Why Skipping Elia Beach in Mykonos Is a Big Mistake

Follow us on Google

On paper, Elia Beach sounded like the kind of place I usually avoid in Mykonos: a long, organized strip of loungers with resort guests, a party reputation on the island overall, and a bus ride that looked inconvenient compared with simply walking to a town beach. I nearly cut it from my itinerary altogether. When I finally gave in and went, mostly because the forecast promised calmer winds on the south coast, I realized that skipping Elia would have been the real mistake. It turned out to be the rare Mykonos beach that balances polished comforts with space, quiet, and that shimmering Cycladic light that makes you understand why people fall in love with this island.

The Beach I Nearly Talked Myself Out Of

Planning a few days on Mykonos, I did what everyone does first: I pinned Paradise, Super Paradise, and Psarou on my map. Elia sat further out, on the southeast side of the island, about 10 kilometers from town and roughly a 25 to 30 minute bus ride depending on traffic. In a place where every hour feels precious, that sounded like a lot of effort when I could just join the crowd at closer, better known spots.

The more I researched, the easier it became to justify skipping it. Photos showed rows of sunbeds, and descriptions used words like "upscale" and "resort guests". I imagined loud beach club music and premium-priced loungers where you spend more time checking your tab than looking at the sea. For a while, I convinced myself that Elia was optional, especially on a short visit.

What finally pushed me to reconsider was one recurring detail in recent trip reports and local guides: despite being the largest sandy beach on the island, Elia stays relatively calmer than the famous party stretches. Instead of wall-to-wall speakers, it has wide arcs of golden sand, clear turquoise water, and a mixed, low-key crowd. That combination started to sound exactly like what Mykonos is missing when you only follow the beach club headlines.

So I left one morning from the bus station on the edge of town, ticket in hand and expectations still modest. Half an hour later, stepping off at Elia, I understood instantly why so many repeat visitors quietly call it their favorite beach on Mykonos.

First Impressions: Wide, Calm and Surprisingly Quiet

Elia opens up in front of you as a long crescent of sand, much wider than the compact coves near town. The bay faces south, which usually means it is better sheltered from the strong Meltemi winds that can whip the north-facing shores into a sandblasting experience. On the morning I arrived, the water was almost unnaturally calm, a glassy turquoise that made the scattered boats offshore look like they were floating in the air.

Close to the main entrance you will find the organized section: neat lines of loungers and umbrellas in front of the beach taverna and a handful of hotels and suites set back on the hill. This part of Elia looks and feels like resort territory, but even here the atmosphere is more relaxed than on the headline party beaches. Music tends to sit in the background, not dominate every conversation, and people are more likely to be reading paperbacks or napping than standing on tables.

What truly sets Elia apart, however, is how quickly you can step away from the organized zone. Walk a few minutes in either direction and the rows thin, the noise drops, and you start to feel the size of the beach. There are still sections where you can simply throw down a towel without paying for a lounger, something that has become increasingly rare on heavily commercialized Greek beaches. For a place that features on most Mykonos postcards, the amount of actual breathing room here is a pleasant surprise.

The sand itself is a mix of fine golden grains and small pebbles at the shoreline, and the entry into the water is mostly gentle underfoot. In midsummer, families with inflatable unicorns coexist easily with couples sipping iced coffee from plastic cups and groups of friends using the quieter back rows as a base between swims.

Getting There: Bus Rides, Water Taxis and Realistic Costs

One reason many people skip Elia is simple logistics. Unlike the beaches closer to town, you cannot stroll there from the harbor. In practice, though, getting to Elia is straightforward once you know the options. In high season, buses depart regularly from the main station on the edge of Mykonos Town, with services typically ramping up from late morning and running until early evening. The ride takes roughly 25 to 30 minutes and drops you a short stroll from the sand, up by the road. Tickets bought at the kiosk or directly from staff usually cost only a few euros each way, making this one of the more budget friendly aspects of Mykonos.

If you are staying around Platis Gialos, another commonly used option is the small water taxis that shuttle between the south coast beaches in season. Elia is often the last stop on that route, which means you get a mini coastal cruise past Paraga, Paradise, Super Paradise and Agrari before you even set foot on the sand. Prices fluctuate year to year and can vary depending on whether you buy a one way or return ticket, but they are typically higher than the bus and more about the experience than saving money.

For visitors who want maximum flexibility, renting a small car, quad, or scooter for the day makes Elia an easy stop, especially if you plan to combine it with lunch in nearby Ano Mera or a quick detour to quieter Agrari Beach. Rental counters in town regularly advertise day rates starting from modest figures for basic scooters outside peak weeks, though prices rise sharply in late July and August. Be realistic about parking: there is some space behind the beach, but in high season you may need patience, especially in the late morning window when everyone seems to arrive at once.

What surprised me most was how the perceived inconvenience of the journey ends up acting like a natural filter. A lot of cruise visitors and day trippers default to easier to reach spots, which means that once you do make the effort, Elia feels less overwhelmed, even at times when Mykonos Town and nearby Psarou are thick with selfie sticks.

