Elia Nude Beach

Elia Nude Beach sits on the south coast of Mykonos, roughly 10 kilometres southeast of Mykonos Town, and is widely regarded as the longest beach on the island. The shore runs for several hundred metres, backed by low hills, with golden-brown sand and water that shifts from pale turquoise at the shallows to a deeper blue further out. Nudism is the established norm here — it's not simply tolerated but expected, which gives the beach a distinctly relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere.

Elia has been drawing a mixed crowd for decades, with a strong following among the LGBTQ+ community as well as nudism enthusiasts more broadly. Its south-facing orientation means the sun tracks across it for most of the day, and the surrounding hills provide some shelter from the meltemi wind that can make the north-facing beaches of Mykonos uncomfortable during summer. The result is a beach that is both scenic and genuinely swimmable for a longer window of the day than many other Mykonian options.

What to Expect

The beach is long enough that the crowd spreads out naturally, and you can usually find a stretch of sand that feels quieter if you walk toward either end. The central section, closest to where the water taxi docks and the road access meets the shore, tends to fill up first and is where you'll find sun loungers and umbrellas available for hire from the beach bars and tavernas operating along the back of the sand.

The sand itself is fine and golden, a warmer tone than the grittier, darker sand of some other Mykonos beaches. The sea floor drops off gradually, making entry comfortable for most swimmers. Water clarity is good, typical of the south Aegean, and on calm days the visibility underwater is excellent for snorkelling close to the rocky outcrops at the eastern end of the bay.

Facilities along the beach include sunbed hire, beach bar service for drinks and food, and changing areas. The beach has the amenities you'd expect at an established Mykonian beach, though it doesn't carry the full-scale commercial intensity of Super Paradise or Paradise Beach nearby. The overall tone is more relaxed and less party-oriented than those alternatives.

Nudity is expected across the beach as a whole, though the western end edges toward a mixed-use zone. If you're visiting specifically for the nudist environment, aim for the central or eastern sections.

How to Get There

The most reliable way to reach Elia from Mykonos Town is by water taxi, which departs from the old port (Hora's main harbour). Water taxis connect several south coast beaches on a circuit during the summer season, and Elia is a regular stop. The journey takes around 20–25 minutes depending on the route and sea conditions.

By road, Elia is accessible via the main southern road network that branches off toward Kalafatis and the southeastern peninsula. The drive from Mykonos Town takes approximately 20 minutes. Parking at the beach is limited and fills quickly in high season; arriving before 10:00 significantly improves your chances of finding a spot.

Mykonos bus service (KTEL) connects Mykonos Town to several south coast beaches, though Elia may require a connection or short walk from the nearest stop. Check the current seasonal timetable at the main bus station near the Old Port before relying on this option.

Taxis are available from Mykonos Town and are a straightforward option, though cost adds up if you're travelling as an individual. Sharing with other beach-goers reduces this considerably.

Accessibility across the sand itself is limited given its natural beach surface, though the approach from the road is manageable.

Best Time to Visit

Elia's south-facing position and the hill shelter behind it make it one of the more wind-protected beaches on Mykonos. During July and August, when the meltemi blows consistently from the north and northeast, south coast beaches including Elia remain swimmable on days when the north and west coasts are choppy and uncomfortable. This is one of its most practical advantages over better-known beaches on other parts of the island.

For fewer crowds, late May through mid-June and September into early October are the most comfortable windows. The sea is still warm in September and the light in early October is exceptional. Peak season (mid-July through mid-August) brings the highest density of visitors, particularly at weekends.

For the best light and a quieter beach, arrive before 10:00. By noon in high season the central section is at full capacity. Late afternoon, after around 16:30, the crowd thins noticeably as water taxis fill up for the return trip to town, and the low angle of the sun on the water is worth staying for.

Tips for Visiting

• Come early or late. The central section with sunbeds fills up by late morning in July and August. Arriving before 10:00 or after 16:00 gives you more choice without the full midday crowd.
• Bring cash. Beach bars and sunbed operators on Mykonos beaches often operate cash-preferred systems, particularly for small purchases. An ATM in Mykonos Town before you leave is worth the two-minute stop.
• Water taxi timings vary. Check the departure schedule at the old port before heading out, as the last boat back leaves earlier than many people expect and can be crowded in peak season.
• Nudity is the norm, not an option. The beach is an established nudist beach and visitors should go in understanding that. If full nudism is not your preference, other sections of the broader Elia bay exist but the nudist area is clearly dominant.
• Snorkelling gear is worth bringing. The rocky edges of the bay have good underwater visibility, and the gradual drop-off makes for safe, easy snorkelling without specialist equipment.
• Sun protection is non-negotiable. The reflective surface of the sand and the lack of shade trees mean UV exposure here is intense. High-factor sunscreen applied frequently, a hat, and a shirt for midday are practical necessities, not afterthoughts — particularly given nudism requires more skin exposure.
• Parking is tight in peak season. If you're driving, aim to arrive before 10:00 or accept a walk from a parking spot further up the access road.
• Leave the beach as you find it. Elia's appeal depends in part on its relatively natural feel compared to Mykonos's more developed beaches. Use the bins provided.

Activities and Facilities

Swimming is the primary activity at Elia, and the beach's south-facing aspect and relatively protected position make it one of the island's more reliable spots for calm water. Snorkelling along the rocky flanks of the bay adds an easy half-hour of interest for those who bring gear.

Sunbed and umbrella hire is available through the beach bars operating from the back of the sand. Beach bar service includes cold drinks, coffee, and food — typically the standard Mykonian beach menu of salads, sandwiches, and grills. The atmosphere at the bars here is lower-key than at the party beaches further west, oriented more toward daytime lounging than nightlife.

Water sports provision at Elia varies by season and operator. In peak season some water sports hire is typically available, potentially including paddleboards and inflatables, though specific operators and availability should be confirmed locally on arrival.

The beach does not have a lifeguard post confirmed in the current research data; swimmers should exercise their own judgment regarding sea conditions, particularly if the meltemi is producing any swell.