Elia Beach Mykonos: The Complete Guide

Elia Beach in Mykonos is the longest beach on the island. It’s sandy and peaceful, with clear turquoise waters and an atmosphere very different from the island’s reputation. Instead of parties and music, here you will find a more tranquil vibe. It is a favorite for couples, families, and the gay community.

In this guide, we will talk in depth about Elia Beach. How to reach it, why you should visit it, the nudist and gay friendly areas, prices, restaurants, and more.

Where Is Elia Beach and How to Get There

Elia Beach is a beautiful and long stretch of sand on the southeastern coast of Mykonos, about 10km from Mykonos Town. As the last stop on the south coast water taxi route, Elia Beach is much more laid-back than the beaches closer to Chora.

It takes around 25 minutes by car or taxi from Mykonos Town. Ample free parking is available. As an alternative, you can travel along the coast by scooter or ATV to visit other beaches before ending up at Elia.

Buses run from the bus station in the Old Port of Mykonos town to Elia Beach. The journey time is approximately 30 minutes and is much cheaper than a taxi.

To reach Elia by water, take the water taxi from Platis Gialos. The taxi travels along the coast to Paraga, then continues to the south coast beaches of Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari, and finally ends up at Elia Beach. A longer route, but a great way to see the beaches along the way as part of a wider look at Mykonos beyond the coast.

What Makes Elia Beach Worth Visiting

Elia Beach is ideal for senior-friendly trips in Greece, with a whole day of complete relaxation and without any noise from parties. The water is clear and calm, and the sand is soft and golden. Even in August, the beach is not overcrowded, thanks to its size.

The beach is divided into two parts: an organized section where you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas, and waiter service is available, and a free section where you can spread out your towel, as you like, for free.

Elia Beach’s Nudist and Gay-Friendly Areas

Elia Beach has a nudist and gay friendly area, far from the organized part of the beach. To get to this area, follow the right-hand side of the beach when facing the sea.

The clothing-optional area of the beach has both nudists and people choosing to remain in their swimwear. This area of the beach has a very relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, and it has been a gathering place for the island’s LGBTQ+ travelers for many years, part of a wider gay-friendly scene across Mykonos. There are fewer sunbeds and more open sand, which makes it a quieter, more low-key area of the beach.

Sunbeds, Prices, and the Beach Bar Scene

It costs up to 40€ for a set of sunbeds with an umbrella and waiters to serve you drinks and food. In July and August, the prices can go up even more. So it’s wise to get there early to get a good spot at the front.

You can get all sorts of cocktails, coffee and light meals throughout the day from the beach bar. Prices for drinks range from 15 to 18 euros. Elia Beach has a laid-back beach club feel. There is some background music, but it is not loud. If you do not want to spend too much money on the beach, which is worth knowing for friends travelling together in Greece splitting a budget, then you can always go to the free section. Here you can bring your own towel, and you will still have access to the same water.

Where to Eat Near Elia Beach

Dining at Elia Beach consists of casual beach bars as well as sit-down restaurants near the beach.

• Elia Beach Restaurant: It serves fresh seafood, and it’s known for its prawn risotto. In the evenings, there is live music to accompany your dinner.
• Tiki Mykonos: A beach bar and restaurant located at the cabanas on the edge of the water. Here you can find a variety of cocktails, light meals, and enjoy the sunset.
• Elia Mediterranean Restaurant: A short walk from the beach of Elia, serving Mediterranean cuisine in a normal setting.
• Elia Mykonos Resort restaurant: It serves a variety of dishes including Greek salads, various kinds of pasta, as well as breakfast favorites. It is a nice, relaxed setting on the beachfront. Most of the dining options around Elia Beach are in an upper-end price range. If beach days like this sound like your kind of trip, explore our Greece vacation packages or request one built around Mykonos and beyond.

Most of the dining options around Elia Beach are in an upper-end price range.

Best Hotels Near Elia Beach

Many luxury hotels and high-end resorts are based in Elia Beach.

• The Royal Myconian: A 5-star resort above the beach with sea-view suites, a spa, and VIP Concierge service.
• Myconian Imperial: A luxury hotel in the Elia Beach area with suites suited to family vacations in Greece.
• Greco Philia: A small boutique hotel for couples. It has a private pool for each room and also sea-view terraces.
• Elia Mykonos Resort by the Sea: A relaxed beachfront resort, offering simple yet beautifully decorated rooms in a Cycladic style, and a pool, just steps away from Elia Beach.

Elia Beach vs Other South Coast Beaches on Mykonos

Elia sits in the middle: livelier than Ornos, calmer than Paradise, and better equipped than Agrari. It suits honeymoons in Greece looking for a full beach day without choosing between total quiet and full-on party energy.

You might think that Mykonos is not ideal for a honeymoon. It does have a reputation as a rowdy party island, after all. But Kathryn M begs to differ. Check her review for her trip that Greece Insiders planned and organised:

“Honeymoon of our dreams!
Had an epic honeymoon all thanks to Greece Insiders!…a perfect mix of adventure and leisure time for our trip. It was super helpful to have all transport to and from airports to hotels booked for us. Already excited to return someday again! Was a trip of a lifetime!”

Best Time to Visit Elia Beach

September is the best month to visit Elia Beach. There are no more summer crowds, and it is less crowded. The temperature of the sea is still quite high, and it is possible to find space on the beach without reserving a sunbed in advance.

In addition to September, June and October offer good weather and few visitors. In June, the water temperature is a bit lower than in September. July and August are peak months. The beach is long enough to accommodate large numbers of people, but on the busiest days, all the sunbeds can be booked in advance. So, it is worth going there early to secure a place.

Practical Tips for Visiting Elia Beach

A few things worth knowing before you go:

• Bring sandals: The path down to the beach can be rocky in spots, so flip-flops or sandals with grip are more comfortable than bare feet.
• Pack water and snacks: Beach bar prices are steep, so bringing your own can save money if you’re staying all day.
• Use sunscreen: Elia is south-facing and exposed, with no natural shade along most of the beach.
• Arrive early in peak season: Sunbeds fill up fast in July and August, especially in the front rows.
• Bring cash: Some smaller stalls and vendors near the beach may not accept cards.

Conclusion

Mykonos Elia Beach is a wonderful place for a relaxing day, with soft white sand and turquoise clear water. A laid-back atmosphere makes it a world away from the party locations on other beaches in Mykonos. You can spend the day reading a book or relax at the beach club with a cocktail. A long stretch of sand for everybody; no party noise here!

If you’re planning a trip to Mykonos and want it tailored to how you actually like to travel, Greece Insiders can help build an itinerary around the beaches, hotels, and experiences that fit you best. From quiet honeymoon escapes to full island-hopping adventures, we help you skip the guesswork and get straight to the good part.