Sunbeds, Food and What You Actually Spend

Before arriving, I had read more than one comment warning that Elia’s sunbeds were "very expensive, even for Mykonos." Some of those stories are likely based on high season days and front row prices, but they are a good reminder to adjust expectations. Recent visitors commonly report organized sets of two loungers and an umbrella ranging from roughly 40 to 80 euros, depending on position, time of day, and whether they come with added perks like towel service or minimum spend agreements.

The trick, as several regulars mentioned to me on the sand, is timing and flexibility. Arriving early in the morning often gives you the best selection at standard prices. Later in the afternoon, especially outside peak weeks, it is sometimes possible to politely negotiate a lower rate or be moved forward from the back rows as the day thins out. Budget conscious travelers skip the front altogether, setting up on the small free sections with their own mats and umbrellas, then wandering back to the taverna for lunch and drinks.

Food options on Elia center on a main beachfront restaurant and the outlets attached to nearby hotels. Expect menus with familiar beach club staples: Greek salads, grilled fish, club sandwiches, burgers, pasta dishes, and fruit platters, often presented nicely and priced in line with Mykonos’ reputation for being one of the more expensive Greek islands. A simple lunch for two with a salad to share, a plate of grilled calamari or chicken skewers, and soft drinks can easily approach the mid double digits in euros. Add cocktails or a bottle of chilled rosé and the bill climbs quickly.

That said, service is usually attentive and you are paying as much for the view as the food. Many loungers come with a small call button for ordering, and staff weave between umbrellas topping up iced coffees and Aperol spritzes. If you want to keep costs in check, a realistic strategy is to plan one indulgent beach club style lunch here during your trip, then bring water and snacks bought earlier in town for the rest of your beach days.

A Mixed, Inclusive Crowd With Distinct Corners

Part of what makes Elia interesting is how different parts of the beach have distinct personalities. Near the central entrance and in front of the main restaurant, you will find a classic resort crowd: couples from nearby hotels, small groups of friends, and families drawn by the soft sand and shallow entry. Children play at the shoreline while their parents linger under umbrellas, and staff bustle trays of club sandwiches and espresso freddo to and from the kitchen.

Walk to the right as you face the sea and the mood shifts gradually. This is where Elia’s longstanding reputation as one of Mykonos’ most gay popular beaches comes into view. Around the middle of the beach and beyond a small cluster of rocks, the loungers and towel spaces are increasingly taken up by LGBTQ+ visitors, especially in high season. The atmosphere remains relaxed rather than wild. You are more likely to see groups laughing over shared snacks, comparing party plans for the evening, or reading between dips than to stumble into a full scale beach party in the middle of the day.

Continue farther and you reach the informal nudist section, a tradition on this part of Elia for years. Here, clothing becomes optional, and many visitors take advantage of the more remote feel to sunbathe without swimsuits. It is still very much part of the same beach, and those who prefer to stay covered up are not out of place, but the unwritten rule is mutual respect and a live and let live approach. That said, if you are traveling with children or prefer a more conventional sunbathing scene, you may find the central and left side of the beach more comfortable.

This range of micro atmospheres all along the same stretch of sand is part of Elia’s charm. It lets everyone find a corner that fits their comfort level, whether that is a quiet umbrella with plenty of shade and cold juice, or a towel at the far end among men who have turned the art of tanning into a kind of social sport. Unlike some other Mykonos beaches, there is no single script you have to follow here.

How Elia Compares With Other Mykonos Beaches

To really understand why skipping Elia would have been a mistake, it helps to compare it with the beaches that usually hog the spotlight. Take Paradise and Super Paradise, for instance. Both are famous for loud music and daytime parties that start around midday and intensify through the afternoon, with beach clubs drawing international DJs in peak season. They are a spectacle and a lot of fun if that is the experience you want, but the focus there is not on quietly reading a book or listening to the waves.

Psarou and Ornos are closer to town and highly organized, their shorelines lined almost completely with sunbeds and high profile clubs and restaurants. At Psarou especially, prices can climb sharply, and you are likely to be sharing the sand with luxury yachts anchored just offshore. It is polished and undeniably glamorous, but also busy and occasionally chaotic when transfer boats buzz in and out.

By contrast, Elia manages to feel more spacious and calmer without sacrificing amenities. You still get serviced loungers, water sports, and a good restaurant, but the soundscape is different. Instead of dueling bass lines from neighboring clubs, it is the murmur of conversations, the periodic roar of a passing jet ski, and the soft rush of waves. When the Meltemi winds are howling on the north side, Elia’s south facing orientation often keeps the sea swimmable and the sand bearable.

If you value seclusion above all else, there are even quieter options like Agios Sostis or isolated coves reachable only by car or hike. Those places, however, lack the practical comforts that make a full beach day easy. Elia lands squarely in the middle: more peaceful than the party beaches, more organized than the wild coves, and more inclusive than destinations that cater to a single type of traveler.

Practical Tips to Make the Most of a Day at Elia

The mistake I nearly made was assuming Elia would feel interchangeable with any other organized Mediterranean beach. The key to enjoying it is a little planning. First, aim to arrive either early in the morning or in the mid to late afternoon. Before 11 a.m., the sand is relatively empty, the light is soft, and you can choose your spot without pressure. After 4 p.m., many people start drifting back toward town or to prepare for evening plans, and the beach takes on a gentler, golden hour atmosphere that is perfect for a final swim and photos.

