7 Best Sights in South Coast, The Cyclades

Agrari is a low-key beach with yellow pebble sand flanked by a low hill of small whitewashed buildings to the left and a rocky island hill to the right. Umbrellas and sun beds are available for rent. You can grab a snack, drinks, or a full meal at the beach’s own bar and restaurant, but there are more options just a walk away. Boats leave from Platis Gialos and Ornos Bay. It’s also walkable via a footpath from neighboring Elia Beach, attracting nudists who tend to stay in a small cove between the two. Amenities: food and drink; water sports. Best for: swimming.

Long, tranquil, and beautiful, Elia is a popular option for those who seek beach relaxation. Attracting a predominantly LGBTQIA+ crowd, this southern beach is also popular with those who want to relax on a soft sand beach that’s protected from the north winds that sweep through the island from time to time. Umbrellas and sun beds are for rent and water-sports facilities pop up during the peak summer months. Dining options are plentiful with several cafés and tavernas close by. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); showers; toilets. Best for: nudists; swimming.

The beach that brought tourism to the island in the 1960s is no longer the beach of hippies but famous the world over for its party scene. Young, fun, international crowds hop straight to Paradise Beach where there's music, dancing, clubbing, and drinking at most hours of the day, but beach parties typically pick up around 4 pm and go on well into the next morning with people dancing on tabletops, including sexy male and female models hired to get things moving. When partiers take a break, sun beds and umbrellas are available for lounging, and a full line of restaurants and fast-food options provide nourishment. Scuba diving and water-sport rental shops are open for business. The bus from Mykonos Town frequents the beach often at the peak of summer. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (no fee); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers.

Small and stunning, and surrounded by a picturesque rocky coastline that juts out against a sparkling turquoise bay, Paraga Beach—sometimes also spelled Paranga—is not only pretty, it is also one of Mykonos’s liveliest party beaches. Several bars and beach clubs organize events every summer attracting a young, international crowd that gathers to mingle, dance, and drink. Hotels, rooms, a minimarket, and a large campground surround the beach. Umbrellas and chairs are available to rent at any of the beachside tavernas and cafés. A footpath to the east leads to neighboring party beach, Paradise, or offers you another view of the sea; it's about a 10-minute walk. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (no fee); toilets. Best for: partiers.

Spacious, sandy, and pleasant, Platis Gialos is a popular southern beach that's protected from the island’s strong summer winds. Kids enjoy playing in the shallow waters, while adults head to deeper waters to try out the numerous water-sports rental options. The array of taverns, restaurants, and cafés is perfect for any food break. The beach is lined with rental umbrellas and chairs, and getting to it is easy by water taxi and bus service. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); water sports. Best for: swimming.

With shiny yachts moored in its clear, pretty waters, sandy Psarou attracts international VIPs, Greek TV stars and singers, and the rich and famous. There are a couple of very expensive restaurants that host afternoon and evening parties that are fun but not crazy. If you drive from Mykonos Town, a steep scenic road leads to the beach, but once you get there you'll notice parking options are slim—many opt for valet parking run by private companies. You can also reach Psarou by taking a short walk from nearby Platis Gialos. Amenities: food and drink; parking (fee); water sports. Best for: partiers; swimming.

Young and wild, gay and straight: all head to Super Paradise to let loose, though the more sedate LGBTQIA+ crowd now head to Elia. The stunning sandy beach is one plus, but the beach bars and clubs truly dominate the scene. Summer months mean daily late-afternoon beach parties, where drinks and dancing rule. Hired bikini-clad models move to the beat to encourage a party atmosphere that includes people dancing everywhere and anywhere they can. For those not in the party mood (yet), umbrellas and sun beds can be rented and dining options are available for a meal; Super Paradise Rooms is right on the beach for those who need a place to crash. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (no fee); toilets; showers; water sports. Best for: partiers.