Elia Beach is the longest sandy beach on Mykonos, on the island’s southern coast, known for its relaxed, LGBTQ+-friendly atmosphere. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport and parking, accessibility, and practical tips for planning your visit.
This guide was updated in August 2026. The direct bus service to Elia only runs during the summer season, so travellers visiting in spring or autumn should check current timetables before relying on it.
Quick facts
| Opening hours | Always open (public beach); organised sections typically staffed morning until sunset |
| Ticket prices | Free to access; sunbeds and umbrellas typically €40–€50 per day for two |
| Address | Elia, Mykonos 846 00, Greece, about 10 to 11 km south-east of Mykonos Town |
| Nearest transport | Direct bus from the Old Port (Elia is the final stop); water taxi from Platys Gialos |
| Typical visit length | Half a day to a full day |
Elia Beach opening hours
The beach itself has no set opening hours, since it is a public shoreline accessible at any time.
Sunbed and umbrella service, along with the beach bars and restaurants, typically operates from mid-morning until sunset during the summer season.
5 great Mykonos experiences to book
- 🚐 Small group highlights tour: Take a small group Mykonos highlights tour from the cruise port and avoid the chaos of large coach groups.
- 🏍️ Explore by ATV: Discover hidden beaches and backroads the fun way on an all-terrain vehicle.
- ⛵ Catamaran cruise: Relax on a catamaran cruise with meals, drinks and transport included.
- 🏛️ Delos day trip: Visit one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites on a half-day guided tour to Delos.
- 🍽️ Food tasting tour: Sample traditional dishes and local flavours on a Mykonos food tour.
Elia Beach ticket prices
There is no charge to access the beach or use the free sections of sand.
Sunbeds and umbrellas from the beachfront restaurants typically cost around €40 to €50 per day for two loungers, though prices can vary by operator and season.
Elia Beach is not included in any city pass, since beach access in Mykonos is free and unticketed.
Background information was checked on the official website and last updated in August 2026.
How to get to Elia Beach
A direct bus runs from the Old Port bus station in Mykonos Town to Elia, the final stop on the route; this service typically runs only during the summer season.
A water taxi also connects Elia with Platys Gialos beach, stopping at several other south-coast beaches along the way.
By car or scooter, Elia is about a 25-minute drive from Mykonos Town.
Why book the Mykonos Small-Group Cruise Shore Excursion?
- 🌬️ The Iconic Kato Milli Windmills: Capture postcard-worthy photos of the historic 16th-century whitewashed windmills standing high on the hill, one of the most famous symbols of the island.
- 🏘️ Little Venice & Panagia Paraportiani: Stroll through the romantic Little Venice neighborhood with its colorful Venetian structures hanging over the sea, and admire the unique whitewashed architecture of Panagia Paraportiani church.
- 🔔 Historic Village of Ano Mera: Venture into the island’s quiet interior to visit the traditional village of Ano Mera and explore the serene 16th-century Panagia Tourliani Monastery.
- 🏖️ Kalafati Beach Stop: Take in the coastal scenery and Aegean breeze during a stop at Kalafati Beach, known for its clear waters and golden sand.
- 🚢 Guaranteed On-Time Return: Travel stress-free in an air-conditioned vehicle with direct port pickup and drop-off, a maximum group size of 18 guests, and a guaranteed timely return to your ship.
Parking near Elia Beach
Free parking is available on-site at Elia Beach.
Given the free parking, driving or renting a scooter is a straightforward option for reaching the beach independently of the bus timetable.
How long to spend at Elia Beach
Most visitors spend half a day to a full day at Elia, given its size and range of facilities.
Arriving before 10:00 is recommended for calmer water and to secure a sunbed before the beach fills up.
Accessibility at Elia Beach
Elia is one of the few beaches on Mykonos advertised with facilities for visitors with disabilities, including an accessible WC.
Check with beach operators on arrival for current provisions, such as mats or equipment for reaching the water, since these can vary by season.
On Elia Beach: what to see
Elia is the longest beach on Mykonos, a wide crescent of golden sand facing south and sheltered from the meltemi wind.
The central section is organised with sunbeds, umbrellas, and beach bar service, while the eastern and western ends are quieter, with more space for a towel on the sand.
The beach has long been known as one of Mykonos’s more LGBTQ+-friendly spots, alongside Super Paradise Beach, with a clothing-optional area at one end.
The clear, calm water and view towards neighbouring Naxos make it a popular swimming spot as well as a place to sunbathe.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip |
|---|
| Arrive early, ideally before 10:00, for calmer water and a better choice of sunbeds. |
| Bring cash for sunbeds and food, since not every small beachfront stand accepts cards. |
| Check the current bus timetable before relying on it, since services run only in the summer season. |
| Head to the eastern or western ends of the beach for a quieter, less organised stretch of sand. |
| Book a water taxi in advance in peak season, since sailings can fill up on popular routes. |
Frequently asked questions about Elia Beach
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Elia Beach suitable for children? | Yes, particularly the central and western sections away from the nudist area. |
| Do you need to book sunbeds in advance? | Not usually required, though arriving early helps in peak season. |
| Is Elia Beach accessible by public bus? | Yes, via a direct summer-season route from the Old Port. |
| Is nudity allowed at Elia Beach? | Yes, in a designated section at one end; the rest of the beach is not clothing-optional. |
| Is Elia Beach accessible for visitors with disabilities? | Partly; it is one of the few Mykonos beaches to advertise facilities such as an accessible WC. |
Things to do near Elia Beach
Agrari Beach, a smaller and quieter sandy beach, lies just over the rocks to the east. Kalo Livadi Beach, calm and family-friendly, is a short drive further along the coast.
Ano Mera, home to Panagia Tourliani Monastery, is a short drive inland. Platys Gialos, a more developed beach with regular water taxi connections, lies to the west.
Alternative attractions
Kalo Livadi Beach offers a quieter, similarly sandy alternative a short drive from Elia. Agrari Beach, right next door, provides a calmer, less organised stretch of sand.
Super Paradise Beach, further west, offers a livelier atmosphere with a comparable LGBTQ+-friendly reputation. Paradise Beach, known for its beach clubs and nightlife, suits visitors seeking a busier scene nearby.
More Mykonos travel
Other Mykonos travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- Mykonos beach guides: What to expect when visiting Kalafati Beach.
- Can you go inside the Kato Mili windmills on Mykonos?
- How to get to the Panagia Tourliani Monastery on Mykonos.
- When to get the best photos of Panagia Paraportiani in Mykonos Town.
- Plan your visits to the Aegean Maritime Museum and Archaeological Museum of Mykonos.