Second, decide in advance how you feel about sunbed costs. If you know you want a serviced lounger, factor that into your daily budget and treat it like a small splurge. You will feel far less stressed ordering a second round of iced coffee if you are not mentally adding up every euro from a starting point of zero. If your budget is tighter, bring a lightweight mat, a small umbrella if you have one, and plenty of water from a supermarket in town so you can treat the beach restaurant as a once-per-day stop rather than your only option.

The third consideration is transport timing. If you rely on buses, check the current timetable near your travel dates, especially the last departure back to town in the early evening. Leave yourself enough time to pack up, walk back to the stop, and possibly queue with others. Missing the final bus could mean a pricey taxi ride, assuming you find one. If you are on a cruise schedule, build in an extra margin so an unexpected delay does not cut things uncomfortably close with all-aboard times.

Finally, remember that Mykonos in peak summer is hot and exposed. Even with umbrellas, Elia offers very little natural shade. High factor sunscreen, a hat, and regular dips in the sea are not optional here; they are the difference between ending your day glowing and ending it nursing a burn in your hotel room.

The Takeaway

Looking back on my time on Mykonos, I am glad I did not listen to my initial instinct to write off Elia as just another high priced, over organized strip of sand. It turned out to be one of the few places on the island where Mykonos’ glossy, high service side coexists easily with the simpler pleasures of a classic Greek beach day: wide horizons, clear water, and enough space between umbrellas to feel your shoulders drop.

Elia demands a bit more effort to reach and, like most of Mykonos, it is not gentle on the wallet if you lean fully into the serviced experience. Yet that small investment of time and money is rewarded with a setting that works almost regardless of what kind of traveler you are. Families find shallow water and organized comfort. Solo visitors and couples discover a laid back routine of swim, nap, repeat. LGBTQ+ travelers gravitate to a part of the beach where they can relax without second-guessing how they are perceived.

If you only have one full beach day on Mykonos, it is tempting to default to the names you already know from social media. Paradise, Super Paradise, and Psarou will deliver the parties and the yacht watching. But if what you really want is to feel that you have been on a Greek island rather than just at a branded beach club, Elia deserves a place on your short list. It is the stretch of sand I nearly skipped, and the one that I now recommend first to anyone planning a brief stay on the island.

FAQ

Q1. Is Elia Beach worth visiting if I am only in Mykonos for one day?
Yes, if you want a full beach experience with clear water, space to relax, and good facilities, Elia is a strong choice even on a short visit. Just allow time for the bus ride or water taxi so you are not rushed.

Q2. How do I get to Elia Beach from Mykonos Town?
In high season, regular buses run from the main station on the edge of Mykonos Town to Elia in about 25 to 30 minutes. You can also reach Elia by seasonal water taxi from Platis Gialos or by rental car, quad, or scooter.

Q3. How expensive are sunbeds at Elia Beach?
Prices vary by row and season, but a set of two loungers and an umbrella commonly costs in the range that many travelers describe as high for Greece yet typical for Mykonos. Expect higher prices in July and August and slightly more flexibility in shoulder months.

Q4. Is there any free space if I don’t want to pay for a lounger?
Yes. Although much of Elia is covered with organized sunbeds, there are still sections of free sand where you can lay your own towel and umbrella without charge, especially as you walk farther from the central entrance.

Q5. Is Elia Beach suitable for families with children?
Generally yes. The main section of the beach has soft sand, a gentle entry into the water, and organized facilities, which many families find convenient. If you prefer to avoid the informal nudist area, stay closer to the central or left side of the beach.

Q6. What is the atmosphere like for LGBTQ+ travelers at Elia?
Elia is one of the most gay popular beaches on Mykonos, with a particularly welcoming section to the right as you face the sea and an informal clothing optional area farther along. The overall vibe is relaxed and inclusive rather than overtly wild.

Q7. Are there restaurants and bars directly on Elia Beach?
Yes. There is a main beachfront restaurant and related outlets offering meals, snacks, and drinks that can often be served right to your sunbed. Menus feature a mix of Greek dishes and international beach favorites, with prices reflecting Mykonos’ generally upscale profile.

Q8. What is the best time of day to visit Elia Beach?
Morning visits offer cooler temperatures, softer light, and easier access to front row loungers. Late afternoon brings a more golden, relaxed feel as crowds thin and the sun begins to drop, which many visitors find ideal for swimming and photos.

Q9. Is Elia Beach very windy?
Elia faces south, so it is often more sheltered when strong northern winds hit other parts of the island. However, conditions vary by day, and you should always check the forecast during periods of intense Meltemi winds.

Q10. Can I combine a visit to Elia Beach with other nearby sights?
Yes. Many travelers pair a beach day at Elia with a short trip to the inland village of Ano Mera for an early lunch or evening meal, or with a quick visit to neighboring Agrari Beach, which is smaller and generally quieter but within easy reach.