

Unlike the more densely packed party beaches on the south coast such as Paradise and Super Paradise, Elia carries a noticeably calmer register. The shore is wide enough that sunbeds don't feel stacked on top of one another, and the nudist-friendly zone at the eastern end has been well established here for years, drawing a mostly LGBTQ+-welcoming crowd alongside general visitors who simply want space and quiet.

The beach faces roughly south, which means it collects sun for most of the day and is somewhat sheltered from the prevailing north-westerly meltemi winds that can make north-coast and west-coast beaches choppy in summer. That natural windbreak is a practical reason Elia draws a loyal repeat crowd.

What to Expect

The sand at Elia is golden and relatively fine, and the beach itself is wide — wide enough that early arrivals can position themselves near the water while later arrivals still have workable space further back. The water color runs from pale turquoise close to shore to a deeper blue within a short swim, and the seabed is sandy with a gradual slope.

Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for hire through the beach clubs and tavernas that operate along the shore. You'll find at least one full-service beach bar with food, fresh fish, and cold drinks, so a full day here without leaving is entirely realistic. Showers and changing facilities are typically available at the organized section of the beach.

The nudist section occupies the eastern portion of the beach and is clearly understood by regular visitors, though there are no enforced boundaries. The atmosphere is relaxed and non-judgmental, and both sections of the beach share the same quality of water and sand.

The beach is wide enough to walk the length of it in roughly ten minutes at a relaxed pace. During peak July and August the popular areas fill up by mid-morning, but Elia retains more breathing room than the island's busiest spots even on a Saturday afternoon.

Activities and Facilities

Water sports operators typically set up at Elia during summer months, offering equipment rentals that may include pedal boats, kayaks, and occasionally jet skis or windsurfing gear — though specific providers and available equipment change seasonally, so confirm on arrival. The gradual depth entry makes the beach suitable for swimmers of varying confidence.

The beach bars and tavernas along the shore serve food through the afternoon, making a long lunch or late snack easy to arrange without leaving the beach. If you want a more active afternoon, the coastal terrain around Elia includes some walkable paths through the surrounding hills, though these are informal and best attempted outside the midday heat.

There are no water parks or major commercial water sports facilities here — the draw is precisely that Elia keeps things at a lower intensity. Visitors wanting jet ski parks or foam parties will find them at other beaches; visitors who want a long swim and a sunbed without the soundtrack of a nightclub will find Elia well suited.

How to Get There

Elia is approximately 9 kilometers southeast of Mykonos Town. By car or scooter, follow the main road south from Mykonos Town toward Ano Mera, then take the signed turn toward the southern coast — the road to Elia branches off toward the sea and ends at a small parking area above the beach. Parking can become tight in peak season by mid-morning, so arriving before 10:00 gives you a much better chance of a straightforward park.

The KTEL bus network runs seasonal services from the South Bus Station in Mykonos Town to Elia during the summer months. Bus frequency increases in July and August; check current timetables at the station or with your accommodation, as schedules are updated each season. The bus drops passengers near the beach access path.

Taxis from Mykonos Town take roughly 15 to 20 minutes depending on traffic. During peak season, booking a return taxi in advance is worth considering, as availability on the road at busy beaches can be unreliable late in the afternoon. Water taxis operate from the Old Port in Mykonos Town to several south-coast beaches and may include Elia depending on the operator — check at the port on the day.

The access path from the parking area to the beach involves a short descent, which is manageable on foot but may be difficult with heavy equipment or for visitors with significant mobility limitations.

Best Time to Visit

Elia's southeast-facing orientation and partial wind shelter make it one of the more consistently swimmable beaches on Mykonos when the meltemi is blowing. The meltemi is the dry north-westerly wind that dominates Mykonos weather from mid-July through August and regularly makes north-facing beaches uncomfortable. On days when Agios Stefanos or Panormos are choppy, Elia is often glassy.

For the calmest and least crowded experience, June and September offer warm water and significantly fewer visitors than the July–August peak. The water temperature at this latitude stays warm through October, so late-season visits are viable.

Within the day, arriving before 10:00 lets you choose your spot on the beach before the main flow of visitors arrives by bus or transfer. Midday in August is the most intense period for sun and crowds. The late afternoon — from around 16:00 onward — sees some sunbeds free up as day-trippers leave, and the light on the water becomes more interesting for swimming or photos.

The beach is technically open year-round, but facilities and beach clubs operate seasonally, typically from May through October. Outside that window, the beach itself is accessible but the tavernas and sunbed operators will be closed.

Tips for Visiting

• Arrive early in August. Sunbeds in the organized section fill up fast on busy days; being there before 10:00 makes a material difference to your options.
• Bring cash. Beach bar and sunbed operators at Elia may not all accept cards, particularly the smaller kiosks. Having euros on hand avoids a frustrating walk back to your bag.
• The nudist section is at the eastern end. If you prefer the textile side, position yourself toward the western portion of the beach, closer to the main access path.
• Water shoes are generally unnecessary. The seabed at Elia is sandy and the entry gradual, making standard beach footwear or bare feet practical.
• Confirm bus times before leaving. The KTEL timetable changes annually. Check the current schedule at the South Bus Station or ask your hotel the morning of your visit rather than assuming times from previous years.
• Consider a water taxi for the return. If you're staying near the Old Port area of Mykonos Town, a water taxi back can be a scenic way to end a beach day — check departure times with operators at the beach before committing to it as your only exit plan.
• Sun protection matters here. Elia's south-facing orientation means full sun exposure for most of the day. Factor in high UV levels in July and August — Greeks and experienced visitors often shade up between 12:00 and 15:00.
• The beach is LGBTQ+-friendly. Elia has a long-standing reputation as one of Mykonos's most welcoming beaches for LGBTQ+ visitors, particularly at the eastern end. This is broadly understood and part of the beach's established character.