Famed for its dramatic rocky landscape, whitewashed buildings, lively nightlife and crystal-clear waters, there are many sides to Mykonos. But for those whose idea of holiday bliss includes waking up with a view of the big blue sea, the toughest question is which beach makes the best base for your next Greek getaway.
Elia Beach – the choice for a first-class flop and drop escape
If serenity, endless sand, water sports and a luxurious vibe are high on your holiday hitlist, then look no further than Elia Beach, the largest beach on the island’s south coast, approximately 10 kilometres from Mykonos Town.
A far cry from the pumping music and people watching at beach club hubs Paradise and Super Paradise, Elia Beach offers a sophisticated ambience for those who like to kick back and chill out with a cocktail or smoothie, fresh seafood and sunset views. Lined with comfortable sun loungers and parasols, Elia Beach is protected from Mykonos’ famous winds and ideal for escapists who like to head into town to explore the labyrinth-like cobbled streets, tavernas and boutiques, then escape the crowds to flop and drop in their own blissed-out balmy retreat.
For those who like to mix their mojitos by the pool with a little action and adventure, options include hiking from Elia Beach to Agrari Beach, jet-skiing, parasailing, kayaking, wakeboarding, windsurfing and stand-up paddleboarding. Beach-hopping enthusiasts can take a water taxi to nearby Platis Gialos or Ornos Beach for a change of scenery.
Accommodation at Elia Beach is built into the hillside for peak panoramic views, picture-perfect pool decks and easy access to the sandy shores below. The Myconian Collection offers a range of luxurious boutique properties overlooking Elia Beach, with guests enjoying reciprocal rights to enjoy the pools, spas and restaurants of each, and a dedicated complimentary shuttle transports guests between their hotel and Elia Beach. Concierges are on hand to arrange everything from luxury transports and unpacking services to private yachts, helicopter charters, personal shopping tours and private picnics.
Myconian Collection’s Elia Beach hotels include:
Myconian Villa Collection
Nestled into the hillside above Elia Bay, the Myconian Villa Collection is a unique concept of boutique accommodation ensuring every stay feels like an indulgent escape in a deluxe private guest house – complete with butler service, an in-house chef, on-site boutiques, a fully-equipped gym and first-class Thalasso Spa.
The property is a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, and one of only a handful in the Mediterranean to achieve Legend Collection status, with its opulent villas enjoying uninterrupted seascape views, often with infinity pools and outdoor jacuzzis. Bedrooms and villas can be configured to create multi-room spaces for families and friends travelling together, whilst secluded options are favourited for couple’s retreats and honeymoons.
On-property dining options include extravagant breakfasts at Nouveau, poolside treats and light eats at Infinity Bar and moonlit Mediterranean cuisine at Cabbanes, perched high above the ocean beside the sparkling infinity pool.
Myconian Avaton
Named after the sacred places of ancient Greece, Myconian Avaton is built into the bare rock high above Elia Beach. A member of Design Hotels, the property showcases exceptional design, an infinity pool which lights up with constellations after dark, the superb Sanctuary Spa with heated thalassotherapy pools, a glamorous bar, Kokkino, and gourmet Italian and Mediterranean fare at Panorama restaurant.
Royal Myconian
A distinguished member of Leading Hotels of the world, the Royal Myconian features a rustic façade of Cycladic stone hiding contemporary interiors. Home to a vast entertainment and pool deck with sweeping sea views, a swim-up pool bar for sunset cocktails, a stunning spa, light all-day dining at Camares poolside restaurant, and exquisite Mediterranean delicacies at Ambrosia a la carte restaurant. Each room or suite is a private sanctuary with secluded balconies or terraces, some with private infinity pools or jacuzzis.
Platis Gialos – a blissful balance between lively and laidback
One of the most popular beaches in Mykonos, Platis Gialos is renowned for its wide sandy beach and shallow clear waters. Set in a half-moon shaped bay, the beachfront is lined with restaurants, casual tavernas and bars – seafood is a stand out of course – and there are sunbeds, umbrellas and water sports including jet-skiing, windsurfing and banana boat rides.
With the beach set in front of an imposing granite landscape, the vibe here is upscale and romantic, and with Chora an easy and short bus ride away, Platis Gialos is the prime pick for travellers who like to be amongst the action and excitement of town, yet still go to bed and wake up to the sound of lapping waves and a refreshing sea breeze.
Myconian Ambassador
Overlooking the glorious bay below, Myconian Ambassador blends into the cliffside and offers magnificent Aegean views just steps from sandy Platis Gialos beach. An esteemed Relais & Châteaux property, the hotel’s spectacular terrace is its social hub, hosting breakfast at Latitudes, light meals and drinks from George’s Bar, sunset cocktails, and unforgettable candlelit dinners at Efisia, one of the island’s most sought after tables tucked into a stone alcove sheltered from the evening breeze.
The world-class Thalasso Spa boasts three indoor pools and is a popular spot to unwind after a day of beach-hopping or boutique shopping. Generous rooms and suites feature cool marble contrasting with warm wood and designer fittings and amenities, whilst the largest villa can be configured with up to eight bedrooms – perfect for celebrations with family and friends.
Ornos Beach – chic, cosmopolitan and close to the action
Chic yet family friendly, Ornos Beach lies at the heart of sheltered Ornos Bay and is a popular stop for yachts and offers a raft of restaurants, cafes, tavernas and a lively ambience. Located on the south coast of the island just 3.5 kilometres from Mykonos Town, Ornos Beach lies in front of a small fishing village showcasing iconic Cycladic architecture, and exudes a resort-like atmosphere with fine sand, sunbeds, umbrellas and calm crystalline waters made for swimming.
Ornos is a popular departure port for day trips on private yachts, beach-hopping tours, or to explore the ancient ruins on the nearby island of Delos.
O by Myconian Collection
O by Myconian Collection is the portfolio’s first absolute beachfront property. Boasting an on-trend modern design anchored in timber, stone and marble, each room has a private verandah or balcony to soak up the Myconian sunshine, and many enjoy private pools.
Meals are dished up in a sublime poolside setting at O restaurant, famed for its outstanding seafood, while the Oasis pool deck transforms from a palm-shaded chill zone to a glittering nightspot after dark – complete with swim-up bar. O Wellness Spa includes a relaxation area with a sea salt cave and a suite of wellness and beauty treatments to pamper guests.
